#110: He Started Running at 57. Lessons from 28 half marathons, 22 marathons and 4 ultras with Eric Gustavsen

Eric Gustavsen began running seriously in his mid-50s after a lifetime of casual exercise and walking. What started as a way to support a friend in a triathlon quickly turned into a passion that's taken him through 22 marathons, 28 half marathons, and four ultras. Eric shares how he went from back pain and knee surgeries to running a 3:04 marathon, shaving a full hour off his first marathon time. Thanks to Function Health for sponsoring this video! Visit or use the code FLORIS100 to take control of your health. Learn more about the Personal Best Running Coaching Program at Watch this full video on YouTube: CHAPTERS: 0:00 – Marathons after 55: Eric's marathon breakthrough 1:31 – Function Health Sponsorship 2:51 – What inspired Eric to start running 6:41 – Starting to run at 55 9:22 – Training for first marathon 14:40 – Lessons, running progress, & fueling mistakes 17:07 – Speedwork approaches 19:22 – Hill sprint strategy & warm-up routine 21:55 – Lawrence van Lingen's impact on Eric's running 25:37 – Hip-opening exercises & mobility routine 32:15 – Eric's advice to younger self & runners 34:55 – Eric's favorite races 36:26 – Race day nutrition & post-race experience 41:37 – Oral health tips for runners 45:52 – Mental strategies for training & racing 50:05 – Importance of gratitude and journaling 52:53 – How to become a stronger, healthier, and happier athlete FIND ERIC GUSTAVSEN HERE: ► Strava: ► FB: ► Email: ericgustavsen@gmail.com LINKS & TOOLS MENTIONED ► Personal Best Program Facebook Group: ► Lawrence van Lingen's episode: ► Lawrence's mobility movement: ► Sally McRae's episode: ► Alex Hutchinson's episode: ► Myrtle Routine: YOU CAN FIND ME, COACH FLORIS GIERMAN HERE: ► Free Weekly Running Newsletter: ► Our Personal Best Coaching Program: ► YouTube: ► Strava: ► Instagram: ► Extramilest: ► Path Projects: ► Podcast: Affiliate Disclosure: I may earn commissions if you purchase items via my affiliate links. "As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases." Affiliate links do not increase cost to you. Also, you do not need to use these links. You can also search for these same items in Amazon or on any search engine/shopping site of your choice and buy/research them that way. ABOUT THE EXTRAMILEST SHOW: A podcast and YouTube channel where host Floris Gierman interviews world class athletes, coaches and health experts on the topic of how to become a stronger, healthier and happier athlete. More info about our Personal Best Running Coaching Program can be found at .

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#110: He Started Running at 57. Lessons from 28 half marathons, 22 marathons and 4 ultras with Eric Gustavsen is an episode from The Extramilest Podcast by Floris Gierman.

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This episode was published on Sep 30, 2025.

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