I saw a quote recently that sums it up perfectly for me "I started running to lose a few pounds but I ended up finding myself. I set out to change my body but instead I changed my life".
@@ThisMessyHappy I don't know how this happened, but it's true. I could be healthy by running a LOT less than I do, but I run because I love it now. Even when it's hard, it just feels so good.
Absolutely spot on! Running, especially initially, was goal orientated. Then 6 months in (yes following a training plan and aiming for time still) my mind turned! The goal is linear to how it changed and changes my life to this day. I'm not religious but I'll preach running 🙌
Racing the Reaper is what I do. Was a 4.28 miler as a 160 lb kid. Stopped running over the years Gaining to 225 lbs. At age 60 started running dropping weight 2 180 lbs. Today Run 5K to marathons plus triathlons At age 67 now will run till i die. 2 hour 13.1 miles today.🏃
Thanks so much, buddy. That’s really kind of you to say. Hope you’re well? We’re running the Hua Hin Half next week if you’re around?! I know it’s not quite in Hua Hin but we’re running the race!
5:12 😀😃😄 well I've never done that, although I have come darn close 🙂. *Never eat Taco Bell* before a race (cough), that might have been something I may have done in my early days of racing, *maybe* 😎.
I raced a 15K yesterday, and I kind of defeated myself. I was trying for a PR, which actually would not have been that hard because I've only done one other 15K so far only had to get under 1:27. I ended up wearing half tights with calf sleeves, therefore exposing my knees. It was fairly cool out, and when we were down by the water it was even chilly. I never felt cold really the whole run, in fact on top i took a layer off and my hat. But by the time we got to about mile 7.5 my knees started to tighten up big time. I think I should have had tights on, pretty much everybody else had tights on 🙂. I also went out with a 9-minute pace group, and I think they ended up running hot, every time I looked at my watch we were doing more like 8:30/8:45. So I got dropped by then at Mile 2 and I kind of feel I never fully recovered even though through the whole race I ate two more gels after the start. So a number of factors, I think I'm fitter than I was when I did the last 15K, but who knows. I think I mostly did this to myself.
Did my first 2k today on your plan. Didnt run friday due to knee pain, but it was OK today and wanted to stay on schedule. 11:58 time. Havent run so far nonstop in about 15 years.
My favourite thing about your channel is that you don't make me feel guilty for not being better, faster, more fit, but instead make me happy to just be running and trying to improve at my own pace. In general many runners seem quite welcoming.
This is such a timely message for me…as have all your motivational vids since I subbed. I went thru a physical rehab program 6 months ago-on the last day, an incredible physio suggested running to me-I thought she was bonkers. I gave it a go & loved it so much that within a month, I registered for my first 5k-held 3 months from when I registered. I needed a goal back then to work towards. I remember waking up the next morning after registering, cursing myself going what have you done!!🤣Running made me feel great-so much so I overdid it in training for that 5k. Thank goodness I had had some magical runs, as I could have tapped out but I didn’t. I saw others running during that time and felt jealous. It then became all about coming back better from my injury-that’s when your vid there are no traffic jams on the extra mile popped up for me-I can’t tell you how much I needed that video then. Fast forward to 2 weeks ago, after 8 weeks of consistent running post injury, I ran that first 5k. No where near a PB, but everything else about that whole day was just beautiful. I somehow managed some very messy negative splits, something I haven’t been able to do🤣I even got to thank that incredible physio…she CRUSHED the 1/2 marathon that day. After the race I immediately went “what’s next”-but I’ve put that on ice. Races aren’t going anywhere. I think I needed that goal months ago, something to work towards, but now I’m seriously in love. I was bummed about the time I did in the 5k, but I did get out again the next morning after the race for a quick 20 min run & fell in love with it all over again…I do feel I’m a better person when I run. I’m still very much in the process of finding myself-which I want to take my time to do, without heaping the pressure on myself of another race. Sure there is still the what next, but I’m going to take my time to work out what that is-in the meantime, I’m running with a love for it, & im constantly in awe of being able to do something I never thought possible. Not every run is magical, but I’m enjoying the process. I’m in it for the long haul & prepared to take my time with that, not til the next race, or the one after that. Thankyou for you guys! I think you came into my life for a reason!!
This is where Messy Happy shines so brightly. Beautiful perspctives , Ben. You are at your most endearing, and enduring when you share that exquisite philosophy that we can find meaning and purpose in a running life. Bravo to you both!
One thing that I didn’t realise was balance. I ended up with a proximal tibia stress fracture as I didn’t eat enough through my training (thought I was doing the right thing) Lesson learnt though, will balance better on my return 👍
It‘s so beautiful where you both live 🥰👍 Good choose. Yeah with running I found myself too. After my first self relient 50 Mile Ultra in 2020 I have an undiscrible feeling about myself 🔥 I‘ve overcome myself 💪👍 Keep Going you both. You‘re doing a Great Job 🔥👍
Such a bad message. Essentially, you are saying that, if you are overweight, don't run because you shouldn't use your weight as a motivation. I completely disagree. Idc if your main reason is to lose weight when starting, as long as it is a healthy habit, then who cares why. I hope the running community doesn't endorse messages like this.
I think you’ve misinterpreted the message here. I clearly say that in the early days whatever the motivation is to start running, if it gets you started then I’m all for it (like weight loss). But not to attach to an outcome, like weight loss, for the long term because it has an end point. Attach to the process and weight loss will happen anyway but it won’t be your long term driving factor. You are, of course, totally ok to disagree with me. But disagree with my actual message not what you think it is 😊
You’ve nailed it🙌🏻. 11 years ago my life changed, I took up running. In a couple of months I’ll be 60. I’m healthier, fitter and mostly in control of my mental health, all down to having my ‘why’ which drives me. I’ve met so many inspirational people in those 11 years and many are now good friends. For as long as I can I will. I’M A LIFER.
Interesting perspective. We've found over 20 plus years each of running that extrinsic motivatiors have sufficed. Obviously they are recalibrated as we get further over the hill but times are still massive motivators to train. Disappointments are few as if the goal is not achieved we just reset and go for the next one. Old habits die hard.
@@ThisMessyHappy oh no I'd always have to be targeting something, even if it is sub 9m/m at 70% heart rate like today. Dawn and I have discussed this over the years. Dawn is an disassociater in that she can go in on herself, switch off from everything around her and immerse herself in the experience, as per your vlog. I, on the other hand, have to associate with something, be it old buildings, bits of old railway relics on our trails or the numbers on my watch. We are all an experiment of one, an old coach once said. Interesting to reflect on the different things we do to maintain motivation over the years Keep up the good work both of you.
Started running properly just under 5 years ago. I was fast approaching 50 , not in a terrible shape but definitely room for improvement. I looked at quite a few friends of mine that were in their 50s at that point and I thought to myself, I don’t want to be like that when I’m your age. Waddling, out of breath, Ill fitting clothes, limping all over the place and god knows what else!. Granted, I wasn’t starting from zero as I’d been cycling regularly for 20 years, but it still took effort. 5 years down the line, I run 3/4 times a week with Parkrun on Saturdays, 30 inch waist, 69kg. What I’m saying is, it’s better & easier to sort yourself out when your 1/2 stone over weight rather than 6/7 as that does take some will power & effort. I’m in it for life (injury’s permitting.) The vast majority of people can do what I’ve done IF they really want it.
I only started running 2 years ago. I went from couch to half marathon because I wanted to prove to myself. However I actually hated running, it was only the achievement I enjoyed but doing the half marathon was actually disappointing. I did it in my own time frame and ran without stopping so you'd think I would give myself a pat but it really was a meah moment and I thought it would probably be the last. Maybe if I struggled and failed the first maybe second attempt then I think it would have then given me a better sense of achievement. Despite this I changed my running to the maffetone method and now I really enjoy the run and enjoy running further each week with the intention of a full marathon but only now doing MAF runs I feel that I can make running a lifetime goal instead of momentary achievements.
Took me a while to realise a lot of this. When I started I was a size 40 waist and weight 15st. Dropped to a 34 and 12.5st but then started putting weight on which was disheartening ... but not the inches. Realised that the health benefits and mental health was more important than keeping weight off.
I realise this video isn’t primarily about weight loss but about motivation. That being said, I think we need to stop even using the phrase “weight loss” as it is focussing on the wrong thing. People who claim they want to lose weight really want to lose fat. Indeed, things like increasing bone density and gaining muscle cause a gain in weight while being some of the best things you can do for your body. But by concentrating on the number on the scale rather than, say, their waist size people tend to not only fail to make improvements in these important areas, they even make matters worse. I used to be “overfat” and my waist size was 38”. Now my waist size is 32”, I don’t have excess fat, but according to BMI I am still very “overweight”.
This is such a lovely video ❤️ I've been a runner since 2008 and mainly run for my mental health and wellness,but I love training for an event, often enjoying the training more than the event . When I'm training for something I always take better care of my health , eating healthy and being strict with myself about getting enough sleep etc ,so my training seems to have a positive knock on effect on the rest of my life 😁👍
100% endorse this view, and pretty much follow this motivation, trinkets and races are not the endpoint but used as stages to keep lethargy at bay. As I only started at 48/49 the medals and memorabilia I collect on the way will show a few when my days are done that you need very little to live life rather than exist, and if that creates a butterfly effect in some inconceivable way then all the better (and if not that is cool too).
I’ve ran consistently for the last few months. Feel so much better in myself and I’m actually getting faster. No races booked no pressure just me getting out there and getting it done. Well summed up Ben.🤗
Another good Vlog Ben, it's has really spoken to me . Started running or jogging as I called it then about 12 years ago for weight loss but now it is a huge part of my life. 3 weeks out form Halstead Marathon and am injured trying to remain positive but it's hard when trained so hard for it.
Thanks Peter. Rest up. You can’t really get fitter within 3 weeks anyway so just get yourself in good shape for the start line by rest and conditioning etc. good luck 😊
I love this channel and the encouraging videos you post! I would LOVE to get into running. Would you recommend finding a running coach as I start out or wait till I develop a base? It’s a whole new world and I’m so excited to explore it and start the process of becoming the best me.
Thank you for this motivating video! Definitely important to have a good balance of extrinsic and intrinsic running reasons! Consistency is the most important aspect of any healthy habit.
The thing is I need to go to the gym to lose the last 5kg I need to lose because with running I have plateaued. I mean I have restarted after a long 5 month break so possibly this will help me now. I missed watching your videos guys so hopefully now I will be more free with work and family so I’ll catch up! Lots of love from Italy! Peri
Thanks Peri! And glad to hear from you again, over the last couple of videos. I’m glad you’re well! Yes, you can get back in it easily. You know what you’re capable of 💪🏻😊
@OM I am being followed by a nutritionist who creates a plan for me ever 1.5 months. I’ve lost quite a bit of weight since I started but for the last 15 days I’ve plateaued. I think it’s normal to slow down during a weight lost journey and the last kg is always harder to get rid off.
@@solidsn2011 My suggestion would be to not focus on those last 5kg, but rather on how you look and feel. The gym might help with that, but it might not help with the actual weight. A good balance of nutrition, cardio, and strength will go a long way, even if the scale doesn't change. (I actually lost my last 5kg by running LESS and eating less sugar, but I was in the midst of marathon training so my body was in full survival mode toward the end. Once the marathon was done, those last 5kg dropped off LOL)
@@TarasSkyJourney thanks for the suggestion. I am currently on a ketogenic diet (but a healthier version that my nutritionist made) so my heart rate is quite a bit higher than normal. My runs are really slow so I would like to start going to the gym to lose the last 5kg mostly from my belly area before I introduce more carbs and do a proper running plan. Thanks for the suggestion but I’m too deep into this nutrition plan and I am following the dietician’s advise at the moment.
@OM because so far I haven’t been doing any weight training and I believe by building muscle it will speed up fat burning. Just with running I have plateaued so maybe it will boost my metabolism if I do some weight training
Wow! That was a beautiful mixed terrain trail run. Thanks for your thoughts. I indeed “run for life” but also for my kids lives. Any chance the Messhap crew are being invited to Thailand for a ‘Run for Life’ festival.
What a fantastically thought provoking video! I'm a little obsessed with RU-vid running videos, and this must be the first one that has really touched me. I'm sure many runners and potential ones too can or can see themselves relating to such a philosophical idealism surrounding running and its benefits. You have a subscriber and an admirer for life now for this wonderful video!
Thanks so much, Thomas. That’s a really lovely comment to read and much appreciated 😊 I’m glad you liked the video. There ones are actually my favourite to make too 😊
5:34 *THERE IS ALWAYS ANOTHER RACE* . Just like in bike racing, there's another race next weekend. Might be hard to find another 15K easily, it's kind of an odd distance 😊, but you can definitely find a half marathon or 10K.
In the beginning im set plan then I'm starting be wory my plan going very good but what happen after ? When achieve... Set new plan? .. Strava can be dangerous.. can't progress with every run.. thank you Ben for that friendly reminder..Rob
Sound philosophy. Goal setting definitely has its place, but we got sold that idea, along with so many others, without the broader perspective that illustrates its problems.
I’ve only recently discovered your channel. This video is the one which explains why this former college Hurdler converted distance runner with two marathons on the books, continues to run 35 years after my last college 400IM race. The process. The why. And having the strength to forgive ourselves if a session doesn’t go as planned. Thanks for sharing your journey. I’m glad our paths crossed.
I kind of had the opposite problem. I used to do weights regularly and lost more weight than I wanted to. Now I don't care how much I've lost, or how much more I might lose. The love of running is what matters to me most
Thanks for the reminder to keep the focus on a ‘why’ that is intrinsic and about happiness, health and presence. I rely on your joint insights when I’m doing hard things and they frequently help.
I have just purchased a pair of Hoka Speedgoat 4 Goretex for a trail marathon in June. I have seen mixed reviews and I’m worried I have made the wrong choice, what do you think ? Thankyou!
Hey Jack, well I live my speedgoat 4 to be honest. Much better than the Nike Pegasus. My only concern would be the goretex. I’m not sold on them. If you do get water in, over the top, how is it getting out? I don’t rate that aspect I’m afraid 😬😊
