Ben, just wanted to comment to thank you for your beginner program available through your website. Did my first ever marathon today. Had been hoping to finish somewhere in the 4hour 30 - 4 hour 40 range but managed 4.18. So thank you! Your videos have really helped build my enthusiasm for getting out and doing the training the last few months.
I’m new to trail running at the grand old age of 60, but have completed 2 events on the south coast run by Big Feat Events and thoroughly recommend them. The real bonus is the great food choice at the aid stations 👍
I think trail running around here got me to many places nearby that I would never have seen otherwise. My wife, born here, never did. That 10 - 15 K radius of activity that became accessible was eye opening. In country areas people may get suspicious when they see you walking up to their farm... "What's he want?", but when they see that you're a crazy runner, it's OK. What I most appreciate is when I find a new route and I hear people say something like: "It's the crazy old guy from (name of village)". Greetings from Thailand.
I think it's great advice to look at "time spent running" instead of "distance/pace" metrics! The difference between my road half-marathon and my trail half-marathon times are so spectacular that it's not even the same person or activity!
I love the trail content! Fingers crossed we see more of Sarah in the near future too if you’re both training for distance/trails. Great job in London!
Hi Ben, Just wanted to say that after watching your reviews, i purchased the Asics Novablast 3's to trial... Can say they are exceptional shoes! So supportive and comfortable. Also cheaper than the Gel Nimbus 25 so happy days :) Hope you are well! Thank you for the videos too. As someone who has been running for 2 months now, the content has been inspirational. Lost 22lbs and am seeing very noticeable results in my timings and conditioning.
For anyone in the north West; the Peak District is an amazing playground with Edale being the crown and also easily accessible via the train (Manchester to Shefield). Would recommend the great ridge (Hope [train] to Mam Tor), Grindleford [train] to Bamford [train] via Stanage edge and Ladybower reservoir, Disley [train] to Macclesfield [bus/trian] via the Gritstone trail, Macclesfield forest [bus]. Then for Cheshire you have the Sandstone trail starting at Frodsham [train], goes to Delamere [train], to Tarpoley/Beeston castle [bus] and Whitchurch [train]. Delamere forest is a brilliant introduction to trail running, very easy and the there is a massive cafe (called the welcome centre) in the middle. Finally you have Church Stretton [train] in the Shropshire Hills region where the hills are not too high but again are very scenic. Easiest route is to go up to Pole Bank and then along the ridge to Little Stretton, have a nice pub lunch and then walk/run back up to Church Stretton :)
Also you have Leek [bus] along the Roaches to Lud Church, Congleton [train] to the Cloud, Buxton [train] to Congleton [train] via the Dane Valley Path. Alderley Edge [train] has a wooded area for doing short (5k/10k) circuits (can get quite muddy). If you want flat then there are plenty of canals, such as Nantwich [train] to Chester [train], Sandbatch [train] to Kidsgrove [train] to Congleton [train] to Macclesfield [trian] to Marple [train]
Well that's absolutely more than comprehensive. Thank you. I'm bang new to trail running and a Manchester boy born and bred. You've given me plenty to go at there Sir, I literally don't know where to start. I was up at Dovstones reservoir today. Walked up to the top reservoir then across to the Indians Head and descended from there. Didn't want to start running as I'm still recovering from torn ligaments in my ankle. Is this a place your familiar with ? If so is it a good place to start ?
I’d highly recommend The Lap as a fantastic entry level trail Ultra and Lakeland Trails for a whole host of distances in the Lake District. Stunning routes and amazing support.
Ben your videos are the best. Discovered trail running during the pandemic and fell in love with it. So much more fun and less demanding than road running. As for trail shoes I’d say never pay full price for the latest model pick up last year’s discounted for eg just bought Hoka Challenger 6 for £70 the new V7 is £130.
Great summary, I would add take some photos, it's amazing what you might see and even running on the same trails the changing seasons mean you never know what you'll get on a run. I've seen frogs, foxes, hedgehogs and snakes just in the UK!
Great timing ben, just signed up for a 17k im Grasmere in june. Did Manchester a couple of weeks ago and struggling with recovery a bit so nice to have something to look forward to!
I think this is a great video. I would also say leave the competitive road running attitude at home. Fellow trail runners are pleased you are there in the elements with the views, and will say 'well done', and check you are ok on the way round rather than focusing on themselves all the time. Also, trail running is strategic, and working out your strategy is one of the fun bits.
Thanks Ben, great video as always. I'm doing a trail half in July and using your level 2 HM training plan. Planning to do the speed sessions on the road and everything else on trails. Should I just do the easy runs for an equivalent length of time as if I was running on the road and not worry about pace and distance?
Hey Ben & Sarah, what's the recommended build up per week. My only trail run #UTMB Tarawera50 I just did my long run on trails but it gave me a niggle even after a road marathon . I think I should have slowly built up time on trails. Any recommendation on doing this? 10% rule?
How do you keep your feet dry to avoid blisters? I’ve recently started hiking in type A hiking shoes (which are below ankle shoes, instead of type B/C mountain boots) and they got wet 5k into the hike due to a puddle that was impossible to avoid. Needless to say I got some juicy blisters during the remaining 30k’s 😅
Hmm. Rubbing causes blisters, and water just makes your feet a bit softer. My feet routinely get wet and I don't get blisters, so I'd suggest it's a kit thing. That being said, you can tape up likely hotspots on your feet (although there is a technique to doing this effectively).
moving from hiking to running I found hiking boots and thick socks seemed to keep the water in, my feet would then by cold/wet and not in great condition. When running I love the inov8 merino socks and a shoe that drains easily (so no goretex). I'm often having to run through 10-15cm of water but after 5 or so minutes of running my feet are generally dry again. Often on longer runs I'll have back up dry socks to put on if needed which may help, although you may not want to carry a lot more kit but I find the UK can be wet any time of the year!
@@richardantrobus7186 that seems too obvious for me not to have thought about that, but it actually makes a lot of sense. The shoes are indeed quite waterproof as long as the puddles are not ankle deep. But that indeed also means water can't go out once it got in... I guess I'll have to invest in some trail shoes or non-waterproef hiking shoes then.
@@chrisshaw2810 I do have annoying feet and am already taping quite a bit, however this particular time it was the ball of my foot between my big and second toe, which I have no idea if you could tape that effectively. It probably is a kit issue indeed. I have nearly no experience with long distance hiking or trail running so it's just trying out things and seeing what works 😅. Must say my shoes were probably slightly too small, which might have made it worse as well
If you generally have trouble with blisters etc. Then check out the book "Fixing Your Feet" by John Vonhof, it's probably the most comprehensive work on the subject.
Wish we saw more of Sarah either here or on her own channel
Ben, just wanted to comment to thank you for your beginner program available through your website. Did my first ever marathon today. Had been hoping to finish somewhere in the 4hour 30 - 4 hour 40 range but managed 4.18. So thank you! Your videos have really helped build my enthusiasm for getting out and doing the training the last few months.
I’m new to trail running at the grand old age of 60, but have completed 2 events on the south coast run by Big Feat Events and thoroughly recommend them. The real bonus is the great food choice at the aid stations 👍
Komoot is a great app for planning trails. Use a lot as I live in the Chilterns and there are hundreds of miles of potential routes.
I think trail running around here got me to many places nearby that I would never have seen otherwise. My wife, born here, never did. That 10 - 15 K radius of activity that became accessible was eye opening. In country areas people may get suspicious when they see you walking up to their farm... "What's he want?", but when they see that you're a crazy runner, it's OK.
What I most appreciate is when I find a new route and I hear people say something like: "It's the crazy old guy from (name of village)". Greetings from Thailand.
I’m still fairly new to trails. All your tips are extremely appreciated!!!!❤
I think it's great advice to look at "time spent running" instead of "distance/pace" metrics!
The difference between my road half-marathon and my trail half-marathon times are so spectacular that it's not even the same person or activity!
I love the trail content! Fingers crossed we see more of Sarah in the near future too if you’re both training for distance/trails. Great job in London!
Hi Ben, Just wanted to say that after watching your reviews, i purchased the Asics Novablast 3's to trial... Can say they are exceptional shoes! So supportive and comfortable. Also cheaper than the Gel Nimbus 25 so happy days :) Hope you are well! Thank you for the videos too. As someone who has been running for 2 months now, the content has been inspirational. Lost 22lbs and am seeing very noticeable results in my timings and conditioning.
For anyone in the north West; the Peak District is an amazing playground with Edale being the crown and also easily accessible via the train (Manchester to Shefield). Would recommend the great ridge (Hope [train] to Mam Tor), Grindleford [train] to Bamford [train] via Stanage edge and Ladybower reservoir, Disley [train] to Macclesfield [bus/trian] via the Gritstone trail, Macclesfield forest [bus]. Then for Cheshire you have the Sandstone trail starting at Frodsham [train], goes to Delamere [train], to Tarpoley/Beeston castle [bus] and Whitchurch [train]. Delamere forest is a brilliant introduction to trail running, very easy and the there is a massive cafe (called the welcome centre) in the middle. Finally you have Church Stretton [train] in the Shropshire Hills region where the hills are not too high but again are very scenic. Easiest route is to go up to Pole Bank and then along the ridge to Little Stretton, have a nice pub lunch and then walk/run back up to Church Stretton :)
Also you have Leek [bus] along the Roaches to Lud Church, Congleton [train] to the Cloud, Buxton [train] to Congleton [train] via the Dane Valley Path. Alderley Edge [train] has a wooded area for doing short (5k/10k) circuits (can get quite muddy). If you want flat then there are plenty of canals, such as Nantwich [train] to Chester [train], Sandbatch [train] to Kidsgrove [train] to Congleton [train] to Macclesfield [trian] to Marple [train]
Well that's absolutely more than comprehensive. Thank you. I'm bang new to trail running and a Manchester boy born and bred.
You've given me plenty to go at there Sir, I literally don't know where to start.
I was up at Dovstones reservoir today. Walked up to the top reservoir then across to the Indians Head and descended from there.
Didn't want to start running as I'm still recovering from torn ligaments in my ankle.
Is this a place your familiar with ? If so is it a good place to start ?
We have lots of shorter running club organised trail races in South Yorkshire as well.
I’d highly recommend The Lap as a fantastic entry level trail Ultra and Lakeland Trails for a whole host of distances in the Lake District. Stunning routes and amazing support.
Would love a video on how you plan your runs/holidays abroad? Do you go places specifically to run?
Love the trails I just have zero sense of direction so need to stick to well marked ones 😂.
Ben your videos are the best. Discovered trail running during the pandemic and fell in love with it. So much more fun and less demanding than road running. As for trail shoes I’d say never pay full price for the latest model pick up last year’s discounted for eg just bought Hoka Challenger 6 for £70 the new V7 is £130.
Rumour has it Sarah is going to upload a video in 2023. Not sure who started the rumour, but that's what I heard.
Great summary, I would add take some photos, it's amazing what you might see and even running on the same trails the changing seasons mean you never know what you'll get on a run. I've seen frogs, foxes, hedgehogs and snakes just in the UK!
Great timing ben, just signed up for a 17k im Grasmere in june. Did Manchester a couple of weeks ago and struggling with recovery a bit so nice to have something to look forward to!
Thanks,Ben! I‘m planning to start trail running for a while, but now I will give it a go. See you on the trails!
Exactly what I needed, as I will do a maratrail in 2 weeks an I'm not completely ready yet..😅 Thanks for the tips!
Thanks dude
I think this is a great video. I would also say leave the competitive road running attitude at home.
Fellow trail runners are pleased you are there in the elements with the views, and will say 'well done', and check you are ok on the way round rather than focusing on themselves all the time.
Also, trail running is strategic, and working out your strategy is one of the fun bits.
I’m a road runner but my favourite race is the 3 forts challenge. Look it up people it’s fantastic
favourite trail routes around London? (or easily accessible via public transport)
well done in LDN Marthon btw!
Fab film Ben! Trail running is the best ever, I run a whole channel about it! It would be great to interview you sometime! :)
Thanks love those trails
Great video.. thanks mate...here in Australia we take a snake bite kit too....yikes. 🐍
Really well made video and great content too
Think we need to see you do a video of the 3 peaks fell race next year!
Interesting tips. I'm just starting with trail running this year, so this video has been helpful. Thanks for sharing!
I've only run on concrete. I've never done a trail in my life but there's a trail race coming up that I want to try.
Very good tips 👌pretty much everything I've learnt over the past five years
minimalist shoes are the only way to trail run imho
Great video Ben
I'm from Durban in South Africa where the Comrades finishes...what's your race plan? Would love to hear more about your prep for it
Looking for a decent trail marathon to fill the gap before Chicago right now!
Thanks for the great tips 👍🏻👍🏻
Really helpful, thank you.
Great video
Thanks Ben, great video as always. I'm doing a trail half in July and using your level 2 HM training plan. Planning to do the speed sessions on the road and everything else on trails. Should I just do the easy runs for an equivalent length of time as if I was running on the road and not worry about pace and distance?
Yes, you message Mark Lewis and ask to borrow his dog Nixon.
Trial running = SALOMON 😂😂❤
Any recommendations for a good watch?
We'd love it if you could join our race in November 2023 in Oman.
No mention of FRA?
Hey Ben & Sarah, what's the recommended build up per week. My only trail run #UTMB Tarawera50 I just did my long run on trails but it gave me a niggle even after a road marathon . I think I should have slowly built up time on trails. Any recommendation on doing this? 10% rule?
How do you keep your feet dry to avoid blisters? I’ve recently started hiking in type A hiking shoes (which are below ankle shoes, instead of type B/C mountain boots) and they got wet 5k into the hike due to a puddle that was impossible to avoid. Needless to say I got some juicy blisters during the remaining 30k’s 😅
Hmm. Rubbing causes blisters, and water just makes your feet a bit softer. My feet routinely get wet and I don't get blisters, so I'd suggest it's a kit thing. That being said, you can tape up likely hotspots on your feet (although there is a technique to doing this effectively).
moving from hiking to running I found hiking boots and thick socks seemed to keep the water in, my feet would then by cold/wet and not in great condition. When running I love the inov8 merino socks and a shoe that drains easily (so no goretex). I'm often having to run through 10-15cm of water but after 5 or so minutes of running my feet are generally dry again. Often on longer runs I'll have back up dry socks to put on if needed which may help, although you may not want to carry a lot more kit but I find the UK can be wet any time of the year!
@@richardantrobus7186 that seems too obvious for me not to have thought about that, but it actually makes a lot of sense. The shoes are indeed quite waterproof as long as the puddles are not ankle deep. But that indeed also means water can't go out once it got in... I guess I'll have to invest in some trail shoes or non-waterproef hiking shoes then.
@@chrisshaw2810 I do have annoying feet and am already taping quite a bit, however this particular time it was the ball of my foot between my big and second toe, which I have no idea if you could tape that effectively. It probably is a kit issue indeed. I have nearly no experience with long distance hiking or trail running so it's just trying out things and seeing what works 😅. Must say my shoes were probably slightly too small, which might have made it worse as well
If you generally have trouble with blisters etc. Then check out the book "Fixing Your Feet" by John Vonhof, it's probably the most comprehensive work on the subject.
Trail running > road running
Spot on
I apologize, I just realized I wasn’t subscribed ✅
first