THE MARATHON IS EARNED, NOT GIVEN | My  

Where are you watching this from?

Nico, this brought me to tears. This outcome is far more inspiring than if you would have perfectly hit your goal. You don’t inspire us with numbers - you inspire us with your faith, perseverance, and commitment. This only makes me want to continue following your journey. We don’t resonate with a number; we resonate with your character.

If you achieve your goals every race, you’re not setting the bar high enough. Nothing to be upset about. Great work!

This quaility of these videos are just getting higher and higher and I'm here for it.

Everything about the prep, running, and aftermath of a marathon is a metaphor for life. Good job, son.

Ayyy that’s me in the orange tank top and white arm sleeves @ 17:15!!

Nico, I hope you read this. Your video brought me to tears. I’ve been watching your vids and training for my first 5k. I’m a 34 year old dad, born n raised in AZ. Now in Ohio, my first 5k run was also April 28th. The diehard 5k here in Springfield Ohio. I placed 4th in my division. Now I’m training for a 10k in July. You inspire me, young man! I believe in you Nico, thanks for helping me believe in myself. Sincerely, Gilly ❤

Felt the emotions you displayed in this video in my core. Rock on, Nico, you are amazing

I’ve been following your channel for a while now and it inspired me to run my first marathon last weekend in Cincy at the Flying Pig. My goal was a 3:30 and I was on pace to hit it until I cramped unlike anything before in my life at mile 22. It was so emotionally draining to go from euphoria to devastation in a split second, knowing the training and months of preparation wouldn’t be rewarded with the time I was hoping for. Bottom line, I finished race, as did you. It’s just a number after all. It pails in comparison to the lessons that running teaches us, and you relay these lessons in such a compelling way. Your content is beyond inspiring, and I thank you for sharing your journey with all of us. Best to you and take some time rest.

Thanks for the feature at 22:43. Means a lot to have captured that interaction at the finish! You truly motivated me to go from a mediocre 3:49er to 2:58, and the sky feels like the limit now.

A truly visceral account of a goal in pursuit. Storytelling is a gift, and you have it. Thank you for the honesty and clarity.

I was one of the volunteers who set up the Eugene marathon and saw you running. I saw the perseverance and motivation. I was debating whether or not I should run it next year and you've cemented it for me. Thank you!

You know that sub 2:50 is just on the corner man, it's gonne be legendary bro Did amazing, another step to the top💪

Such an incredible feeling to be finally watching the race vid! After having followed along both this prep and the previous, the progression is just so unbelievable to see. It was an incredible effort, and an honor to be improving in my own running alongside you, watching these amazing videos. Please keep doing more, they honestly always make my day, and motivate me beyond belief! 😊🙏

I completely understand the nervous feeling, but what I realized is that once you start thinking about the pain of a race, you have to just stop thinking, no matter what, because if you think too much about the pain then the race is over before it even begins and you will have no mental drive

I ran this marathon in 2009, with only one other marathon, the Portland marathon under my belt. I bonked so hard at mile 18 that I ended up having to walk and limp for miles and finished a full hour slower than my previous Portland time. It was hotter and my nutrition was off for sure! I was glad to finish, but it was the hardest race I ever finished. There was a crazy amount of "sidewalk" miles, which is hard on the joints. Asphalt is more forgiving than cement is. Also, I found out 14 years later that I had a poorly developed hip, my entire life, that I ended up having replaced last summer. I love watching these videos, and you are inspiring me to start my running journey again. I love the whole BPN team, so inspiring. Thank you (Medford, OR)

Nico, I have probably already said it, but you are a huge inspiration to me. I am currently 15 years old and training for my first 15 k, I hope that this year, in 2024 I will be able to run a half marathon. Thank you Nico for showing a vulnerable and emotional side of yourself, that many RU-vidrs and influencers would not. You inspire me to become the best version of myself! keep up the amazing effort you put into your content and running!

You are easily one of if not the most inspiring people I have ever watched on RU-vid. Super proud of you and your efforts man, it felt awesome to follow along this journey through your videos

Nico, I appreciate your transparency in your videos! From someone that battles anxiety on a daily I struggle to show my emotions and seeing how real you are with how you feel in the lowest moments reassures me that I’m not alone in this fight. Love your videos man, and congrats on your marathon! Keep fighting, you will reach 2:50 very soon! 🏃🏽‍♂️

Thank you for actually showing the reality of running and racing. Everything isn’t sunshine and rainbows and most people don’t see the nerves and struggles you go through before.

didn’t take nico very seriously when i saw him on the internet at first, but since then he has quickly not only became my favorite content creator, but a role model for me. as a varsity high school runner it’s hard to push forward sometimes and it’s hard to keep going, but nico has shown me not only that it’s possible but that the results WILL show. so thanks nico, seriously

Nico you are one hell of a runner and what you did in that race is nothing short of incredible. Even tho you came up short of your goal you still hit a PR by a bunch. And the great thing about pr’ing is that you just did something you have never done before. So be proud of that and proud of the fact that you battled yourself to finish that race. Ik for sure you’ll break that 2:50 barrier next marathon.

“A little more persistence, a little more effort and what seemed hopeless failure may turn to glorious success”. Running has changed my life and watching your videos gives me hope to better myself to become a better runner and person

So insane. The amount of work you put in is phenomenal. Congratulations on running the marathon, you earned it! You’ve got so many awesome things ahead of you.

that was truly an inspiring race. thank you for taking us with you through that process. awesome job nico

This was such an emotional yet beautiful one to watch. I recently started running and I know the feeling of wanting to give up but not stopping till the finish line. You're a huge inspiration Nico

You're a huge hero, Nico. You inspire thousands of people to start running and to always push forward towards your goals. Once I heard one phrase: "You can be strong from the neck down, only if you're strong from the neck up". And you validate this phrase completely. You're a big example of passion, consistency, hard and smart work and, of course, mental toughness. I'm personally from Russia and you're one of the very first runners, who's inspired me to run more, pay close attention to recovery and nutrition. Honestly, everything you does, achieves in your life means a ton for me. The last thing I wanna say is I'd like to see you achieving more, more and more in your life and getting better every single day. My congratulations. Further more.

This was the first ever video ive seen of yours and this was amazing! Loved every second of this and i can 100% relate to everything you went through from the build up to the race! I have done the Eugene marathon before and you did great! Dont give up on your goals and dont let anything get you down, you did great either way!

Such an amazing video. To show the highs and lows of what a marathon brings, as well as the weeks of dedication it takes to train is inspiring. Well done on your results as it was still fantastic. I love you recognise the support you have around you to help you get those hard long runs and hours of training. Keep that inspiration alive and the 2.50 will come one day!! GO ONE MORE 💪

I've been checking obsessively for this one! Your videos have just become next level. Your honesty in all your videos (from drinking coffee to 💩 pre run to being afraid of "failure" and posting your emotions at the finish line) is so so inspiring. I was a long distance runner in high school and university and struggled with eating disorders and have associated racing with that period of my life ever since so I havent done a race in over a decade. Inspired by you and your videos I'm running my first race next weekend in probably 15 years. I look forward to following along in whatever is next on your journey. You crushed it more than you know.

Iv'e been following you for a while now and the work you put into everything from your workouts to your videos is inspiring. After watching you run Chicago, I signed up for my own first marathon in Madrid on the same day you ran Eugene. As tough as it was, watching videos like this really gives me that fire and belief to go out an tackle my goals again...THANK YOU and Congrats again on an amazing race!

What a great video Nico. Thank you for not only focusing on the race, but taking time to fill us in on how you were feeling. Hope recovery is going well.

Thank you Nico, you’ve inspired me greatly. Are a huge part of my rather late spurred passion for running. I watch your videos and this one was inspirational to say the least. Just know as you make these videos and support us (the fans), we will too, support you.

Lots of tears watching the end of this. That message is about a lot more than running and was one I needed to hear. Been following your journey and can’t wait to keep doing so. Keep at it, Nico

Amazing. Great race. Pushing through the pain and finishing strong. Never give up. It is the true mentality of a runner. Congrats.

Head up high Nico! You did amazing! Thanks for inspiring me to run my first marathon in august. This week i ran 60kms and thats because of the videos you put out. Thank you for inspiring me and so many others!

Nico, fantastic video!!! Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Your videos have inspired and encouraged me to become a better runner. I couldn’t help but tear up a little bit at the end. Even though you didn’t hit your goal this time, I know you’re going to hit it in the future.

You are my favorite bpn athlete. I really admire the raw thoughts & emotions you put into your videos. Truly inspiring. I’m currently training for my first half marathon in June. Your videos help me remember not every run is sunshine and rainbows. But what’s important is to give it the best you have in those moments regardless. Keep up the great work and keep working hard. You will reach your goals with faith and patience 🙏🏽

Nico You’re effort and drive for running is far beyond the personal goals you set, but for the incredible inspiration you give to others in their running journey.

truly inspiring. progress isn’t linear and sometimes you do end up missing your goal. the emotions you showed at the finish line made me tear up. i could tell how badly you wanted this. but you have great things waiting for you in the future. i’m proud of you and i loved this video. i’m confident you’ll run a 250 marathon and even faster than that in the future. onwards.

Very motivational! Appreciate your vulnerability showing the true side of the nerves many of us feel before a big race even when the training has been dialed in. Also appreciate you showing that although you didn’t reach your A goal, how proud you were of yourself for giving it your all and finishing. You have inspired many of us to push and reach what we may think is unattainable. 2:50 WILL happen next. Way to grind!!!

Congratulations! Such an inspiration 🎉! Thank you for sharing 😊 and can't wait to see your next project!

One of the most real and inspiring race videos! So important to see all sides of prep and an event, especially when it doesn’t go to plan, and you are inspiring so many to run! Thanks for being you!

I'm messaging from Dublin, Ireland- love following your journey! I wanted to let you know you've inspired and helped me to get back into running after a period of really struggling. Your 2:50 marathon will be all the sweeter when you achieve it, which you will. You're very inspirational, genuine and I hope you are staying kind to yourself. All the best from Ireland!! 🇮🇪

Love this and your content, Nico. Inspiration to many. Keep it up.

Hey Nico, I’ve been waiting for this video and it didn’t let down. Love your videos so much, they’ve helped me too. 2:52 is an incredible time and I wanted to let you know how much you inspire. Keep on going man, I know your gonna hit your goal next race.

Great work Nico! The content is so inspiring and your journey is only beginning! Thank you for showing your vulnerability with us.

Absolutely insane! Thank you for making this video. The raw emotions that you share just goes to show how difficult marathon training is. You’ve inspired me and I’m sure many others in their running journey 🏃‍♂️ Keep crushing it!

Your journey from the beginning to what you have achieved now has been a pleasure to witness. You should be immensely immensly prould to what you have accomplished up until now and all the hard work you have put in. I look forward to follow your journey onwards! All the best.

I loved this video Nico! Brought me to tears. Thank you for being so real. You’re a real inspiration ❤

Could not wait to watch this. I save all your vids for my treadmill runs cause I hate the treadmill and love your vids! This is my favorite vid of the series cause it’s so real. So proud of you for staying in the fight, as all of us runners know how hard that can be when you’re in the pain cave or in your head. Nico, your vids really paint the picture of how beautiful running is. Keep on keeping on…

Nico, this brought me to tears. Thank you for sharing your story and being one of the most inspirational athletes in my life. You did absolutely amazing and have nothing to be disappointed with. You give me courage to pursue my own running goals, and that’s more valuable than any time you could ever run. You’re leaving a legacy.

You're amazing man, you should be very proud. I just started running this year and your videos have been a great source of inspiration for me. Excited to see you continue to improve. Congrats!

You are so incredibly inspirational Nico. Every time I don’t feel like running I watch your videos and within minutes I’m ready to go. THANK YOU!

Love how real and raw this was! You’re an inspiration! I’m running my first marathon in February here in AZ and watching your stuff has motivated me to do it.

Congrats bro! I ended up seeing you at the finish and I'm glad I could witness your results after this epic build. Although you fell just short of your goal on the day, you still accomplished a huge PR and should be proud all you've done. Watching you was definitely huge motivation in training for Eugene and I can't wait to see what's next!

I’m watching this from Germany and I will continue following your process, cause you really are someone I have a great respect for You did such a great job on not only this race, but also the whole training in preparation for it You motivate me a lot to go out and chase my dreams You can be really really proud of yourself, Nico

What a legend. Huge congrats mate. Thank you for getting me back into running. Love from the uk

I am running my first half marathon in a few days and I find your content really inspiring. Running a 2:52 marathon is incredible!

You are a true inspiration Nico! This video just proved how strong and resilient you are despite adversity. You inspired me to run and i ran my first half marathon last weekend. However, unlike the support you had at the finish line, there was no one there for me. It felt kinda lonely but regardless, i am proud of my performance and my willingess to keep going despit the cramps and fatigue. I ran this race for myself and not for others. And i think you should be proud too. The amount of work behind the scene will eventually pay off. You’ve got this!!

This is incredible! You're an inspiration, Nico! Very well done!!! God bless

Congratulations!!! I am so proud of you for pushing your body to its limits. You are a role model for many including myself and you have helped me to run my first half marathon at the age of 14. ❤

been savoring this video, nico!! inspired by u to run my first marathon this past april. will continue to follow your journey. God bless!

The way you put this video together was truly inspiring nico! I could feel the emotions through the whole video, even though you didnt hit your goal you still crushed it and gave it your all!! Huge ups to you brother!

So happy to hear that you're still going to keep running & making videos! What you said at the end on not giving up on your goals was so inspiring! Was really fun following along on your journey & awesome job on the 2:52 PR which is still such an impressive achievement!!

Absolute legend Nico. Proud to watch this entire journey, through the struggles and success. A number is just a number. But you’ve gained a lot of wisdom and understanding of yourself. Keep up the hard work brother. You’ve got so much more in you.

Absolute legend the work you put in day by day never gets unnoticed. Every run it’s you vs you. Good job big dawg.

Teared up watching this. You are an inspiration to us all. Congratulations on an incredible race, and an amazing journey this far!

This was so beautiful to watch. You fought so hard that whole time!!! When you said you never know how the run is gonna go is so real. Because of you I just ran my first half marathon. I’m so excited to see you hit that 2:50 goal and we will all be celebrating with you then like we are celebrating this race with you!!!!

Darn journey of a video, phenomenal bro Oh man seeing your fans at the end recognize you is ❤❤ I mean dude just imagine working up all this way and having people of your own community meet you at the finish line who did the race with you, take that in man you're so inspirational

Way to go! You are so inspirational to us all and have made me challenge myself to more and better things so I thank you for that. I look forward to seeing what comes next

Oh Nico, I cried with you on this one! Been following your 2:50 journey since the beginning and my heart breaks for you that you narrowly missed your goal, but goodness, what a monster effort you put in. Onwards and upwards from here! Sending ❤ from Australia.

Nico you’re an inspiration to myself and countless others, helping us push past our perceived limits. Thank you for sharing your videos (which keep getting better in quality as well)!

Dude you are such a inspiration. Thank you for choosing to keep showing up! Watching you from Colorado

You are the first person I found when I entered the world of running. By far the best, most inspirational, entertaining and just an amazing person. Thank you the content you put out and motivating me to go one more and push myself daily. When you crossed the finish line I was crying with you brother

My first time watching a Nico video and not only did I cry…but what an inspiration to keep going. Thank you for sharing every part of your journey.

This was so inspiring and I am so proud of you still!! The quality of your content, the true genuine feelings, emotions, and the fight to push forward is truly admirable. Keep being a leader and being you! Go one more is truly what you’ve done 🧡

I loved watching this. I feel like this was the most authentic and genuine depiction of what happens facing a race emotionally. I am so excited for your next race because I can just tell that this race made you grow mentally/emotionally in a way you haven’t experienced yet. This next race that you’ll do I feel like you’ll have more of a hunger and fire 🔥 I am so excited to witness it because I know you are gonna rock your next training block and race.

Very very well done Nico! Thank you so much for sharing and inspiring others by your running. I’m tearing watching this💛🫶🏻

Amazing Job Nico! Your achievement and words at the finish line brought me to happy tears. I know the feeling (happiness through success) but you described it and you were humble. Go for one more and keep pushing! Thanks for the video.

Wow. Just wow. I just finished watching this absolute masterpiece. You’re so inspiring and you make me want to be better, to push on. This was an incredible journey to watch and this episode was the cherry on top. I can’t wait to join you on your next journey Nico. Thank you for being my inspiration.

Congrata on the race, definitely well earned with all the effort and time you spent training! Watching your videos inspired me to start running for the first time and its been a great challenge 😊

So proud of you, Nico! You inspired me to get back into running. I watch your shorts to prep for runs. You’re my pre workout 😂

Nico. Wow. This is one of the most powerful things I’ve ever watched. I’m in tears. I just started running this year. I have a 5k coming up and this inspired me to keep going and get better and better at running. Great job. Thank you for sharing these raw emotions with us

Nico, thank you for inspiring me through this journey! You have truly changed my perspective of life with running! It felt like just yesterday you started your 2:50 prep, and you have come so far! You crushed Eugene and you have impacted my life and many others way more than you know! Thank you so much!!!

Wow Nico, you’ve outdone yourself with this one. One of the most inspirational and moving videos I’ve seen. Watching your journey unfold and knowing there’s still more to watch you accomplish is so exciting.

Nico, this video brought me to tears. Your determination is outstanding and it really showed during this race.

Way to stay in the fight! Anyone can look at a time on a board and judge if there was a success or failure. You didn’t fail, you learned about yourself and your grit to push through. You showed so much heart in this race that will inspire many. Great work! Hope to see you on race day down the line. Keep your head up!

SO proud of you my man. You have so much to be proud of and I can’t wait to watch you continue to crush your goals in the years to come 💯📈

Great, great work Nico. Been watching you for a good while now & you’ve encouraged me to start running. I’ve been at it for a while now and I’m not nearly where you are but I know 1 day I can be. Hard work pays off! You did AWESOME 😎

Numbers don’t matter Nico. What matters is your courage to run but crush the marathon. You are the type of person people should strive to be every day of their life. Proud of you. God bless.

You got me crying at work at 9am. Thank you for showing us your raw and authentic emotions. Continue what you’re doing, keep inspiring. Sending love from Toronto!

You are amazing Nico! You capture the journey of running so well. Thank you for being such an inspiration for me and for so many others. I have no doubt that you will achieve your goal soon!

That emotion in the few minutes after crossing the finish line is so real and so raw - took my back to some of my best and worst races. Appreciate you sharing this video. Reminded me that there are so few things in life that can elicit that time of feeling. It’s why we chase crazy goals like this. Motivated to dive back into my next prep! Great work Nico!

Hi young man. I just wanted to let you know that I just finished my second half marathon for my 50th birthday. Your videos have really inspired and helped me along my journey.

Incredible man! Super proud and thankful for you. You were a big inspiration for me when I was training for my first marathon.

The end of this video gave me goosebumps. The community you have created and the inspiration you provide is way more than a time. You crushed that race and although it wasn't exactly what you wanted, there is way more positive to pull from this than your exact goal. You continue to show us all what hard work, dedication and perseverance will do!

You cannot begin to explain or understand the amount of growth we just witnessed. What a beautiful sight brother thank you for sharing.

Amazing work Nico! You’re an inspiration, and all your work was not for nothing. You gave it your all and you’re inspiring others to never give up!

What a great video ! honest and inspiring. I started running by watching one of your videos. Congratulations for finishing the race with the incredible time and thank you for inspiring us ❤️