Hi Ben, after leaving the military 15 years ago I stopped running because I didn't need to do it, ate the same food quantities put on weight, no too much but enough. My girlfriend last year signed up for London just gone so I said I'd train and run every step of the way with her to keep encouraging her and to give myself a kick up the backside, now I'm hooked. Longest run was an unplanned 26.5 miles which hurt, I run now 4-5 days a week any surface but love the trails, I have a 50km in August and cant wait, I'm no athlete but really love it and coming across your videos and seeing your enthusiasm and love for the sport makes me just wanna run more. My other half finished London in just shy of 4hrs and I was more emotional than she was lol. I've signed up for next year!!!! Yikes!!!!! Big kudos to you bud, keep up the good work 👍
Hey Tom.. It's reading stories like yours that want to make me keep making videos so I can hear them. Sounds like you're in a much better place now and great to hear how you and your girlfriend both inspire one another and obviously bring out the best in each other. All the very best for your 50k in August.. let me know how you get on and a huge Kudos and congratulations to your girlfriend for her London marathon run! Keep on running!!
Awesome change you've made Tom, big congrats on the long-distance efforts, incredible progress! I'll absolutely agree with you that Ben's videos have contributed to my love for running over the past year. All the best with that 50k beast, hope it's dry and cool for you!
I'm right there with you Tom! I'm no athlete either, but I am hooked on the running journey, that journey to see how far we can push ourselves. Keep up the great work!!!!
I can tell you who you are, "someone who is seriously inspirational"... I love running and I dream of being up to your standards. Thanks for your great videos. Loved the London marathon one 👍
You and Sage are both a huge inspiration to me and got me into running! I am still only doing 10km at 54:59 improving everyday. I hope you know how much you are helping people by putting out the content, it's life changing. Thank you!
I might be the oldest runner here. I am 62 and running 3 times a week and hoping to get as fit as I can. Maybe one day a half marathon--who knows. I run with a heart rate monitor and try to keep my heart rate really low. Looking forward to your new videos.
I really enjoy your last video and decided to subscribe! I stopped drinking and I'm 21 years old, wishing to get as good as you! Currently running 5k just under 20mins.
Recently I’ve become so inspired to run and to improve my running. People like you inspire me to run and add in things such as yoga to improve my performance. I’m in High School so I have plenty of time to get better.
I never started running properly until you liked a post on Instagram. I was in a hotel down in London doing my training for work and started to run. You don’t realise how inspirational you are and that’s just watching and listening to Instagram and RUclips you provide. I’ve got your original cap and will be getting your new one! Anything to help you that helps me to get where I want to be. I don’t run competitively but I run because I’ve stated to enjoy it it also helps me in cricket. I will do a half marathon when I become comfortable but for now..... Thank you Ben. Keep doing what your doing
Thank you for the lovely note Rob. That's so nice to hear. I played a lot of cricket growing up.. and spend many summers running and listening to TMS on the radio. No rush at all to get into races. It's all about just enjoying what you are doing. Some people I know never race.. then just run because they love to. All the best in life and running, Ben
This channel is blowing up rn! Keep it up Ben. I loved the London marathon video and now I know you're a plant-based athlete I'm even more interested in your content
I ve been following you for a year now, your videos are absolutely great, informative and entertaining...your passion for running is visible and contagious! I have had a similar journey, my background is cycling and I started running 2 years ago to relieve stress and depression from living abroad away from my family. Diet and running came together and I never felt so well in my life! Thanks for what you do! I hope I will meet you one day at the start of a marathon, then I ll try to beat you ahaha
Look forward to it Marco.. I'll race you all the way to the finish line!! Lovely to hear your story too.. life does feel good when it all comes together with diet, exercise, friends etc. All the best to you and your running journey!
Reasonably new to the channel (few months in). Already ordered kit! This is, so far, my favorite post. Personal and feels genuine. Reviews, Kit, training tips, vlogs on Marathons, all great... but this just cements what a cracking channel this really is. (Thank your Mum for the kind note!)
Haha, I didn't know you ran Edinburgh 2016, which was my second and personal worst marathon. Glad it went better for you. I finally broke 3 and ran a 2:52 marathon in Antwerp a couple of weeks ago and I think your videos absolutely kept me motivted when it was difficult and helped me to find all the stones I'd left unturned. I'm planning to spend the rest of the year focusing on my 10k, hopefully with a grand finale in Vanencia (sub-34...?). Anyway, keep doing what you're doing, I'm looking forward to whatever's next!
Thanks Ben, great videos. Hope I can find you at Berlin marathon 2019 and congratulate you for such inspirational videos. I believe you can do it under 2h20.
I have online coaching with Ben have done for the past 5 months. He is the nicest guy the plans are amazing challenged me in a great way from a very non confident runner due to bad anxiety he has made me believe in myself and challenge myself more. I have Berlin in September and I am becoming confident and watching this video make me realise hard work and great advice helps thanks Ben and Sarah x
Have really enjoyed seeing you develop as a runner Georgina! So much potential with your running as we move forward to Berlin. Appreciate the kind words, was lovely to wake up and read that this morning. 🙌
Hi ben. I'm 18. And preparing for my first marathon. And I shock when you said that you start serious in running in the early 30. Couse I feeling a bit sceptical can I break 3 someday. I'm not feeling that I have a talent. But yeah, I will try my best from now on. Thank you. You are my motivation.
Good luck in your first marathon and remember to enjoy it. Lots of years ahead of you to train and reach your goals in time. All the best and good luck!!
Thanks for inspireing us all....I love running, my goal is to get 3hour tempo comfortably down and try ultras, love hiking aswell. Moving by foot is a lifestyle and the benefits are huge.
Mr Ben... it’s good to watch and subscribe to a channel that puts running first.... together with the training, enjoyment and honest presenting. Keep up the good work 👍🏼
Brilliant content! Only took up running a year ago thinking I was reasonably fit, massively underestimated how hard it is to be good at it and gained an instant respect for everyone who runs! Like most, the VLM GoPro vid took me to your strava, Insta and here, I've just ordered some Cliftons, 80/20 running and about to pick up your hm plan; I'd like to go 1.45 in October!
Really appreciated hearing this background story! I played golf and tennis in school, then pretty much pursued nothing through my 20s, and now at 32 I’ve been running for a couple of years and am training for my first marathon in June. Found your channel after the London Marathon, enjoying your content - thanks!
That's great to hear Wes.. never too late to get into something new. Cool that you're about to run your first marathon.. all the best and thanks for following along!
Thoroughly enjoyed watching your videos and updates Ben. Keep them coming. Question for you. Would you consider the West Highland Way Race as an Ultra to attempt? It's a fantastic race on possibly the best trail in Scotland.
Your story resonates with me. Average sportsman, feel like I could be good at running if I trained properly but I just kind of do races as an impetus to get fit for a few months. I've started thinking about taking it seriously and seeing how much better I can get with some proper training. Thanks for you vids. I find them really useful/inspiring.
Thanks Ben for your amazing channel. As a person in the middle (maybe a bit past) of my life, I've found myself still yearning to find an identity. At the beginning of this year (2022), I made a commitment to moving at least a mile a day, which has since turned into close to 3 miles/day. I also decided to take up running, which was something I used to do back in earlier years. I've met some challenges along the way with getting my body to cooperate, and your channel has served as both an inspiration and a sort of "How to" guide for overcoming those challenges and, as you say, getting it done. So far this year, I ran a 5-mile race for the first time in just over 45 minutes and a PB 5k at just over 27 minutes. I have a 10k coming up at the end of May, and am hoping to come in less than an hour. I just wanted to thank you for serving as a constant reminder that this can all be achieved through hard work and dedication. Cheers and thanks for the awesome running hat!
Great getting to know you a bit, Ben! I'm one of your new subscribers. Your GoPro marathon vid got me hooked. You really captured the joy of running - super inspiring. I'm 38 and ran my first half marathon (and my first race ever) in 1:36:59. I will be watching more of your vids as I ramp up to my first marathon, hopefully this fall. Thanks for your vids - keep at it!
Welcome Tom! That's a super impressive time for your first half.. lots of potential there for your first marathon, you must be excited! Congratulations. Great to have you on board with the channel, thank you for the support!
Ben you’re a legend! I have been watching your videos consistently during my marathon training which is this Sunday. They have given me both great advice and inspired me to enjoy my training. In your Mallorca vlog you downloaded a race route onto your garmin. I’ve tried to do this but have failed. Can you do a tutorial style on using your garmin to its full capacity and downloading gxp files on to. Thanks!!
Thanks for the kind words Olivia.. and good luck this Sunday. You do have to have quite a fancy Garmin to put GPX files on it, so that could be the issue.. but yes, I'm just about to get a newer Garmin and will do a video on it shortly. And will talk about the mapping features and GPX files. All the best!
Hi Ben, you are a great inspiration to everyone, me included.. I'm 52, overweight and started running 3months ago. First time I've ran since school... I've been following your channel since then and I'm so glad I found it.. The level I'm at now.. I ran non stop for 25mins today @6:49 pace.. Only a start I know but without you and Sarah I wouldn't have got this far. Thank to both of you. 👍
Following your account has made such a massive difference to my running. I've only been running since 2016 but just did 3:12 at London and definitely couldn't have done it without the amazing advice given in your videos/Instagram. Have you considered setting up a patreon account or something similar? I'm planning on purchasing your 100 mile training plan but would also like to give something back for all the amazing advice you give!
Hey Andrew. I do have a Partron page.. I've set it up, but haven't got around to working out how I can give people extra content etc on there yet. It's a work in progress, but will be ready soon. www.patreon.com/Benparkes Great to hear that the content has helped you! All the best for your next race!
Cheers Ben, think like a lot of new people here, your London Marathon video dropped into my suggestions and I've been binge watching the rest ever since. I particularly enjoyed your tips on running a faster 5k video as I'd previously just aimed to go slightly quicker each time but was disappointed by the results - now you've got me doing intervals and I'm excited to see both how quick but also how far I can run this year - sub 20min 5k and >30k distance is the goal! Looking forward to all your new content as so far, it's all gold - keep up the good work!
You are inspiring! I have only done my first full run 5K last year and I haven’t stopped running since. I love being out and active but I am not a fast runner at all. My best 5K was 33mins. Now, I have set out to do my first marathon before I turn 40 at the 40th Dublin City Marathon 2019 this October. So thank you for posting tips and trainings online.
What a great goal to have and so cool that it's also the 40th Dublin marathon too. Don't worry too much about times.. yes, some people are faster than others... but the fact you're enjoying it is the main thing, and those times will decrease with time. All the best with your summer training and the marathon in October!
Sub 2:20 is in your hands Ben, just keep the grind going for the whole summer, stay balanced and focused and then you’ll get it easily! Keep up the greatness that’s in you and which you’re sharing with all of us, you’re truly awesome!🥰
I did a ragnar relay last year and just kinda got the running bug. In searching for tips I found you. I like genuine and this is someplace I can learn. Thank you.
Hi Ben, came across your channel while looking at ultras, im just back training after a couple of years off due to illness and an accident, the most iv ever ran was a half road marathon but i now have the running bug, like yourself i didnt do much training in my earlier years, a bit of soccer and a couple of years cycling, my goal for this year is to do a half marathon in september, love watching your videos and listening to your advice..keep up the good work..
I recently completed my second marathon in 3;26. I have another one where I want to break 3:15. Feel your videos are going to help me accomplish this. Thank you
This is a good video, mate! I especially like the way you indicate the point number with your hand! Keep them coming, especially for beginner runners! Cheers
Awesome m8 sage inspired me a few years ago to get up n run and I'm so glad ! Love your posts thanks for sharing! First 100 mile in ten weeks starting to feel the nerves already ! Any tips for a race with 20,000 feet of elevation ? Cheers
Crikey! Just keep eating as much as you can throughout the race. When I've done those ones I could never get enough calories in and that's where I came unstuck. All the best and I'd always just say to have the goal to finish then first time you do a 100. Have a great run!
Super thanks Ben! You are a true source of inspiration! I'm in my mid 40s and "discovered" running as part of loosing weight and getting more fit. In a couple of days I'll be running my third marathon, the Copenhagen Marathon. Hopefully a new PB is within reach. Great channel, keep up the good work!
@@BenParkes I bet you've got tons of material and idéas for your vlog, but I would like to hear your thought on pacing and pace strategies. Is a negative split the best way to go? Or is it better to go out hard and "putting time in the bank"? Which is a simple way of describing the strategy of running the first half of the race faster than goal pace to compensate for the time you'll lose on the second half. Well ... I'd like to here your thought on this :-) Cheers!
I really love your advice, I love how you never say this is the right way this is the wrong way! Everyone is different and I love how you always remind us of that! Love you channel!
I discovered your channel a few days ago, I loved it ! Heavily looking forward to watching all the content you created, and the one coming up :) Thanks for the motivation Ben, I hope we can meet one day on a marathon :) Cheers from Paris
Been following you for a few weeks Ben but only just seen this, your story. I like your honesty and give it go approach. Here’s to many more adventures.
Just watched this video on my break in work! Very inspiring! Struggling at the moment finding the motivation to get out. This has definitely helped! Cheers man! 🙂.
Only recently started following your channel. Apart from the good content, your video quality has really come a long way, compared to videos from a year ago! Keep up the good work👍🏻
Thanks Ben!Thanks for inspiration and great running videos.I lost more than 40 kg with running.Have my first half marathon race this month 😊.Keep up great work!!
I am 52 and over Covid I have been using bike and running and am,literally the fittest I have ever been ,ran 12 miles under 1 hr 53 ,punching the air at the end ,I feel and tbh look terrific (healthy),do u ever x train
Really enjoying your channel at the moment, and knowing a little about how you've got to where you are today makes it all the better. Keep up the good work! The vids really are very inspirational.... I was watching one of your vids on sunday before going off to a 10km race and used some of your tips and inspiration to knock out my first sub 50 race. Next step sub 45. Keep up the good videos. Saludos from spain!
Absolutely inspirational. Only recently found your channel, but so glad I have. I share your passion to help people, it's so much fun and actually motivates me to get a session done when I might otherwise not bother. Loving catching up on your videos
Thanks for sharing your story and good luck for your sub 2:20 goal in Berlin this year! I'll be "chasing" you somewhere in the huge pack behind you trying to break 3. ;) I know your videos will help me get there! You have a really refreshing way to look at running (got hooked to your channel after your recent London marathon video)! All the best and greetings from Berlin!
Inspirational guy Ben, loving your vids and tips which is helping me massively as I’m getting back into my running and aiming for a 45 Min 10k within the next 6-12 months! Keep them coming, wondering if I’ll ever get any where near that 33.15 10k I did at 24, now 42! 🤔
Hey Ben. You truly inspired people to run better and thank you for all the advice. Seeing that you like list's could you maybe share some of your favorite running books that you read.
Hello Ben, I discovered your channel when you posted the London GoPro video and follow you from since, so yeah-new subscriber! :-) I really like your tipps and advises. I‘ve started running 3 years ago and was a very bad runner. Since january this year, I’ve changed everything, put in hill sprints, fartleks, and really hard pace trainings and now I’m a Sub2 halfmarathoner! This year, Berlin will be my first Marathon! I‘m so excited!! Keep on coming the Videos!
Great video Ben. I followed you for the last 6 months and have used many of your tips and kit advice to run my first marathon at Milton Keynes. Thanks mate!
Another informative video. I love running just like you but do it to keep general fitness, Yes age is just a number but a 54 year old body takes longer to heal. I've changed my diet completely based around your videos. Todays point on your journey about giving up a good salaried job to follow your dreams. I'm so close to making that decision but just that little bit scared. Greta job Ben keep up the good work.
I sure do notice the difference at 35, compared to when I was 25.. it does get harder with age of course. But look after your body (as you are) and it's still possible to do some great things. It's always scary when making these big life decisions.. all the best with whatever you go for Ady!!
A really good, insightful video Ben.. & very inspirational! So thanks for sharing! Re found my love for running 18 months ago & I’m constantly looking to improve (Mcr ‘18 in 4:45 - Mcr’19 in 3:27) I’ll be running Berlin this year as my goal race & want to achieve a GFA time (
Thank you Tim! Sounds like you've made some great progress.. over an hour and 15 minutes PB in just a year.. that's really impressive! All the best for your training over the summer. See you in Berlin!
Loved your content before, but after this video I LOVE your content. Your story is very inspirational! Keep up the good work, looking forward to hearing about the 2:20 marathon!
Thanks Tom. Good to catch up with you too. Sarah and me were saying on the way home that we have to come to Oxford again soon and head out with you guys.. will drop you a text next week and see if we can arrange something!
Inspirational, thanks for the videos, as someone who has just turned 50, I now realise I need to learn more about running, how my body feels and how to maximise my training sessions. I'm getting quicker and your tips and training are all feeding into this. Keep up the good work Ben.
Another great video Ben. All I do these days it watch running videos to get different tips. I'm a week in to Maffetone training and already seeing good results from learning how to run easy by heart rate. Your vids are really helpful and your enthusiasm shines through. Keep it up and look forward to following you sub 2:20.
Great video, really interesting to hear you weren't always a runner. Sage Canaday kind of kicked off my 'serious' training so it's cool to see you're a big fan too
Great video! Love the history and insight. Have run a 2:45 myself. Probably need to do a little listening to my body before I gear up to drop the time a little further.
I've recently started trail hiking and soon realised I would like to run on the paths instead of walk. Starting with the Couch to 5k (2nd run finished today) and looking forward to running those trails ... maybe even a marathon one day. I hope it's not too late to start at 45. Thanks for the inspiration.
Never too late to start Alan and great you've taken the first steps on your running journey. So much more to see when you run the trails as you can go further! But still good to get the hikes in as well.. I do love a good walk in the hills now and then. All the best for your journey!
Great to hear your story Ben! Love this channel and even in the few months I've been following the content has gone from strength to strength! Great things on your horizon for sure. Keep up the awesome work!
Ahh, I ran Liverpool last year.. loved it, there are a few hills you need to watch out for, but they're not too bad so long as you know they are coming up! The people of Liverpool put on a good show. I've got my fingers crossed for a sub 4 for you too!! Good luck Nathan!
Great video Ben as always. Your journey has been truly inspirational and with your hard work and determination I’m sure you will go on to achieve great things in the running world.
Great video ,Ben ! All of yours videos are awesome and always watch some of them before my running routine :) I hope to see you here in Berlin that's gonna be my first marathon and one of the main reasons to do it is your videos they helping me a lot to be better runner.Thanks for the inspiration !
Watching your running videos have really inspired me to improve. Not a decent runner myself, but hoping to improve as much as I can through youtube. Best of luck for Berlin, I'm predicting a 2:19:35 :)
Hey! I hope you win the prediction competition again!! Could you email me (benparkes @ me.com) with your address again? Really sorry.. I wrote it down and have now lost the piece of paper. Will get the hat posted today.. sorry for the delay!
Great video, amazing how far you've come in a relatively short space of time. I started running when I was 30. I started just below 4 hour marathoning and got down to 3:11 in a few years. Had a few years off (giant taper) but really back into it again now and dying to get sub 3. I'm trying 80/20 low intensity training but zone 2 feels so wrong, but will stick at it for a while.
The 80/20 approach has worked wonders for my training for sure. And it just makes it more enjoyable as well. I'd always say to stick with it.. give it time. I was impatient at the start, but it suddenly all started happening about 3 months in. All the best for your sub 3!
Love your videos and they are a big motivation - keep making me want to get better and faster. Just had a blow though in Copenhagen Marathon this past weekend. My goal was a sub-4 hour time and have really been putting in the runs and trained hard. Everything was great until the day. Not a great day - very hot (I’m not great in the heat) and after 28k the heat cooked my head and the time plummeted to 4:23 - Damn
Hi Ben, after leaving the military 15 years ago I stopped running because I didn't need to do it, ate the same food quantities put on weight, no too much but enough. My girlfriend last year signed up for London just gone so I said I'd train and run every step of the way with her to keep encouraging her and to give myself a kick up the backside, now I'm hooked. Longest run was an unplanned 26.5 miles which hurt, I run now 4-5 days a week any surface but love the trails, I have a 50km in August and cant wait, I'm no athlete but really love it and coming across your videos and seeing your enthusiasm and love for the sport makes me just wanna run more. My other half finished London in just shy of 4hrs and I was more emotional than she was lol. I've signed up for next year!!!! Yikes!!!!! Big kudos to you bud, keep up the good work 👍
Hey Tom.. It's reading stories like yours that want to make me keep making videos so I can hear them. Sounds like you're in a much better place now and great to hear how you and your girlfriend both inspire one another and obviously bring out the best in each other.
All the very best for your 50k in August.. let me know how you get on and a huge Kudos and congratulations to your girlfriend for her London marathon run! Keep on running!!
Awesome change you've made Tom, big congrats on the long-distance efforts, incredible progress! I'll absolutely agree with you that Ben's videos have contributed to my love for running over the past year. All the best with that 50k beast, hope it's dry and cool for you!
I'm right there with you Tom! I'm no athlete either, but I am hooked on the running journey, that journey to see how far we can push ourselves. Keep up the great work!!!!
I can tell you who you are, "someone who is seriously inspirational"...
I love running and I dream of being up to your standards.
Thanks for your great videos.
Loved the London marathon one 👍
Aww, thank you Gary! Very kind.
Oh yes. This is a real good channel!
He's good isn't he. Knows his stuff that's for sure
You and Sage are both a huge inspiration to me and got me into running!
I am still only doing 10km at 54:59 improving everyday.
I hope you know how much you are helping people by putting out the content, it's life changing.
Thank you!
I might be the oldest runner here. I am 62 and running 3 times a week and hoping to get as fit as I can. Maybe one day a half marathon--who knows. I run with a heart rate monitor and try to keep my heart rate really low. Looking forward to your new videos.
I will be 65 in July and have done 4 Guam full marathons.
Fantastic. You have given me insipiration.
Hi Harvey. I’m an older runner also. 56. 2 marathons at 50 years of age. Currently training for a 1/2 marathon.
Great. It makes me feel much better to know there are a few of us. Good luck with your running.
I really enjoy your last video and decided to subscribe! I stopped drinking and I'm 21 years old, wishing to get as good as you! Currently running 5k just under 20mins.
Ben it is simply nice to watch your videos, you are the kind of perfect guy for the long run on sundays... hahahaha. Hope one day we can share one...
Recently I’ve become so inspired to run and to improve my running. People like you inspire me to run and add in things such as yoga to improve my performance. I’m in High School so I have plenty of time to get better.
So much time indeed James.. All about just enjoying your running and having fun. Sending good running vibes your way!
YOU WILL GROW LIKE CRAZY on this platform... I know it. Your enthusiasm is contagious!
What a nice guy! How can you not like this dude!👍🏻🧘🏼♂️
I never started running properly until you liked a post on Instagram. I was in a hotel down in London doing my training for work and started to run.
You don’t realise how inspirational you are and that’s just watching and listening to Instagram and RUclips you provide.
I’ve got your original cap and will be getting your new one! Anything to help you that helps me to get where I want to be.
I don’t run competitively but I run because I’ve stated to enjoy it it also helps me in cricket. I will do a half marathon when I become comfortable but for now.....
Thank you Ben.
Keep doing what your doing
Thank you for the lovely note Rob. That's so nice to hear. I played a lot of cricket growing up.. and spend many summers running and listening to TMS on the radio.
No rush at all to get into races. It's all about just enjoying what you are doing. Some people I know never race.. then just run because they love to.
All the best in life and running, Ben
Ben Parkes Thanks for the reply Ben! I’ll get that new cap ordered very soon!
You were one of my best finds on RUclips I’m so glad your channels growing 🙌
This channel is blowing up rn! Keep it up Ben. I loved the London marathon video and now I know you're a plant-based athlete I'm even more interested in your content
I love your positive attitude! Greetings from Finland.
Amazing that you know Sage, he's a great guy, I've followed him on youtube and facebook for a long time, and now I follow you as well, super!
Of of the best people I’ve ever met!
Thanks Ben! Love your positivity, humble spirit and helpfulness. Really glad I found out about you!
I ve been following you for a year now, your videos are absolutely great, informative and entertaining...your passion for running is visible and contagious! I have had a similar journey, my background is cycling and I started running 2 years ago to relieve stress and depression from living abroad away from my family. Diet and running came together and I never felt so well in my life!
Thanks for what you do! I hope I will meet you one day at the start of a marathon, then I ll try to beat you ahaha
Look forward to it Marco.. I'll race you all the way to the finish line!! Lovely to hear your story too.. life does feel good when it all comes together with diet, exercise, friends etc. All the best to you and your running journey!
Reasonably new to the channel (few months in). Already ordered kit! This is, so far, my favorite post. Personal and feels genuine. Reviews, Kit, training tips, vlogs on Marathons, all great... but this just cements what a cracking channel this really is. (Thank your Mum for the kind note!)
Haha, I didn't know you ran Edinburgh 2016, which was my second and personal worst marathon. Glad it went better for you. I finally broke 3 and ran a 2:52 marathon in Antwerp a couple of weeks ago and I think your videos absolutely kept me motivted when it was difficult and helped me to find all the stones I'd left unturned. I'm planning to spend the rest of the year focusing on my 10k, hopefully with a grand finale in Vanencia (sub-34...?).
Anyway, keep doing what you're doing, I'm looking forward to whatever's next!
Thanks Ben, great videos. Hope I can find you at Berlin marathon 2019 and congratulate you for such inspirational videos. I believe you can do it under 2h20.
Thank you!! Good luck if you are running in Berlin too!
I have online coaching with Ben have done for the past 5 months. He is the nicest guy the plans are amazing challenged me in a great way from a very non confident runner due to bad anxiety he has made me believe in myself and challenge myself more. I have Berlin in September and I am becoming confident and watching this video make me realise hard work and great advice helps thanks Ben and Sarah x
Have really enjoyed seeing you develop as a runner Georgina! So much potential with your running as we move forward to Berlin. Appreciate the kind words, was lovely to wake up and read that this morning. 🙌
Hi ben. I'm 18. And preparing for my first marathon. And I shock when you said that you start serious in running in the early 30. Couse I feeling a bit sceptical can I break 3 someday. I'm not feeling that I have a talent. But yeah, I will try my best from now on. Thank you. You are my motivation.
Good luck in your first marathon and remember to enjoy it. Lots of years ahead of you to train and reach your goals in time. All the best and good luck!!
2:35 while vlogging and just enjoying the occasion? Sign this man up for the Ineos 1:59! #daretodream
Thanks for inspireing us all....I love running, my goal is to get 3hour tempo comfortably down and try ultras, love hiking aswell. Moving by foot is a lifestyle and the benefits are huge.
Mr Ben... it’s good to watch and subscribe to a channel that puts running first.... together with the training, enjoyment and honest presenting.
Keep up the good work 👍🏼
Brilliant content! Only took up running a year ago thinking I was reasonably fit, massively underestimated how hard it is to be good at it and gained an instant respect for everyone who runs! Like most, the VLM GoPro vid took me to your strava, Insta and here, I've just ordered some Cliftons, 80/20 running and about to pick up your hm plan; I'd like to go 1.45 in October!
Sounds like you're on a path to success Daz. Great that you're following along!
Really appreciated hearing this background story! I played golf and tennis in school, then pretty much pursued nothing through my 20s, and now at 32 I’ve been running for a couple of years and am training for my first marathon in June. Found your channel after the London Marathon, enjoying your content - thanks!
That's great to hear Wes.. never too late to get into something new. Cool that you're about to run your first marathon.. all the best and thanks for following along!
Thoroughly enjoyed watching your videos and updates Ben. Keep them coming. Question for you. Would you consider the West Highland Way Race as an Ultra to attempt? It's a fantastic race on possibly the best trail in Scotland.
One of the best trails in the UK! I’d like to at some point.. so many races, so little time..
Your story resonates with me. Average sportsman, feel like I could be good at running if I trained properly but I just kind of do races as an impetus to get fit for a few months. I've started thinking about taking it seriously and seeing how much better I can get with some proper training. Thanks for you vids. I find them really useful/inspiring.
I think a lot of people have untapped potential. It can sometimes just take a while to find out what that thing is.. lots of fun finding out though!
Thanks Ben for your amazing channel. As a person in the middle (maybe a bit past) of my life, I've found myself still yearning to find an identity. At the beginning of this year (2022), I made a commitment to moving at least a mile a day, which has since turned into close to 3 miles/day. I also decided to take up running, which was something I used to do back in earlier years. I've met some challenges along the way with getting my body to cooperate, and your channel has served as both an inspiration and a sort of "How to" guide for overcoming those challenges and, as you say, getting it done. So far this year, I ran a 5-mile race for the first time in just over 45 minutes and a PB 5k at just over 27 minutes. I have a 10k coming up at the end of May, and am hoping to come in less than an hour. I just wanted to thank you for serving as a constant reminder that this can all be achieved through hard work and dedication. Cheers and thanks for the awesome running hat!
Great getting to know you a bit, Ben! I'm one of your new subscribers. Your GoPro marathon vid got me hooked. You really captured the joy of running - super inspiring. I'm 38 and ran my first half marathon (and my first race ever) in 1:36:59. I will be watching more of your vids as I ramp up to my first marathon, hopefully this fall. Thanks for your vids - keep at it!
Welcome Tom! That's a super impressive time for your first half.. lots of potential there for your first marathon, you must be excited! Congratulations. Great to have you on board with the channel, thank you for the support!
Ben you’re a legend! I have been watching your videos consistently during my marathon training which is this Sunday. They have given me both great advice and inspired me to enjoy my training. In your Mallorca vlog you downloaded a race route onto your garmin. I’ve tried to do this but have failed. Can you do a tutorial style on using your garmin to its full capacity and downloading gxp files on to. Thanks!!
Thanks for the kind words Olivia.. and good luck this Sunday. You do have to have quite a fancy Garmin to put GPX files on it, so that could be the issue.. but yes, I'm just about to get a newer Garmin and will do a video on it shortly. And will talk about the mapping features and GPX files. All the best!
That's a very impressive ladder of improvement! Enjoy your videos, and happy to support and follow you. Cheers.
Good video mate 👊
Hi Ben, you are a great inspiration to everyone, me included.. I'm 52, overweight and started running 3months ago. First time I've ran since school... I've been following your channel since then and I'm so glad I found it.. The level I'm at now.. I ran non stop for 25mins today @6:49 pace.. Only a start I know but without you and Sarah I wouldn't have got this far. Thank to both of you. 👍
Following your account has made such a massive difference to my running. I've only been running since 2016 but just did 3:12 at London and definitely couldn't have done it without the amazing advice given in your videos/Instagram.
Have you considered setting up a patreon account or something similar? I'm planning on purchasing your 100 mile training plan but would also like to give something back for all the amazing advice you give!
Hey Andrew. I do have a Partron page.. I've set it up, but haven't got around to working out how I can give people extra content etc on there yet. It's a work in progress, but will be ready soon. www.patreon.com/Benparkes Great to hear that the content has helped you! All the best for your next race!
Cheers Ben, think like a lot of new people here, your London Marathon video dropped into my suggestions and I've been binge watching the rest ever since. I particularly enjoyed your tips on running a faster 5k video as I'd previously just aimed to go slightly quicker each time but was disappointed by the results - now you've got me doing intervals and I'm excited to see both how quick but also how far I can run this year - sub 20min 5k and >30k distance is the goal! Looking forward to all your new content as so far, it's all gold - keep up the good work!
Aww, thank you Adrian. That's lovely to hear. All the best with all your training for that sub 20 5k, you can do it!!
You are inspiring! I have only done my first full run 5K last year and I haven’t stopped running since. I love being out and active but I am not a fast runner at all. My best 5K was 33mins. Now, I have set out to do my first marathon before I turn 40 at the 40th Dublin City Marathon 2019 this October. So thank you for posting tips and trainings online.
What a great goal to have and so cool that it's also the 40th Dublin marathon too. Don't worry too much about times.. yes, some people are faster than others... but the fact you're enjoying it is the main thing, and those times will decrease with time. All the best with your summer training and the marathon in October!
Sub 2:20 is in your hands Ben, just keep the grind going for the whole summer, stay balanced and focused and then you’ll get it easily! Keep up the greatness that’s in you and which you’re sharing with all of us, you’re truly awesome!🥰
Very kind Gábor! What a lovely message to receive. All the very best for your running and hope you achieve all your goals this year too!
I did a ragnar relay last year and just kinda got the running bug. In searching for tips I found you. I like genuine and this is someplace I can learn. Thank you.
Hi Ben, came across your channel while looking at ultras, im just back training after a couple of years off due to illness and an accident, the most iv ever ran was a half road marathon but i now have the running bug, like yourself i didnt do much training in my earlier years, a bit of soccer and a couple of years cycling, my goal for this year is to do a half marathon in september, love watching your videos and listening to your advice..keep up the good work..
I recently completed my second marathon in 3;26. I have another one where I want to break 3:15. Feel your videos are going to help me accomplish this. Thank you
just wanted to add that I hit 3:08 on the Run so well above target goal.
Top stuff, will be watching your Berlin prep with interest.👍
This is a good video, mate! I especially like the way you indicate the point number with your hand! Keep them coming, especially for beginner runners! Cheers
Awesome m8 sage inspired me a few years ago to get up n run and I'm so glad ! Love your posts thanks for sharing! First 100 mile in ten weeks starting to feel the nerves already ! Any tips for a race with 20,000 feet of elevation ? Cheers
Crikey! Just keep eating as much as you can throughout the race. When I've done those ones I could never get enough calories in and that's where I came unstuck. All the best and I'd always just say to have the goal to finish then first time you do a 100. Have a great run!
Super thanks Ben! You are a true source of inspiration! I'm in my mid 40s and "discovered" running as part of loosing weight and getting more fit. In a couple of days I'll be running my third marathon, the Copenhagen Marathon. Hopefully a new PB is within reach. Great channel, keep up the good work!
Good luck in Copenhagen Niklas. Sending you good vibes for a PB!
@@BenParkes I bet you've got tons of material and idéas for your vlog, but I would like to hear your thought on pacing and pace strategies. Is a negative split the best way to go? Or is it better to go out hard and "putting time in the bank"? Which is a simple way of describing the strategy of running the first half of the race faster than goal pace to compensate for the time you'll lose on the second half. Well ... I'd like to here your thought on this :-) Cheers!
I really love your advice, I love how you never say this is the right way this is the wrong way! Everyone is different and I love how you always remind us of that! Love you channel!
I discovered your channel a few days ago, I loved it ! Heavily looking forward to watching all the content you created, and the one coming up :)
Thanks for the motivation Ben, I hope we can meet one day on a marathon :)
Cheers from Paris
Thank you Antoine! Great to have you on board with the channel. Cheers from London!
Been following you for a few weeks Ben but only just seen this, your story. I like your honesty and give it go approach. Here’s to many more adventures.
Just watched this video on my break in work! Very inspiring! Struggling at the moment finding the motivation to get out. This has definitely helped! Cheers man! 🙂.
Great video. Only found your channel recently, impressive story. You have a rare authentic likability about you. Talented but not smug.
Only recently started following your channel. Apart from the good content, your video quality has really come a long way, compared to videos from a year ago! Keep up the good work👍🏻
Thank you Mark.. I knew zero about making videos a year ago.. always learning and trying to get better!
Thanks Ben!Thanks for inspiration and great running videos.I lost more than 40 kg with running.Have my first half marathon race this month 😊.Keep up great work!!
Good lick Domagoj! I hope you have a brilliant first half marathon!
I am 52 and over Covid I have been using bike and running and am,literally the fittest I have ever been ,ran 12 miles under 1 hr 53 ,punching the air at the end ,I feel and tbh look terrific (healthy),do u ever x train
Really enjoying your channel at the moment, and knowing a little about how you've got to where you are today makes it all the better. Keep up the good work! The vids really are very inspirational.... I was watching one of your vids on sunday before going off to a 10km race and used some of your tips and inspiration to knock out my first sub 50 race. Next step sub 45. Keep up the good videos. Saludos from spain!
Congratulations Tom on your first sub 50! Felicidades! Hola desde Londres..
Absolutely inspirational. Only recently found your channel, but so glad I have. I share your passion to help people, it's so much fun and actually motivates me to get a session done when I might otherwise not bother. Loving catching up on your videos
Great video! I’m a new subscriber from Portland, Oregon. Can’t wait to follow your journey!
Welcome to the channel!!
I'm watching this video a second time. I appreciate a lot what you're doing !
Yanis from Paris :)
Love your attitude Ben. Inspirational.
Thanks for sharing your story and good luck for your sub 2:20 goal in Berlin this year! I'll be "chasing" you somewhere in the huge pack behind you trying to break 3. ;) I know your videos will help me get there! You have a really refreshing way to look at running (got hooked to your channel after your recent London marathon video)!
All the best and greetings from Berlin!
All the best for your sub 3 run Alex!! Great to hear you like the channel and thanks for the support. See you in Berlin!!
Inspirational guy Ben, loving your vids and tips which is helping me massively as I’m getting back into my running and aiming for a 45 Min 10k within the next 6-12 months! Keep them coming, wondering if I’ll ever get any where near that 33.15 10k I did at 24, now 42! 🤔
Hey Ben. You truly inspired people to run better and thank you for all the advice. Seeing that you like list's could you maybe share some of your favorite running books that you read.
Hello Ben, I discovered your channel when you posted the London GoPro video and follow you from since, so yeah-new subscriber! :-) I really like your tipps and advises. I‘ve started running 3 years ago and was a very bad runner. Since january this year, I’ve changed everything, put in hill sprints, fartleks, and really hard pace trainings and now I’m a Sub2 halfmarathoner! This year, Berlin will be my first Marathon! I‘m so excited!! Keep on coming the Videos!
Love your personality and positivity Ben your an inspiration.
Great video Ben. I followed you for the last 6 months and have used many of your tips and kit advice to run my first marathon at Milton Keynes. Thanks mate!
Great story Ben! Looking forward to seeing what is next on your journey.
Your channel is so awe-inspiring. It makes me happy to see someone doing what they love!
Another informative video. I love running just like you but do it to keep general fitness, Yes age is just a number but a 54 year old body takes longer to heal. I've changed my diet completely based around your videos. Todays point on your journey about giving up a good salaried job to follow your dreams. I'm so close to making that decision but just that little bit scared.
Greta job Ben keep up the good work.
I sure do notice the difference at 35, compared to when I was 25.. it does get harder with age of course. But look after your body (as you are) and it's still possible to do some great things. It's always scary when making these big life decisions.. all the best with whatever you go for Ady!!
WOW, didn't realise how quickly you've grown!!!!! So great, I'm so happy to see your growth Ben. Crazy amazing, if only :P
Cool video and super glad i found you channel. I only just got into running the last couple of years and found you at the right time! Thanks, Tom.
Thanks Tom, very kind! I've got a guide to hill repeats to publish in a couple of days, so hopefully that will help you too. Thanks for the support!
Thanks for the video! So glad I found your channel, I’m running my first marathon in July and your tips have helped me so much already !
Good luck Ash!! Come back and let me know how you get on.
I subscribed a few days ago. Really like your positive attitude! Keep up the good work man!
Welcome to the channel Bartek!
A really good, insightful video Ben.. & very inspirational! So thanks for sharing!
Re found my love for running 18 months ago & I’m constantly looking to improve (Mcr ‘18 in 4:45 - Mcr’19 in 3:27) I’ll be running Berlin this year as my goal race & want to achieve a GFA time (
Thank you Tim! Sounds like you've made some great progress.. over an hour and 15 minutes PB in just a year.. that's really impressive! All the best for your training over the summer. See you in Berlin!
Loved your content before, but after this video I LOVE your content. Your story is very inspirational! Keep up the good work, looking forward to hearing about the 2:20 marathon!
honestly you seem such a lovely genuine man
Great video Ben and good to see you and Sarah on Sunday. Your progress is super impressive!
Thanks Tom. Good to catch up with you too. Sarah and me were saying on the way home that we have to come to Oxford again soon and head out with you guys.. will drop you a text next week and see if we can arrange something!
@@BenParkes sounds great!
Request for more of Sarah in the videos!
Great story and video Ben. Love your positivity.
I like how you presented your vlogg,always smiling.I think you are a person that is very kind,keep it up sir!
Inspirational, thanks for the videos, as someone who has just turned 50, I now realise I need to learn more about running, how my body feels and how to maximise my training sessions. I'm getting quicker and your tips and training are all feeding into this. Keep up the good work Ben.
Another great video Ben. All I do these days it watch running videos to get different tips. I'm a week in to Maffetone training and already seeing good results from learning how to run easy by heart rate. Your vids are really helpful and your enthusiasm shines through. Keep it up and look forward to following you sub 2:20.
Thank you! The 2:20 journey starts in July.. can't wait! The HR training has done wonders for me. All the best for your running and racing!
Great video, really interesting to hear you weren't always a runner. Sage Canaday kind of kicked off my 'serious' training so it's cool to see you're a big fan too
Yeah.. I owe that man a lot!! Such an amazing human being.
Ben Parkes wow me too guys!
Followed you after this video. Thanks for sharing.
I just did london in 2.39.32 just dont know what marathon target next. Sub 6 min mile average I suppose. Dream of 2.30 and you have shown its possible
dear to dream!! always making me want to get my running shoes Ben!! keep up the good work!!
Great video! Love the history and insight. Have run a 2:45 myself. Probably need to do a little listening to my body before I gear up to drop the time a little further.
Love your words Ben!, you are amazing, keep it that way; greetings from Uruguay
I've recently started trail hiking and soon realised I would like to run on the paths instead of walk. Starting with the Couch to 5k (2nd run finished today) and looking forward to running those trails ... maybe even a marathon one day. I hope it's not too late to start at 45. Thanks for the inspiration.
Never too late to start Alan and great you've taken the first steps on your running journey. So much more to see when you run the trails as you can go further! But still good to get the hikes in as well.. I do love a good walk in the hills now and then. All the best for your journey!
@@BenParkes Thanks Ben. Appreciate it.
Top Channel, really enjoy your contribution to the running community. Keep it up, very well edited videos too :)
Great to hear your story Ben! Love this channel and even in the few months I've been following the content has gone from strength to strength! Great things on your horizon for sure. Keep up the awesome work!
So inspiring! Keep it up man big things coming!
Awesome again Ben, great video! I'm in my last bigger week of training before taper for Liverpool Marathon! Hoping to go sub 4 🤞
Ahh, I ran Liverpool last year.. loved it, there are a few hills you need to watch out for, but they're not too bad so long as you know they are coming up! The people of Liverpool put on a good show. I've got my fingers crossed for a sub 4 for you too!! Good luck Nathan!
Hills?! Plural?! Better get hunting for the course on strava to plan it out! Cheers Ben!
Great video Ben! ' I love helping people' such a beautiful statement mate. Wishing you all the very best in everything you do.
Hi Ben nice video mate. Love from India. Looking forward for more
Great video Ben as always. Your journey has been truly inspirational and with your hard work and determination I’m sure you will go on to achieve great things in the running world.
Great video ,Ben ! All of yours videos are awesome and always watch some of them before my running routine :) I hope to see you here in Berlin that's gonna be my first marathon and one of the main reasons to do it is your videos they helping me a lot to be better runner.Thanks for the inspiration !
See you in Berlin Borislav! All the best with your training over the summer for the race!
Watching your running videos have really inspired me to improve. Not a decent runner myself, but hoping to improve as much as I can through youtube. Best of luck for Berlin, I'm predicting a 2:19:35 :)
Hey! I hope you win the prediction competition again!! Could you email me (benparkes @ me.com) with your address again? Really sorry.. I wrote it down and have now lost the piece of paper. Will get the hat posted today.. sorry for the delay!
@@BenParkes no worries mate, I'll shoot you an email:)
7.17-7.26 do something you love you’ll never work a day in your life great attitude
Great video, amazing how far you've come in a relatively short space of time. I started running when I was 30. I started just below 4 hour marathoning and got down to 3:11 in a few years. Had a few years off (giant taper) but really back into it again now and dying to get sub 3. I'm trying 80/20 low intensity training but zone 2 feels so wrong, but will stick at it for a while.
The 80/20 approach has worked wonders for my training for sure. And it just makes it more enjoyable as well. I'd always say to stick with it.. give it time. I was impatient at the start, but it suddenly all started happening about 3 months in. All the best for your sub 3!
You’re like Peter Pan....you seem to look younger as you get older !! Keep up the good work. Love your videos 👍👍👍
Ha! Maybe running keeps you looking young.. glad you like the videos David, all the best!
Awesome video. Congrats inspiring
Love your videos and they are a big motivation - keep making me want to get better and faster. Just had a blow though in Copenhagen Marathon this past weekend. My goal was a sub-4 hour time and have really been putting in the runs and trained hard. Everything was great until the day. Not a great day - very hot (I’m not great in the heat) and after 28k the heat cooked my head and the time plummeted to 4:23 - Damn