Valencia Marathon 2023 - My Proudest Ever Run
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- Опубликовано: 23 дек 2023
- Come on!! Valencia Marathon 2023 was incredible.. follow along today to see all the action from the race. This one means so so much, thank you for all the support!! Never give up your dreams!
Since breaking my ankle combined with some mental health issues, one of my goals has been to run a sub 2:40 and get back on the London Marathon Championship start line again. Two days before the accident I ran a qualifying time and had dreamed of one day doing that again.
What followed was 3 1/2 years of really difficult times, then after yet another disaster with my running at UTMB, Sarah and I went away to re-think everything and what you see today is the result of some very hard work over the last 3 months.
There will be a video 'how I ran 2:38 at Valencia Marathon' coming along soon.
Wishing everyone a fantastic 2024. We can't wait to bring you along on the adventure!!
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Thank you to everyone who has followed along over the previous few years, it's been quite an adventure!! Sarah and me send our very best to you for lovely Christmas and amazing 2024 ahead.. we are super excited to bring you many more adventures next year. Keep on dreaming, talking and getting it done. xx 🤗
Thanks for sharing a beautiful moment 😊
I have never added a comment to any RUclips video, your video is one of the best I have watched
You wear your heart on your sleeve
Well done Ben & Sarah
Getting it DONE 😊
Love this! I had a horrendous time in lockdown, which really affected all areas of my life and, obviously, running. 🙁 so great to see you back and fighting. 💪💪💪 I did London, Great North Run, Big Half and New York Marathon, its been amazing year. 🙂 doing Paris and Valencia next year, can't wait!!!
Well done Ben you are an inspiration 💪🏻
You are the man Ben! Goosebump looking at you hitting the finish line. Keep it up bro!
What a lovely video Ben. I’d not realised quite how much you’d been through.
But that moment when Sarah hurls herself at you - oh man, that got me ❤
i know. got me too
Same here. Treasure that woman.
Marry that girl!! ❤
Didn’t expect to cry watching this but I felt every emotion! Congrats Ben!
You are such an example. I've been following you over the past years, seeing your races, pitfalls, personal struggles and lows. I could not be happier to see you bouncing back and in such a great fashion! You're inspiring, humble and happy, and your experience shows why running is the best medicine out there. Keep going Ben and Sarah, running along with you!
I am not crying! You are!
Followed you for years… my heart broke when your ankle broke and you having hernia op gave me the courage to get mine sorted… I have not been right since my ankle break but your videos have helped keep me motivated. I am sure you get comfort from us viewing your videos and liking and buying products… 👏👏👏
Awww really felt that hug from Sarah at the end, had me in tears 😭 Thanks for sharing all the lows so we can celebrate in these running highs with you!!
Goes to show how far a positive mindset and patience can go. Never a frown, never a poor me, always smiles and fun and trying to show people that it’s about the journey and not just the results. If anything this is a true testament to your love for the sport and your character.
As someone who's relatively new to the channel I had no idea you've been going through all these hardships the last few years - what a phenomenal comeback!! Well done
Truly inspiring stuff Ben. I lost it when Sarah greeted you at the end. Wonderful storytelling.
This is definitely one of the best videos from Ben or even across running videos I've seen, I couldn't imagine the roller coaster for the past few years you have endured and finally able make it back to sub 240. Merry Christmas and I bet this is gonna be one of the best Xmas present you gave to yourself and enjoy London Marathon 2024, let's keep running no matter what is your current body condition because running makes us feel alive!
Congratulations Ben! Just ran my first sub 2 hour half marathon. I have my next one in Las Vegas in about 8 weeks. I’m going for 1:45:00. It’s all because of you inspiring me. Merry Christmas.
I was wondering how this went Ben! The biggest challenge in all of this is that you went through all these personal ups and downs in front of a community of 150k followers which only made things way tougher. Occasionally some haters creeped through the woodwork and said some very hurtful things in the comment section and I applaud you for staying focused. A huge congrats for the inspiring example of "Getting it done"
05:44 It's me! This was my favourite video of yours ever. I thought I understood how difficult the last few years had been but I had no idea of the significant impact and challenges you've had. It's amazing that you've battled through that, continued entering races as well as changing your approach when things weren't going your way. So many life lessons (and fitness ones too) that we can all learn there!
So happy to see you've achieved your goal with the time and qualifying for the entry for London. Thank you for being so open with it all. Thanks also to Sarah for the great editing work and support she gives you. Merry Christmas and have a great 2024!!! Gary.
I’ve gone through a knee surgery and it was mentally taxing for me to go through the recovery process and get back to my running form. I can totally understand how painful it must have been, and how happy it must have been to conquer everything and come out with beating your goal. Kudos to you Ben and Sarah🎉. Lots of love to you both ❤😊
Well done Ben can see how much that means to you 👏🏻👏🏻
The video I've been waiting for! Congrats on your Valencia time and a massive thankyou for sharing the journey, the highs and the lows, this gives real inspiration to people going through the same sort of struggles that there is light at the end of the tunnel and no matter how hard it is, the success will be worth it in the long run. As you said in one video recently, you have to have the lows if you want the highs!
Wishing you and Sarah the best Christmas ever!
I’ve been waiting for this video Ben. That hug at the end of the race got me right in the feels. Way to work for it and get it done. Thanks for this.
Just a joy to see you back in fit form. Thank you for sharing the highs and lows. We are all behind you, cheering!!
Oddly enough the very first video I saw from you was when you posted your first Valencia Marathon recap. Little did I know what kind of adventures we were in store for through the years to come. Such an inspiration man!
Phenomenal effort Ben and huge congratulations for all your hard work paying off! I've been an A&E nurse for nearly 20 years and the power of good mental health just can't ever be underestimated. You've been through a lot, and it was lovely to see your face as you knew you had secured a sub-2:40. Well done. I'll hopefully see you in London for the marathon (at the Expo though, as I'll be starting waaaaayyyyy behind you!!!) in search of my own sub-4hr time!!!
Amazing Ben, sat here with tears, I’m just starting my own training block and watching you I feel I could run through a brick wall , you’re such an inspiration, I will reach my goal just like you, thank you
The fact that you had physical injuries and mental health challenges makes your journey so much more relatable and inspiring!!! Especially for those of us that aren't quite at your level. Knowing that even elite runners deal with the same issues helps motivate us to keep pushing. Congrats on your success!!!
Well done Ben ,I’ve been watching since pre Covid when you were flying & have witnessed your journey with injuries ,great to see you kept the faith & got back to a serious level again !
I did a 2:59 in Amsterdam in 2021 for the first time & was looking forward to a sub 3 in Dublin in 2022 & qualified for New York but picked up a hamstring tendenopathy in early 2022 while setting great pb,s & haven’t been able to run hard since but I’ve dug in the last 9 months & im back running & there might be light at the end of the tunnel !
New York deferral in 2024 maybe 🤞
Great videos Ben ,stay strong !
Wow ! Super emotional watching the end when you find Sarah . I love your openness and honesty speaking about your physical and mental struggles the last few years. I hope you know that you are inspiring untold numbers of people by doing that. Love this channel. Big love to you both !!
I found your channel during Covid when I started running so I never got to experience those previous highs. But I've seen your struggles through the years and it's been both heart breaking and inspiring. So happy you finally made it! Congrats!
Ben, what a great sharing and true emotion coming out! I think this is why sports are so powerful either running or any other form. I can totally relate and understand. That grind and resilience is what this is all about, always one step further on being stronger.
I have a big mantra which is Hard Work Pays Off. You are the proof of it.
And lastly, we can never go long alone. Sarah and your community keep you grounded 🙏🏼
Keep rocking 💪🏼
The Sarah hug hit me hardest 💕 Well done Ben, but of course! 😻
Ben you're an inspiration! Im currently out with a meniscus tear in my knee. Watching this shows me I can come back and I will run again! Keep at it, I love your videos!
Ben, you're amazing! The hug from Sarah had me in tears. Phenomenal come back. 2020 is also the year my bad karma with injuries started. Broke my foot 2 times (in 2020 and 2021) and eventually had a stupid accident and broke my ankle and tore the side ligaments as well last year. Since then I could run short distances very slowly and I have ankle pain all the time. It's just sad but this video gives me hope that one day I can get back on track to the level of 2020.
Thank you so much for sharing this Ben. Such an inspiration and to see the joy on your face at the finish line was truly moving . And that moment when Sarah hugged you, let’s just say I shed some tears with you . I have some big goals myself for the next couple years that right now don’t seem achievable, but I will use this video as motivation that maybe i can actually get it done !
Congrats, Ben!🎉 Nicely done! Didn’t realise that we’ve had similar paths - I wrecked my health in 2018 chasing a sub 2:35 PB and haven’t really gotten back to my past form. Then at the time of covid panic attacks and depression and finally this year my first sub 3h marathon at Tokyo after what felt like eternity. Now a two year plan to build mileage for a sub 2:40 in 2025. Either at London or Chicago. Thanks for inspiration that it isn’t just a dream.
Impossible to watch without tearing up. Congrats Ben (and support team Sarah, you’ve had a great year yourself). Happy Christmas to you both! - John, Toronto 🇨🇦 🇬🇧
Thank you. for being so honest about the mental health aspect of your struggles. It means a lot to me as a person with endless energy who has gone from 25 miles a week to zero because of Long COVID.
That feeling still the same when i see your post on strava back then.. now watching this it still give the same feeling
Hi Ben & Sarah, you are amazing. You have done so amazingly to fight back to the start line and then qualified for championship start line at London absolutely incredible. I will hopefully see you there I’m running for National autistic charity for my son.
I suffer with panic attacks and have anxiety from traumatic childhood.
I’ve run all my life because it’s the best drug for me.
You are both a inspiration love your videos
Never stop. Thank you
Made me cry…. Best Christmas film of 2023
😅 me crying ?! Oh man when Sarah flung her arms around you ……. ur amazing Ben, ur strength of character just shines, thanku for sharing ur highs and ur lows candidly, ur a true inspiration both personally and athletically …. Many many congratulations Ben 🫶
Thank you for talking about your vulnerability Ben. I too, have had some small panic attacks while running. I had heart surgery to repair a large hole that was there since birth in 2020, and every time I run I can’t help but worry about my heart although it’s now repaired, I still find myself thinking about the worst outcome on my long runs so I can relate to you on that. It is getting better, and I went 2:58 in my first ever full marathon this past October, but I just want you to know you are not alone. Great job, keep up the good work.
Casual viewer of your channel here. You’ve always been such a badass in my mind, so it was extra meaningful to see you put yourself out there in this video with respect to your mental health. Amazing work grinding back to sub 2:40!
The stoke Ben! What an inspiration to us all. Never Give UP! Awesome awesome awesome!!!
So happy for both of you! The joy, love, pride, and peace of that embrace brought tears to my eyes. Your perseverance and refusal to be dissuaded from your dreams, in spite of all evidence to the contrary is a lesson and an inspiration to all of us who share your passion for running and more importantly, your human frailty. Thank you
I’ve got goosebumps watching this Ben ❤.
You’re an absolute inspiration 🙏!
Have a wonderful Christmas to you both xx
Teared up at the moment you found Sarah after the marathon - you're both such wonderful supports for each other and it's bloody gorgeous to see! Congrats on the rebuild Ben, you'll have the joy and relief from this Valencia Marathon in the mental inventory when the going gets tough in the future.
I was in tears before Sarah rushed up to hug you but that moment was something else. I could feel all the emotion. Thank you for sharing it all-the ups and the downs. You don’t know how much your videos have helped me as I recovery from ankle surgery myself. Congrats and Merry Christmas to you both. Keep getting it done.
Congratulations Ben, very happy for you 🎉 We were there to cheer the runners on (for the 4th year!), Valencia is a special place, we love it.
I’m thrilled for you. What a wonderful video. And that hug just had me in tears.
Congratulations Ben! Your videos are helping so many others facing mental and physical health challenges to find the courage to keep chasing their goals. I ran my first marathon this year, thanks to your training plan. Merry Christmas Ben and Sarah 😊
Congratulations Ben. That was really emotional, you never gave up, be proud of what you achieved 👏. Merry Christmas 😀
I’m not crying, you are! Well done Ben! Your openness in this beautiful struggle is real, and I feel you in so many ways! Thank you for sharing and keep it going!
Congrats from Russia! Very well done! You made my morning brighter! I am so happy for you!
Great effort Ben. I'm watching this Christmas morning about 05.30 am what a lovely present this story was for me .Thank you
Way to make me cry on Christmas Eve you bugger. So pleased for you. Massive well done. You are a great advocate for mental health in the sport. So many of us have struggles and it’s wonderful to see it being spoken about. Have a great Christmas dude 🙌🙌
I have been waiting for this video for a while... And guess what? I am in tears 😢🎉😂❤ congrats Ben.. You rock 😎😎and you definitely deserve it 🎉🎉
Fantastic video Ben, and such a great achievement. I think anyone who watches this will be so stoked for you. Your ethic, commitment, and emotion is inspiring 🙌
Yes Ben!!!!! Amazing! And so deserved. Hard work pays of, always! Never forget that💪🏻
This video is incredible Ben, real and raw, what us 'normal' running folk are all about. Your vulnerability is inspiring.
Big Congrats on Valencia and for all your success in 2023. Those scenes with you and Sarah at the end of the race were so touching!
I broke my ankle 2 years ago and your injury recovery videos gave me hope I could return to running. I’m going into my second surgery soon for hardware removal and this video was just the inspiration I needed to keep hope one day I will return to running.
I never comment on RUclips but always enjoy your videos. This one just hit me right in the feels. Up there with Kofuzi’s first sub-3 even! Lots of love to you Ben for bringing us along on your journey and for being open with your struggles. You are a true inspiration! ❤
Amazing. Brings tears to my eyes. Better get out for my run now after watching that.
I have stupid shin splints right now and been so frustrated about not being able to run THIS WEEK, afraid my body is too weak to run my 2 half marathons next month. You have given me so much hope. Thank you. Always rooting for you!
You’re an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your story, both the good and bad parts, and for taking us along with you.
3h02s for me at Valencia this year, going back next year for revenge.
London marathon is just a dream for me, it’s almost impossible to enter for non-British people.
Wow, what a race and what a video! You’ve always been such a pivotal part of my running journey, inspiring me with your own running journey, the ups and downs and everything else in between. It’s been difficult seeing how you’ve struggled over the last few years but your grit and determination to be your very best no matter what has been inspirational, and to see you achieve one of your own big goals again is amazing and very well deserved. I can safely say this is the first running video that has ever brought tears to my eyes! Well done Ben - good luck in London!
Superb video Ben! Time really past by so fast since the days of your injury. In a blink of an eye I’ve finished 2 years of military training and so much more. I’ll always support you at every step of the way Ben.
Never ever give up on your goals and dreams and I know one day you’ll get back to your peak fitness again. All the best Ben🫶🏻🫶🏻
The honesty and integrity in this video are truly amazing. I’m a 60 year old who has lost 5st by starting running over the past ten months and have taken so much inspiration from you and Sarah! This was an emotional watch but I loved every minute. Well done Ben!
Congratulations, Ben! 🎉 Very inspirational, emotional and well deserved. Wishing you all the best from Germany.
Amazing video, Ben!! Congrats on the sub-2:40!!! Super inspirational stuff. I actually saw your video of you running Valencia last time, and it looked so beautiful that I HAD to run it myself. I was there this year (much slower and towards the back of the pack - 4:01:46 - chip time), but it was such an amazing experience. I completely agree about how fantastic Valencia and Spain are. I will never forget the experience!!!
Thank you for this video Ben. Your struggles were important and your brave decision to share your vulnerability really helps out runners like me. I’m also training for a marathon absolutely loved this video, keep them coming! Finally all the best for London marathon!
I got my Champs qualifier at Valencia last year. I ran almost identical splits as you Ben, 79:22/79:24. I agree London is unbeatable for the energy and running with and being supported by friends. I think Valencia is the absolute boss of marathons when it comes to running fast.
Thanks for this Ben. I had abdominal hernia surgery on Monday and getting back runnning seems a long way off. Still in lots of pain and feeling pretty down but seeing this video has given me hope. Thank you 😊
What a Journey! Buzzing for you, so deserved after your ankle… 2024 will be a big year!
Best video I seen
I have had a horrible time with injuries this year
Injured from August doing a 16.47 5k
First day back from injury on December 12th i broke my multiple ribs and my wrist on my run back videos like this gives me a good boost
Congratulations!!! this is a lovely story of resolve, consistency, determination & faith - of both yours & Sarah's 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
What a delightful video this was. Thank you for showing the lows so we could appreciate the highs.
Ben you're an inspiration. Been watching your videos for years always helped me stay disciplined. Would love to have you on the show one day. All the best for the new year - Rhys
When you share your struggles, it helps others of us, like myself, who is currently struggling with fitness, due to life stressors. Great to see you got back to it. I had to redefine success for myself and thought that might be it for competition… but now I’m wondering if maybe a plan might get me back into competing. Anyway, thanks for sharing it helps. Your channel is my favourite; it’s a life highlight for me. Thanks
I was waiting for this and it did not disappoint 🙌
I've only been following for around 3 months now since I got into running and found your shoe reviews insightful, your marathon videos emotional and your whole journey inspiring so thanks for all you do Ben and congratulations on Valencia 🎉
That was emotional!! Congratulations Ben, what an achievement. Your honesty is heartwarming. Merry Christmas and good luck with your future runs in 2024 🇬🇧 xx
Really happy and proud, Ben. I started running around 2020 and have been following you since. I always knew you could do it! Have a great Christmas!
I'm so very happy and proud of you Ben. We as a community were never in doubt that you would reach your goals again. There's to a happy, healthy 2024 and beyond. Merry Christmas 🎄
Thanks for making me cry! Sarah running into your arms got me good and proper! Well done Ben. Championship spot fully deserved. Are you running Boston?? See you out there 😊😊
Great to hear your back where you want to be, Ben. Just damn well enjoy the feeling. Have been through some MH stuff myself as a young man. It's shitty but when you come out the other side you have found your better self. Whatever happens from here on in, you'll always be stronger, wiser and better able to cope. Brill for you to have the support of Sara! Happy 2024
Yaaaay so happy for you Ben, and I won’t lie - some tears were shed watching this… Happy holidays to you and Sarah and all the very best for 2024!
Wow, that was an emotional watch because it was so positive after your mega journey. Thank you for sharing. You’re a role model to us all. Merry Christmas and have a fabulous 2024 both of you 👏🏻🙌🏻
Congratulations on an incredible race, Ben, well done. Perhaps more impressive is your journey for the last few years, the ups and downs, but you never gave up, you never stopped, truly inspiring, I felt all your raw emotions through this video and it brought a lot of things into perspective for me, running is such a gift, I will work harder after watching this video to never take it for granted, thank you for reminding me!🤓 Wishing you and Sarah a very Happy Christmas and all the best for 2024, thank you for all you do for the global running community by sharing your journey! Cheers from Canada, Scott🤓
Thanks for being true to yourself always Ben and helping so many people who find it hard to get and stay motivated. Thanks for the keeping the camera rolling when Sarah met you after the race. That’s what it’s all about. Pure emotion and delight. Merry Christmas to all out there and let’s get it done in 2024!!!
The tears, the nerves, the obvious emotion, and that's just me! Congrats Ben, what an inspirational story. I have been following your journey since lockdown and it's fabulous to see you achieve this goal, and thanks to you both for taking us along on the journey.
Great now I’m sobbing on Christmas 😂 so happy for you Ben! So very well deserved! All the best from Brisbane Australia 🇦🇺
So happy for you. So impressive. I can not imagine running so fast, but that's not the reason why I was enjoying your channel. It shows in every clip that you really enjoy the sport.
Such an inspiration. Watching you come back from a pretty dark place has been incredible to watch and has definitely made us all believe in our dreams again. Hoping you both have a wonderful Christmas. Keep being that bright light in the world
Super emotional for both of you, massive congratulations and such an inspiration hard work pays off 👏👏💪🏃
That is the video I've been waiting for, amazing! Thank you and huge respect for your honesty and bravery. This year's Valencia marathon was my first ever (at the age of 50 having been told 18 months ago I'd never run again), and I was desperately hoping I might see you to say hello, and to congratulate you on continuing to post on RUclips in what have clearly been some extremely difficult times for you, and no doubt Sarah too! What a relief and an accomplishment for you both. Have an amazing Christmas! 💪👏
Ben really want to congratulates you on your recovery and just doing your best. Rooting you from across the pond!
Amazing Ben, so so happy for you! Thank you for sharing this journey you’ve been on and keep on inspiring us all in 2024 ❤🏃🏻♀️
This is amazing, what an absolute role model you are Ben. Cheers from Mexico ❤
Have been eagerly awaiting this video since seeing the result on Strava! Well done Ben. Such an inspiration 🎉
Great run ..great to meet you and Sarah again...thanks for all the brilliant videos....Cienna got 3.15 and a place in Sydney 2024.... Merry Xmas... Richard & Cienna
Well done Ben. Happy Christmas. Onwards and upwards for 2024.
Super inspiring and congratulations on achieving such a physically and emotionally challenging running goal. Way to go!
Fantastic video Ben. You have shown what hard work, dedication and persistence to achieve your goals looks like. I got a bit emotional when Sarah met you at the finish. Awesome 👏🏻 👏🏻🍾🎉