↓↓ Are you running an autumn marathon this year? Where? And have you got a time goal in mind? Or have you got any words of support for Anna? Tell us in the comments ↓↓
I am running my first marathon in 4 weeks... NYC!!! 5:30 was my goal on day 1 of training 14 weeks ago, though I am hopeful to be closer to 5:00 on race day!!! CONGRATS ANNA!!!
I was going to run the marine corps marathon but they canceled it. Decided to run it around my neighborhood with my friends and family to cheer me on! Goal 1 is to beat my last marathon time and simply to finish 😆
I’m not running a marathon, and I was doing fine until I saw “Team Anna”. I’m looking outside and it looks like it’s raining. Anna, even if you didn’t achieve what you set out to do, you finished. Hopefully you’ll take time to recover until the next challenge. And I am so not watching another Anna video cos it will rain!!!
Anna, it doesn't matter your time. The important thing it's that you DID IT!! Your PERSISTENCE carried you to the finish line! And as a bonus...you're in Boston!!! You're stronger than you think!!CONGRATULATIONS!
Dear Anna, you may have not reached the 3:30 goal but this piece of content, I think, has done so much much for every one watching. It was hear felt, moving and authentic. Your journey will make more of an impact now than if you had made the target time. This vid will resonate more with others as it really does show the reality of doing something inctedibly difficult but more importantly how we respond with courage, optimistic and hope. Huge congratulations. This is one memorable and inspiring marathon!
You are absolutely right. I am running a marathon in 2 weeks, and have a goal to go under 4 hours, and this videos made me realise how incredible useful it is to have multiple goals - and to also be aware that sometimes things are out of your control, and that you have to reassess and keep going! Thanks Ana for this incredible video
@Road Runner everyone is entitled to their own opinion and respect yours, personally I think is shows great mental strength to carry on after injury interrupted training and then an injury from early on. cheers
@Road Runner I may be wrong but I've not seen anyone looking for sympathy? As for mental strength, you could try applying some yourself and not comment in such a needless manner.
What an inspiration to all the “normal” runners out there pounding the pavement week in week out with all the ups and downs and showing us all that every run is not an Instagram perfect moment, thank you
Anna, you had me in tears at the end. The fact you finished is incredible. There will be another race to reach your goal. You are an inspiration for the fact you kept going with an injury! You are just incredible! ❤️
Well done Anna, another well earned medal. Could see you gave it your absolute best effort, even I felt emotional watching. This is what it takes to be a marathon runner, you keep going when it gets tough, physically and mentally, but get it done. Very inspiring, thanks for sharing.
Well, many tears here, too. I'm running Boston in a week, with training hampered by injuries this summer. I expect it will be hard, but I'll have this video on loop in my brain. Thank you for your example of bravery and perseverance when the going gets tough. To finish is to win, and you're a winner.
Seeing her finish even though in pain is an inspiration!! I will be in Boston too! I’m going through an Achilles injury and I am finding so many other are having issues as well. Glad to not feel so alone. But let’s finish and grab those Boston medals! 🏅
@@anna.the.runner Well, it was rough in Boston Monday. I was in OK shape for about 15 miles, but it was actually the downhill in Newton that was the point where I lost control of the run and it began to control me. I was still excited to be there and experiencing the crowds and love of friends and family. I thought of your experience a few times, and it kept me going. 4:31 was not what I hoped, but many times, it's persevering when it's not your day that shows the depth of your character and provides salve for the disappointment. I'm already making running plans for next year, which is often the best antidote. Best of luck in Boston, Anna, drink it all in next April! Appreciating your courage and passion!
Now I’m a blubbering mess. Oh, Anna. How incredibly strong you are. Thank you for sharing your journey and being so honest about mental health. Struggling with injury for the last three years and mental health, too it’s so lovely to know you’re not alone. Congratulations on getting back to the marathon! You should be so proud of yourself ❤️
Dear Anna, During COVID, my training has also slipped and I feel like I've lost a part of myself that I really love. While I was watching your video and you said, "I'm just proud to be here, because I wasn't even getting out of bed 12 months ago." ... I couldn't relate more and you're right. Just getting up and starting over is an accomplishment. I've signed up for two races next year and you'll be in my coach in spirit! Thanks so much for inspiring me, Bianca
I was expecting energy and motivation when I started watching this series, I wasn't expecting to be so moved by Anna's whole experience, including the frankly honest bits of emotional and physical pain the marathon itself. This was really powerful. Thank you.
Dear Anna. Well done for finishing the Berlin Marathon. It‘s great when everything clicks in place but getting through a tough marathon is at least an as big achievement if not bigger. Thank you for sharing your struggle. We‘ve been all there and we will all be back there at some point. Having had a tough 2 years myself with running, this video gave me motivation (and lots of tears too), much more than another video of a always winning and ‘perfect’ runner youtuber would ever be able to. Smile a mile!
This series has been so helpful to me personally. Helped me stay motivated, taught me so much about running, picked me up when I felt down about my running, helped me manage my expectations for training and race day and so much more. Thank you for all you have done for me and so many others and can't wait to keep following your journey all the way to Boston! Team Anna 4 lyf!!
Oh my goodness you made me cry watching this I really felt your pain during the marathon and how happy you were getting the Boston marathon news, well done Anna you're such an inspiration.
Anna, I'm so proud of and inspired by you. In a sea of social media focused on elite runners getting records, you are the one who gets me pumped, makes me cry, and encourages me to channel my mental difficulties of this last year and a half into something I can be proud of. Amazing as always. Congratulations!
Ugh Anna 😭❤️ you saying „if you have struggled this was for you“ got me crying my eyes out for a few minutes straight. 🙏 In return - I am running the Munich half marathon in a week and that my friend will be for you :)
Finish a marathon is not easy, but finishing injuried is admirable, having to battle your mind and the physical pain every second for 5h00 hours. Giving up was so easy... Congratulations Anna you have the mental strength, the physical part surely will arise too.
Oh my word, that was one of the most honest and inspirational marathon videos I have ever seen. There isn't a runner here who wont feel every inch of you pain. So many times we see the great and the glorious side of the event, but that's rarely the true picture for the majority of runners. So pleased and honoured to have shared at least part of the journey with you. Relax, recuperate and return stronger. We will all be here to encourage and support you. Go Team Anna!!
Thank you Anna for letting us be part of your journey in Q2Q Berlin. I did feel it's was for me, and others struggling during the past 18+ months. Much Admiration and Inspiration!! P.S. how can we get/buy a "Smile a Mile - Team Anna" shirt? I'd run in that! It would give me superpowers!!! 🦸🏼♀️
I bawled my eyes out for most of this video, thank you for sharing this journey, warts and all. Anna, you are a wonderful example of the community that running inspires xx
In a marathon, all the hard works and pains of the last several months will be summarized and shown on one day, one morning, in between two to four, five hours in general, and when things go wrong..., absolutely worse than what we expected..., it is really devastating and difficult to continue and we tend to give that up easily... We even see that from the elites giving up a race during the race, but you didn't give up, pushed it through till the end and finished it with the big support of many friends and supporters... You're a winner and a blessed one, Anna, no matter what the time said... And life is so beautiful when we see a person like you genuinely cries with a failure... because life is not all about success and happiness ever after, but rather getting up 10 times and keep going after nine times of failures on the way... I got more inspired and impressed by your running experience in this Berlin Marathon than that of E. Kipchoge's 2:08 Tokyo Marathon this year... And Adidas' special and thoughtful support to you is so amazing to witness... Keep staying encouraged and running and you will be a light in the running communities no matter what... Cheers to you, your team, your supporters and Adidas... 🥺😁👍
Very brave of you to share your day especially when things aren't going well! Congrats on finishing! We've all had days where things just don't go to plan...I sure have! My fall marathon just got cancelled :( So I'm just envious you got to participate in one! Well done Anna!
Anna, This was the best thing I have ever seen. Thank you. I don’t cry often but this had me in tears. I’m on the fence about training for another marathon and your will power and courage during training and on race day have inspired me so much! I can’t wait to follow your journey to Boston. Amazing!!
Oh Anna, not embarrassed to say you made a grown man cry. Just sending huge hugs and a massive congratulations. I’ve spent the last 12 months suffering with on and off calf issues which hampered my Great North Run prep. It reared it head again during GNR at mile 5 and I just wanted to stop. There’s this inner voice that said “smile a mile” after that I couldn’t quit. Like you somehow I crossed that finish line. Thanks for the inspiration to keep going through all this S-t. I’m back at GNR next year to run it properly 🤞. 👏🥰👊🏻 That girl can.
Having struggled with my running recently this gave me the boost I need. Well done on finishing it! Such a massive achievement and makes me believe that I can actually do my own first marathon next year!
This is one of the most real things I've seen online ever! Thank you Anna for putting yourself out there for us! I felt all the emotions as I watched you fight your way to the finish line!! You are a superhero!! Big hugs from Quebec, Canada 🤗
I’m running NYC in just 5 weeks! This will be my first marathon ever and I’m hoping to finish around 5 hours. After watching Anna’s NYC marathon video a few years ago I knew that was something I needed to do. Watching Anna run is so inspiring and I can’t wait to see her run Boston!
Yay, Anna!! I've cried with you through this, if that makes you feel better 😆 I think many of us cried with you through this. Well done! You are a super woman to do a marathon whilst injured! You really are an inspiration and I look forward to watching your Boston marathon in 2022!! Whoop whoop! 🥳
Anna - I wanted to come and give you a cuddle at the end of that and tell you that all is well. You are a special person who has given so much to so many. You ran brave in Berlin and when others would have quit you carried on. Remember that despite what happens on a run, you are loved every step of the way. Hope you recover quickly and the next race can be yours.
Anna, kudos on such a courageous and inspiring run. I shed tears watching this video but they are tears of joy and excitement for the next phase of your training. You are a winner simply for crossing the starting line of the Berlin Marathon. And your finish is the starting line of yet another step on your journey.
Well done Anna, I'm so sorry about your injury, but you should be so proud of yourself. We were all there with in spirit. You are so lucky to be able to run an event, it's been 2 years since my last marathon and thanks to restrictions in Australia there won't be any more events till mid 2022. You're running this for all of us. We may not know you all personally at the running channel, but we love you all and you have brought so much to so many. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!
I tried so hard not to cry along with you, but I lost it when you were reading your note at the end. So incredibly impressed with your perseverance and the strength to be willing to show your low points as well as your highs. I was already Team Anna, but I've never rooted for a runner like this before. I hope you will love the Boston marathon next year. You deserve it!
Oh Anna I've smiled laughed and cried along with you in that video. It may not have been your day but im so pleased you are going to Boston 😊 I know you'll have heard this before but you are such an inspiration to so many of us, we have seen everything in your training and the Berlin marathon the highs the lows and everything in between. The brutal honesty that you share with us is amazing and we will all be routing for you in 2022 for Boston go get that unicorn 🦄 💙
Dear Anna, I was literally crying with you, the support means so much! I've done the London Marathon yesterday and only support from my husband and friends on the course pushed me for an incredible result! Wishing you a speedy recovery and good luck with your training! xx
Anna you are SUCH an inspiration to so many people. Never forget how amazing you are. Injury or no injury, running a marathon is so incredible and you should be so proud! Hope your recovery is going well and I can't wait to see what you've got planned next! Thanks for keeping it real, as always
Dear Anna, well done for finishing, we felt your pain and cried with you when we watched your film! It was so touching, and thanks for being so honest! You are amazing!!
I remember that “snile a mile” sign, it made me ridiculously happy too!! Watching this exactly a week from the day really took me back and as someone that’s been through a sacral stress fracture in the beginning of the year, totally feel you, good job !!
No need to apologize Anna.....I was crying along with you. What an amazing video!!! I saw the video of you running the New York marathon and this was even better for what you had to overcome. Congratulations!!! You displayed tremendous strength and courage to complete that race....many others would have quit. What a surprise at the end! Really happy for you to get invited to Boston! All the best!
Dear Anna- Thank you. I have been a runner since my teenage years but have been dealing with some knee and shin injuries over the past few years that have prevented me from running long distances. Your drive and passion is contagious and you are truly a role model for me and all of the Running Channel supporters. When you said that you ran this marathon for all of those who struggled over the last year or so it really struck a chord with me. Although I havent been running regularly now for over a year, I have been able to run vicariously through you and am so grateful for you. I wish you a restful recovery! Cheers
Thank you for being so honest in the video and showing how emotional this was. I completed my first half this year after coming back (still injured) from an Achilles injury. Seeing how you dealt with missing your goal and being super happy with your progress has made me reevaluate beating myself up about my half. Thank you Anna
I had to pause this video so many times! One reason, to savor your day, your journey and the other reason was because of the emotional roller coaster you brought us on. Thank you Anna and the running channel for sharing the joy of running with all its up and downs. Congratulations Anna, really from the bottom of my heart we are so happy for you!!!!!
Everyone who finishes a marathon is a winner, no exceptions. Thanks for sharing this with us Anna, looking forward to being with you for the journey to Boston!
Well done Anna, I want you to know that you have inspired me to run again after a 7 years break, thank you. You should be incredibly proud of your accomplishments. I cried all the way through that with you xxxx you’re a star
Anna, this video was truly amazing! It made me cry more than I would like to admit and honestly I think this is the most motivating video I have seen in a long time! To do it in a certain time is of course a fantastic achievement but to break through the mental barrier you had to push through in order to finish the marathon is an even bigger achievement and is more motivating than you know! Really well done you should be super proud of yourself and I look forward to cheering you on during the Boston marathon series next year 🏃♀️💪
I'm not an overl, emotional person, but seeing Anna cry ALWAYS makes me tear up! She's such an lovely persond and though we don't kniw eachother personally, she's got a place very close to my heart! I hope one day we can run a marathon together ❤
Dear Anna, You're such an inspiration and this is such a victory. This time has been such a struggle for so many and seeing you rise is a boost. Can't wait to see your Boston marathon next year!
Oh wow. Most of us who have done marathons and ultras know very well what it takes to keep going and finish when you know you won't achieve what you set out to achieve, and this video is a pristine example of that strength and resolve! Well done, Anna, what an awesome journey! Keep those legs in shape for the next one ;)
Anna, thank you so much for sharing this. I am literally sitting here welling up with you, feeling those emotions. You are an absolute inspiration and even though I have never met you I am really proud of your determination, bravery and perseverance. The running channel helped me go from barley being able to run for 20 minutes to my first 10k last Sunday, and that felt emotional to me. Can't image what a marathon is like. You're brilliant!
Well done Anna, you did everything you could and overcame so much just to get to Berlin. Finishing what you started was the biggest achievement. Never give up and keep moving forward 💪
Anna, you and the Running Channel community have been secretly my sole training partners since January 2020 when I discovered your channel while on the road for work. Each mile I completed since then was most likely preceded or followed by one of your videos, inspiring me to keep to my goals, even in a time when I was isolated from fellow athletes due to the pandemic. Anyone who has powered through a tough goal knows how hard you’ve worked Anna, and I personally am proud of you and TRC’s and Adidas’ belief in you. We should all be so lucky to have such a supportive community surrounding us and lifting us up, even when our own legs may not. Coincidentally, I was in Boston yesterday for work and thought of you and next week’s race. I hope to see you in Hopkinton in 2022.
Oh Anna, receive my hugs from Brazil, I cried every second of this episode. You and all people of running channel help me and a lot of people to go forward and stay motivated. Congratulations for your journey until the finish lane in Berlin and enjoy your invite to Boston!
Oh, Anna what an emotional journey. Just sobbed my way through that with you. Well done, what an inspiration and a real trooper. Such respect for you. Sending a big congratulatory virtual hug x
This is what I love about all your race videos Anna, the raw emotion and honesty. You are amazing and the grit you had to keep pushing through when many would have given up. You should be proud 👏🏻👏🏻
Anna you’re a legend. You have said and done what a lot people wanted to do & do. You showed what is possible with the support of friends & supporters. We are always here to support each other throughout all our ups and downs
Ran Berlin last weekend. It was my first marathon and it was at least 10C too warm for my liking. Finished an hour slower than planned. Amazing experience nonetheless and a day I will never forget.
I love the heart you bring with you. Crying along with you. Have watched all your videos. So proud of your effort and inspired by you!! Working through injuries too. Three steps forward two back. Shuffled through my first marathon in July. More injuries. Nonetheless I still signed up for my first ultra in March. Thanks for the inspiration!!
Well done Anna. A lot of people would have quite and blamed the injury yet you pushed through. You give us all the motivation to continue chasing our goals and dreams.
Anna is such a genuine person, I utterly admire her confidence to run a marathon and bear her soul when it didn't go to plan. While Anna didn't run the time she wanted, it's still a hugely inspirational video. I'm at half marathon distance and this gives me the confidence to enter a marathon.
Well done Anna. The power of the mind and the power of the crowd blended nicely with your training for you to finish. Congratulations on getting a place for Boston.
anna, you are a true hero! and you should never, ever apologize for being emotional! you chose courage and you showed heart and those cannot be measured by a clock. you are and continue to be an inspiration to those of us who will never experience glory but will will always experience joy when we lace up and run because we can. can’t wait for your next adventure! i run chicago on sunday and will be thinking of you and how you motivate all of us to better.
My wife and I ran a marathon for the first time and we are very happy that this is Berlin during the pandemic period. We have been running for 2 years. You wouldn't believe it if we told you how much the content of The Running Channel has affected our development. That's why we cried with Anna while watching this video. Together with hher, we felt the pleasure of finishing the race and pain in her muscles. Anna, you have accomplished great things. You and the channel describe the very different processes and situations that any runner will experience through many different perspectives. Your contents brings us joy and happiness from time to time. And sometimes we cry and feel sad with your injuries. We are lucky because you are creating such contents. Finally, congratulations to Adidas for the meaningful gift to Anna.
OMG - I am lying in my bed at 2.53 am watching your video as I am unable to sleep after completing the Chester marathon with tears streaming down my face! Anna, you are the girl - honest, badass & totally brilliant! I feel for you but you will be back stronger and tougher for you Boston marathon! Well done Adidas for giving you a place👏 I used your smile a mile today to help me & you know what? It totally works 😁Thank you to all the Running Channel team for being just the best motivational, wisest and kindest team ever! And what a star your camera man, Freddie is! Can we see more of him, please?
Anna this was amazing.. Seeing you do this and train and forge ahead despite injury and pain and all the emotional weight. It means a lot to see, that you continued when it was hard, that you have this incredible spirit. I don’t know, it moved me so much as someone who also struggles to get out of bed ❤️ thank you for showing up and encouraging me to also be brave and ambitious
Congratulations Anna. Your journey has inspired so many of us following you. Looking forward to following you while you continue your journey to Boston. Love you!
#1: I have finished a half marathon having been injured from about 3 miles in, and was hobbling by the end. Once I sat down at the end I could not even get up again, it was so painful. BUT, finishing meant the world, so I can totally relate to what you went through for this. #2 HUGE kudos to you for finishing. I have been disappointed when I see others who quit when a race does not go their way. You hung in there and finished regardless, and I really commend you for that. Great job. Very inspirational. #3: I was just as emotional at my first live race post-lockdown earlier this year. Just felt good to be in that environment again. Great job Anna. You are a star.
Amazing Anna! As someone going through a reoccurring calf issue and recently struggled to get fit and then experienced reinjury early in a half marathon, I found this more inspiring than I think I would have if you managed to achieve the targeted time. Absolutely incredible determination and you truly deserve all of the plaudits you're going to receive. One of my heroes! Legend!
Ah Ben. Those pesky calfs. Im so sorry to hear you’re going through that too. It’s SO annoying, right? I hope you’re able to keep it at bay and have the chance to race again soon 🤞
Dear Anna, I cried with you as I watched as I've struggled through my share of difficult marathons too. If it were easy everyone would do it. Congratulations to you and best wishes in Boston!
Anna Harding, you are such an amazing person, runner, presenter ... I am in awe of how you're doing this. Congratulations on finishing, thank you for sharing and I know you will get your BQ one day!
Anna, i join thousands of others in congratulating you not just for the physical achievement, but for having the authenticity to share so much of your journey with us all. Isn’t it interesting that you have actually (probably) given more motivation to more people from your real world story than if it had been the fairytale and you’d run a 3.29! My last marathon was NY in 2019 and i was plagued with debilitating calf cramps the last 12 Kim. It was my 10th and slowest, but (like you) being totally determined to finish actually made it my proudest marathon achievement. Thanks for being an inspiration to us all!!
That was really emotional, Anna. I do feel with you, as many others for sure. Followed your journey all the way, peaked at your results sunday evening, cursed the results and worried the reasons. All experienced runners have crushed dreams and failed plans. Just remember: The is no such thing as a bad run. A failed plan is good training for another great run.
Omg Anna you are such an inspiration to me. You did such a great job and we are all so proud I’m sure. Also I watched this in tears while eating breakfast at McDonald’s while waiting to go pick up my kids as I think of Boston virtual next weekend that I am totally underprepared for!!!
Anna, you are a star. This video was about running, but about so much more. Such a tough 18 months, for the world, for individuals, and to get up day in and day out and keep plugging, what else can we ask of ourselves. Thank you for you.
Cried the whole way through this. I am so tremendously proud of you Anna. You're my hero, not because you're fast but because of your determination and your beautiful heart. I hope now, a month on, you're feeling a lot better xx
Anna is a superhero! What an inspiring journey! Yeah, Eliud Kipchoge is an amazing athlete, probably best of the best and I'm happy that he did what he did, but at the end of that you still think "But he is super human, I won't be even close to his achievements anytime in my life" and that's why I love this video. Anna is one of us and it is so easy to feel her journey.
YOU ROCK ANNA!!! Thank you for being such a real, honest, and inspirational runner! Don't apologize for your tears, we love to see all of the emotions that go into your running! You're going to run Boston, AMAZING!!! Keep being awesome! - Katie & Daniel, USA
Someone’s chopping some crazy onions near me right now. You have no idea how brilliant this video is for me at this very moment I have my first marathon in 7 days time (Amsterdam) and I’ve been training for such a long time. Last year, I did my calf in around June (and the race was canceled due to COVID ) and this year, I picked up a meniscus niggle about 6 weeks ago, which has really hampered my training. I have been given the all clear from the surgeon to run - there is no more swelling and only a bit of stiffness early on, which goes away after a couple of miles. I feel lucky, and super inspired by you! My original goal was sub 3:30- and now I have adjusted that just to finish! Thank you to the running channel and thank you to you for your openness and for being completely vulnerable. It speaks and reaches much deeper than words can ever do. Keep being you- and good luck with Boston! 🙏🙏
Inspirational Anna, i she’s a tear with you. I’m having the same problems (tight calf’s) The Pilantaris and Popliteus but somehow it’s linked with the hamstring. I think I’ll be like you on 24th for my Marathon. Thank you for your dedication in delivering this.
Not only have you inspired many to get back out there and start running again. But you also showed us how even when you were hurting and at your lowest you managed to help others out and still remain positive. It was so refreshing to see what happens when things don’t go to plan. Thank you so much for opening up and showing that side as I can imagine would be very difficult!
You did amazing Anna! Wish I had been there to cheer you on! For the running community it is so much more important to show the struggles and that it is normal to have a bad day and to struggle with injuries. Thanks for sharing your journey!
You finishing that race inspite of all the things went wrong was really inspiring. Most would have quit. To share not the best of your race is brave.. hats off
The best advice I ever received came from my husband when i headed out for the marathon yesterday. I had an injury three weeks ago that had me sidelined until the end, and he told me he believed in me BUT to not sacrifice my future for my present. He was telling me not to run to injury again and to listen to my body. I could nearly feel your physical pain while watching this, and you should feel incredible pride in your accomplishment. As a mom, though, please don't sacrifice your future physical self for the finish line. Cheers
Good job on pushing through a tough day. Having gone from a 3:57 to 2:54 I know that it’s so much harder to keep moving forward for 4+ hours than running hard for 2.5 hours when everything comes together. You showed true toughness where most people would have given up
This is by far the most honest video I’ve ever seen. You had me in tears all the way. Congratulations on everything. After 2yrs of not running due injuries and covid, Vienna City Marathon was my 1st running event.
So many tears---yes, there was some disappointment at first when you first started to struggle. But, this race was the essence of what this sport is all about. Anna, you are one of the most amazing people I've come to "know" during my own running journey. My fastest 5K is around 42 minutes. I'm 275 pounds (down 110 so far). Today I started questioning why I'm doing this at all and YOU...your journey...THIS video especially was exactly what I needed to remind me what this is all about. It's about the heart, the emotion, the journey. I cannot begin to express how much your willingness to open yourself to all of us has meant. I know you didn't hit the time you wanted, but you crossed that line with some of the fiercest determination I've ever seen. It is a privilege watching you and sharing your passion for what we do.
Well done Anna, superb effort with the injury. Who knew you could get emotional watching someone you don't know running 😢. Rest, recover and let the injury heal. When you are fully fit you will smash that 3.30 💪❤️
Loved this video ! Having just run my first marathon where I couldn’t hit my training goal , I could so relate to this .Rooting for you at Boston next year Anna. You deserve it ! Hope you have a quick recovery
Anna's infectious inspiration has resulted in me entering the ballot for London 2022. And, if I don't get a place (just like I didn't this year) I will do a virtual targeting a finish enabling me to watch the start of the actual marathon in London.
Dear Anna, This channel and you specifically, was one of the main reasons that I took the decision to start running in the first place 7 months ago on March of 2021. I had never run before and since then running became my passion. I run my first race (Brussels 20km) ever a couple of weeks ago and I registered already for the next one. After watching your video , for once again I am feeling full motivated to go for a marathon and this is because of you. You are a great runner and human and without knowing you have been with me (us) , all this months of the lockdown. Thanks for you videos and for sharing your knowledge and emotions with us. Best, Panos
↓↓ Are you running an autumn marathon this year? Where? And have you got a time goal in mind? Or have you got any words of support for Anna? Tell us in the comments ↓↓
I am running The Bakersfield Marathon on November 13th. My first marathon. I am really proud of you Anna. “Finish lines not finish times”
I am running my first marathon in 4 weeks... NYC!!! 5:30 was my goal on day 1 of training 14 weeks ago, though I am hopeful to be closer to 5:00 on race day!!! CONGRATS ANNA!!!
I was going to run the marine corps marathon but they canceled it. Decided to run it around my neighborhood with my friends and family to cheer me on! Goal 1 is to beat my last marathon time and simply to finish 😆
I’m not running a marathon, and I was doing fine until I saw “Team Anna”. I’m looking outside and it looks like it’s raining.
Anna, even if you didn’t achieve what you set out to do, you finished. Hopefully you’ll take time to recover until the next challenge. And I am so not watching another Anna video cos it will rain!!!
Anna, it doesn't matter your time. The important thing it's that you DID IT!! Your PERSISTENCE carried you to the finish line! And as a bonus...you're in Boston!!! You're stronger than you think!!CONGRATULATIONS!
Dear Anna, you may have not reached the 3:30 goal but this piece of content, I think, has done so much much for every one watching. It was hear felt, moving and authentic. Your journey will make more of an impact now than if you had made the target time. This vid will resonate more with others as it really does show the reality of doing something inctedibly difficult but more importantly how we respond with courage, optimistic and hope. Huge congratulations. This is one memorable and inspiring marathon!
You are absolutely right. I am running a marathon in 2 weeks, and have a goal to go under 4 hours, and this videos made me realise how incredible useful it is to have multiple goals - and to also be aware that sometimes things are out of your control, and that you have to reassess and keep going! Thanks Ana for this incredible video
Love this
@@Regimeshifts yep my goal is to go sub 4 hours too...I will get there. Patience!
@Road Runner everyone is entitled to their own opinion and respect yours, personally I think is shows great mental strength to carry on after injury interrupted training and then an injury from early on. cheers
@Road Runner I may be wrong but I've not seen anyone looking for sympathy? As for mental strength, you could try applying some yourself and not comment in such a needless manner.
What an inspiration to all the “normal” runners out there pounding the pavement week in week out with all the ups and downs and showing us all that every run is not an Instagram perfect moment, thank you
Thank you Jason, that’s really kind of you 🙏
Please don’t ever behave like this insane woman during a marathon
Anna, you had me in tears at the end. The fact you finished is incredible. There will be another race to reach your goal. You are an inspiration for the fact you kept going with an injury! You are just incredible! ❤️
Well done Anna, another well earned medal. Could see you gave it your absolute best effort, even I felt emotional watching. This is what it takes to be a marathon runner, you keep going when it gets tough, physically and mentally, but get it done. Very inspiring, thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the kind words.
Well, many tears here, too. I'm running Boston in a week, with training hampered by injuries this summer. I expect it will be hard, but I'll have this video on loop in my brain. Thank you for your example of bravery and perseverance when the going gets tough. To finish is to win, and you're a winner.
Thanks so much Fred, and good luck for Boston!
Well done Fred. You can do this 💪 run strong and run brave. And most importantly, soak up the atmosphere of an incredible event
Seeing her finish even though in pain is an inspiration!! I will be in Boston too! I’m going through an Achilles injury and I am finding so many other are having issues as well. Glad to not feel so alone. But let’s finish and grab those Boston medals! 🏅
@@anna.the.runner Well, it was rough in Boston Monday. I was in OK shape for about 15 miles, but it was actually the downhill in Newton that was the point where I lost control of the run and it began to control me. I was still excited to be there and experiencing the crowds and love of friends and family. I thought of your experience a few times, and it kept me going. 4:31 was not what I hoped, but many times, it's persevering when it's not your day that shows the depth of your character and provides salve for the disappointment. I'm already making running plans for next year, which is often the best antidote. Best of luck in Boston, Anna, drink it all in next April! Appreciating your courage and passion!
Now I’m a blubbering mess. Oh, Anna. How incredibly strong you are. Thank you for sharing your journey and being so honest about mental health. Struggling with injury for the last three years and mental health, too it’s so lovely to know you’re not alone. Congratulations on getting back to the marathon! You should be so proud of yourself ❤️
Thanks Rachel!
Dear Anna,
During COVID, my training has also slipped and I feel like I've lost a part of myself that I really love. While I was watching your video and you said, "I'm just proud to be here, because I wasn't even getting out of bed 12 months ago." ... I couldn't relate more and you're right. Just getting up and starting over is an accomplishment. I've signed up for two races next year and you'll be in my coach in spirit!
Thanks so much for inspiring me,
Bianca
I was expecting energy and motivation when I started watching this series, I wasn't expecting to be so moved by Anna's whole experience, including the frankly honest bits of emotional and physical pain the marathon itself. This was really powerful. Thank you.
Dear Anna. Well done for finishing the Berlin Marathon. It‘s great when everything clicks in place but getting through a tough marathon is at least an as big achievement if not bigger. Thank you for sharing your struggle. We‘ve been all there and we will all be back there at some point. Having had a tough 2 years myself with running, this video gave me motivation (and lots of tears too), much more than another video of a always winning and ‘perfect’ runner youtuber would ever be able to. Smile a mile!
😊😁😊😁
This series has been so helpful to me personally. Helped me stay motivated, taught me so much about running, picked me up when I felt down about my running, helped me manage my expectations for training and race day and so much more. Thank you for all you have done for me and so many others and can't wait to keep following your journey all the way to Boston! Team Anna 4 lyf!!
Thank you for following Anna's journey! #TeamAnna
Oh my goodness you made me cry watching this I really felt your pain during the marathon and how happy you were getting the Boston marathon news, well done Anna you're such an inspiration.
Anna, I swear I cry with you watching all of your races. You HAVE inspired so many people and have such a beautiful heart. Well done!!
Anna, I'm so proud of and inspired by you. In a sea of social media focused on elite runners getting records, you are the one who gets me pumped, makes me cry, and encourages me to channel my mental difficulties of this last year and a half into something I can be proud of. Amazing as always. Congratulations!
Thanks for the lovely words, Arielle!
Ugh Anna 😭❤️ you saying „if you have struggled this was for you“ got me crying my eyes out for a few minutes straight. 🙏
In return - I am running the Munich half marathon in a week and that my friend will be for you :)
Good luck for your HM!
Finish a marathon is not easy, but finishing injuried is admirable, having to battle your mind and the physical pain every second for 5h00 hours. Giving up was so easy... Congratulations Anna you have the mental strength, the physical part surely will arise too.
Oh my word, that was one of the most honest and inspirational marathon videos I have ever seen. There isn't a runner here who wont feel every inch of you pain. So many times we see the great and the glorious side of the event, but that's rarely the true picture for the majority of runners. So pleased and honoured to have shared at least part of the journey with you. Relax, recuperate and return stronger. We will all be here to encourage and support you. Go Team Anna!!
Girl, I was crying all through this video with you. You're an inspiration to so many people. Congratulations!
Hope that you recover quickly Anna and that Boston gives you the opportunity to really shine even more than you usually do.
Always Team Anna ❤
Thanks for the support Michael 🙌
Thanks so so much Michael. I’m still in shock TBH!
Thank you Anna for letting us be part of your journey in Q2Q Berlin.
I did feel it's was for me, and others struggling during the past 18+ months.
Much Admiration and Inspiration!!
P.S. how can we get/buy a "Smile a Mile - Team Anna" shirt? I'd run in that! It would give me superpowers!!! 🦸🏼♀️
I bawled my eyes out for most of this video, thank you for sharing this journey, warts and all. Anna, you are a wonderful example of the community that running inspires xx
thanks Naomi!
In a marathon, all the hard works and pains of the last several months will be summarized and shown on one day, one morning, in between two to four, five hours in general, and when things go wrong..., absolutely worse than what we expected..., it is really devastating and difficult to continue and we tend to give that up easily... We even see that from the elites giving up a race during the race, but you didn't give up, pushed it through till the end and finished it with the big support of many friends and supporters... You're a winner and a blessed one, Anna, no matter what the time said... And life is so beautiful when we see a person like you genuinely cries with a failure... because life is not all about success and happiness ever after, but rather getting up 10 times and keep going after nine times of failures on the way... I got more inspired and impressed by your running experience in this Berlin Marathon than that of E. Kipchoge's 2:08 Tokyo Marathon this year... And Adidas' special and thoughtful support to you is so amazing to witness... Keep staying encouraged and running and you will be a light in the running communities no matter what... Cheers to you, your team, your supporters and Adidas... 🥺😁👍
Very brave of you to share your day especially when things aren't going well! Congrats on finishing! We've all had days where things just don't go to plan...I sure have! My fall marathon just got cancelled :( So I'm just envious you got to participate in one! Well done Anna!
Thank you Brian! Hope you're able to compete in a marathon soon!
Anna, This was the best thing I have ever seen. Thank you. I don’t cry often but this had me in tears. I’m on the fence about training for another marathon and your will power and courage during training and on race day have inspired me so much! I can’t wait to follow your journey to Boston. Amazing!!
Omg I've never been so emotional and so happy for someone running a marathon! So proud of you Anna!
❤️❤️❤️
Oh Anna, not embarrassed to say you made a grown man cry. Just sending huge hugs and a massive congratulations. I’ve spent the last 12 months suffering with on and off calf issues which hampered my Great North Run prep. It reared it head again during GNR at mile 5 and I just wanted to stop. There’s this inner voice that said “smile a mile” after that I couldn’t quit. Like you somehow I crossed that finish line. Thanks for the inspiration to keep going through all this S-t. I’m back at GNR next year to run it properly 🤞. 👏🥰👊🏻 That girl can.
Anna, you had me crying for the entire 21 minutes and beyond! You truly are such an inspiration - Congrats on an incredible journey! #TeamAnna
Having struggled with my running recently this gave me the boost I need. Well done on finishing it! Such a massive achievement and makes me believe that I can actually do my own first marathon next year!
Good luck Jennifer!
Thanks for the spoiler warning.😊
This is one of the most real things I've seen online ever! Thank you Anna for putting yourself out there for us! I felt all the emotions as I watched you fight your way to the finish line!! You are a superhero!! Big hugs from Quebec, Canada 🤗
I’m running NYC in just 5 weeks! This will be my first marathon ever and I’m hoping to finish around 5 hours. After watching Anna’s NYC marathon video a few years ago I knew that was something I needed to do. Watching Anna run is so inspiring and I can’t wait to see her run Boston!
Yay, Anna!! I've cried with you through this, if that makes you feel better 😆 I think many of us cried with you through this. Well done! You are a super woman to do a marathon whilst injured! You really are an inspiration and I look forward to watching your Boston marathon in 2022!! Whoop whoop! 🥳
Anna - I wanted to come and give you a cuddle at the end of that and tell you that all is well. You are a special person who has given so much to so many. You ran brave in Berlin and when others would have quit you carried on. Remember that despite what happens on a run, you are loved every step of the way. Hope you recover quickly and the next race can be yours.
Thanks for the kind words Graeme!
Anna, kudos on such a courageous and inspiring run. I shed tears watching this video but they are tears of joy and excitement for the next phase of your training. You are a winner simply for crossing the starting line of the Berlin Marathon. And your finish is the starting line of yet another step on your journey.
Well done Anna, I'm so sorry about your injury, but you should be so proud of yourself. We were all there with in spirit.
You are so lucky to be able to run an event, it's been 2 years since my last marathon and thanks to restrictions in Australia there won't be any more events till mid 2022. You're running this for all of us.
We may not know you all personally at the running channel, but we love you all and you have brought so much to so many. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!
I tried so hard not to cry along with you, but I lost it when you were reading your note at the end. So incredibly impressed with your perseverance and the strength to be willing to show your low points as well as your highs. I was already Team Anna, but I've never rooted for a runner like this before. I hope you will love the Boston marathon next year. You deserve it!
Oh Anna I've smiled laughed and cried along with you in that video. It may not have been your day but im so pleased you are going to Boston 😊 I know you'll have heard this before but you are such an inspiration to so many of us, we have seen everything in your training and the Berlin marathon the highs the lows and everything in between. The brutal honesty that you share with us is amazing and we will all be routing for you in 2022 for Boston go get that unicorn 🦄 💙
Dear Anna, I was literally crying with you, the support means so much! I've done the London Marathon yesterday and only support from my husband and friends on the course pushed me for an incredible result!
Wishing you a speedy recovery and good luck with your training! xx
Anna you are SUCH an inspiration to so many people. Never forget how amazing you are. Injury or no injury, running a marathon is so incredible and you should be so proud! Hope your recovery is going well and I can't wait to see what you've got planned next! Thanks for keeping it real, as always
Dear Anna, well done for finishing, we felt your pain and cried with you when we watched your film! It was so touching, and thanks for being so honest! You are amazing!!
I remember that “snile a mile” sign, it made me ridiculously happy too!! Watching this exactly a week from the day really took me back and as someone that’s been through a sacral stress fracture in the beginning of the year, totally feel you, good job !!
Thanks Bora!
No need to apologize Anna.....I was crying along with you. What an amazing video!!! I saw the video of you running the New York marathon and this was even better for what you had to overcome. Congratulations!!! You displayed tremendous strength and courage to complete that race....many others would have quit. What a surprise at the end! Really happy for you to get invited to Boston! All the best!
Dear Anna- Thank you. I have been a runner since my teenage years but have been dealing with some knee and shin injuries over the past few years that have prevented me from running long distances. Your drive and passion is contagious and you are truly a role model for me and all of the Running Channel supporters. When you said that you ran this marathon for all of those who struggled over the last year or so it really struck a chord with me. Although I havent been running regularly now for over a year, I have been able to run vicariously through you and am so grateful for you. I wish you a restful recovery! Cheers
Thank you for being so honest in the video and showing how emotional this was. I completed my first half this year after coming back (still injured) from an Achilles injury. Seeing how you dealt with missing your goal and being super happy with your progress has made me reevaluate beating myself up about my half. Thank you Anna
I had to pause this video so many times! One reason, to savor your day, your journey and the other reason was because of the emotional roller coaster you brought us on. Thank you Anna and the running channel for sharing the joy of running with all its up and downs. Congratulations Anna, really from the bottom of my heart we are so happy for you!!!!!
Everyone who finishes a marathon is a winner, no exceptions. Thanks for sharing this with us Anna, looking forward to being with you for the journey to Boston!
Well done Anna, I want you to know that you have inspired me to run again after a 7 years break, thank you. You should be incredibly proud of your accomplishments. I cried all the way through that with you xxxx you’re a star
Oh Sarah, you’ve set me off crying again 😢 I love that you’re back running after a 7 year break! 🙌 You super star! I wish you many happy miles
Anna, this video was truly amazing! It made me cry more than I would like to admit and honestly I think this is the most motivating video I have seen in a long time! To do it in a certain time is of course a fantastic achievement but to break through the mental barrier you had to push through in order to finish the marathon is an even bigger achievement and is more motivating than you know! Really well done you should be super proud of yourself and I look forward to cheering you on during the Boston marathon series next year 🏃♀️💪
Thanks for the support!
I'm not an overl, emotional person, but seeing Anna cry ALWAYS makes me tear up! She's such an lovely persond and though we don't kniw eachother personally, she's got a place very close to my heart!
I hope one day we can run a marathon together ❤
Dear Anna, You're such an inspiration and this is such a victory. This time has been such a struggle for so many and seeing you rise is a boost. Can't wait to see your Boston marathon next year!
Oh wow. Most of us who have done marathons and ultras know very well what it takes to keep going and finish when you know you won't achieve what you set out to achieve, and this video is a pristine example of that strength and resolve! Well done, Anna, what an awesome journey! Keep those legs in shape for the next one ;)
Anna, thank you so much for sharing this. I am literally sitting here welling up with you, feeling those emotions. You are an absolute inspiration and even though I have never met you I am really proud of your determination, bravery and perseverance. The running channel helped me go from barley being able to run for 20 minutes to my first 10k last Sunday, and that felt emotional to me. Can't image what a marathon is like. You're brilliant!
Congrats on your first 10K!
Well done Anna, you did everything you could and overcame so much just to get to Berlin. Finishing what you started was the biggest achievement. Never give up and keep moving forward 💪
Thanks so much! 😊
Anna, you and the Running Channel community have been secretly my sole training partners since January 2020 when I discovered your channel while on the road for work. Each mile I completed since then was most likely preceded or followed by one of your videos, inspiring me to keep to my goals, even in a time when I was isolated from fellow athletes due to the pandemic. Anyone who has powered through a tough goal knows how hard you’ve worked Anna, and I personally am proud of you and TRC’s and Adidas’ belief in you. We should all be so lucky to have such a supportive community surrounding us and lifting us up, even when our own legs may not. Coincidentally, I was in Boston yesterday for work and thought of you and next week’s race. I hope to see you in Hopkinton in 2022.
Only you and Adidas to make me cry like a baby... I'm so proud of you Anna... You deserve it
Oh Anna, receive my hugs from Brazil, I cried every second of this episode. You and all people of running channel help me and a lot of people to go forward and stay motivated. Congratulations for your journey until the finish lane in Berlin and enjoy your invite to Boston!
Oh, Anna what an emotional journey. Just sobbed my way through that with you. Well done, what an inspiration and a real trooper. Such respect for you. Sending a big congratulatory virtual hug x
This is what I love about all your race videos Anna, the raw emotion and honesty. You are amazing and the grit you had to keep pushing through when many would have given up. You should be proud 👏🏻👏🏻
Anna you’re a legend. You have said and done what a lot people wanted to do & do. You showed what is possible with the support of friends & supporters. We are always here to support each other throughout all our ups and downs
Ran Berlin last weekend. It was my first marathon and it was at least 10C too warm for my liking. Finished an hour slower than planned. Amazing experience nonetheless and a day I will never forget.
Glad you enjoyed despite the warm conditions!
I love the heart you bring with you. Crying along with you. Have watched all your videos. So proud of your effort and inspired by you!! Working through injuries too. Three steps forward two back. Shuffled through my first marathon in July. More injuries. Nonetheless I still signed up for my first ultra in March. Thanks for the inspiration!!
That's great to hear Millie!
Well done Anna. A lot of people would have quite and blamed the injury yet you pushed through.
You give us all the motivation to continue chasing our goals and dreams.
Anna is such a genuine person, I utterly admire her confidence to run a marathon and bear her soul when it didn't go to plan. While Anna didn't run the time she wanted, it's still a hugely inspirational video. I'm at half marathon distance and this gives me the confidence to enter a marathon.
How can anyone not love Anna!! ❤️❤️
Well done Anna. The power of the mind and the power of the crowd blended nicely with your training for you to finish. Congratulations on getting a place for Boston.
anna, you are a true hero! and you should never, ever apologize for being emotional! you chose courage and you showed heart and those cannot be measured by a clock. you are and continue to be an inspiration to those of us who will never experience glory but will will always experience joy when we lace up and run because we can. can’t wait for your next adventure! i run chicago on sunday and will be thinking of you and how you motivate all of us to better.
GOOD LUCK at Chicago, Mary 🙌
My wife and I ran a marathon for the first time and we are very happy that this is Berlin during the pandemic period. We have been running for 2 years. You wouldn't believe it if we told you how much the content of The Running Channel has affected our development. That's why we cried with Anna while watching this video. Together with hher, we felt the pleasure of finishing the race and pain in her muscles. Anna, you have accomplished great things. You and the channel describe the very different processes and situations that any runner will experience through many different perspectives. Your contents brings us joy and happiness from time to time. And sometimes we cry and feel sad with your injuries. We are lucky because you are creating such contents. Finally, congratulations to Adidas for the meaningful gift to Anna.
OMG - I am lying in my bed at 2.53 am watching your video as I am unable to sleep after completing the Chester marathon with tears streaming down my face! Anna, you are the girl - honest, badass & totally brilliant! I feel for you but you will be back stronger and tougher for you Boston marathon! Well done Adidas for giving you a place👏 I used your smile a mile today to help me & you know what? It totally works 😁Thank you to all the Running Channel team for being just the best motivational, wisest and kindest team ever! And what a star your camera man, Freddie is! Can we see more of him, please?
Thanks for the kind words Jennie. Freddie spin-off series coming in 2022. He'll be the Fraser to Anna's Cheers!
Lol.....so who is Niles to Freddie's Fraser Crane? Andy🤣
Anna this was amazing.. Seeing you do this and train and forge ahead despite injury and pain and all the emotional weight. It means a lot to see, that you continued when it was hard, that you have this incredible spirit. I don’t know, it moved me so much as someone who also struggles to get out of bed ❤️ thank you for showing up and encouraging me to also be brave and ambitious
Congratulations Anna.
Your journey has inspired so many of us following you. Looking forward to following you while you continue your journey to Boston. Love you!
#1: I have finished a half marathon having been injured from about 3 miles in, and was hobbling by the end. Once I sat down at the end I could not even get up again, it was so painful. BUT, finishing meant the world, so I can totally relate to what you went through for this.
#2 HUGE kudos to you for finishing. I have been disappointed when I see others who quit when a race does not go their way. You hung in there and finished regardless, and I really commend you for that. Great job. Very inspirational.
#3: I was just as emotional at my first live race post-lockdown earlier this year. Just felt good to be in that environment again.
Great job Anna. You are a star.
Amazing Anna! As someone going through a reoccurring calf issue and recently struggled to get fit and then experienced reinjury early in a half marathon, I found this more inspiring than I think I would have if you managed to achieve the targeted time.
Absolutely incredible determination and you truly deserve all of the plaudits you're going to receive.
One of my heroes! Legend!
Ah Ben. Those pesky calfs. Im so sorry to hear you’re going through that too. It’s SO annoying, right? I hope you’re able to keep it at bay and have the chance to race again soon 🤞
Dear Anna, I cried with you as I watched as I've struggled through my share of difficult marathons too. If it were easy everyone would do it. Congratulations to you and best wishes in Boston!
Anna Harding, you are such an amazing person, runner, presenter ... I am in awe of how you're doing this. Congratulations on finishing, thank you for sharing and I know you will get your BQ one day!
Anna, i join thousands of others in congratulating you not just for the physical achievement, but for having the authenticity to share so much of your journey with us all. Isn’t it interesting that you have actually (probably) given more motivation to more people from your real world story than if it had been the fairytale and you’d run a 3.29! My last marathon was NY in 2019 and i was plagued with debilitating calf cramps the last 12 Kim. It was my 10th and slowest, but (like you) being totally determined to finish actually made it my proudest marathon achievement. Thanks for being an inspiration to us all!!
That was really emotional, Anna. I do feel with you, as many others for sure.
Followed your journey all the way, peaked at your results sunday evening, cursed the results and worried the reasons.
All experienced runners have crushed dreams and failed plans.
Just remember: The is no such thing as a bad run. A failed plan is good training for another great run.
Omg Anna you are such an inspiration to me. You did such a great job and we are all so proud I’m sure.
Also I watched this in tears while eating breakfast at McDonald’s while waiting to go pick up my kids as I think of Boston virtual next weekend that I am totally underprepared for!!!
Anna, you are a star. This video was about running, but about so much more. Such a tough 18 months, for the world, for individuals, and to get up day in and day out and keep plugging, what else can we ask of ourselves. Thank you for you.
Cried the whole way through this. I am so tremendously proud of you Anna. You're my hero, not because you're fast but because of your determination and your beautiful heart. I hope now, a month on, you're feeling a lot better xx
Oh Anna 😭 this was a tear jerker! Congrats on your marathon, sending you so much love! This series was amazing!
Thanks Darby, it was a fun series to make for us too.
Anna is a superhero! What an inspiring journey! Yeah, Eliud Kipchoge is an amazing athlete, probably best of the best and I'm happy that he did what he did, but at the end of that you still think "But he is super human, I won't be even close to his achievements anytime in my life" and that's why I love this video. Anna is one of us and it is so easy to feel her journey.
YOU ROCK ANNA!!! Thank you for being such a real, honest, and inspirational runner! Don't apologize for your tears, we love to see all of the emotions that go into your running! You're going to run Boston, AMAZING!!! Keep being awesome! - Katie & Daniel, USA
Thanks guys, your support means a lot!
Someone’s chopping some crazy onions near me right now. You have no idea how brilliant this video is for me at this very moment I have my first marathon in 7 days time (Amsterdam) and I’ve been training for such a long time. Last year, I did my calf in around June (and the race was canceled due to COVID ) and this year, I picked up a meniscus niggle about 6 weeks ago, which has really hampered my training. I have been given the all clear from the surgeon to run - there is no more swelling and only a bit of stiffness early on, which goes away after a couple of miles. I feel lucky, and super inspired by you! My original goal was sub 3:30- and now I have adjusted that just to finish! Thank you to the running channel and thank you to you for your openness and for being completely vulnerable. It speaks and reaches much deeper than words can ever do. Keep being you- and good luck with Boston! 🙏🙏
Finally! Even though I tracked you and know your result, I've been really waiting for this episode. You're a warrior!
Thank you!
Inspirational Anna, i she’s a tear with you. I’m having the same problems (tight calf’s) The Pilantaris and Popliteus but somehow it’s linked with the hamstring. I think I’ll be like you on 24th for my Marathon. Thank you for your dedication in delivering this.
Dear Anna - I am in awe of your strength and perseverance, you are an absolute inspiration to us all. A massive congratulations!
Thank you Carly
Not only have you inspired many to get back out there and start running again. But you also showed us how even when you were hurting and at your lowest you managed to help others out and still remain positive. It was so refreshing to see what happens when things don’t go to plan.
Thank you so much for opening up and showing that side as I can imagine would be very difficult!
Aw Anna, we're all so proud of you. Such an emotional video and thank you for being so honest and sharing. Speedy recovery ❤
Thank you Becky!
You did amazing Anna! Wish I had been there to cheer you on! For the running community it is so much more important to show the struggles and that it is normal to have a bad day and to struggle with injuries. Thanks for sharing your journey!
You finishing that race inspite of all the things went wrong was really inspiring. Most would have quit.
To share not the best of your race is brave.. hats off
The best advice I ever received came from my husband when i headed out for the marathon yesterday. I had an injury three weeks ago that had me sidelined until the end, and he told me he believed in me BUT to not sacrifice my future for my present. He was telling me not to run to injury again and to listen to my body. I could nearly feel your physical pain while watching this, and you should feel incredible pride in your accomplishment. As a mom, though, please don't sacrifice your future physical self for the finish line. Cheers
"I came here to finish this and I will finish this!", new mantra for my next marathon's last hour. Thanks for your video and thanks for your work.
Good job on pushing through a tough day. Having gone from a 3:57 to 2:54 I know that it’s so much harder to keep moving forward for 4+ hours than running hard for 2.5 hours when everything comes together. You showed true toughness where most people would have given up
This is by far the most honest video I’ve ever seen. You had me in tears all the way. Congratulations on everything. After 2yrs of not running due injuries and covid, Vienna City Marathon was my 1st running event.
So many tears---yes, there was some disappointment at first when you first started to struggle. But, this race was the essence of what this sport is all about. Anna, you are one of the most amazing people I've come to "know" during my own running journey. My fastest 5K is around 42 minutes. I'm 275 pounds (down 110 so far). Today I started questioning why I'm doing this at all and YOU...your journey...THIS video especially was exactly what I needed to remind me what this is all about. It's about the heart, the emotion, the journey. I cannot begin to express how much your willingness to open yourself to all of us has meant. I know you didn't hit the time you wanted, but you crossed that line with some of the fiercest determination I've ever seen. It is a privilege watching you and sharing your passion for what we do.
Well done Anna, superb effort with the injury. Who knew you could get emotional watching someone you don't know running 😢. Rest, recover and let the injury heal. When you are fully fit you will smash that 3.30 💪❤️
Loved this video ! Having just run my first marathon where I couldn’t hit my training goal , I could so relate to this .Rooting for you at Boston next year Anna. You deserve it ! Hope you have a quick recovery
Thanks Shibin!
Anna's infectious inspiration has resulted in me entering the ballot for London 2022. And, if I don't get a place (just like I didn't this year) I will do a virtual targeting a finish enabling me to watch the start of the actual marathon in London.
Best of luck for the ballot!
Dear Anna,
This channel and you specifically, was one of the main reasons that I took the decision to start running in the first place 7 months ago on March of 2021. I had never run before and since then running became my passion. I run my first race (Brussels 20km) ever a couple of weeks ago and I registered already for the next one. After watching your video , for once again I am feeling full motivated to go for a marathon and this is because of you. You are a great runner and human and without knowing you have been with me (us) , all this months of the lockdown. Thanks for you videos and for sharing your knowledge and emotions with us.
Best,
Panos
ANNA YOU MADE ME CRY!!! huge congrats
Thanks for watching Sara!
Damn onions… Kudos for getting to the end through so much pain and emotions, now I only regret not coming out to cheer for you on the route.
Anna, thank you so much for sharing this journey with us, painful as it has been.