Jul 31, 2025

Thanks to LMNT for sponsoring this video! Head to https://DrinkLMNT.com/FLO  to get your free sample pack with any purchase. Ayako Fackenthal, a passionate runner who began her running journey in her mid-50s and has since progressed from couch to completing marathons and ultramarathons. Ayako shares how she found her love for running, the role of low heart rate training, and the lessons she’s learned about health, mindset, and consistency along the way. She offers insights and inspiration for anyone starting or restarting their fitness journey later in life.

Learn more about the Personal Best Running Coaching Program at https://www.pbprogram.com/

Watch this full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DI0cOUQRU1I 

CHAPTERS:

• 0:00 – Ayako’s Late Start and Inspiring Running Journey
• 1:14 – LMNT Sponsorship
• 2:19 – Why Ayako started running in her 50s
• 3:02 – What her life looked like before running
• 5:41 – How Ayako’s first runs felt
• 7:53 – What helped her enjoy running and find low heart rate training
• 12:47 – How she got into trail running
• 14:44 – Running with her Border Collie
• 15:45 – Improving in marathons and advice to her younger self
• 21:11 – Traveling to races and future marathon plans
• 22:29 – Moving from marathons to ultramarathons
• 25:05 – Tips for anyone wanting to run longer distances
• 32:00 – What she learned from aging and being a parent
• 34:18 – Race day mindset
• 39:40 – What Ayako does outside of running
• 43:42 – How eating, sleeping, and hydration affects training
• 47:11 – Realizing the impact of protein, sleep, and hydration on training
• 53:38 – Where to find Ayako
• 53:59 – How to become a stronger, healthier, and happier athlete

FIND AYAKO:

► Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/52198811

LINKS & TOOLS MENTIONED

► Floris' Badwater Experience: https://extramilest.com/blog/badwater-135-lessons-learned/

► Ep. with Dr. Phil Maffetone: https://youtu.be/_TPrenWWK9U

► Ep. with Maria Lurenda Westergaard: https://youtu.be/i5TmvBfJp-Y

► PB Program: https://www.pbprogram.com/

YOU CAN FIND ME, COACH FLORIS GIERMAN HERE: 

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► Our Personal Best Coaching Program: https://www.pbprogram.com/ 

► YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/florisgierman

► Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/1329785 

► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/florisgierman 

► Extramilest: https://extramilest.com/ 

► Path Projects: https://pathprojects.com/flo

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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 https://www.pbprogram.com. 

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