Well done Andy. A fantastic performance to run even with an injury. I picked up a PF injury myself earlier this year (albeit mine was arch pain more than the heel) but by the sounds of it I got lucky as I was back on the road to recovery in about 10 weeks. Heaps of respect for getting out and getting it done (since you were repping the ben parkes hat 😉) Hope you manage to recover soon. Well done mate.
Thanks Matt, the thing was, I'd had to cancel the MHM in 2023 because of COVID so even though I'd cut back the mileage by 75% I thought I had to give it a try and hope the other stuff I do would back fill a bit. When the wheels started to come off at 12/13K with the leg pain I started to think it was over but when Tony & Mandy gave me a shout out in Sale, I decided to try and recover the pace and by 16K, I was on a mission - I had to get that medal, even if it meant walking💪My heel didn't play up on the run, just my calves🤣You couldn't make it up really..! And thanks to David Goggins obviously🤣
Hi Jenny, thanks so much! I feel like I've climbed a mountain and put a flag on the top! I am thinking of taking part in a trail race in November but there's a lot of other things going on for me and my wife at the moment so I won't know for a week or two. Thanks for your support!
You did it! What a star 🌟 So glad you managed to get it done after all of the drama in the lead up mate. I've started with heel pain now, so I'm taking inspiration from you 💪🏃♂️
Hi Mark, thanks so much, I really wasn't sure if I would complete it when I hit the low point in Sale (say 13K) but I Tony and Mandy gave me a big lift cheering me on at that point and I just kept going. My heel wasn't an issue at all in the days leading up to the Half but I struggled to walk to the tram stop afterwards and my heel has been troublesome all week (no surprise really), must have been that 200-300m sprint to the finish line. If you would like any tips on the heel recovery, just get in touch via Strava and we can message each other. I have learned a lot about PF in 11 months I can tell you:)
Brilliant Andy. Not just doing it, but the video and the chat. Everything you said resonates and these events are made special by every single person that in one way or another made it happen. Wishing you well or holding up boards, its a real sense of everyone coming together to make you succeed. So pleased you got to do it this year mate even if the training didn't go to plan (when does it ever)? Nice to see you you so happy to have done it. Now on to the next lol
Hi Craig, thanks for watching and appreciate your kind comments. It's hard to take in how many people there are literally all around this Manchester course, must be thousands, and hearing your name shouted is a massive boost. I remember about 19K someone was playing "Getting Jiggy With It" by Will Smith and I started dancing and jumped into the air, that got a big cheer (I was on a massive high by then...:)
Thanks very much, I appreciate the kudos, already signed up for 2025 (what time could I do if I was able to train properly...?) Have you done this one at all?
Hi Andy, congratulations on the half marathon. You were amazing considering you are carrying an injury and lack of mileage training. Mandy and myself and even Sami the Beagle just watched it on the big screen. Well our main TV 😂. It's amazing what you can do when you dig deep. I ran my 2nd marathon London in 2001 with PF and missed alot of sessions. Like you just dug deep, suffered, struggled hit the 'wall' between miles 18-22 then from 23 felt brilliant with a fast last mile and sprint to the finish line 😂. It's very teue what you said. Just being part of something, making new friends, clearing your head always helps the mind. Parkrun is great for that. So now you are a half marathon runner and you have it in the tank. The next one will be easier. Great video and look at me waffling on like you, must be contagious 😂😂.. Once again congratulations and well done. Now get Ivy out on a walk ❤
Hi Tony and Mandy, thank you so much, as I said when I walked to the start, it was a just a great big unknown with the lack of of training and the heel issue although the heel had been good in the days leading up to the race, would I even complete it but strangely I didn't feel that nervous either (which is unusual for me). Thanks for your clip btw, I never thought I'd make it to the big screen! I do not know how people can even complete a marathon as that Half took it out of me, I am only just starting to feel recovered! So well done to you Tony:) I am pretty certain I will book for the Manchester Half for 2025, I think I would enjoy it more with training and I want to do better:) I walk Ivy each morning and you probably saw the next day I posted my walk with her as "Aching"....:) A bit broken!
Amazingly done, it was great watching your video, you still looked so happy throughout all of it and we are very proud, a lot more to come, medals look ace 🎉
Thanks guys, I was absolutely determined to cross the fnishing line and grasp that medal, as you saw it was a complete step in the dark with the minimal training. I don't think I have been so happy for many a year:) The sense of achievement was overwhelming so a couple of beers were consumed thereafter:) I have already signed up for the MCRHALF 2025 as I want to see what I can do with proper training 💪
@@raleyadventures I haven’t, I might do if I finally crack the heel pain issue (I think it’s near the end now😃, says he optimistically😬). Ran in the Mizuno Wave Ultimas at Manchester, they did me proud🥳
Thanks Linda, I appreciate your kind comments. Without wanting to sound too dramatic, this really was a journey into the unknown and hitting the wall at 13K really tested me physically and mentally but I got through it, I just had to get to the finish line...:)
Wow, what a brilliant effort, congratulations. Andy. It is videos like this that are so inspiring. I felt emotional watching how happy you were at the finish! It feels like I've been on the journey with you through all the videos. Great stuff!
Hi Rich, it was an emotional day for sure, from the lows of the 8 mile point to the highs of a negative split last 5/6K and a sprint finish, it had it all. Thanks for watching and supporting:)
I hit a wall at 11m and ended up with 2:19 but still quite happy as I'd had a chest infection all week. Was on target for a sub 2hrs PB until the Wednesday before but it was a miracle I started. Sometimes you've just got to do the best you can do on the day, not the best you had planned in your head.
@@cameronashton7150 I bet you’re so glad you got out there regardless Cameron, running conditions were perfect and the crowds were amazing. Well done on the 2:19💪I’m still so happy with how I coped with the low point in Sale and managed to bounce back in last 5/6K, I’m already booked for ‘25😀
Congratulations, Andy. The most important take-away is that you're happy with the outcome, and feeling that sense of accomplishment - especially given the adversity that you've had to overcome with your injury - is one of the gifts of running. The watch thing is annoying, has happened to me as well.
Thanks Reto, I could not have been happier at the finish, and I surprised myself with my splits over the last 5K when I thought I'd be walking! My heel has suffered and it's not been good this week but I would not change what happened last Sunday for the world:) I will do a test start on my watch the next time I race! Appreciate your support, when is Kodiak 50K?
@@AndyCliffMTB The heel will heal, and that is expected after racing a half-marathon. There were wildfires in the San Bernadino National Forest when I had to make travel arrangements for the Kodiak 50K, so I deferred to 2025. Of course, the fires were finally contained and the race happened. LOL. My Yeti 100 Cancelled video mentions my upcoming races.
Congrats on completing the half, I also ran it. That feeling around 15km where you stop noticing the crowds and you tunnel vision in on the pain in the legs 😂. All forgotten when you cross the line!
Thanks James, it was a roller coaster of a day and I will never forget all the special moments that lifted me and helped me fight back at the low point in Sale.
Great video and achievement, even more so considering your injury streak - thanks for sharing. I found that middle section through Sale really hard work too, I was very happy to get back on the dual carriageway! I made the schoolboy error of starting my sprint finish too early thinking the Puma tunnel was the finish line, thankfully a fair few people around me did the same so I didn't feel too silly when I dialled it back again! Are you planning on any more half marathons in the near future? 🙂
Hi John, thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed it. That was such a great day for the runners, the weather was perfect for everyone and the crowd support was a massive help to everyone. I made that mistake at the Geneva 10K in 2023, then realised there was another 400-500m to go! I am pretty certain that I'll be doing the Manchester Half in 2025 because I think I could do better with solid training (as I did in 2023 before I pulled out with Covid).
@@AndyCliffMTB Funnily enough I just put my entry in for 2025 this morning. I'm doing the Manchester full (first marathon) in April and also Chester Half again a few weeks later (bad planning on my part!) but I'd like to get as close to 2 hours in Manchester this time next year! (a big ask to knock 20 minutes off, but you never know!!) I'm not sure the conditions will ever be quite as optimal again though, it really was perfect weather on Sunday!
@@J0hn.Turn3r Hats off to you for going for the full marathon, I have done a couple of videos of Manchester, supporting friends and otherRUclipsrs and getting around the course on my mtb. I think 2 hours is a nice target, although that's about 5:40/km average, that might be tough for me. I am about to sign up for Manchester Half again for 2025, hope weather is kind to us!
I too did the MCR half for the first time and it was quite fun. The oranisation at the end was a bit chaotic but it happens when events grow. I was able to get the training in so it was a lot easier for me. I had a target of sub 1:45 but missed it by seconds but finishing is in any time is still a win.
If you achieved a 1:45 that's impressive, when I was training for it last year (but had to pull out with Covid) I was hoping to do at least a 2:06 and maybe on the day a sub-2:) Yes, I was super happy with my time and just getting across that line on Sunday. Thanks for watching/subscribing.
@@AndyCliffMTB I've been running halves for 4 years now and trying to 5-10 minutes off every year. So like you I started at 2 hours and worked from there, I'm not 'keen' runner but I like to challenge myself. Don't think you can't do it, I'm nearly 60 and don't do a long every week.
@@BillyBobJoeSnr I think I mention in my YT bio about surprising yourself (and other people) and not being held back because you're an older runner. I made a decision at 40 to go down the fitness route and for the longest time it was all about mtb or swimming and running only happened properly in 2019 so now I try to divide my time across lots of disciplines gym/swim/aqua/run/ride and I love it. I think sub-2 is possible for me, it's quite a watershed same as sub-4 in the marathon. Where are you, assume in the UK?
Thanks Matt, at 15K the gel I took at 14K might have been kicking in but the pain in my legs was the real barrier I had to overcome, I think that was more David Goggins related and just focusing on trying to recover my earlier pace. I surprised myself in the last 5/6K, I just kept getting quicker and using up rserves I didn't realise I had:) I paid for it all this week, just worn out and yesterday's Parkrun at Hanley was telling...but I have the medal and I am really happy I completed it:)
Love the positivity Andy, well done 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
@@MattRuns Thanks Matt, appreciate you watching, I now think all those David Goggins videos I watched weren’t in vain😂
Well done mate
Thanks Tony, I’ll never forget that day😊
Excellent! Well done! Enjoyable video and I echo your sentiments at the end.
@@CarlTheAmateurRunner Thanks Carl, yes, we couldn’t have had better running conditions or crowd support that day, thanks for watching😊
Congratulations,good running 🥇
@@markedmondson5364 Thanks Mark, I’m very happy with my result😀
Well done Andy. A fantastic performance to run even with an injury. I picked up a PF injury myself earlier this year (albeit mine was arch pain more than the heel) but by the sounds of it I got lucky as I was back on the road to recovery in about 10 weeks. Heaps of respect for getting out and getting it done (since you were repping the ben parkes hat 😉)
Hope you manage to recover soon. Well done mate.
Thanks Matt, the thing was, I'd had to cancel the MHM in 2023 because of COVID so even though I'd cut back the mileage by 75% I thought I had to give it a try and hope the other stuff I do would back fill a bit. When the wheels started to come off at 12/13K with the leg pain I started to think it was over but when Tony & Mandy gave me a shout out in Sale, I decided to try and recover the pace and by 16K, I was on a mission - I had to get that medal, even if it meant walking💪My heel didn't play up on the run, just my calves🤣You couldn't make it up really..! And thanks to David Goggins obviously🤣
Fantastic run! Great video 👍 Look forward to seeing the next adventure.
Hi Jenny, thanks so much! I feel like I've climbed a mountain and put a flag on the top! I am thinking of taking part in a trail race in November but there's a lot of other things going on for me and my wife at the moment so I won't know for a week or two. Thanks for your support!
You did it! What a star 🌟 So glad you managed to get it done after all of the drama in the lead up mate. I've started with heel pain now, so I'm taking inspiration from you 💪🏃♂️
Hi Mark, thanks so much, I really wasn't sure if I would complete it when I hit the low point in Sale (say 13K) but I Tony and Mandy gave me a big lift cheering me on at that point and I just kept going. My heel wasn't an issue at all in the days leading up to the Half but I struggled to walk to the tram stop afterwards and my heel has been troublesome all week (no surprise really), must have been that 200-300m sprint to the finish line. If you would like any tips on the heel recovery, just get in touch via Strava and we can message each other. I have learned a lot about PF in 11 months I can tell you:)
Brilliant Andy. Not just doing it, but the video and the chat. Everything you said resonates and these events are made special by every single person that in one way or another made it happen. Wishing you well or holding up boards, its a real sense of everyone coming together to make you succeed. So pleased you got to do it this year mate even if the training didn't go to plan (when does it ever)? Nice to see you you so happy to have done it. Now on to the next lol
Hi Craig, thanks for watching and appreciate your kind comments. It's hard to take in how many people there are literally all around this Manchester course, must be thousands, and hearing your name shouted is a massive boost. I remember about 19K someone was playing "Getting Jiggy With It" by Will Smith and I started dancing and jumped into the air, that got a big cheer (I was on a massive high by then...:)
Awesome running, well done Andy 🏃
Thanks very much, I appreciate the kudos, already signed up for 2025 (what time could I do if I was able to train properly...?) Have you done this one at all?
Hi Andy, congratulations on the half marathon. You were amazing considering you are carrying an injury and lack of mileage training. Mandy and myself and even Sami the Beagle just watched it on the big screen. Well our main TV 😂. It's amazing what you can do when you dig deep. I ran my 2nd marathon London in 2001 with PF and missed alot of sessions. Like you just dug deep, suffered, struggled hit the 'wall' between miles 18-22 then from 23 felt brilliant with a fast last mile and sprint to the finish line 😂. It's very teue what you said. Just being part of something, making new friends, clearing your head always helps the mind. Parkrun is great for that. So now you are a half marathon runner and you have it in the tank. The next one will be easier. Great video and look at me waffling on like you, must be contagious 😂😂.. Once again congratulations and well done. Now get Ivy out on a walk ❤
Hi Tony and Mandy, thank you so much, as I said when I walked to the start, it was a just a great big unknown with the lack of of training and the heel issue although the heel had been good in the days leading up to the race, would I even complete it but strangely I didn't feel that nervous either (which is unusual for me). Thanks for your clip btw, I never thought I'd make it to the big screen! I do not know how people can even complete a marathon as that Half took it out of me, I am only just starting to feel recovered! So well done to you Tony:) I am pretty certain I will book for the Manchester Half for 2025, I think I would enjoy it more with training and I want to do better:) I walk Ivy each morning and you probably saw the next day I posted my walk with her as "Aching"....:) A bit broken!
Amazingly done, it was great watching your video, you still looked so happy throughout all of it and we are very proud, a lot more to come, medals look ace 🎉
Thanks guys, I was absolutely determined to cross the fnishing line and grasp that medal, as you saw it was a complete step in the dark with the minimal training. I don't think I have been so happy for many a year:) The sense of achievement was overwhelming so a couple of beers were consumed thereafter:) I have already signed up for the MCRHALF 2025 as I want to see what I can do with proper training 💪
@@AndyCliffMTB 🤯🤯 very exciting times, have you splashed out on the fancy race shoes at all yet?
@@raleyadventures I haven’t, I might do if I finally crack the heel pain issue (I think it’s near the end now😃, says he optimistically😬). Ran in the Mizuno Wave Ultimas at Manchester, they did me proud🥳
@@AndyCliffMTB get some carbons on your feet 🤩👀😂
@@raleyadventures you reckon? I was considering Endorphin Speed 3, Neil @x22sports recommended them but don’t think they are carbon🤔
Brilliant video Andy and congratulations. Fabulous finish time after having mountains to climb with your fitness issues… Well done 🎉
Thanks Linda, I appreciate your kind comments. Without wanting to sound too dramatic, this really was a journey into the unknown and hitting the wall at 13K really tested me physically and mentally but I got through it, I just had to get to the finish line...:)
Wow, what a brilliant effort, congratulations. Andy. It is videos like this that are so inspiring. I felt emotional watching how happy you were at the finish! It feels like I've been on the journey with you through all the videos. Great stuff!
Hi Rich, it was an emotional day for sure, from the lows of the 8 mile point to the highs of a negative split last 5/6K and a sprint finish, it had it all. Thanks for watching and supporting:)
Congrats Andy. Brilliant result
Thanks Gethin, it was such a remarkable day, I won't ever forget it:)
I hit a wall at 11m and ended up with 2:19 but still quite happy as I'd had a chest infection all week. Was on target for a sub 2hrs PB until the Wednesday before but it was a miracle I started. Sometimes you've just got to do the best you can do on the day, not the best you had planned in your head.
@@cameronashton7150 I bet you’re so glad you got out there regardless Cameron, running conditions were perfect and the crowds were amazing. Well done on the 2:19💪I’m still so happy with how I coped with the low point in Sale and managed to bounce back in last 5/6K, I’m already booked for ‘25😀
Congratulations, Andy. The most important take-away is that you're happy with the outcome, and feeling that sense of accomplishment - especially given the adversity that you've had to overcome with your injury - is one of the gifts of running. The watch thing is annoying, has happened to me as well.
Thanks Reto, I could not have been happier at the finish, and I surprised myself with my splits over the last 5K when I thought I'd be walking! My heel has suffered and it's not been good this week but I would not change what happened last Sunday for the world:) I will do a test start on my watch the next time I race! Appreciate your support, when is Kodiak 50K?
@@AndyCliffMTB The heel will heal, and that is expected after racing a half-marathon. There were wildfires in the San Bernadino National Forest when I had to make travel arrangements for the Kodiak 50K, so I deferred to 2025. Of course, the fires were finally contained and the race happened. LOL. My Yeti 100 Cancelled video mentions my upcoming races.
@@RunFreeandStrong Sorry Reto, of course, I remember now about the Kodiak, the wildfires☹️
@@AndyCliffMTB Andy, no worries! Have a great weekend!
Well done Andy great run mate.
You Even caught a glimpse of me running again 😂@ 8:25
@@x22sports Thanks Neil, appreciate you watching, I had no idea you were that close, sorry I missed you, I’ll have to re-watch on my PC later😊
I still can’t see you, are you running with the 1:20 pacer?
Congrats on completing the half, I also ran it. That feeling around 15km where you stop noticing the crowds and you tunnel vision in on the pain in the legs 😂. All forgotten when you cross the line!
Thanks James, it was a roller coaster of a day and I will never forget all the special moments that lifted me and helped me fight back at the low point in Sale.
Yes mate , a few meters back in green shorts
Great video and achievement, even more so considering your injury streak - thanks for sharing. I found that middle section through Sale really hard work too, I was very happy to get back on the dual carriageway! I made the schoolboy error of starting my sprint finish too early thinking the Puma tunnel was the finish line, thankfully a fair few people around me did the same so I didn't feel too silly when I dialled it back again! Are you planning on any more half marathons in the near future? 🙂
Hi John, thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed it. That was such a great day for the runners, the weather was perfect for everyone and the crowd support was a massive help to everyone. I made that mistake at the Geneva 10K in 2023, then realised there was another 400-500m to go! I am pretty certain that I'll be doing the Manchester Half in 2025 because I think I could do better with solid training (as I did in 2023 before I pulled out with Covid).
@@AndyCliffMTB Funnily enough I just put my entry in for 2025 this morning. I'm doing the Manchester full (first marathon) in April and also Chester Half again a few weeks later (bad planning on my part!) but I'd like to get as close to 2 hours in Manchester this time next year! (a big ask to knock 20 minutes off, but you never know!!)
I'm not sure the conditions will ever be quite as optimal again though, it really was perfect weather on Sunday!
@@J0hn.Turn3r Hats off to you for going for the full marathon, I have done a couple of videos of Manchester, supporting friends and otherRUclipsrs and getting around the course on my mtb. I think 2 hours is a nice target, although that's about 5:40/km average, that might be tough for me. I am about to sign up for Manchester Half again for 2025, hope weather is kind to us!
I too did the MCR half for the first time and it was quite fun. The oranisation at the end was a bit chaotic but it happens when events grow.
I was able to get the training in so it was a lot easier for me. I had a target of sub 1:45 but missed it by seconds but finishing is in any time is still a win.
If you achieved a 1:45 that's impressive, when I was training for it last year (but had to pull out with Covid) I was hoping to do at least a 2:06 and maybe on the day a sub-2:) Yes, I was super happy with my time and just getting across that line on Sunday. Thanks for watching/subscribing.
@@AndyCliffMTB I've been running halves for 4 years now and trying to 5-10 minutes off every year. So like you I started at 2 hours and worked from there, I'm not 'keen' runner but I like to challenge myself. Don't think you can't do it, I'm nearly 60 and don't do a long every week.
@@BillyBobJoeSnr I think I mention in my YT bio about surprising yourself (and other people) and not being held back because you're an older runner. I made a decision at 40 to go down the fitness route and for the longest time it was all about mtb or swimming and running only happened properly in 2019 so now I try to divide my time across lots of disciplines gym/swim/aqua/run/ride and I love it. I think sub-2 is possible for me, it's quite a watershed same as sub-4 in the marathon. Where are you, assume in the UK?
@@AndyCliffMTB Yorkshire, hence have been running GNR, Leeds and Manchester
Well done Andy ! What happened at 15k did you pop a super gel or just the Goggins moment ?
Thanks Matt, at 15K the gel I took at 14K might have been kicking in but the pain in my legs was the real barrier I had to overcome, I think that was more David Goggins related and just focusing on trying to recover my earlier pace. I surprised myself in the last 5/6K, I just kept getting quicker and using up rserves I didn't realise I had:) I paid for it all this week, just worn out and yesterday's Parkrun at Hanley was telling...but I have the medal and I am really happy I completed it:)
@@AndyCliffMTB more to come in the future I'm sure if you want it !!
@@RunThePlanet Definitely Matt, I have unfinished business on this course, I've just booked for 2025💪