1. We rarely get time to be alone. Lean into the discomfort of training ALONE. 2. Train outside / seek out a new training challenge. 3. Reflect while training. Brain gains. Four Hours of uninterrupted time with no headphones. Meditation through movement 4. Don’t plan it too much. Just get after it. Contrast to “normal” structured training 5. See how pacing feels. Carryover benefits. 6. No technology
A long ruck every weekend is how I beat the week. No matter what happened that week. If I can get that ruck in then I've won. It's improved my mindset throughout everyday as well. The rest of the week seems easier when I make myself suffer every Saturday
I won the 1992 Runner's World 3,000 mile footrace and I can attest that I trained with this type of workout for years and years and it is INCREDIBLY BENEFICIAL to your health, athletic performance, mind, and spirit. Thank you for taking the time to put such valuable content out there for others to consider and benefit from.
As an Adhd'er my head is non stop running thoughts all the time. I love the long zone 2 runs. Sat morning 20k or 10k mid week, no headphones, just let the effort and subconscious focus on running form breathing quiet my mind down and enjoy some peace from myself as much as anything.
I still don't understand why you have so few subscribers ! So I comment today to help your video be more visible :) You are a real source of inspiration, and these landscapes !
Watching this has been a lightbulb moment. I used to do a lot of long solo runs like these. Haven't been doing any for a while and my sleep is suffering as my mind works through all the problems of the day/ week at bedtime instead of while I'm out running. Thanks for the video.
Great video thanks, it's the Ochil Hills for me! I used to do a session known as the Naked Runner. We weren't naked, but didn't take phones, watched or anything, just met up and enjoyed the run without worrying about our pace, distance or anything
I don't know how you suddenly popped into my feed, but I am intrigued. I am a hiker and backpacker living in Colorado, and I absolutely CRAVE my solo time outdoors. My question is, WHY is the magic number 4 hours?
Great video, now subscribed :) As a keen mountain biker and runner it took many years for me to get into walking but now it’s by far my favourite past time. Spending many hours alone on some of the UK’s incredible trails will change your life. We’re so lucky to live where we do, remoteness is only a few minutes away from most towns and cities. Get out there and discover our amazing countryside!
Totally agree. Sadly for a lot of people, moving for 4 hours at any intensity is pretty difficult. It takes some building up to be able to do that comfortably so the mental relaxation starts. Too many people just never made it past that building-up stage.
Thanks for watching! As I say in the video - walking a mile and sitting on a bench for 3 hours, then walk home = same outcome as walking for 4 hours! Hopefully the experience can then encourage them too get past the building up stage after spending some time alone with their thoughts!
Just walk and see how far you go. Stop when you think you've reached your limit. Next day do it again. Don't go further unless you're confident in doing so. That builds resilience. Who knows might discover something new and good about yourself in the end.
Holy moly! I've been doing this a lot for about a year and a half with some periods of time while I couldn't because I have a really crummy chronic illness. Past three months, haven't missed a day - 7 s days/week. Sometimes up to 4 hours (most days I wish I could do it all day!) Usually I'll split it up, 2-4 hours out walking/hiking in all the craziest weather possible (gale rainstorms, floods, hail, thunderstorms, windstorms lately!) with 50% of the time forcing myself to totally disconnect and the other 50% of the time in business calls or tuned in to various podcasts, conferences/meetings where I'm learning & building my knowledge on various topics related to my business. This is so cool to see because I'm doing it, too, and the only other person i knew of was Goggins. :) Love this! I've been struggling with burnout as a small business owner, and have had some health issues that has made doing my usual workouts impossible or really infrequent. So, this is something I'm trying out to help me recover from a few really difficult years. Cheers!
Back home from a loooong day, wondering if I should do a loop round the Pentlands with my day for tomorrow. Turned on this video and now I’m wondering why it is even worth contemplating. Can’t wait to get out and switch off
I walk the mourne mountains at least once a week through all weather with or without company. it really makes what some people think is hard is look really easy.
I love your videos. I appreciate you connecting everything to the psychological side of things. We all get under the weather mentally glad you talk about that
Just spent yesterday 3h cycling through rain and 5degrees headwind to meet a friend for a cake and 3hours chat and then headed 4hours cycling home. Awesome day - no sunshine at all but ticked most of your boxes
Hey, Fergus.. just sayin “hey!” and wanted to see how things are going for you. You’re a huge inspiration for me. Commented before the video even started lol Have a Happy New Year, bud 👋🏼
Totally agree completed a four hour walk up the peaks on Saturday with an 8 kg pack and cocker spaniel. Up the first lose hill @ 500 m then round to Ringing Rodger yes that’s is the name of the second one 😂 450m. Felt great when I got home and my wife had cooked me a steak bonus. This video resonated with me this morning working at my laptop 💻 thank you 🙏 have a good week all 😊
Hey Fergus, just started following your channel and have been getting alot of helpful info along with motivation. I was just curious how often you take your 4 hour uninterrupted hike/walk and how often you recommend people take it as well. Thanks!
Love this video. I agree with everything except for the phone. I am not sure if you don't even bring your phone or if you just silence it? I always have my phone with me because I do most training by myself. I take it for safety reasons. My boyfriend and I share each other's location, so if he sees that I haven't moved in a while, he knows that something has probably happened 😊
I agree with all your great tips to change your life. Question do you ever consider regular cold water treatment (besides your normal outdoor swimming) and intermittent fasting (not eating for 16hrs+) during the winter months?
Everyon has things in their lives that are frustrating - if amazingly that isn't the case, then at least things happening in the wider world that that make one angry. Pondering these unpleasantries whilst walking or physically active allows the body to process irritating thoughts without negative physiological consequences.
Hey Fergus- question for you which you can answer in a video or on here is ok too. A bit like you, I’m a bigger guy, 6’2” and have been as much as 100kg. I’m also a former powerlifter in my younger days and still enjoy lifting heavy weights and I’m quite ok at it. When I got into cycling last year I got myself down to 85kg and I’m now at the top end of Cat C in Zwift, pushing Cat B. Even having lost some weight, what I’ve come to accept is that I’m not and endurance focused guy, and I never will be. A 100km cycle for me is an exercise in survival, so I focus on the sprinting side of things, because that’s how my body is geared. Now to my question. In your view, what is there for people like us to aim for or attain? I feel like for endurance athletes there is so much to shoot for such as Ironman, Ultras, marathons….and of course that’s what you’ve ended up looking towards. What is there that us sprinty guys can push for which would seem like an achievement? I’m looking into triathlon but even a sprint distance tri will be a feat of survival for me. I can’t hope to be competitive. Other than looking to change the way I am and try and go for an endurance event, what is there to achieve? I’m Scottish also btw
I live in Florida, USA, and I wish there was even a single hill to walk or run. It’s either asphalt or swamps for the most part, but there is one trail through the woods I can use to be alone. It’s not even recommended to go alone, though, due to the presence of cougars or bobcats. I do trail runs while carrying mace and a staff. LOL.
Someones go to ask the obvious question. Why 4 hours? Why not two or three or even seven or eight? Surely the longer you go the more likely you are to drift into a world full of insight and reward.
As I believe that is the generalised balance of practicality, accessibility, and demand/time for the majority of people watching. The longer the better (to some degree) but potential for diminishing returns depending on an individual’s experience!
And with poles you get some upper body training in the uphills. Two hours is already a good time to be alone thinking and long enough for mitochondria build-up etc. endurance enhancing effects. Four hours hardly is two times 'as good'? Two hours twice a week surely is more effective and much more easy to organize than fours hours once a week. So I would say two hours twice a week WILL change your life MORE 🤣
I can't watch your videos. The music in them is awful. Everything is way to emotional. The title of the video for instance. "Change your life forever" then tells me to go take a 4 hour walk. Get over yourself!
1. We rarely get time to be alone. Lean into the discomfort of training ALONE.
2. Train outside / seek out a new training challenge.
3. Reflect while training. Brain gains. Four Hours of uninterrupted time with no headphones. Meditation through
movement
4. Don’t plan it too much. Just get after it. Contrast to “normal” structured training
5. See how pacing feels. Carryover benefits.
6. No technology
A long ruck every weekend is how I beat the week. No matter what happened that week. If I can get that ruck in then I've won. It's improved my mindset throughout everyday as well. The rest of the week seems easier when I make myself suffer every Saturday
Great to hear, keep at it!
Just curious... how long is a long ruck?
What’s a ruck?
A ruck is a long walk with a rucksack with notable weight
I won the 1992 Runner's World 3,000 mile footrace and I can attest that I trained with this type of workout for years and years and it is INCREDIBLY BENEFICIAL to your health, athletic performance, mind, and spirit. Thank you for taking the time to put such valuable content out there for others to consider and benefit from.
As an Adhd'er my head is non stop running thoughts all the time. I love the long zone 2 runs. Sat morning 20k or 10k mid week, no headphones, just let the effort and subconscious focus on running form breathing quiet my mind down and enjoy some peace from myself as much as anything.
I still don't understand why you have so few subscribers !
So I comment today to help your video be more visible :)
You are a real source of inspiration, and these landscapes !
Appreciate that thank you!
Watching this has been a lightbulb moment. I used to do a lot of long solo runs like these. Haven't been doing any for a while and my sleep is suffering as my mind works through all the problems of the day/ week at bedtime instead of while I'm out running. Thanks for the video.
Here to trick the algorythm so more people get to see your incredibly nice content😇
Appreciate it thank you!
Please stop. I didn't want this recommendation
It worked, I got here 🎉
I got here too. Much appreciated and great value
At 2:43 I was fully prepared for a back flip…
Some of my favourite moments is just walking with the phone left at home. Utter bliss!
Suffering brings greatness
Great video thanks, it's the Ochil Hills for me! I used to do a session known as the Naked Runner. We weren't naked, but didn't take phones, watched or anything, just met up and enjoyed the run without worrying about our pace, distance or anything
I don't know how you suddenly popped into my feed, but I am intrigued. I am a hiker and backpacker living in Colorado, and I absolutely CRAVE my solo time outdoors. My question is, WHY is the magic number 4 hours?
Great video, now subscribed :)
As a keen mountain biker and runner it took many years for me to get into walking but now it’s by far my favourite past time.
Spending many hours alone on some of the UK’s incredible trails will change your life. We’re so lucky to live where we do, remoteness is only a few minutes away from most towns and cities. Get out there and discover our amazing countryside!
Totally agree. Sadly for a lot of people, moving for 4 hours at any intensity is pretty difficult. It takes some building up to be able to do that comfortably so the mental relaxation starts. Too many people just never made it past that building-up stage.
Thanks for watching! As I say in the video - walking a mile and sitting on a bench for 3 hours, then walk home = same outcome as walking for 4 hours! Hopefully the experience can then encourage them too get past the building up stage after spending some time alone with their thoughts!
Just walk and see how far you go. Stop when you think you've reached your limit. Next day do it again. Don't go further unless you're confident in doing so.
That builds resilience. Who knows might discover something new and good about yourself in the end.
Holy moly! I've been doing this a lot for about a year and a half with some periods of time while I couldn't because I have a really crummy chronic illness. Past three months, haven't missed a day - 7 s
days/week. Sometimes up to 4 hours (most days I wish I could do it all day!) Usually I'll split it up, 2-4 hours out walking/hiking in all the craziest weather possible (gale rainstorms, floods, hail, thunderstorms, windstorms lately!) with 50% of the time forcing myself to totally disconnect and the other 50% of the time in business calls or tuned in to various podcasts, conferences/meetings where I'm learning & building my knowledge on various topics related to my business. This is so cool to see because I'm doing it, too, and the only other person i knew of was Goggins. :) Love this! I've been struggling with burnout as a small business owner, and have had some health issues that has made doing my usual workouts impossible or really infrequent. So, this is something I'm trying out to help me recover from a few really difficult years. Cheers!
100% couldn't agree more. My BEST thinking and problem solving happens when I'm out solo running or on the bike. Can't beat it.
Agree with all of this. Absolutely critical for a healthy mental headspace. Another great video.
Thanks Seth, appreciate it!
I LOVE RUNNING DURING A DOWNPOUR. Anyone who does that clearly understands the benefits of an uninterrupted moment with oneself.
Back home from a loooong day, wondering if I should do a loop round the Pentlands with my day for tomorrow. Turned on this video and now I’m wondering why it is even worth contemplating. Can’t wait to get out and switch off
Great video. Getting out for two/two and a half hour run a few times a weeks has made such a difference to my mental health.
I walk the mourne mountains at least once a week through all weather with or without company. it really makes what some people think is hard is look really easy.
I love your videos. I appreciate you connecting everything to the psychological side of things. We all get under the weather mentally glad you talk about that
Just spent yesterday 3h cycling through rain and 5degrees headwind to meet a friend for a cake and 3hours chat and then headed 4hours cycling home. Awesome day - no sunshine at all but ticked most of your boxes
Awesome.
Bravo and well said! I hope you reach a large audience with this content. Thank you!
there is my plan for next weekend, thanks Fergus for constant inspiration!
Great to hear, let us all know how you get on!
Love your style, man. This workout checks all the boxes for me.
That's my go-to New Year's Day, rain or shine, with or without bike; may even use the barefoots ... thanks for the inspiration!
Very much agreed, putting in sweat equity on our own can be incredibly beneficial
Hey, Fergus.. just sayin “hey!” and wanted to see how things are going for you. You’re a huge inspiration for me. Commented before the video even started lol
Have a Happy New Year, bud 👋🏼
Just bought the 50k program! Can not wait to get started.
Great content. Working my way through it to improve my training and mental health.
Great but simple point so many times overlooked, and go Vivobarefoot!
Totally agree completed a four hour walk up the peaks on Saturday with an 8 kg pack and cocker spaniel. Up the first lose hill @ 500 m then round to Ringing Rodger yes that’s is the name of the second one 😂 450m. Felt great when I got home and my wife had cooked me a steak bonus.
This video resonated with me this morning working at my laptop 💻 thank you 🙏 have a good week all 😊
10k subs in a month? Congratulations man! You deserve it 🚀
What a fantastic landscape to get your milage!
Inspirational..as always..kilts on for St.Andrew’s Day…In Engerland(lived ere for more than 25yrs,Skol
LOVED this! Thank you! Subscribed 😊
Awesome video and message, thank you.
Great video. Another Pentlands enjoyer here.
Hey Fergus, just started following your channel and have been getting alot of helpful info along with motivation. I was just curious how often you take your 4 hour uninterrupted hike/walk and how often you recommend people take it as well. Thanks!
Thank you for this Episode. It helps.
Another banger, many thanks bro, big fan of time in the hills alone!
Thank you very much, great to hear!
Great tips fergus. I’ll be giving it a go next Sunday.
Mega. Let us all know how you get on 🤝
Thank you Fergus
Love this video. I agree with everything except for the phone. I am not sure if you don't even bring your phone or if you just silence it? I always have my phone with me because I do most training by myself. I take it for safety reasons. My boyfriend and I share each other's location, so if he sees that I haven't moved in a while, he knows that something has probably happened 😊
Loved it. Thank you.
I guess I am sort of doing this or is but its like a 36km trail race, I'm just gonna plan on surviving and finishing before cut-off or just not die.
Great video, simple message
Thank you!
Nice video mate
I agree with all your great tips to change your life. Question do you ever consider regular cold water treatment (besides your normal outdoor swimming) and intermittent fasting (not eating for 16hrs+) during the winter months?
Another great vid. Any recommendations on a head torch for running?
keep it up man
Merci Monsieur
Everyon has things in their lives that are frustrating - if amazingly that isn't the case, then at least things happening in the wider world that that make one angry. Pondering these unpleasantries whilst walking or physically active allows the body to process irritating thoughts without negative physiological consequences.
....although it may not improve your spelling or ability to produce error free comments on RUclips.
What is the name of the trial that you're on? Looks beautiful
Nothing beats outdoor workout 🏕⛰🌳
Agreed!
Hey Fergus- question for you which you can answer in a video or on here is ok too.
A bit like you, I’m a bigger guy, 6’2” and have been as much as 100kg. I’m also a former powerlifter in my younger days and still enjoy lifting heavy weights and I’m quite ok at it. When I got into cycling last year I got myself down to 85kg and I’m now at the top end of Cat C in Zwift, pushing Cat B.
Even having lost some weight, what I’ve come to accept is that I’m not and endurance focused guy, and I never will be. A 100km cycle for me is an exercise in survival, so I focus on the sprinting side of things, because that’s how my body is geared.
Now to my question. In your view, what is there for people like us to aim for or attain? I feel like for endurance athletes there is so much to shoot for such as Ironman, Ultras, marathons….and of course that’s what you’ve ended up looking towards. What is there that us sprinty guys can push for which would seem like an achievement? I’m looking into triathlon but even a sprint distance tri will be a feat of survival for me. I can’t hope to be competitive. Other than looking to change the way I am and try and go for an endurance event, what is there to achieve? I’m Scottish also btw
100% agree, definitely need to get outside and leave mobiles at home
Hi Fergus I’m in Dalkeith ,can u give me way in to run in pentlandite ,,,something not too rocky etc Near hill end maybe ?
Great video, as is the norm
Is it strange how my favourite RUclipsrs use the same track? Supernatural!
I live in Florida, USA, and I wish there was even a single hill to walk or run. It’s either asphalt or swamps for the most part, but there is one trail through the woods I can use to be alone. It’s not even recommended to go alone, though, due to the presence of cougars or bobcats. I do trail runs while carrying mace and a staff. LOL.
When I visit my sister in FLA, I run bridges. They seem to be the only hills I can find.
@@michael7324 Haha, yes. There are some spectacular bridges in Tampa and Miami.
How do I do this in a concrete jungle like NYC?
Open the door, and set off! OR, with my limited knowledge of the area… Laps of Central Park/travel to Long Island area?
@@ferguscrawley95 Central Park is probably the closest thing - no highland cows though 🤣
sage advice
You should try a USMC CFT test!
Does running my character across the map in Red Dead Redemption with music turned off count?
What brand/type of running vest do you use? Thanks
Like then watch. Simple yet effective for the algorithm 😂
My man 🤝
Subscribed.
Do you run with music?
Someones go to ask the obvious question. Why 4 hours? Why not two or three or even seven or eight? Surely the longer you go the more likely you are to drift into a world full of insight and reward.
As I believe that is the generalised balance of practicality, accessibility, and demand/time for the majority of people watching.
The longer the better (to some degree) but potential for diminishing returns depending on an individual’s experience!
Training outside builds immune system
It does indeed!
And with poles you get some upper body training in the uphills. Two hours is already a good time to be alone thinking and long enough for mitochondria build-up etc. endurance enhancing effects. Four hours hardly is two times 'as good'? Two hours twice a week surely is more effective and much more easy to organize than fours hours once a week. So I would say two hours twice a week WILL change your life MORE 🤣
Algorithm.
I can't watch your videos. The music in them is awful. Everything is way to emotional. The title of the video for instance. "Change your life forever" then tells me to go take a 4 hour walk. Get over yourself!
Not an airport, don’t need to announce your departure 👋🏼
@@ferguscrawley95 I must applaud your wit with the snappy comeback.
I never need water bag when hiking - learn to fast
literally the first video after a 3 hour 30min trail run . wish id have done 4
So if it's -20❄️🌨️ I still need to stay out 4hrs???🤘👻🍄🧑🎄⛄🎃🥃🍸🎄