Surviving The MOST BRUTAL Race Of My Life: Ultra-Trail Snowdonia 100K!

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  • Опубліковано 22 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 386

  • @gtn
    @gtn  Рік тому +66

    Mark smashed this one! Where should we send him next? 🗺

    • @CarlZ17007
      @CarlZ17007 Рік тому +3

      It’s gotta be a race in a hot desert climate 🐪

    • @gtn
      @gtn  Рік тому +4

      @@CarlZ17007 Oooof! Sounds like Mark could be in for a treat 👀

    • @CarlZ17007
      @CarlZ17007 Рік тому +1

      @@gtn I think the fine folks at Precision Fuel & Hydration might be able to give him a hand 🫡

    • @becmango
      @becmango Рік тому +1

      North pole marathon of course

    • @blrun129
      @blrun129 Рік тому +3

      Ecotrail Wicklow in Ireland in September- come over and enjoy an amazing race and a nice pint at the finish line

  • @velodavid1287
    @velodavid1287 Рік тому +196

    Thank you James for being open and honest about your mental health and normalising seeking help. I hope you recover well and know you aren’t alone in your journey, it happens to lots of us. There’s a lot of GTN supporters that have your back. All the best.

  • @Quickfistazor
    @Quickfistazor Рік тому +15

    Wow, that seemed BRUTAL and I liked the fact that James and Mark were 100% honest with how they were feeling mentally and physically. We see so many channels acting like all is easy and all is good... Life gets in the way and we all have our own demons to fight... you guys are awesome for not censoring it.!

    • @gtn
      @gtn  Рік тому +3

      Hey! Thank you for such a kind comment, we feel it's really important to be honest about physical and mental issues which is why we don't want to shy away from these conversations. We are always grateful to have the opportunity to race in these events however, life has it's ups and downs and it's not always straightforward. Really glad you enjoyed the video, is there anything you'd like to see us take on next? 🤔

  • @jonathanzappala
    @jonathanzappala Рік тому +107

    It’s great that this channel isn’t limited to triathlon. These challenge videos rock!

    • @gtn
      @gtn  Рік тому +13

      Do you like seeing us spreading our wings beyond triathlon? This isn't our first trail run 👉 ua-cam.com/video/hMpz3i5x8XA/v-deo.html

  • @romanvanloo
    @romanvanloo Рік тому +94

    Sorry to hear about the mental struggles James. Hope you managed to get back on track!

  • @RunOnTheWyldSyde
    @RunOnTheWyldSyde Рік тому +41

    James, thank you for being open and sharing what's been happening in your life. I think it just further reinforces the power that sport, in particular endurance sport, can have on our life. Pushing ourselves through physical barriers goes along way in breaking through mental ones. Hope you and your family are all doing well.

  • @ajreycer3294
    @ajreycer3294 Рік тому +15

    I appreciate how vulnerable and honest both Mark and James were throughout this video.

  • @madshansson20
    @madshansson20 Рік тому +38

    Feel so sorry for James being sidelined. Tough one. Hope you’ll recover soon, and get back on the road
    Well done to Mark. What an achievement👍

    • @gtn
      @gtn  Рік тому +2

      Mark smashed this one! Don't worry, James will be back fighting soon 💥

    • @Leeroy49
      @Leeroy49 Рік тому

      Yes I also hope James comes back soon and healthy.

  • @mikehooley6398
    @mikehooley6398 Рік тому +8

    18:39 is the most perfect depiction of how a climb feels when you're super low during a mountain ultra.
    The fact that you could film yourself during this is INSANE.
    SMASHED IT!

  • @novpriory6624
    @novpriory6624 Рік тому +7

    I take a lot more comfort from watching incredibly athletic people struggle at these events than if it had gone perfectly. It means that when things start going south for me, I know it can happen to the best of us. Very inspiring to watch! 🎉

  • @peterjackson8244
    @peterjackson8244 Рік тому +18

    Fantastic achievement Mark and excellent production. I am sure James will find the right challenge, especially with 3 children!

  • @angelag5708
    @angelag5708 Рік тому +43

    Great job Mark! I'm devastated for James, so hard to be sidelined when you were already having a tough time.
    Would totally watch a UTMB video

    • @gtn
      @gtn  Рік тому +3

      Turn those notifications on and you might not miss one 👀

  • @chinpoeykhoo6261
    @chinpoeykhoo6261 Рік тому +10

    What an inspirational video from GTN again, as a normal runner I can't imagine why people would challenge such a hardcore event however the epic view at the top of the peaks through Mark's eyes convinced me there are indeed a bunch of people out there trying to challenge themselves to their max repetitively as lifetime goals! Kudo to Mark completed his plans even if he is having a super tough day and speedy recovery to James for another epic challenge upcoming!

    • @gtn
      @gtn  Рік тому

      It was a tough day out 🥵 Great to hear that you enjoyed the video 🙌 Do you think you would ever take on an event like this?

  • @jcoterhals
    @jcoterhals Рік тому +6

    This was a great video, guys. I liked how you split up the race video with some training footage. And even though I feel bad for you James, it gives the video a great deal of authenticity that you also keep the parts that didn’t turn out as planned. Hope to see both of you out on new big adventures soon.

  • @lindelystables
    @lindelystables Рік тому +4

    You guys are both absolute monsters of inspiration. Hats off to the both of you and best wishes for James' recovery.

  • @idahoog1
    @idahoog1 Рік тому +6

    Truly impressive achievment, Mark! This is my favourite type of content, ultra running in stunning scenery.

  • @rickstreet5310
    @rickstreet5310 Рік тому +3

    Mark, Congratulations. Having run two ultras (50 miles) myself, it brought back so many memories; the almost over-confidents during the first half; the mental struggle at approximately the 3/4 mark and then the fighting at the end to just to keep one foot in front of the other. The men and women that run these races are special people. So I have to ask, is there going to be a video on yours and James training? I hope so, I would be interested. Again congrats to you and James.

  • @shaunnicholson5389
    @shaunnicholson5389 Рік тому +2

    Love your channel. From the 'how to run 100km' vlog you guys did down to Bath, Everesting a local hill, then your individual contributors doing various events to Heather doing the Scandinavian OtillO swim/run and now this! Keep it going guys you are inspiring a whole heap of us!!!!

    • @gtn
      @gtn  Рік тому

      Thanks - means a lot to us that you enjoy what we do 🙂

  • @StevensStijn
    @StevensStijn Рік тому +5

    I love these kind of videos so much! Get another challenge quickly guys! It is really inspiring and it is great to get to know these events I otherwise never knew there existed! Great!

  • @wojciechbusz
    @wojciechbusz Рік тому +3

    Brilliant work Mark. This video felt a bit more somber than the usual GTN ones, but the struggle is part of the sport! It’s not always rosy and we can be in quite dark places at times…

  • @Matt-qc5ug
    @Matt-qc5ug Рік тому +2

    Excellent video and achievement. Thanks James for your candidness. I'm sure that helped give hope to alot of people.

  • @freewilly6300
    @freewilly6300 Рік тому +1

    This is great! GTTRN Global Triathlon and Trail Running Network coming soon! James, Salomon Ultra Pirineos 100K in early October. Registration still open for that one.

  • @garybc
    @garybc Рік тому +2

    Great great great achievement Mark! Congratulations! And hoping for the best for James and his mental difficulty. We GTN fans are here for you even from afar.

    • @gtn
      @gtn  Рік тому

      Thanks for the very kind comment, we're glad you enjoy what we do 🙂

  • @RCactionVideos
    @RCactionVideos Рік тому +3

    This might be the best video so far. Real insights, inspiration and authentic content. This is motivating me even more to train for my first half distance iron man 💪

    • @gtn
      @gtn  Рік тому +1

      So glad you enjoyed this video! What would you like to see next? 👀

    • @RCactionVideos
      @RCactionVideos Рік тому

      @@gtn I think injury prevention and recovery from more severe injuries is a super important topic. It would be great to learn more about that from you guys 🙌

    • @gtn
      @gtn  Рік тому +1

      A great suggestion! We will make sure to pass this on to the presenters! 🙌

  • @khwang89466
    @khwang89466 Рік тому +3

    Way to go Mark! Some impressive grit in finishing despite the stomach troubles. Here's to hoping James starts to feel better and finds another goal to work towards! Look forward to seeing the next challenge.

    • @gtn
      @gtn  Рік тому

      Choose Our Next Race! 🥵

  • @loesgeurts1907
    @loesgeurts1907 Рік тому

    Thanks for the beautiful shots of the scenery, changed my summer plans immediately after I saw this, Snowdonia, here we come! Not doing an ultra trail though, sticking to the regular marathon distance in running, long enough for now😊 . But who knows, maybe one day.

  • @morten7617
    @morten7617 Рік тому

    Thank you for sharing your mental health situation James. Openness is a major key.

  • @kristenl3425
    @kristenl3425 Рік тому

    Thank you for always being so transparent in your video's. social media doesn't always show the lows of fitness/running.

  • @chrisshave7129
    @chrisshave7129 Рік тому

    I've been up Snowdon (walking 😅) 4 times and only once did I have a clear weather summit. The weather for your event was just perfect. Just think what a rainy day would have done for your mental state as well as the risks of slipping. On a day like that Snowdonia is as beautiful as anywhere in the world 😍. I got emotional watching this vid (good theme music helped!). What you achieved is nothing short of monumental Mark. I am in awe of you and all the other competitors that pushed through their own personal barriers and challenges to achieve something only a tiny percentage of humans will ever achieve!

  • @nickkenyon-muir3450
    @nickkenyon-muir3450 Рік тому

    Congratulations Mark for persevering and sharing an inspiring video - having done a number of Ironman's and ultras I get what you went through. And also James for being open and candid about your mental health and making getting help a normal thing to do. I hope and am sure you will recover soon and get your racing mojo back

    • @gtn
      @gtn  Рік тому

      Thank you for your kind words Nick ❤️ Glad you enjoyed the video 🙌

  • @andrewmcalister3462
    @andrewmcalister3462 Рік тому +1

    James, we love your work, and hope you can find your way back to your happy place soon.
    But 7:08 Cody's sad face right on cue was priceless. 😂🐕❤

  • @buffviking2379
    @buffviking2379 Рік тому +2

    What an absolute legend! That was probably much worse than it looked, and it looked very challenging. Congratulations on finishing such a monumental task, with emphasis on mental.
    If you guys want more trail running in the mountains, check out Stranda Fjord Trail Race, Kia Fjällmaraton 100K, and SauconyBAMM.

  • @HikewithEli
    @HikewithEli Рік тому

    Incredible ❤keep up great work guys, love trail runners community, met quite a few of you guys whilst hiking around the area and you all rock! Such a great bunch of people and super kind ❤

  • @atlantixxz2792
    @atlantixxz2792 Рік тому +1

    Congratulations on this incredible adventure Mark! Too bad for the injury James 👏

  • @ginger1908
    @ginger1908 Рік тому

    Mark, this video proves you are the nicest guy - you were apologising for "doom and gloom", that didn't come across at all. What came across was how tough it was, and what can happen despite all the preparation. Congratulations on completing it!! James I know how you feel / felt, and its good that you know what you need in your life to give you balance.

  • @juliano0moreira
    @juliano0moreira Рік тому

    Great video! James, your openness and courage helped a lot of us!!!🙌🏽👊🏽

  • @matpotter1580
    @matpotter1580 Рік тому

    So inspiring mark and sorry James for your unfortunate injury and being open about your mental health…… so inspiring to the point I have now signed up for next year following watching this and my coach also doing it. Nervous but more excited for this then my tri races this year 😊

  • @MrTimc94
    @MrTimc94 Рік тому

    Thanks for sharing honestly about your mental health James, hope you can continue to turn things around.... a bit like your 2nd Toe!

  • @dansouth2088
    @dansouth2088 Рік тому

    So well done! A great job of pushing through even though you did not feel well. There are so many of us ultra folks who understand what you just accomplished. Congrats.

  • @dbk81
    @dbk81 Рік тому

    This was great, I’m an ultra runner who is dabbling into triathlon, so this was super refreshing to see on this channel. This race looks epic, UTMB puts on the best races in the world. James, stick with the ultra path, look for some 50K races, they are so much fun and the ultra community is amazing. Mark, if you can qualify for CCC you should absolutely do it mate.

  • @Saschatri
    @Saschatri Рік тому +1

    beautiful, absolutely beautiful. way to go mark! i'm proud of you!

  • @toon_8552
    @toon_8552 Рік тому +1

    Well done Mark! Incredible effort completing that. Can’t imagine it’s easy to find the effort to self film at times.

  • @olikokaful
    @olikokaful Рік тому +1

    absolutely beautiful video! Well done Mark!

  • @ian-mucarruthers441
    @ian-mucarruthers441 Рік тому

    Such a well structured mini documentary. Thanks so much for making and sharing.

  • @melibaut
    @melibaut 7 місяців тому

    Congratulations on finishing and preserving through the tough times! Truly inspiring 🎉

  • @saukkima
    @saukkima Рік тому

    Absolutely amazing! Maybe the best GTN video so far 👏🏻🤩 Massive effort, amazing views and great music also. Great work, keep on going 💪🏻

  • @marie-louisekarlander2366
    @marie-louisekarlander2366 Рік тому

    Amazing work Mark. So impressed , so beautiful place Snowden. I liked your video when you did those three top in Wales and bicycle between. This was also very beautiful and it makes me want to visit it.
    Jake , thank you for sharing about your mental health. It’s many athletes in pro who got problems both during the time as pro but very common after. So sorry that you missed this race.
    You can do trail Vasa in Sweden 90 km ;) .

  • @innesdunbar
    @innesdunbar Рік тому

    What a great result Mark. Great video as well, more Ultra trail running on the channel sounds good!

  • @NiaMeleri10
    @NiaMeleri10 Рік тому

    Hope you're better James! Thanks for being open and honest.

  • @SimonBransfieldGarth
    @SimonBransfieldGarth Рік тому

    Fabulous video Mark, thank you so much!

  • @btmzi55
    @btmzi55 Рік тому

    Good on ya, Mark! Truly impressive. Best wishes to James for injury-free prep for the next big thing!

  • @JamesPearce
    @JamesPearce Рік тому +1

    Well done Mark. Amazing achievement. Well done for pushing through the pain.

  • @adamfergie87
    @adamfergie87 11 місяців тому

    This is such an incredible achievement, well done. For me there is no better feeling than running along a mountain top, it’s just pure joy.

  • @emberchord
    @emberchord Рік тому +1

    Unbelievable. Im so inspired by you Mark.

  • @richcrompton6891
    @richcrompton6891 Рік тому

    Hats off to both of you. Another awesome video showing the highs and lows of sporting life ❤️🏆💪

  • @nairon182
    @nairon182 Рік тому

    Impressive! Congrats to Mark and supporters and also thanks GTN for the production!

  • @antleighton
    @antleighton Рік тому

    Inspirational Mark, amazing achievement. I’m doing my first marathon in Snowdonia in October. I’ve just got Covid just before Ironman Staffordshire so not sure wether I can still compete which is the worst thing that could have happened after training for over a year, your video has spurred me on.

  • @ClubmanGT1971
    @ClubmanGT1971 Рік тому

    Love your honesty guys. Both of you are incredibly inspiring. Look forward to the next adventures.

    • @gtn
      @gtn  Рік тому

      Thanks!

  • @tomgwynfryn5597
    @tomgwynfryn5597 Рік тому +1

    You should try the Montane Dragons Back Race in Wales!! 380km, 6-day ultra running journey through Wales. Starting in the north and ending in Cardiff Castle.
    Fe godwn ni eto! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 ❤️

  • @markwt2680
    @markwt2680 Рік тому

    Awesome vid - great effort and inspiring all round. Best wishes to James for a turnaround in outlook and looking forward to finding out what that challenge is going to be.

  • @JLW3113
    @JLW3113 11 місяців тому

    More normalizing mental health struggles and seeking help! Thank you James for sharing that. And I love the ultrarunning content. Please incorporate more of that into 2024. I am ALL for a Global Trail Running Network!

  • @martinafi87
    @martinafi87 Рік тому

    Well done Mark! Great achievement!! The last bit of the video made me quite emotional 😊. Next time don't forget to train your gut too during preparation for just an event!! It is just as important as rocking up the kilometres. Its importance is commonly overlooked/underestimated by most athletes. #Sports Dietitians#
    Looking forward to watching M&J' next joint challenge.

  • @daveyearp1499
    @daveyearp1499 Рік тому

    Quality film, brilliant many thanks. Awesome job there fella ! 👍

  • @RiazRJ
    @RiazRJ Рік тому

    fair play Mark for continuing even though the body was letting you down! the mental capability to keep pushing on, its tough. many congratulations

  • @mitchatkins7402
    @mitchatkins7402 Рік тому

    New-found respect to you, Mark, fantastic determination !

  • @ariungalindev7426
    @ariungalindev7426 Рік тому +1

    Amazing achievement Mark. Congratulations 🎉

  • @Xflosiv
    @Xflosiv 6 місяців тому

    Late to this party but as someone who is so terrible at navigating in the wilderness I am in such awe of people who can do these races. Then to do it over such a challenging course & distance is beyond amazing! Hats off to you Mark, I wouldn't try anything further than Comrades. In any event, if I tried this I would still be looking for the first check point now a year later 😂

  • @xaviertayo6208
    @xaviertayo6208 Рік тому

    Mark this was the most I’ve seen you push yourself. I have admired you before. But now you are my SuperHero now. I truly love you.❤

  • @carolbrough9787
    @carolbrough9787 Рік тому

    Amazing! So sorry James couldn't make the start, amazing for you to share your experience. Inspiring both of you 😊.

  • @richardruns4cake
    @richardruns4cake Рік тому

    Feel for James . Stay positive man . Your journey back will be amazing .

  • @matthewrendell1713
    @matthewrendell1713 Рік тому

    Incredible achievement Mark! Great production. Thank you!

  • @urszuladonigiewicz
    @urszuladonigiewicz Рік тому

    What a run Mark! Absolutely unbelievable! Kudos GTN to a superb video and good score/music as well.

    • @gtn
      @gtn  Рік тому

      Thanks!

  • @isaacplaysbass8568
    @isaacplaysbass8568 5 місяців тому

    Wow, superb success Mark, and commiserations James.

  • @lwittrock1
    @lwittrock1 Рік тому

    Great to hear you sought professional help James. All the best to you.

  • @ruizmorelos
    @ruizmorelos Рік тому

    Great vid and great challenge. My full admiration 4 Mark. Hope James finds his fitness and his next goal. Cheers GTN!

  • @steverichardson1918
    @steverichardson1918 Рік тому

    Fantastic effort Mark, many congratulations!

  • @jamesgelsthorpe8616
    @jamesgelsthorpe8616 Рік тому

    Well done amazing to finish that, incredible scenery and great video !

  • @davidszachno2782
    @davidszachno2782 Рік тому

    Fantastic video! Love the grit you guys are amazing ❤

  • @Average-Manuel
    @Average-Manuel Рік тому

    Really really impressive.
    I could 100% feel Marks discomfort, when he had to force the carbs down and keep them them down. I know that specific feeling when you have to concentrate so hard to not throw up…I hope you recovered well from that epic task.
    Hopefully James gets over the mental health struggles soon.
    As a sidenote: I am a amateur weightlifter 🏋🏼‍♂️ who is as far away from triathlon/running as possible but I really really enjoy your content. And there is a possibility that I enjoy a swim and a run every week because of you…and it is great fun. So: thank you for introducing me to another potential addiction outside of weightlifting. 😅
    Greetings from Germany

  • @barralis
    @barralis Рік тому

    very impressed !! and very good filming, editing etc... will watch the next challenge

  • @1972njm
    @1972njm Рік тому

    Brilliant video….thank you 👏

  • @patricknolan6319
    @patricknolan6319 Рік тому

    Hi lads, well done. Great effort Mark. We live in pau, French Pyrénées and there are loads of events out here with big climbs and big distances which happen all year round. Maybe have a look for your next challenge. We'll done again

  •  Рік тому

    This was so amazing to watch! Thank you! 🇧🇷

  • @bobmckenzie394
    @bobmckenzie394 Рік тому

    Awesome achievement Mark and well put together video too. Just shows your determination to able to do that while carrying an injury and having digestive issues so early in the event.
    Shame to hear about your issues, James. I really hope you find what you’re looking for.
    I’ve stupidly booked myself onto the Lakes in a Day ultra in Sept/Oct, 50 miles, ~12k’ of climbing, roughly in a straight line, none of this running around in circles nonsense…plenty time to get some training in, get yourself there, James 👍

  • @stephaniedannenberg901
    @stephaniedannenberg901 Рік тому +1

    As someone from the US, I didn't know the UK had such terrain/peaks!! Amazing journey. 100k is my favorite ultra distance, hope you can throw your hand into UTMB.

  • @damianor6886
    @damianor6886 Рік тому

    Incredible effort Mark you should be so proud especially when your body feels like that and just doesn’t want to play ball over such a huge distance. So inspiring that you kept going and hope James is back out with you again soon

  • @dobler13
    @dobler13 Рік тому

    Dude...Much respect. Tough times don't last tough people do.

  • @vivienblack5321
    @vivienblack5321 Рік тому

    Fantastic running, well done!

  • @peterseager6970
    @peterseager6970 Рік тому

    Fantastic video guys. Well done Mark on a very impressive achievement. And big ups to James for being so open about your struggles. Sorry to hear that your foot kept you out of the race though.
    As to the next challenge, can I suggest Tarawera Ultra in NZ next FEB. Not as much elevation as UTS.. or UTMB!😊

  • @ukhursty
    @ukhursty Рік тому

    Great effort Mark! What a stunning to be in the mountains just beautiful

  • @hyunnh
    @hyunnh Рік тому

    Love this series, real life depression, injury and then during the race emotions.

    • @gtn
      @gtn  Рік тому

      Thanks for the kind comment 🙂

  • @jlore6344
    @jlore6344 Рік тому

    Incredible! May have been tough for you but this is super motivational for us to see. Just wow! I will not be crying on my next 10k trail run I guess, or I should not be anyway.

  • @billcodey1430
    @billcodey1430 Рік тому +2

    Love these guys.

  • @Jboasman78
    @Jboasman78 Рік тому

    Endurance is as much a mental battle as it is physical. Made even harder when your body isn't playing ball. Well done!

  • @thegoodguy2424
    @thegoodguy2424 Рік тому

    Congrats dude! That is incredible

  • @2525rgp
    @2525rgp Рік тому

    Well done given your own issues the heat on the day and the high dnf rate you did a fantastic job.

  • @cherries4life387
    @cherries4life387 Рік тому

    Great performance and very fast time. Sub 17 is excellent. Your time and your race commentary are almost contradictory, but clearly you gutted it out and finished strong.
    I'd love to return to this event at some point and try and knock off some time. Also just cause I loved it throughout. My stomach stayed pretty happy throughout although it was basically liquid calories only for me in the last 25km.

  • @davidhayward1261
    @davidhayward1261 Рік тому

    Wot an achievement. You smashed it. Fantastic video,to see the sunrise 🌄 and sunsets 🌅 and the weather. Perfect 👍

  • @garyweiss1876
    @garyweiss1876 Рік тому

    Congratulations Mark! Well done.

  • @Jerzak80
    @Jerzak80 Рік тому

    What an amazing video. Really enjoyed watching that. And well done Mark