One of the things that I like about all of your videos is how you 'tell the story' and keep the audience engaged! I'm still learning how to do that with my running videos. Great job and great video! As for long runs, I agree that these are the foundation of your training. To keep the long runs interesting, I enjoy using them to explore new areas.
Couple of things I’ve done in a long run when training for a marathon. 1: Run a parkrun PB then do 10mile steady pace . 2: Run a 10 mile race then run same route backwards nice and easy pace. 😊
I do "fast finish" long runs, which are like your negative splits, but with the finish at or even below goal pace. Another one is a 3rds progression run, again negative splitting but in 3 parts. These make me look forwards to plain vanilla long runs where my mind can wander and enjoy the views, sounds etc. I definitely enjoy the planning and satisfaction behind the long runs. As for your trail runs, please weigh yourselves before and after. It may surprise you. You will sweat litres...... enjoy it you pair of mad buggers!!
Thanks for tbe video guys.Just completed a 34 mile Trail Ultra yesterday and felt pretty good at the finish. Took just under 9 hours to complete. I try to look for things on nature to break it up,bird life,grasshoppers,plants, try to identify trees,anything just to break it up. Works for me. All the best from sunny Wales 🌞🌞
A couple of years ago I realised I wasn't enjoying my long runs. I was just getting through them and trying to improve segment times. I run a lot of trails so switched my vocabulary to going on a recreational run where I would stop to take photos or stretch or just have a drink and enjoy the scenery. I'm not a professional runner so if it stops being enjoyable I change it up 😊
Love that you don’t chat either when running together. My husband and I have been running together for 18 years, 40 plus marathons and ultras plus lesser distances and all the associated training. What is there left to talk about?!! 😂😂
Another great video. Don't worry about the trail runs. My wife and I did Tahura Trail Run in Java a few years back. Big climbs, difficult trails in places. Climbed 3 x Ben Nevis. It was tough but really rewarding. Key factors - Hydration, Nutrition and a good Run/Walk strategy. You will both smash your events.
This is really reassuring to read. Thanks Andrew. There is more than a little apprehension but it’s good to hear from people who have done similar. I’m sure I’ll be fine. It’s just 1 race…. 🤯😂
Long runs...hmmm... If you've been doing the same route quite awhile, go at it the other way around. Go for the more scenic routes if possible. Go for a route you have not done or maybe you've went thru many times but not by running. If you like running with earphones on, listen to your music or perhaps a podcast you can learn from. There. That's what I have. Happy running!
I enjoy watching your running videos and I’m not even a runner! I love swimming and cycling but as a bit of a chunk, I always get painful niggles with running. Love all the tips though! It’s good to adapt to other sports too 🙂
For quite a while my HM PB was actually after an 11km warmup, making it a 20-miler. I was in marathon training and it was 3 weeks from marathon day, which also ended with a PB.
Haha Garmin should add auto pause feature when in Thailand in the exact moment of the anthem imo 😅 Good luck 🤞 with the new challenge! will be amazing with the amazing nature of Thailand!!
@@ThisMessyHappy Good choice. 👍🏼 however much less stack height in the forefoot and for the ultra on an unknown course (surface) I think I would be looking for something more. INOV8 Trailfly Ultra G300? Bomb proof lol. You’ll both smash it anyway 😁🏃🏻♂️
A lot of the time I run solo with no music/audio books or anything, so when feeling unmotivated etc. Sometimes I'll go out and listen to my current audio book just to change things up a bit.
I like to challenge myself for the long runs to places within reason of my area to run, like a landmark or park or just somewhere I've always thought 🤔 maybe I could run that (plus helps if you have a friend that can collect you if you bite off more than you chew 😉)
@@ThisMessyHappy always have a backup is my go to ... unfortunately my lower back is a little bit niggly today so might leave the long crazy run until Sunday
I spice up my long runs , especially leading to a race , I usually alternate a easy long run week followed by a hard one the next week , this week for example was 35k with 3x5k at marathon pace ! Definately breaks it up and makes me enjoy it , I’m a 2:40 marathon runner atm for context hoping for 2:35 in November .
Always fun watching you both. Especially since we were in Thailand last summer. Question, do you normally break on your long runs, if so how long? Thanks!
Thank you for the practical tips about dealing with training challenges. I really enjoy the way that you share your experiences. Bangkok appears pretty flat. Should you train in the same manner for a 10km or half marathon if you live and train in a hilly region like Jerusalem, Rome or San Francisco?
Top tip: Don't run with a mate called John. Yours talked you into a 50km trail ours talked us both into a 50 mile canal race. Leave your John's at home...😆
I dislike long runs. I get so bored! Music helps, playing little mind games helps. Varying my pace helps too. My favorite race distance is half marathon, so I really do need to do long runs. Ugh.
Any tips to how to occupy your mind during an actual marathon for us, supposedly slower runners (i.e. 4:30 to 5:00+ hr marathon)? I did my first marathon run recently and felt 'bored' at some points. Maybe I should go back to your other video ( ua-cam.com/video/qI2dyumqXMI/v-deo.html&ab_channel=ThisMessyHappy )
I can definitely identify with this from my recent marathon training, and the race itself. Those long runs are a slog, no doubt about it. During the race itself I forced myself to run without music to 30km (having wanted it for the last 10km), then whacked on the 70s-90s tunes to get me through the final slog. It worked. There's something to be said for shouting along to Eye of The Tiger at mile 23!
You’re going to get rinsed on that 50k..I’m worried for you Ben! There’s been a lot of great track sessions and no hill work, how you going to manage? 🤣. I wish you the best! 💪
First, thank you for your tips and videos that helped me a lot in my new journey of running! How many times do you do a long run a week and how long should a long run be ? I have been running for a year now and I have been struggling to run more than 3 miles
Will you continue to share your weekly training like you have been for the 10k and half? Trail races are great in the tropics. It’s so hot that it’s not necessarily about the fittest but the ones that can survive the heat. Enjoy!
Of course! But probably in a slightly different way. This training plan series has been really tough in the channel as not many people watch them. BUT I think they have longevity so they’ll probably do well over a longer period of time. But yes I’ll always share my training for sure 😊 just gotta survive this race now 😂
@@ThisMessyHappy good luck, I just googled think it takes place just after leaving Thailand at Christmas (fingers crossed that happens). Thailand does the best race shirts for their events always crazy colour schemes! 👍
Hi, I am curious, what trail race did you sign up for? I was supposed to do the UTMB Thailand in October but it is now postponed for December, even then I don't think I will be able to make it, I don't think that the borders will be reopened (without quarantine). Good luck to you guys.
Yo! Well, at the time of making this video we had signed up to the Columbia Trail Masters 50 and 30km in Pattaya but we’ve both since signed up for the UTMB 23km as well. Exciting!! Where are you in the world?
@@ThisMessyHappy cool I have just checked out the Columbia trail masters, it looks good and might be a good fall back plan if I can't do the UTMB. I live in Kuala Lumpur currently, Thailand has just announced that they are opening the borders without quarantine in November so it is moving in the right direction, but unfortunately for now we would still have to quarantine 14 days on the way back and I can't afford the time off from work, but things seem to be changing quickly so we never know. If you get bitten by the trail running bug, there are so many good ones in Thailand. Also check out the Vietnam trail series they have some great even. In Malaysia we have two great events in Borneo (TMBT and BUTM) and also the Cultra in the Cameron highland. Also check out the race organised around Angkor Wat. Trail running is such a great way to explore Asia.
Hi Anna, the 6 week ones do work and the ultimate plan. But I’m afraid I accidentally deleted the others a while back and have t been able to remake them. Most people screen shot them though and it seems to work 😊👍🏻
Ha ha it’s so weird when you first experience it but you realise that it’s totally normal for them. Why wouldn’t you stop during a long run, for a national anthem? 😂
Strange….having a gel during a long run I mean. So, your long run is training the body to run on glucose rather than body fat? It you are taking on ultras, exactly when are you adapting your body to burning fat if it isn’t during the long run? …….omg, I’m calling out a PE teacher, ….sorry sir!
Ha ha detention for you!! 😂 I’m not training my body to run on fat on long runs. I mean, it will do that naturally especially if in the base zones, but also your body uses glucose regardless of how short or long the run is so it’s good practice to train the body to take gels. Essentially, I’m not focussing on training my body to use fat or carbs, I’m training it to be able to perform in a race. And you wouldn’t ignore gels in a race so why ignore them in training? Hope that makes sense 😊
Hmmm……ok. Over a set period of time, there’s a maximum amount of energy you can absorb from gels though, (I can’t remember what the amount is), and the body can’t absorb the excess, no matter how much you eat. So, if I was planning an ultra, I would be doing long runs with not even a breakfast, to make sure I’m not relying on gels all the time…..having written that, I lift my head and survey the pile of gels on my sideboard and wonder why I have so many!
The suggested intake is around 60-100g carbs per hour and a gel is about 22g so one gel over 90 mins is nothing. Also, the body doesn’t automatically switch to using carbs simply because you take a gel on. An ultra like mine is going to require a lot of carbs as it’s 1500m of elevation and climbing, in this heat, is going to take me out of zone 2. Also, you’d still be fat burning whether you had breakfast or not as that’s not how the body works. So i’d recommend against fasted training as you lose the quality of the session in my opinion. There’s not great evidence for the benefits of it. So if you had breakfast then went for a zone 2 run, you’d still be mainly utilising your fat stores. The carbs is a back up and the body still uses a bit regardless. So, in short, gels are a must for ultra training, for me 😊
One of the things that I like about all of your videos is how you 'tell the story' and keep the audience engaged! I'm still learning how to do that with my running videos. Great job and great video! As for long runs, I agree that these are the foundation of your training. To keep the long runs interesting, I enjoy using them to explore new areas.
Ahh thanks buddy. Just watch a bunch of Casey Neistat and Peter McKinnon videos and you’ll smash it 😂 that’s all I do ha ha
Couple of things I’ve done in a long run when training for a marathon.
1: Run a parkrun PB then do 10mile steady pace .
2: Run a 10 mile race then run same route backwards nice and easy pace. 😊
You guys should do a video sometime about how your running wardrobe has changed since being in Thailand! That and a shoe update 😊
I do "fast finish" long runs, which are like your negative splits, but with the finish at or even below goal pace. Another one is a 3rds progression run, again negative splitting but in 3 parts. These make me look forwards to plain vanilla long runs where my mind can wander and enjoy the views, sounds etc. I definitely enjoy the planning and satisfaction behind the long runs. As for your trail runs, please weigh yourselves before and after. It may surprise you. You will sweat litres...... enjoy it you pair of mad buggers!!
Thanks for tbe video guys.Just completed a 34 mile Trail Ultra yesterday and felt pretty good at the finish. Took just under 9 hours to complete. I try to look for things on nature to break it up,bird life,grasshoppers,plants, try to identify trees,anything just to break it up. Works for me. All the best from sunny Wales 🌞🌞
A couple of years ago I realised I wasn't enjoying my long runs. I was just getting through them and trying to improve segment times. I run a lot of trails so switched my vocabulary to going on a recreational run where I would stop to take photos or stretch or just have a drink and enjoy the scenery. I'm not a professional runner so if it stops being enjoyable I change it up 😊
A great attitude to have, Debbie. We’re like that. Stop when we want, drink when we want. Just enjoy the process basically. I think you’ve nailed it 😊
Love that you don’t chat either when running together. My husband and I have been running together for 18 years, 40 plus marathons and ultras plus lesser distances and all the associated training. What is there left to talk about?!! 😂😂
Ha ha exactly!! And over here we’re concentrating on not melting in to nothingness 😂
Completely off topic, but you two are such great couple goals
Another great video. Don't worry about the trail runs. My wife and I did Tahura Trail Run in Java a few years back. Big climbs, difficult trails in places. Climbed 3 x Ben Nevis. It was tough but really rewarding. Key factors - Hydration, Nutrition and a good Run/Walk strategy. You will both smash your events.
This is really reassuring to read. Thanks Andrew. There is more than a little apprehension but it’s good to hear from people who have done similar. I’m sure I’ll be fine. It’s just 1 race…. 🤯😂
Excited to watch your training for your two races!! Nothing like a nice, scary goal to keep you motivated.
Thanks for the helpful tips Ben and Mary . It helped me on the Oxford Half marathon yesterday 🎉💯
Awesome! Thanks so much for the comment. How did you get on? Did you enjoy? 😊
Long runs...hmmm...
If you've been doing the same route quite awhile, go at it the other way around.
Go for the more scenic routes if possible.
Go for a route you have not done or maybe you've went thru many times but not by running.
If you like running with earphones on, listen to your music or perhaps a podcast you can learn from.
There. That's what I have.
Happy running!
I enjoy watching your running videos and I’m not even a runner! I love swimming and cycling but as a bit of a chunk, I always get painful niggles with running. Love all the tips though! It’s good to adapt to other sports too 🙂
Thanks so much! Never say never either. Running will always be there for you. Or triathlon 😉😂
For quite a while my HM PB was actually after an 11km warmup, making it a 20-miler. I was in marathon training and it was 3 weeks from marathon day, which also ended with a PB.
Ha ha it’s funny how that can happen. Usually when you least expect it! Feels good though eh? 😊👍🏻
Haha Garmin should add auto pause feature when in Thailand in the exact moment of the anthem imo 😅
Good luck 🤞 with the new challenge! will be amazing with the amazing nature of Thailand!!
Thanks Boris. Yes, the national anthem auto pause could be a thing! Set at a particular time to force you to stop 😂
Looking at buying trail gear? Shoes? Hoka Speedgoat. End of search. 👍🏼
Great video.
Hmmmm I like the Nike Pegasus Trail! Never really clicked with Hoka’s 🤔
@@ThisMessyHappy Good choice. 👍🏼 however much less stack height in the forefoot and for the ultra on an unknown course (surface) I think I would be looking for something more. INOV8 Trailfly Ultra G300? Bomb proof lol. You’ll both smash it anyway 😁🏃🏻♂️
A lot of the time I run solo with no music/audio books or anything, so when feeling unmotivated etc. Sometimes I'll go out and listen to my current audio book just to change things up a bit.
I like to challenge myself for the long runs to places within reason of my area to run, like a landmark or park or just somewhere I've always thought 🤔 maybe I could run that (plus helps if you have a friend that can collect you if you bite off more than you chew 😉)
Ha ha that’s the key! Have someone to rescue you on hand 😂
@@ThisMessyHappy always have a backup is my go to ... unfortunately my lower back is a little bit niggly today so might leave the long crazy run until Sunday
I spice up my long runs , especially leading to a race , I usually alternate a easy long run week followed by a hard one the next week , this week for example was 35k with 3x5k at marathon pace ! Definately breaks it up and makes me enjoy it , I’m a 2:40 marathon runner atm for context hoping for 2:35 in November .
Always fun watching you both. Especially since we were in Thailand last summer. Question, do you normally break on your long runs, if so how long? Thanks!
That's not all Chatuchak Park...you were in Rot Fai Park as well....which is better for running.
Ahhh good to know! It was a beautiful park for sure 😍😊
Looking forward to your trail run episodes. I'm in week 3 of 19 for my 1st 50k #tarawera
Thank you for the practical tips about dealing with training challenges. I really enjoy the way that you share your experiences. Bangkok appears pretty flat. Should you train in the same manner for a 10km or half marathon if you live and train in a hilly region like Jerusalem, Rome or San Francisco?
Top tip: Don't run with a mate called John. Yours talked you into a 50km trail ours talked us both into a 50 mile canal race. Leave your John's at home...😆
Ha ha a saying for life 😂
Ok….so what’s the story behind the Bennys Burgers T Shirt!?? That’s what I want to know!
Stranger Things, buddy! Best programme ever!! 😍🤟🏼
I dislike long runs. I get so bored! Music helps, playing little mind games helps. Varying my pace helps too. My favorite race distance is half marathon, so I really do need to do long runs. Ugh.
Any tips to how to occupy your mind during an actual marathon for us, supposedly slower runners (i.e. 4:30 to 5:00+ hr marathon)? I did my first marathon run recently and felt 'bored' at some points. Maybe I should go back to your other video ( ua-cam.com/video/qI2dyumqXMI/v-deo.html&ab_channel=ThisMessyHappy )
I can definitely identify with this from my recent marathon training, and the race itself. Those long runs are a slog, no doubt about it. During the race itself I forced myself to run without music to 30km (having wanted it for the last 10km), then whacked on the 70s-90s tunes to get me through the final slog. It worked. There's something to be said for shouting along to Eye of The Tiger at mile 23!
Listen to a great audible book on your long run
Mary’s hilarious!
You’re going to get rinsed on that 50k..I’m worried for you Ben! There’s been a lot of great track sessions and no hill work, how you going to manage? 🤣. I wish you the best! 💪
Ha ha don’t I know it! But it will make a good video so…. 🤯😂
First, thank you for your tips and videos that helped me a lot in my new journey of running! How many times do you do a long run a week and how long should a long run be ? I have been running for a year now and I have been struggling to run more than 3 miles
Will you continue to share your weekly training like you have been for the 10k and half? Trail races are great in the tropics. It’s so hot that it’s not necessarily about the fittest but the ones that can survive the heat. Enjoy!
Of course! But probably in a slightly different way. This training plan series has been really tough in the channel as not many people watch them. BUT I think they have longevity so they’ll probably do well over a longer period of time. But yes I’ll always share my training for sure 😊 just gotta survive this race now 😂
Where is the race taking place? There are a couple of crazy looking ones on koh samui in the past on trails through or round the island
It’s in Pattaya. It’s the Columbia Trail Masters race. Absolutely bricking it!
@@ThisMessyHappy good luck, I just googled think it takes place just after leaving Thailand at Christmas (fingers crossed that happens). Thailand does the best race shirts for their events always crazy colour schemes! 👍
Hi, I am curious, what trail race did you sign up for? I was supposed to do the UTMB Thailand in October but it is now postponed for December, even then I don't think I will be able to make it, I don't think that the borders will be reopened (without quarantine). Good luck to you guys.
Yo! Well, at the time of making this video we had signed up to the Columbia Trail Masters 50 and 30km in Pattaya but we’ve both since signed up for the UTMB 23km as well. Exciting!! Where are you in the world?
@@ThisMessyHappy cool I have just checked out the Columbia trail masters, it looks good and might be a good fall back plan if I can't do the UTMB. I live in Kuala Lumpur currently, Thailand has just announced that they are opening the borders without quarantine in November so it is moving in the right direction, but unfortunately for now we would still have to quarantine 14 days on the way back and I can't afford the time off from work, but things seem to be changing quickly so we never know. If you get bitten by the trail running bug, there are so many good ones in Thailand. Also check out the Vietnam trail series they have some great even. In Malaysia we have two great events in Borneo (TMBT and BUTM) and also the Cultra in the Cameron highland. Also check out the race organised around Angkor Wat. Trail running is such a great way to explore Asia.
Is there a reason the links don't work on the training plans on your website? The only one that works is the all distance plan.
Hi Anna, the 6 week ones do work and the ultimate plan. But I’m afraid I accidentally deleted the others a while back and have t been able to remake them. Most people screen shot them though and it seems to work 😊👍🏻
zone 2 up to 164 BPM? 😱😱 Is your max heart rate like 220? Most guys average around 140s.
It’s about 198, buddy. I have a hamster sized heart. Functional threshold is high 180’s
Ben, do you only have one pair of shorts or just 5 pairs of the same?
Ha ha yep 3 pairs of my faves 😂
Oh. Good to know. Otherwise they might start running down the street on their own. 🤣
I’d be up for that! Attach the chip to them and then sit at home in my underpants while they get my time for me 😂
Love the fact they stop for their National Anthem, that’s class.
Ha ha it’s so weird when you first experience it but you realise that it’s totally normal for them. Why wouldn’t you stop during a long run, for a national anthem? 😂
👊
🤟🏼👍🏻
🙋♂️👍
Strange….having a gel during a long run I mean. So, your long run is training the body to run on glucose rather than body fat? It you are taking on ultras, exactly when are you adapting your body to burning fat if it isn’t during the long run? …….omg, I’m calling out a PE teacher, ….sorry sir!
Ha ha detention for you!! 😂 I’m not training my body to run on fat on long runs. I mean, it will do that naturally especially if in the base zones, but also your body uses glucose regardless of how short or long the run is so it’s good practice to train the body to take gels. Essentially, I’m not focussing on training my body to use fat or carbs, I’m training it to be able to perform in a race. And you wouldn’t ignore gels in a race so why ignore them in training? Hope that makes sense 😊
Hmmm……ok.
Over a set period of time, there’s a maximum amount of energy you can absorb from gels though, (I can’t remember what the amount is), and the body can’t absorb the excess, no matter how much you eat. So, if I was planning an ultra, I would be doing long runs with not even a breakfast, to make sure I’m not relying on gels all the time…..having written that, I lift my head and survey the pile of gels on my sideboard and wonder why I have so many!
The suggested intake is around 60-100g carbs per hour and a gel is about 22g so one gel over 90 mins is nothing. Also, the body doesn’t automatically switch to using carbs simply because you take a gel on. An ultra like mine is going to require a lot of carbs as it’s 1500m of elevation and climbing, in this heat, is going to take me out of zone 2. Also, you’d still be fat burning whether you had breakfast or not as that’s not how the body works. So i’d recommend against fasted training as you lose the quality of the session in my opinion. There’s not great evidence for the benefits of it. So if you had breakfast then went for a zone 2 run, you’d still be mainly utilising your fat stores. The carbs is a back up and the body still uses a bit regardless.
So, in short, gels are a must for ultra training, for me 😊
Thanks so much for taking time out to clarify this topic…