I saw you running past the 25k water stop I was volunteering at and for a second forgot handing out water because I just had to cheer you on. Have been following your content for quite some time now and just love the energy and fun in your videos and the love for running you radiate. Great to hear you had a blast. Love from Berlin! 🤍
Amazing run, and it says something about how accomplished you are as a runner when 2:38 is a slow time for you! Best of luck for the rest of your training and hopefully a faster run in Valencia! 👍
Happy Birthday to Meg! She is a treasure and a true champion scooting around looking after you! Words of wisdom from Ben-"You can't fake a marathon!" Another excellent vlog show casing your talent for story telling.
Ben, there is so much I could say about this video and your experience, but to keep it short and true: You are a model of patience, fortitude and resilience. You've got such a great spirit! (And Meg's presence in the video was a delight. You're a lovely team.) On to Valencia!
Ben hit the wall, still went on and finished in 2:38. Be like Ben! That conversation with Meg at the reception was gold! So comforting to see her validate your feeling and vulnerability. Wishing you all the best for Valencia!!
Bloody great effort here, Ben. Felt very emotional watching this as you were coming through the line. Your attitude throughout the whole thing, even when it got hard, was really inspiring. Loved the video :)
There you go Ben, you nailed this Marathon. It's when things in life don't go as planned and you take a positive viewpoint. You did well to make the start line imo. You had a sketchy build up but still achieved a really good time. I was a sub 3hr back in 1999, 25 years later with 2 months training I'm hitting the Thames Tow Path half Marathon on the 27th aged 54. Keep going Ben, you and Nick are inspirational 👍
Honestly, these kinds of videos are even more inspiring and encouraging than some of the PR ones. It’s great to see people hitting PRs all over the socials but this is the actual process. Injuries, cramping, hitting the wall are just as much a part of the process as hitting the goal times. Love to see the positivity. Great reminder to truly enjoy the process. Hopefully will see you out on the course one day✌🏼
Every race there are more and more people that come up to you to say congrats, it just shows the impact you are having and the tremendous amount of people you are helping.❤
Yeah it’s honestly still just as mind blowing. Makes sharing results like this much easier when I know people 1 still enjoy watching and 2 can take lessons from my mistakes:)
So down to earth Ben!!! You are the man! Keep doing this content because this is what makes you special. You will crack Berlin next year! Greetings from Spain.
Great little insight into Meg. I’m with her, there is something very emotional about watching a marathon race. I watched one before I started running and was just as Meg describes. Also love the fact she is a charity shop / vinted girl. She might be a keeper after 12 years! Well done for just giving it a go, Ben. I think we all learnt a lot from your experience. There’s no “happy surprises” when it comes to running. Good luck on the comeback, I do think your next marathon could be a special performance from you.
Ah Ben, congratulations, I know it wasn’t what u had hoped for but u ran good honest race, so congratulations - onwards and upwards to Valencia - can I just add, this has to be one if not my fave marathon vlog, and Iv seen a few !! U and Meg are absolutely naturals infront of the camera, and u are both a joy to watch, please do some more of these longer vlogs with Meg if at all possible, ur a lovely lovely pair 😊 much love 🫶
I almost dislocated my finger tapping so hard when I saw this video pop up! I love your irrepressible positivity and your relatable style. Thanks for sharing your running experiences with us.
well done for sticking with it Ben. Great content from Meg too, lovely stuff. We should also give a shout-out for Calli Thackery, running a 2:21 incredible time.
I always love watching your videos, you are such a likeable person. Well done on the marathon and smiling all the way around even though you were in pain! Best of luck for Valencia. X
Not every day can be your day. Great job just cracking on! On still a very respectable time too! I really love seeing how you and Phily (both people I follow on YT (and IG and Strava)) are also so aware of each other's progress.
Ben, yes, I love your attitude and positivity. I could only dream of a 2:38 marathon so hats off to you. Go get em at Valencia. Coming to you from Ann Arbor, Michigan - Go Blue! Lastly, thanks for your video as I enjoyed it. Best to you.
Really enjoyed the vlog! Even though you saw the result happening sometimes a race that doesn't go to plan is great fuel for the fire, either for your next marathon or the next time you do Berlin
My favourite runner! Well done mate 🙌🏾, enjoy watching your videos. I know it didn’t go as you’d have hoped here, but weirdly that makes it even more relatable (bcos we don’t always achieve our goals!), but yeah no doubt you’ll bag it next time!! 🙌🏾
I love these moments, when kofuzi meets this messy happy, when Ben meets Philly, when people recognize Ben Parkes etc. We are running tribe worldwide. The guy with major medal is beautiful.
Congratulations Ben. You are such a talented runner. So glad you finished injury free and enjoyed the opportunity. I really loved seeing the great relationship you have with Phily. Take care.
The wild thing about running is your "slow" is somebody elses absolute dream. I only started running a couple months ago and I'm hoping to get 1:45 for my first half in a few weeks (but honestly anything under 2 hours is good with me). While I feel slow, there's people who have been running for years in hopes of going sub 2 hours (think your sister is trying to break that mark if I remember correctly). It's all perspective, but you're absolutely crushing it. Keep the videos coming!
It is indeed! As with any goals you set yourself, it’s never a great feeling falling short but after putting things into perspective it certainly wasn’t a disaster and grateful to even make the startline let alone the finish
I was about 5 minutes behind you there!! I hit the wall in the final 1500m or so, but I much rather finish the race destroyed rather than strong. That way, I know I gave it all I had out there. Good luck in Valencia!!
Incredible time, appreciate it’s not what you hoped for but love the positivity after it and using it as the line in the sand for Valencia. It’s a big lesson for everyone that listening to your body during the events is key, and it’s not always worth pushing to the point of injury/collapse sometimes it’s just not the day for it. Hopefully see you in Valencia (I’ll be no where near you on the race, so just clear the way for me please 😂)
I love when people get bummed over 2:30-3 hour marathons but then some of us could only dream of those times. You'll get the next one Ben! you got this. I'm hoping to PB/PR in January but my training hasn't started great but there is still time :)
37:44 "keep going man" 😂 Mate, good job, go get your PB at Valencia and thanks for sharing your experience with us. Such a good guy Ben and a great couple you two make 😊
Hey Ben! great vlog from Berlin! This week i just runned my PB in 2:38:14 at 100th Košice Marathon...almost the same time as you did 😀 Good job finishing even when your legs hurted...
Oh Ben , that was amazing , considering all your setbacks. That time still fabulous, to even finish after hitting the wall so early was gusty indeed . A massive achievement 🎉🎉🎉🎉
Good job Ben for holding it to the end! These marathons when you hit the wall are the toughest and test you to your very core! I ran 6 marathons so far and 3 end up good and three otherwise. Yesterday i finished one on a good note though. Well done mate!
Loved the Vlog elements of this video ben, it's like watching a netflix documentary its that good! I can see a bit of disappointment on your face as you came into the finish. But after the training you had you are doing incredible to just be finishing. A lot of people would have packed it in after they hit the wall but you kept it going with a smile on your face until the end. What a role model you are ben. Nice to see meg in the video as well!
Thanks Thomas, always nice to get to the finish line of a marathon regardless of the result so as long as I could still move forward I gave it a good go
Really inspirational that 2:38 is a slow marathon for you. Well done on getting the job done in spite of the quads not collaborating. I had a similar experience with the left quad giving me sh*t at around 20k and then the right quad joined the fun at around 30k 😅 Congrats again! 🙌
Great video as usual Ben,I know what it's like to run a marathon when you have an injury several weeks before it's hard going that's when you've got to stay strong and get through it,you have done amazing,stay positive,keep your focus,onwards to Valencia that's the goal now,all the very best mate.🏃
Well done Ben for fighting through. It’s all relative and even though it’s a time you didn’t want I think it’s an amazing time to finish a marathon. Fingers crossed for Valencia, I’m sure you’ll boss it 💪🏻
Great job Ben! I know this isn't the time or the experience you wanted, but good for you for giving it your all! I have no doubt you'll smash Valencia!
Going into a halfmarathon in 3 weeks, and also had training interrupted, for me by bronchitis. This video has inspired me to go out and go for the PB anyway, despite the setback - thanks for the inspo and congrats on finishing your second major!!🎉🎉
The marathon distance takes no prisoners. It’s almost impossible to get away with interrupted training. Great that you jogged in and did not step off the road 👍
I know exactly how you feel. While I’m not near as fast as you, I’ve had a tough 6 months with injuries. Per our convo on IG I ran the Toronto marathon slightly injured and finished with a 2:47:21. I felt like I should have run in the 2:30s but ended up bonking at km 36 and after the race I ended up with a stress fracture from pushing the injury too far. I planned to run the Hamilton marathon in November to get revenge, but I’ve had so many injuries and issues over the last 5 months that I haven’t been able to run half of the milage I wanted. Like you I cross trained for 10+ hours a week on the elliptical/bike, and to be honest I think your video has kind of confirmed where my head has been at. Was debating trying to run if I felt good on the day, but I think I may just pass in November and try and get healthy for Boston (which I was accepted). The marathon is cruel, so is training. Your head can be ready to train and sometimes the body says no. Great outlook post race, found the video really nails home the truth of how hard this sport is. It’s how you bounce back that matters. P.S you still ran a hell of a marathon, even on your worst day.
Great effort Ben, lovely vlog too! I hope you have recovered well, and that you can now enjoy an injury-free build-up to Valencia. I have to say, though, your experience in Berlin does make me a little worried for my own first marathon, that is coming up this April in Rotterdam. I'm currently in the best 5k and 10k shape I've ever been, but my knees are a little weak, and I often struggle to put in the big mileage. I planned to compensate by adding some cycling to my training, but I'm not sure that's an adequate substitute for time on feet.
I am back from my last tough session before my Marathon in two weeks. 2 times 10K at marathon goal pace. Ended up even faster which was a positive surprise. And now two videos to watch. Ben and Philly. But first the kids need to go to sleep! I hope this doesn't prove to be the third marathon-effort interval of the day...🤣🤣🤣
Ben your attitude is so admirable throughout this entire video, experience gained like Meg said! Loved seeing her run alongside you at 40km too 🥲
Just saw you on Philly's video! can't wait to watch yours!!
Same
Well done Ben! Also love Meg's section on her outfits!
Thanks Anna, she’s very pleased with that comment 😂
What a mental strength to be able to hit a wall like that and keep on smiling to the finish line. Well done!
Thanks mate!
What a warrior.
I saw you running past the 25k water stop I was volunteering at and for a second forgot handing out water because I just had to cheer you on. Have been following your content for quite some time now and just love the energy and fun in your videos and the love for running you radiate. Great to hear you had a blast. Love from Berlin! 🤍
Ahah love that carolin but be careful, don’t want you getting the sack 🤣
Amazing run, and it says something about how accomplished you are as a runner when 2:38 is a slow time for you! Best of luck for the rest of your training and hopefully a faster run in Valencia! 👍
Thanks mate, appreciate it
Yeah isn't it!
Happy Birthday to Meg! She is a treasure and a true champion scooting around looking after you! Words of wisdom from Ben-"You can't fake a marathon!" Another excellent vlog show casing your talent for story telling.
I really like the vlog parts of the video as well. Obviously the running stuff is amazing but you also have a talent for the vlog stuff.
Appreciate the feedback, thank you :)
Yeah his videography skills are super good aren't they.
Ben, there is so much I could say about this video and your experience, but to keep it short and true: You are a model of patience, fortitude and resilience. You've got such a great spirit! (And Meg's presence in the video was a delight. You're a lovely team.) On to Valencia!
Ben hit the wall, still went on and finished in 2:38. Be like Ben!
That conversation with Meg at the reception was gold! So comforting to see her validate your feeling and vulnerability. Wishing you all the best for Valencia!!
Bloody great effort here, Ben. Felt very emotional watching this as you were coming through the line. Your attitude throughout the whole thing, even when it got hard, was really inspiring. Loved the video :)
congrats ben !! this channel is a inspiration for all the runners around the world!!! Portugal here is with you!!! lets gooooooo
There you go Ben, you nailed this Marathon. It's when things in life don't go as planned and you take a positive viewpoint. You did well to make the start line imo. You had a sketchy build up but still achieved a really good time. I was a sub 3hr back in 1999, 25 years later with 2 months training I'm hitting the Thames Tow Path half Marathon on the 27th aged 54. Keep going Ben, you and Nick are inspirational 👍
Great stuff Paul, great to hear your getting back into it! There was a high I meet at my hotel who pbd at 60 yo after running since his 40’s!
Honestly, these kinds of videos are even more inspiring and encouraging than some of the PR ones. It’s great to see people hitting PRs all over the socials but this is the actual process. Injuries, cramping, hitting the wall are just as much a part of the process as hitting the goal times.
Love to see the positivity. Great reminder to truly enjoy the process. Hopefully will see you out on the course one day✌🏼
Not every race needs to be a PB. We're all here because we love running. I always enjoy the vids, Ben! Thanks!
Every race there are more and more people that come up to you to say congrats, it just shows the impact you are having and the tremendous amount of people you are helping.❤
Yeah it’s honestly still just as mind blowing. Makes sharing results like this much easier when I know people 1 still enjoy watching and 2 can take lessons from my mistakes:)
So down to earth Ben!!! You are the man! Keep doing this content because this is what makes you special. You will crack Berlin next year! Greetings from Spain.
Great little insight into Meg. I’m with her, there is something very emotional about watching a marathon race. I watched one before I started running and was just as Meg describes. Also love the fact she is a charity shop / vinted girl. She might be a keeper after 12 years! Well done for just giving it a go, Ben. I think we all learnt a lot from your experience. There’s no “happy surprises” when it comes to running. Good luck on the comeback, I do think your next marathon could be a special performance from you.
Ah Ben, congratulations, I know it wasn’t what u had hoped for but u ran good honest race, so congratulations - onwards and upwards to Valencia - can I just add, this has to be one if not my fave marathon vlog, and Iv seen a few !! U and Meg are absolutely naturals infront of the camera, and u are both a joy to watch, please do some more of these longer vlogs with Meg if at all possible, ur a lovely lovely pair 😊 much love 🫶
Man you're an inspiration, love the story telling and being along for the ride. Gonna go for a run today.
Congratulations are in order! Even with no PB you did amazing. Loved to see Meg on the video. Thanks for sharing your Berlin experience!
I almost dislocated my finger tapping so hard when I saw this video pop up! I love your irrepressible positivity and your relatable style. Thanks for sharing your running experiences with us.
well done for sticking with it Ben. Great content from Meg too, lovely stuff. We should also give a shout-out for Calli Thackery, running a 2:21 incredible time.
I always love watching your videos, you are such a likeable person. Well done on the marathon and smiling all the way around even though you were in pain! Best of luck for Valencia. X
Mate - you are a legend. You graceful and philosophical when confronted with a training plan that goes to sh*t and still make it inspirational 💪🏻
I was waiting all week for this video! Thanks Ben! You did well regardless - good luck for Valencia!!!
Not every day can be your day. Great job just cracking on! On still a very respectable time too!
I really love seeing how you and Phily (both people I follow on YT (and IG and Strava)) are also so aware of each other's progress.
Great effort Ben!! Still a great time!! Fantastic video!!! Very enjoyable to watch the experience!! 🎉
Thanks Ben, I love your content supporting from South Africa 🇿🇦
Thanks bud, good luck in a few weeks time :)
Ben, yes, I love your attitude and positivity. I could only dream of a 2:38 marathon so hats off to you. Go get em at Valencia. Coming to you from Ann Arbor, Michigan - Go Blue! Lastly, thanks for your video as I enjoyed it. Best to you.
Really enjoyed the vlog! Even though you saw the result happening sometimes a race that doesn't go to plan is great fuel for the fire, either for your next marathon or the next time you do Berlin
Love all your content Ben you're a huge inspiration....keep it up! You've motivated me during so many runs listening to your pods or videos!
p.s. do you have a patreon?!
Thank you! I don’t at the moment, but something in the pipeline:)
Glad you're doing ok after the crash! I had a similar experience a few years back.
My favourite runner! Well done mate 🙌🏾, enjoy watching your videos. I know it didn’t go as you’d have hoped here, but weirdly that makes it even more relatable (bcos we don’t always achieve our goals!), but yeah no doubt you’ll bag it next time!! 🙌🏾
I love these moments, when kofuzi meets this messy happy, when Ben meets Philly, when people recognize Ben Parkes etc. We are running tribe worldwide. The guy with major medal is beautiful.
Congratulations Ben. You are such a talented runner. So glad you finished injury free and enjoyed the opportunity. I really loved seeing the great relationship you have with Phily. Take care.
Gave it a go, great job! Meg's a keeper, I think everyone would enjoy seeing her in more videos.
great video. Megs does a great job filming you!
This was an awesome recap. Was great to see you on the course and at expo. You’ve inspired a lot of people, myself included, cheers mate
Great effort Ben, really enjoyed the video. Tyvm
Well done Ben for not giving in.
Great video - especially from Meg
The wild thing about running is your "slow" is somebody elses absolute dream. I only started running a couple months ago and I'm hoping to get 1:45 for my first half in a few weeks (but honestly anything under 2 hours is good with me). While I feel slow, there's people who have been running for years in hopes of going sub 2 hours (think your sister is trying to break that mark if I remember correctly). It's all perspective, but you're absolutely crushing it. Keep the videos coming!
It is indeed! As with any goals you set yourself, it’s never a great feeling falling short but after putting things into perspective it certainly wasn’t a disaster and grateful to even make the startline let alone the finish
I was about 5 minutes behind you there!! I hit the wall in the final 1500m or so, but I much rather finish the race destroyed rather than strong. That way, I know I gave it all I had out there.
Good luck in Valencia!!
really enjoyed this video, including the longer-form styles! thanks and good luck in valencia
Great content, well done you & Meg 👏!!
Glad you enjoyed it
Incredible time, appreciate it’s not what you hoped for but love the positivity after it and using it as the line in the sand for Valencia.
It’s a big lesson for everyone that listening to your body during the events is key, and it’s not always worth pushing to the point of injury/collapse sometimes it’s just not the day for it.
Hopefully see you in Valencia (I’ll be no where near you on the race, so just clear the way for me please 😂)
Fashion girlie here :D I love Damson Madder so much!!!! and it looked super cute on Meg
Can't get it every time Ben but what a great effort, on the brighter side what a cracking video, love all the build up, it really set the tone.
I liked the conversation you and Meg had at the end. Great video!
Saw your race breakdown Ben. Brutal, but I agree that's the way to go.
Another win for your fan in taking us to such an adventurous journey 🤟🏼😊
This made me go for a run. Thank you.
I love when people get bummed over 2:30-3 hour marathons but then some of us could only dream of those times. You'll get the next one Ben! you got this. I'm hoping to PB/PR in January but my training hasn't started great but there is still time :)
Meg's a natural camera woman!
love to see meg always there to support you in your every race.
Well done Ben!! You’re an inspiration and I am sure you will smash it in Valencia 💪
Hi Ben, congratulations amazing time mate you’re in a great position for your next marathon well done 🎉
37:44 "keep going man" 😂
Mate, good job, go get your PB at Valencia and thanks for sharing your experience with us. Such a good guy Ben and a great couple you two make 😊
Meg and Ellie are the real reasons I subscribed to the channel. You're pretty good too.
Phily looked like she was ready to run another marathon right away 😀
Good stuff Ben, really enjoyed watching this one.😊
Great to see you both on the vlog. Loved the video.
Great video! We need more of meg in the videos!!!
Hey Ben! great vlog from Berlin! This week i just runned my PB in 2:38:14 at 100th Košice Marathon...almost the same time as you did 😀 Good job finishing even when your legs hurted...
31:35 Nice seeing my two favorite UA-cam runners together!
Oh Ben , that was amazing , considering all your setbacks. That time still fabulous, to even finish after hitting the wall so early was gusty indeed . A massive achievement 🎉🎉🎉🎉
Good job Ben for holding it to the end! These marathons when you hit the wall are the toughest and test you to your very core! I ran 6 marathons so far and 3 end up good and three otherwise. Yesterday i finished one on a good note though. Well done mate!
Appreciated Meg's outfits very much! Slay!
Loved the Vlog elements of this video ben, it's like watching a netflix documentary its that good! I can see a bit of disappointment on your face as you came into the finish. But after the training you had you are doing incredible to just be finishing. A lot of people would have packed it in after they hit the wall but you kept it going with a smile on your face until the end. What a role model you are ben. Nice to see meg in the video as well!
Thanks Thomas, always nice to get to the finish line of a marathon regardless of the result so as long as I could still move forward I gave it a good go
Love watching your videos Ben, today was not your day but it’s a great reminder how tough the marathon is. Good luck for Valencia
Really inspirational that 2:38 is a slow marathon for you. Well done on getting the job done in spite of the quads not collaborating.
I had a similar experience with the left quad giving me sh*t at around 20k and then the right quad joined the fun at around 30k 😅
Congrats again! 🙌
Yes, the fashion girlies run too! Luv Meg 🎉
Well done! People forget times but always remember experiences !!!
I chuckled too hard at “moi”. Well done on another great run and vid!
Great video as usual Ben,I know what it's like to run a marathon when you have an injury several weeks before it's hard going that's when you've got to stay strong and get through it,you have done amazing,stay positive,keep your focus,onwards to Valencia that's the goal now,all the very best mate.🏃
Thanks Tommy, in reflection I should have definitely run this a fair bit differently but a good lesson :)
Well done Ben for fighting through. It’s all relative and even though it’s a time you didn’t want I think it’s an amazing time to finish a marathon. Fingers crossed for Valencia, I’m sure you’ll boss it 💪🏻
Great job Ben! I know this isn't the time or the experience you wanted, but good for you for giving it your all! I have no doubt you'll smash Valencia!
Meg’s bonus video content at 41k was awesome , so genuine feeling at that point 😊
Going into a halfmarathon in 3 weeks, and also had training interrupted, for me by bronchitis. This video has inspired me to go out and go for the PB anyway, despite the setback - thanks for the inspo and congrats on finishing your second major!!🎉🎉
I love the positivity at the finish line
You are the best youtuber who is running, inspiring ❤️🎉
Well done Ben! Amazing effort!
The marathon distance takes no prisoners. It’s almost impossible to get away with interrupted training. Great that you jogged in and did not step off the road 👍
Love the video! Congratulations Ben! You did great! Happy birthday to Meg 🎉🎉💛
I know exactly how you feel. While I’m not near as fast as you, I’ve had a tough 6 months with injuries. Per our convo on IG I ran the Toronto marathon slightly injured and finished with a 2:47:21. I felt like I should have run in the 2:30s but ended up bonking at km 36 and after the race I ended up with a stress fracture from pushing the injury too far. I planned to run the Hamilton marathon in November to get revenge, but I’ve had so many injuries and issues over the last 5 months that I haven’t been able to run half of the milage I wanted. Like you I cross trained for 10+ hours a week on the elliptical/bike, and to be honest I think your video has kind of confirmed where my head has been at. Was debating trying to run if I felt good on the day, but I think I may just pass in November and try and get healthy for Boston (which I was accepted). The marathon is cruel, so is training. Your head can be ready to train and sometimes the body says no.
Great outlook post race, found the video really nails home the truth of how hard this sport is. It’s how you bounce back that matters.
P.S you still ran a hell of a marathon, even on your worst day.
Way to go for it Ben! It was great to meet you and chat for a bit.
26:53
Really great running Ben! 🎉🎉
Love your videos man! Wish you the best!
Great stuff Ben, Still worth a watch, good luck with the Valencia build
Great effort Ben, lovely vlog too! I hope you have recovered well, and that you can now enjoy an injury-free build-up to Valencia.
I have to say, though, your experience in Berlin does make me a little worried for my own first marathon, that is coming up this April in Rotterdam. I'm currently in the best 5k and 10k shape I've ever been, but my knees are a little weak, and I often struggle to put in the big mileage. I planned to compensate by adding some cycling to my training, but I'm not sure that's an adequate substitute for time on feet.
You and Meg are a total blast to follow around. Until next time...
Well done Ben! Great content and always positive
And well done to Westin for sponsoring you, Ben. Good on them!
I am back from my last tough session before my Marathon in two weeks. 2 times 10K at marathon goal pace. Ended up even faster which was a positive surprise.
And now two videos to watch. Ben and Philly.
But first the kids need to go to sleep! I hope this doesn't prove to be the third marathon-effort interval of the day...🤣🤣🤣
Best of luck in 2 weeks and enjoy the video when you get round to it 🤣
Toronto marathon by chance?
Thank you for showing the outfits for the fashion girlies! I love them!
Awesome video!! Still a great time!!🏆
You are a great storyteller as well as Runner
Wishing you a happy birthday Meg!!
Great work, Ben!
Congratulations grt run 🙏🏼