Well done for speaking out Rachel! So brave of you to do it. You have my 100% backing mate and if I can help in any way I will. I have a feeling myself and FOD Andy may have had a stern word with the unnamed numpty in the comments of one of Andy's videos a while ago and we told him where to go. Very exciting news about the A100 mate! I have no doubt you will be able to crack the 24 hours there! Maybe I will see you somewhere on the TP or Ridgway. Keep on being awesome Rach! 😎🤘
Hi Ben, thanks for sharing that about Andy’s video. I know he’s commented on FOD runners channel before but didn’t know he used my name. I won’t ask what he put as I’m sure it wasn’t nice. A big thank you though, for telling him where to go! So looking forward to the 100 and getting my hands on that buckle. We recce’d leg 3 on the Ridgeway and it felt like autumn up there already 🌧️🤣 Thanks again for your kind words Ben 😊
Not sure where my original reply went Tim. UA-cam seems to have chucked some of my responses off this feed. But incase you thought I hadn’t replied, I had 😁 I saw you at AV yesterday, by the time I was free to come over, you’d already gone. I should have know you’d have bolted minutes after finishing 🤣… I’ll be quicker next time.
Great vid and I’m so sorry to hear you’ve had to go through this. I’m relieved the police are involved. Keep up the great work and vids and best of luck for your 100 miler 😊
There's no room ever for people to be made uncomfortable when running, especially when it's not their fault! Well done for being brave to share the story! Best of luck for your 100 miler! You've got this!
Thank you for your support. Unfortunately this person has been at all but 1 of my races this year. Plus entered all my usual events. I decided to miss some of them because of the off chance he’d be there (and he was)
Thanks so much for having the guts to make/share this video, Rachel. It sounds like a nightmare, what you've been going through. Stalking is NOT a joke, and I think as women we need to speak up whenever we feel uncomfortable, for it helps to destigmatize these crass behaviors. So, bravo! And good luck on your upcoming 100-miler. I'll be cheering you on from Alaska.
Thanks so much Cinthia. Out of all the people I’ve ever met through running, not one person has ever made me feel uncomfortable. Even all the years of training alone I’ve never been in a position where I’ve felt threatened. I know it’s out there, I just hadn’t had any experiences or witnessed anything for myself. I completely agree Stalking is a scary thing.
I’ve had to re-write some replies as UA-cam seems to have erased some of them. Not sure if you saw it before it went but just that I had replied 😊 Training’s going to plan but all the hard stuff is yet to come 😱
@@racheld1844 Glad to hear! Plus, my opinion, but training through summer is sometimes almost twice as successful for races in cooler weather. I struggle in the heat though 😂
I am so sorry to hear what you have been through Rachel but well done for speaking up and being brave to do so! You should be able to feel safe whilst running and enjoy it too, hopefully with time a sense of security will reappear but please don’t let it stop you from enjoying your running and achieving your goals!
Thanks Matthew. I feel like making the last couple of videos has really helped and actually made me feel much safer. I’ve got plenty booked up in the next few months and looking forward to filming again 😊
We spoke last week when you marshalled at parkrun. I was very shocked it what you told me! I'm glad you have put it out there, these things can only make you stronger. We all have your back. All the very best in your epic adventure!! ❤
Hi Debbie. Thanks for coming over last week. Hope you had a good run? I guess I’ll never be completely invincible but having spoken out makes it much easier to speak out in the future. Great to hear you picked up one of the proviz tops. I keep looking for the white short sleeved version to be back in stock in my size, but it’s been unavailable for months 🙄
Thank you for posting more information.. I did watch your first post and didn’t really know what had happened that was so bad. Whilst I would never jump to a conclusion based on one version of events, I am glad that it is being dealt with by the police and you are getting the support you deserve from the genuinely decent people in the running community. Good luck!
Hi Rob, thank you. I was testing the water a bit with the first video, to see what kind of reaction I’d get. It was all so overwhelmingly positive that I felt comfortable with releasing a bit more info. There’s still a lot of information that I’ve not said but I don’t want that to alter any outcome from what the police can do. It’s also come to light other things I’d not been aware of. Everything I’ve seen so far from making the last 2 videos has been nothing but positive 🙂
So many things to say about this! Firstly, super impressive you have been brave and spoken out about this. I'd imagine that's not easy but it's very important to highlight this stuff - it's absolutely not acceptable but sadly happens a lot and it's very bad news it's happening to you. Speaking out will definitely help - not just yourself but also to give others a voice and confidence to also speak out. And it's incredibly sad this is happening in the running part of your life! Running should be an escape, something to totally enjoy because we get so much from it....awful to have to face this at running events and I hope this and the police can make it stop. Final comment - again sadly you are not alone. I know many female runners who won't run at night because of similar harassment from idiot men. Wishing you all the best and hoping this disappears from your life
Thanks for your comments Matt. I can’t say I’ve heard of anyone having to deal with anything negative through running. It goes on I’m sure, in the background but never first hand from my point of view. It’s felt like I’ve gone from zero to everything in a flash. Prior to this, I’ve not felt the need to avoid evening training alone or go anywhere I didn’t want to. I just think this is my sport and I’m doing it my way. Although I have the channel which I talk of races and training, I’ve avoided using things like starva or other media, to give me that privacy to keep my usual training routines safe. Regardless of what’s happened, I’d still like to keep myself safe on that score.
I really like your videos Rachel and have done for ages. I wish you the VERY best at the 100. I’m attempting my first 100 miler next June at the SDW 100. I’m terrified really. I did my first 100k in May this year and it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Keep making your videos please - they’re great!
Well done on your 100k. I’ve only covered that exact distance once before, but even if you finished (no matter how you felt) then you’ve got enough in the tank to cover 100 miles 😁 I think finishing any distance and then imagining running further, you think you can’t. I feel like that. I run 50k and think, no way could I run more. Then you pace a longer distance and then realise you can cover 50 miles, but not a step further and so on. Even crossing a 10k or half marathon finish line, I’m glad I’m at the end. A lot can go wrong on 100 mile races but I love the challenge of not knowing if I’m going to even make it to the end. That single thought has a massive appeal. I’m really tempted to go for another centurion 100 next year. All of them would be routes I’d love to have a go at…. Might even see you there!
So sorry about what you've been going through. Hopefully the police can help to get the situation sorted out soon. The 100 miler sounds awesome. I'm sure you'll have a great time on that one. All the best 👍🙂
Thanks Mark. Definitely looking forward to doing the 100. I booked it up at the end of last year so it’s something that I’m really excited about…. although I probably won’t be saying that at mile 70 😁
It's such a positive Rachel that you've had the strength to keep going with your channel. I hope everyone's support gives you that extra push to achieve your Ultra goal time. Incredible 🤞
Thanks Paul. I’m determined as ever to get as fit as I can for Autumn. Probably need to tweak my diet a bit, but everything else is on track. I had wondered if I should stop making videos too but I decided that I’m not ready to do that yet and that this shouldn’t be the reason I should stop.
For every one bad person there are a million people who supports you and your channel. I really do love watching your adventures and hope sometime in the future you can put this all behind you
Thanks Carl. This is my only experience of anything negative in the running community, in real life and online. Shame it’s happened but I have plenty to be happy about 😊
I'm sorry you have this experience, there are some toxic people about like this and they are NOT runners and not deserve to be there. Well done for speaking up and keep going.
Thank you 🙏 All I want is this person to leave me alone. About to head into some peak weeks of training but enjoying a well earned recovery week this week 😁
I noticed a strange comment about you from a race video a while back on the FOD runners channel when you were mentioned on it..some people are just twisted by crappy bitterness..such people should be pitied for the weak pathetic individuals they are...good to see this hasn't pushed you down...onwards and upwards 🙂
Ben Notley mentioned about the comment left on FOD runners channel. I haven’t seen it but he said they were pointed out as not being welcome comments. I’ve seen plenty of direct and indirect comments about me on running videos. Especially picking on a young couples channel to try and make most of his comments.
Well done 👏👏👏 for outing this cowardly act, I'm sure that you'll have lots of support and people watching your back from now on. All the best Rachel 🙏👍
Thanks Tony 🙏 I’ve been lucky in that I’ve been able to use the channel to my advantage. I’m not going to let this one person change how I go about my running 🏃🏼♀️
Some people try to take advantage and play mind games when it comes to competition. Weak and frail ones can be weeded out quite quickly. Keep your eye on the prize and pay it little attention. You're winning either way.
I'm appalled that a person is stalking and showing up on public events to harass. I mean this is sad and scary. I'm glad you spoke out and hopefully you're using the right channels to deal with this situation. Keep making good content for the rest of us!
It was a worry making the first video but making it public has made it much easier. I wouldn’t be afraid to say at any event,if I saw this person there. Thanks for your support and kind words 😊
Thank you for sharing. What an awful thing to have to deal with, especially the online harassment too. And yeah that is awful having to go to a race and not being able to focus on the race at hand because you are worried someone will harass you like that. I hope this comes to some sort of resolution so that you can feel comfortable. I love your videos and seeing your races and training.
Thanks for your support Eddie. It’s not been much fun wondering if I was going to see this person at an event. All my regular races, he’s been there and I’ve avoided some for that very reason. Although I felt worried at Malvern, I now feel the complete opposite. That’s why I’m not hiding my races anymore and happily share the events I’m planning on doing.
The advantage these creepers have is that women take their abuse silently so as not to cause a scene. So happy that you have the police involved. If this occurs on the start line or in public again, I encourage you not to be silent during the attack. Say loudly but calmly "Move away, take your hands off me," have your phine out and point your camera at him as soon as you see him. These people thrive in darkness and silence: shine the light and noise on them.
Hi Debra, I’m glad I’ve spoken out and kept the police updated with all the details. In hindsight, I wish I’d said something at Malvern but I froze and then I was just too cross to call him out. I just wanted to run and not think about it. I carry a camera at races to film so if anything was to happen, I’d just point it in his direction. I actually wore my camera on my pack that day but he was so sly in what he did, I didn’t catch it.
I think I feel safer now than I ever have. Not only with all the wonderful support and comments from the videos but equally I wouldn’t stay quiet if anything was to happen again.
The extra details help. The previous video was so vague I had to withhold judgement. It does sound like there's no excuse for this behaviour, though I have no idea if it crosses into criminal behaviour, but that'll of course be decided by those with authority. Nonetheless the behaviour should stop. As for a 100 mile race, that sounds excellent. There's a 100km trail race held once or twice a year near where I live. I would love to do it, but this summer it feels like I've lost most of my fitness despite keeping up my running. Hopefully it's just due to the heat and when the weather cools I'll find my ability to run nonstop will return.
Thanks Enoch. Malvern was just one of a long list of things that have been happening. I’ve reported every single one and together they all paint a picture of someone who is quite clearly not intent on leaving me alone. Ignoring didn’t work so this was my next step to stamp it out. As for fitness for longer miles. I feel a bit the same. I’m covering more miles but feel less fit. Marathon training gets the best of both for me but having reduced the faster stuff (still doing one or two speedier sessions a week) I do find that it’s getting harder to run at my old easy pace. If your training is still going ok, I wouldn’t rule out giving the 100k a go 🙂
Well done on speaking up Rachel - that kind of behaviour needs to be stamped out, not just in sport, but full stop - it's not acceptable. You do seem a bit happier in this one, and that's the main thing. Hopefully it will all be resolved soon, and you'll be able to go out and enjoy running and racing again!
Hi Richard, I’ve had to re-type out some replies as some seem to have disappeared. You might have seen the original reply, but if not, thanks for your comments. I mentioned all was going well but Rory needs to fix his knee sharpish or training might be in jeopardy to get enough miles in 😬
@@racheld1844 ahh no, I didn't see it - but thanks for taking the time to reply again! Glad all is going well for you now - and yes, fingers cross Rory's knee sorts itself out. I did wonder why I'd not seen him around for a while!
Wishing you all the best in the 100 mile race Rachel. Sorry to hear about the harassment you got from this sick individual at the Malvern race. I hope this sicko doesn't give you any more trouble and you can turn up at races without being stressed and anxious. What an absolute loathsome individual.
I’m not sure where my original reply went Geoff? It seems 4 or 5 replies were wiped off. If you didn’t see my original reply, I did write you one 😁 I’m actually feeling much better about heading off to races now. One thing these last couple of videos have done is give me the confidence to speak out.
Ah fair play to you Rachel, hopefully things will get sorted and I'm sure they will, Wow 100 miles ,that will be great, no bother to you. Looking forward to seeing your journey to that race. Mind yourself.
Thanks James. Yep, really looking forward to getting stuck into some longer miles in the next few weeks. A couple of events planned to help get the volume up too 😁
Good luck Rachel, hope the Autumn 100 is everything you hope for! Well done on speaking out about the idiot you mentioned, there's no room for that kind of harassment at all!
Very sorry to hear that you have had such a nasty experience. It's brave of you to make another video about this. I hope the police are able to take some acrion against the person.
Thank you for being brave and calling this behaviour out in public. The anger in your voice tells the story just as eloquently as your account of what happened. I hope this plus the police involvement puts a stop to it and means you can feel safe at races and when posting videos.
Hi Rachel. I saw your original video and could see you were clearly very upset by events that had taken place. I sympathised, but held off commenting, condemning the individual who offended you, etc. Why? Because, as you point out in this video, it was vague, there was quite a bit of info missing, and not a lot of context. I very much appreciate you making this follow up video. It clearly demonstrates *very unacceptable* behaviour by the individual. I think it's a great that you've been clear about it. This openness to the community serves multiple purposes: 1) hopefully in your specific case it'll help to draw things to a close. 2) other people on the end of harassment may be encouraged to share their experiences. 3) people who have never been harassed like this can be sheltered from the problems of others. Your story can make those people more aware that harassment exists, yes even in something like a running race where we're all supposed to get along! On a lighter note, I'm happy to see you have a monster race lined up. BTW, I *might* be volunteering at that. My longest run so far is only 80km (50 miles). Hope all your training goes well.
Thanks for your thoughts. They were all very valuable points. Yes, hopefully it’ll put closure to this once and for all. I know it’s raised a few points for myself with regards to privacy, entrants lists and not speaking out at the time when these things were happening. I know, all in hindsight it’s easy for me to say but I didn’t think it would have gone on so long. That would be great if you were out helping on the 100. Volunteering is something, in the near future I’d like to get more involved in. Do you think you’d like to have a crack at the 100 at some point?
@@racheld1844 If you volunteer at a Centurion 100 mile race, you can get free entry to a 100 mile race the following year. I volunteered at the TP100 (Thames Path 100) earlier this year so I can get free entry next year (3rd May 2025). I'm still unsure if I want to do 100 miles - I'll probably give it a go for TP100! Not sure I'll want to do *two* 100-mile races next year, so deliberating on volunteering, and thus entering, the A100. As you can tell, I'm not a natural volunteer lol. Just don't like paying to run and am very content running by myself for the most part.Thing is, for a 100-mile race the aid stations and support becomes mega-important. Sorry - didn't mean to go on a ramble lol. Thanks for your videos and looking forward to the future ones. Once again, all the best for your training.
Thanks Roy. Hope you’re keeping well. My parents love to watch your videos. My dad was the one who asked about filming over on the new mappleborough green houses off Far Moor Lane 😊
Well done Rachel. Must be so horrible having that feeling of dread when going to races. No one deserves that treatment. Sounds like a bitter and twisted person. Keep doing what you’re doing. The 100 miler will be great! Good luck with your training xxx
Thanks so much Christina. I’d seen his name was on the Malvern entry list so I was already on my guard. Being wary of every event hasn’t been easy this year.
So sorry Rachel that this happened to you. Men who bully and harrass women p!ss me off no end. Cowards and scum like this one. Fair play to you for speaking out and taking action against him. This will encourage other women who have suffered the same to speak out also. If I was ever running with you, I would make sure you felt safe. I haven't come across your channel before, this was by chance, but I was somewhat sickened by what you experienced. Does that person still troll you? I really hope not, and that his behaviour is brought to an end. Best of luck with future runs. x ❤ 👍
Hi Stevie. Thanks for your comments. Shame you found my channel through this specific video but it’s one I had to make as I felt it was the next step to not staying quiet. The amount of supportive comments on this (and the previous video) have been incredible and really helped. Things still being sorted behind the scenes but the best thing is getting caught up in some massive training sessions to get me ready for autumn 🍂 🏃🏼♀️
@racheld1844 You're welcome. And the support you have received is a testament to how many are against your tormentor and his behaviour. I will subscribe to your channel, and watch more of your videos now. x
Well done for speaking up Rachel, we’ve got your back! I hope this problem goes away for you and you can get back to putting out the quality content that you do. 👊😊
Hi Freddy, I’m not sure where your reply has gone? I wrote back to everyone and some of my replies seemed to have disappeared. Not sure if you got it or not, but thanks for your comments and support 😊
I know we briefly chatted earlier in the week, but there is nothing more I can add that everyone else hasn't already said. Good luck with the training, I'm sure you'll smash your 100miler. (Rather you than me though, 100miles is way too far, even in a car!)
Firstly Rachel, kudos to you for this as I know it was difficult to decide whether to post or not. Brilliant that you have not allowed this to prevent you from entering more events and having this experience sully your overall running experience for the future. Best of luck for the Centurion 100 too. I’m wondering if you are able to contact the organisers with this persons name to see if you can ensure that if he sees this video and turns up with the express desire to harass you that perhaps safeguards can be put in place to prevent that happening? I know it’s probably not that easy but perhaps letting them know anyway might get them to take this matter seriously and ensure that they have a duty of care for runners like yourself who will be taking part. Or maybe just turn up mob-handed instead and watch him melt away.😂
Hi, thank you for your comments. You’ve touched on something quite important in that there are race organisers who publish entry lists and it’s an easy way to be found. This is what’s happened a few times to me. I was found out to be attending parkrun due to the volunteer list publishing my name. Lo and behold I got a visit that week with some unkind and unwanted attention from said person (who travelled 45 mins to my home parkrun to specifically do so). I contacted parkrun and was given the option to change my name but decided that was letting them win. From now on, if I see this person at an event, I won’t keep quiet.
@@racheld1844 I had never really thought about entry lists but you’ve raised a great point there Rachel. I wonder if events couldn’t just have an ‘opt out’ option when signing up to determine whether entrants want to be automatically included in an online entry list. I know it’s a nice thing for some to see who else is competing but generally if you are close with those people then you will probably already know. Having the option to opt out would certainly help those who don’t wish others to know if they are entered or not.
@@ChrisBull-u3h - LDWA use si entries to organise the processing and payment of events and they publish names of who’s attending events. There are also published names on the 100 mile race by Centurion Running too. I was also caught out by my name appearing on the parkrun volunteer list. I had thought about the implications of my name being on a list but haven’t taken any further steps to hide it (like contacting the organisers) But yes, I would think having an opt out option would be helpful. Maybe when the dust settles a bit I may send some emails out and tell them of my experience and see if there’s anything they can put in place.
The specific incident you describe is shocking, never mind the continued trolling and abuse. Our experience of running UA-cam has been nothing but positive and we hope that this issue is swiftly sorted so yours can be again too
Thank you both 😊 I’ve seen nothing but positivity and encouragement with running and UA-cam…. apart from this. Unfortunately it’s been something I didn’t ever think I’d have to go through but I don’t think this person will have the nerve to say or do anything again.
I don't know you, but what you are describing is completely wrong. Sounds very much like stalking. Good to hear that you have involved the police. I hope the running community keep an eye out for you and support you. Well done for speaking up. Stay safe 👍
Police are classing it as malicious harassment and stalking. I’ve had messages and threats from unknown numbers and from fake Facebook accounts. Messages to me and messages to my partner and threats to send messages to my family and friends. I’m so glad people know as it puts the onus for this person to just stay away.
Very sorry to hear about your experience. Everyone has the right to feel safe running. It is a joy just to get out and enjoy a run. Hope this nightmare is soon sorted for you 🙏🤞
Just unbelievable to hear this. Its just crazy. You shouldnt feel scared or intimidated to do the things you love. So respect to keep at it. We support you 👌
Thanks Stu. As well as other channels getting comments using my name, I had noticed some indirect comments relating to my channel on some of your videos. Anyway to try and get me to see he was lurking.
I skimmed the comments, haven't seen this mentioned. I think you need to talk to a solicitor to get a restraining order. It costs, but it means you're in the driving seat, not waiting for the police to act.
It’s not what I’d directly thought about but I did wonder if there were alternatives. I wouldn’t rule out any (legal) solution to make sure this stops. Thanks for the suggestion though. I will keep it in mind.
There should be no room for harrasment in running! Bravo for speaking up! ❤
Thank you for your support 😊
Well done for speaking out Rachel! So brave of you to do it. You have my 100% backing mate and if I can help in any way I will. I have a feeling myself and FOD Andy may have had a stern word with the unnamed numpty in the comments of one of Andy's videos a while ago and we told him where to go. Very exciting news about the A100 mate! I have no doubt you will be able to crack the 24 hours there! Maybe I will see you somewhere on the TP or Ridgway. Keep on being awesome Rach! 😎🤘
Hi Ben, thanks for sharing that about Andy’s video. I know he’s commented on FOD runners channel before but didn’t know he used my name. I won’t ask what he put as I’m sure it wasn’t nice. A big thank you though, for telling him where to go!
So looking forward to the 100 and getting my hands on that buckle. We recce’d leg 3 on the Ridgeway and it felt like autumn up there already 🌧️🤣
Thanks again for your kind words Ben 😊
Fair play Rach.
In the spirit of not dwelling on- the race plan sounds class. You deserve that buckle!!
Not sure where my original reply went Tim. UA-cam seems to have chucked some of my responses off this feed. But incase you thought I hadn’t replied, I had 😁
I saw you at AV yesterday, by the time I was free to come over, you’d already gone. I should have know you’d have bolted minutes after finishing 🤣… I’ll be quicker next time.
Great vid and I’m so sorry to hear you’ve had to go through this. I’m relieved the police are involved. Keep up the great work and vids and best of luck for your 100 miler 😊
Thanks Tom. Nothing like a big challenge to take your mind off things 🙂
Oh Rachel! I wish I could hug you in person. You are my favorite UA-camr in the running world. You are amazing. Love to you from across the pond ❤😊
Thanks so much Mary. I appreciate your kind words. All the support has meant a lot 😊
There's no room ever for people to be made uncomfortable when running, especially when it's not their fault! Well done for being brave to share the story! Best of luck for your 100 miler! You've got this!
Thanks so much. I think my legs won’t feel fresh again till sometime in Nov 🤣
I'm shocked to hear about something like this taking place at races!! Good on you for speaking about it!!
Thank you for your support. Unfortunately this person has been at all but 1 of my races this year. Plus entered all my usual events. I decided to miss some of them because of the off chance he’d be there (and he was)
Thanks so much for having the guts to make/share this video, Rachel. It sounds like a nightmare, what you've been going through. Stalking is NOT a joke, and I think as women we need to speak up whenever we feel uncomfortable, for it helps to destigmatize these crass behaviors. So, bravo! And good luck on your upcoming 100-miler. I'll be cheering you on from Alaska.
Thanks so much Cinthia. Out of all the people I’ve ever met through running, not one person has ever made me feel uncomfortable. Even all the years of training alone I’ve never been in a position where I’ve felt threatened. I know it’s out there, I just hadn’t had any experiences or witnessed anything for myself. I completely agree Stalking is a scary thing.
Bloody hell Rachel, that sounds like a monumental challenge. I've no doubt you'll smash it, good luck in training!
I’ve had to re-write some replies as UA-cam seems to have erased some of them. Not sure if you saw it before it went but just that I had replied 😊
Training’s going to plan but all the hard stuff is yet to come 😱
@@racheld1844 Glad to hear! Plus, my opinion, but training through summer is sometimes almost twice as successful for races in cooler weather. I struggle in the heat though 😂
@@divinist - one reason I never run an autumn marathon. Far too hot to train fast in the summer 🥵
I am so sorry to hear what you have been through Rachel but well done for speaking up and being brave to do so!
You should be able to feel safe whilst running and enjoy it too, hopefully with time a sense of security will reappear but please don’t let it stop you from enjoying your running and achieving your goals!
Thanks Matthew. I feel like making the last couple of videos has really helped and actually made me feel much safer. I’ve got plenty booked up in the next few months and looking forward to filming again 😊
Good luck on the 100! Sending you all the positivity!
Thank you 🙂
We spoke last week when you marshalled at parkrun. I was very shocked it what you told me! I'm glad you have put it out there, these things can only make you stronger. We all have your back.
All the very best in your epic adventure!! ❤
Hi Debbie. Thanks for coming over last week. Hope you had a good run? I guess I’ll never be completely invincible but having spoken out makes it much easier to speak out in the future.
Great to hear you picked up one of the proviz tops. I keep looking for the white short sleeved version to be back in stock in my size, but it’s been unavailable for months 🙄
@@racheld1844I did have a very good run! I got the highest age grading I've ever had, so very chuffed! Xx
Thank you for posting more information.. I did watch your first post and didn’t really know what had happened that was so bad. Whilst I would never jump to a conclusion based on one version of events, I am glad that it is being dealt with by the police and you are getting the support you deserve from the genuinely decent people in the running community. Good luck!
Hi Rob, thank you. I was testing the water a bit with the first video, to see what kind of reaction I’d get. It was all so overwhelmingly positive that I felt comfortable with releasing a bit more info. There’s still a lot of information that I’ve not said but I don’t want that to alter any outcome from what the police can do. It’s also come to light other things I’d not been aware of.
Everything I’ve seen so far from making the last 2 videos has been nothing but positive 🙂
So many things to say about this! Firstly, super impressive you have been brave and spoken out about this. I'd imagine that's not easy but it's very important to highlight this stuff - it's absolutely not acceptable but sadly happens a lot and it's very bad news it's happening to you. Speaking out will definitely help - not just yourself but also to give others a voice and confidence to also speak out.
And it's incredibly sad this is happening in the running part of your life! Running should be an escape, something to totally enjoy because we get so much from it....awful to have to face this at running events and I hope this and the police can make it stop.
Final comment - again sadly you are not alone. I know many female runners who won't run at night because of similar harassment from idiot men. Wishing you all the best and hoping this disappears from your life
Thanks for your comments Matt. I can’t say I’ve heard of anyone having to deal with anything negative through running. It goes on I’m sure, in the background but never first hand from my point of view. It’s felt like I’ve gone from zero to everything in a flash. Prior to this, I’ve not felt the need to avoid evening training alone or go anywhere I didn’t want to. I just think this is my sport and I’m doing it my way. Although I have the channel which I talk of races and training, I’ve avoided using things like starva or other media, to give me that privacy to keep my usual training routines safe. Regardless of what’s happened, I’d still like to keep myself safe on that score.
I really like your videos Rachel and have done for ages.
I wish you the VERY best at the 100. I’m attempting my first 100 miler next June at the SDW 100. I’m terrified really. I did my first 100k in May this year and it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
Keep making your videos please - they’re great!
Well done on your 100k. I’ve only covered that exact distance once before, but even if you finished (no matter how you felt) then you’ve got enough in the tank to cover 100 miles 😁 I think finishing any distance and then imagining running further, you think you can’t. I feel like that. I run 50k and think, no way could I run more. Then you pace a longer distance and then realise you can cover 50 miles, but not a step further and so on. Even crossing a 10k or half marathon finish line, I’m glad I’m at the end. A lot can go wrong on 100 mile races but I love the challenge of not knowing if I’m going to even make it to the end. That single thought has a massive appeal. I’m really tempted to go for another centurion 100 next year. All of them would be routes I’d love to have a go at…. Might even see you there!
@@racheld1844 well, it would be amazing to see you at SDW 100 next June 😊😊
Sorry to hear Rachel I’ve been on the injury bench frustrating but getting back into it
@@darrenfawke4013 - glad to hear you’re back out running again. Injuries are not fun 😩
So sorry about what you've been going through. Hopefully the police can help to get the situation sorted out soon. The 100 miler sounds awesome. I'm sure you'll have a great time on that one. All the best 👍🙂
Thanks Mark. Definitely looking forward to doing the 100. I booked it up at the end of last year so it’s something that I’m really excited about…. although I probably won’t be saying that at mile 70 😁
It's such a positive Rachel that you've had the strength to keep going with your channel.
I hope everyone's support gives you that extra push to achieve your Ultra goal time. Incredible 🤞
Thanks Paul. I’m determined as ever to get as fit as I can for Autumn. Probably need to tweak my diet a bit, but everything else is on track.
I had wondered if I should stop making videos too but I decided that I’m not ready to do that yet and that this shouldn’t be the reason I should stop.
For every one bad person there are a million people who supports you and your channel.
I really do love watching your adventures and hope sometime in the future you can put this all behind you
Thanks Carl. This is my only experience of anything negative in the running community, in real life and online. Shame it’s happened but I have plenty to be happy about 😊
Hi Rachel. So pleased you are ok. Here’s to you both 😊 Good luck in your next exciting (epic) running adventure. Take good care 🏃♀️🏊♀️🏃♀️
Thank you 🙏
How did The Wild One go? I was listening to Brett and Andy’s Running the Red Line podcast and they mentioned it on there.
I'm sorry you have this experience, there are some toxic people about like this and they are NOT runners and not deserve to be there. Well done for speaking up and keep going.
I like that comment. They are not runners. I agree 🙂
Good luck with your 100 mile attempt Rachel.. Looking forward to the next video. Chris 🙂
Thanks Chris. I’ve got so much I can share with the training. My biggest problem is finding the time to film it 🤣
Well done for speaking out & I hope it is all sorted soon. Fingers crossed 🤞
Good luck in the 100mile race. I’m sure you’ll smash it! 👍
Thank you 🙏 All I want is this person to leave me alone.
About to head into some peak weeks of training but enjoying a well earned recovery week this week 😁
I noticed a strange comment about you from a race video a while back on the FOD runners channel when you were mentioned on it..some people are just twisted by crappy bitterness..such people should be pitied for the weak pathetic individuals they are...good to see this hasn't pushed you down...onwards and upwards 🙂
Ben Notley mentioned about the comment left on FOD runners channel. I haven’t seen it but he said they were pointed out as not being welcome comments. I’ve seen plenty of direct and indirect comments about me on running videos. Especially picking on a young couples channel to try and make most of his comments.
Nice goals Rachel, hopefully it's onwards and upwards from here.
Thanks Marc 😁 definitely looking forward to seeing if I can get this one ticked off 😬
❤
Ooft, another 100-miler. Inspiring stuff!
100 isn’t as bad as it sounds (well it might be) … 26+ miles on the Malvern Hills is a different story 🤣
Absolutely shocking behaviour! Well done for releasing the video. Hope it is sorted soon.
Thanks for your support 😊
Well done 👏👏👏 for outing this cowardly act, I'm sure that you'll have lots of support and people watching your back from now on.
All the best Rachel 🙏👍
Thanks Tony 🙏 I’ve been lucky in that I’ve been able to use the channel to my advantage. I’m not going to let this one person change how I go about my running 🏃🏼♀️
@@racheld1844
That's the spirit Rachel, never give in! 😁💪👍
Don’t let anyone stop you doing something you love , hope you get things sorted 👍
Thanks Jason. I’m hoping to keep running for many years to come 😁
Some people try to take advantage and play mind games when it comes to competition. Weak and frail ones can be weeded out quite quickly. Keep your eye on the prize and pay it little attention. You're winning either way.
Thank you 🙏 Hopefully I can pick up the best prize in October 🙂
Keep on being the superstar you are. I admire you for standing up to this person and being brave about it.
Thanks Shara. It’s been a huge help knowing how much support everyone is showing 😊
I'm appalled that a person is stalking and showing up on public events to harass. I mean this is sad and scary.
I'm glad you spoke out and hopefully you're using the right channels to deal with this situation.
Keep making good content for the rest of us!
It was a worry making the first video but making it public has made it much easier. I wouldn’t be afraid to say at any event,if I saw this person there. Thanks for your support and kind words 😊
Thank you for sharing. What an awful thing to have to deal with, especially the online harassment too. And yeah that is awful having to go to a race and not being able to focus on the race at hand because you are worried someone will harass you like that. I hope this comes to some sort of resolution so that you can feel comfortable. I love your videos and seeing your races and training.
Thanks for your support Eddie. It’s not been much fun wondering if I was going to see this person at an event. All my regular races, he’s been there and I’ve avoided some for that very reason. Although I felt worried at Malvern, I now feel the complete opposite. That’s why I’m not hiding my races anymore and happily share the events I’m planning on doing.
The advantage these creepers have is that women take their abuse silently so as not to cause a scene. So happy that you have the police involved. If this occurs on the start line or in public again, I encourage you not to be silent during the attack. Say loudly but calmly "Move away, take your hands off me," have your phine out and point your camera at him as soon as you see him. These people thrive in darkness and silence: shine the light and noise on them.
Hi Debra, I’m glad I’ve spoken out and kept the police updated with all the details. In hindsight, I wish I’d said something at Malvern but I froze and then I was just too cross to call him out. I just wanted to run and not think about it. I carry a camera at races to film so if anything was to happen, I’d just point it in his direction. I actually wore my camera on my pack that day but he was so sly in what he did, I didn’t catch it.
Glad to hear you are getting this harassment sorted Rachel. All the best with the 100 mile race and go smash it! 🎉
Thanks Donato. Unfortunately I noticed he’d left an untrue comment on one of your videos a while back.
Let's hope the 99 percent of good guys put a ring of support around you at the start of the 100 miler! ❤ stay strong 💪
I think I feel safer now than I ever have. Not only with all the wonderful support and comments from the videos but equally I wouldn’t stay quiet if anything was to happen again.
The extra details help. The previous video was so vague I had to withhold judgement. It does sound like there's no excuse for this behaviour, though I have no idea if it crosses into criminal behaviour, but that'll of course be decided by those with authority. Nonetheless the behaviour should stop.
As for a 100 mile race, that sounds excellent. There's a 100km trail race held once or twice a year near where I live. I would love to do it, but this summer it feels like I've lost most of my fitness despite keeping up my running. Hopefully it's just due to the heat and when the weather cools I'll find my ability to run nonstop will return.
Thanks Enoch. Malvern was just one of a long list of things that have been happening. I’ve reported every single one and together they all paint a picture of someone who is quite clearly not intent on leaving me alone. Ignoring didn’t work so this was my next step to stamp it out.
As for fitness for longer miles. I feel a bit the same. I’m covering more miles but feel less fit. Marathon training gets the best of both for me but having reduced the faster stuff (still doing one or two speedier sessions a week) I do find that it’s getting harder to run at my old easy pace. If your training is still going ok, I wouldn’t rule out giving the 100k a go 🙂
Well done on speaking up Rachel - that kind of behaviour needs to be stamped out, not just in sport, but full stop - it's not acceptable. You do seem a bit happier in this one, and that's the main thing. Hopefully it will all be resolved soon, and you'll be able to go out and enjoy running and racing again!
Hi Richard, I’ve had to re-type out some replies as some seem to have disappeared. You might have seen the original reply, but if not, thanks for your comments. I mentioned all was going well but Rory needs to fix his knee sharpish or training might be in jeopardy to get enough miles in 😬
@@racheld1844 ahh no, I didn't see it - but thanks for taking the time to reply again! Glad all is going well for you now - and yes, fingers cross Rory's knee sorts itself out. I did wonder why I'd not seen him around for a while!
Wishing you all the best in the 100 mile race Rachel. Sorry to hear about the harassment you got from this sick individual at the Malvern race. I hope this sicko doesn't give you any more trouble and you can turn up at races without being stressed and anxious. What an absolute loathsome individual.
I’m not sure where my original reply went Geoff? It seems 4 or 5 replies were wiped off. If you didn’t see my original reply, I did write you one 😁
I’m actually feeling much better about heading off to races now. One thing these last couple of videos have done is give me the confidence to speak out.
Ah fair play to you Rachel, hopefully things will get sorted and I'm sure they will, Wow 100 miles ,that will be great, no bother to you. Looking forward to seeing your journey to that race. Mind yourself.
Thanks James. Yep, really looking forward to getting stuck into some longer miles in the next few weeks. A couple of events planned to help get the volume up too 😁
Good luck Rachel, hope the Autumn 100 is everything you hope for! Well done on speaking out about the idiot you mentioned, there's no room for that kind of harassment at all!
Thanks Steve. I’ve watched all the A100 videos out there (several times 😁) Can’t wait for me to be the one running and filming it.
Very sorry to hear that you have had such a nasty experience. It's brave of you to make another video about this. I hope the police are able to take some acrion against the person.
Meant to write action
Thank you for being brave and calling this behaviour out in public. The anger in your voice tells the story just as eloquently as your account of what happened. I hope this plus the police involvement puts a stop to it and means you can feel safe at races and when posting videos.
Thanks Nick. Still working through getting this all sorted but t’s been such a boost to read everyone’s supportive comments.
Hi Rachel. I saw your original video and could see you were clearly very upset by events that had taken place. I sympathised, but held off commenting, condemning the individual who offended you, etc. Why? Because, as you point out in this video, it was vague, there was quite a bit of info missing, and not a lot of context.
I very much appreciate you making this follow up video. It clearly demonstrates *very unacceptable* behaviour by the individual. I think it's a great that you've been clear about it. This openness to the community serves multiple purposes:
1) hopefully in your specific case it'll help to draw things to a close.
2) other people on the end of harassment may be encouraged to share their experiences.
3) people who have never been harassed like this can be sheltered from the problems of others. Your story can make those people more aware that harassment exists, yes even in something like a running race where we're all supposed to get along!
On a lighter note, I'm happy to see you have a monster race lined up. BTW, I *might* be volunteering at that. My longest run so far is only 80km (50 miles). Hope all your training goes well.
Thanks for your thoughts. They were all very valuable points. Yes, hopefully it’ll put closure to this once and for all. I know it’s raised a few points for myself with regards to privacy, entrants lists and not speaking out at the time when these things were happening. I know, all in hindsight it’s easy for me to say but I didn’t think it would have gone on so long.
That would be great if you were out helping on the 100. Volunteering is something, in the near future I’d like to get more involved in. Do you think you’d like to have a crack at the 100 at some point?
@@racheld1844 If you volunteer at a Centurion 100 mile race, you can get free entry to a 100 mile race the following year. I volunteered at the TP100 (Thames Path 100) earlier this year so I can get free entry next year (3rd May 2025). I'm still unsure if I want to do 100 miles - I'll probably give it a go for TP100! Not sure I'll want to do *two* 100-mile races next year, so deliberating on volunteering, and thus entering, the A100. As you can tell, I'm not a natural volunteer lol. Just don't like paying to run and am very content running by myself for the most part.Thing is, for a 100-mile race the aid stations and support becomes mega-important.
Sorry - didn't mean to go on a ramble lol. Thanks for your videos and looking forward to the future ones. Once again, all the best for your training.
Hi Rachel well done for speaking out ,hope all goes well now 👌
Thanks Roy. Hope you’re keeping well. My parents love to watch your videos. My dad was the one who asked about filming over on the new mappleborough green houses off Far Moor Lane 😊
Well done Rachel. Must be so horrible having that feeling of dread when going to races. No one deserves that treatment. Sounds like a bitter and twisted person. Keep doing what you’re doing. The 100 miler will be great! Good luck with your training xxx
Thanks so much Christina. I’d seen his name was on the Malvern entry list so I was already on my guard. Being wary of every event hasn’t been easy this year.
So sorry Rachel that this happened to you. Men who bully and harrass women p!ss me off no end. Cowards and scum like this one.
Fair play to you for speaking out and taking action against him. This will encourage other women who have suffered the same to speak out also.
If I was ever running with you, I would make sure you felt safe.
I haven't come across your channel before, this was by chance, but I was somewhat sickened by what you experienced.
Does that person still troll you? I really hope not, and that his behaviour is brought to an end.
Best of luck with future runs. x ❤ 👍
Hi Stevie. Thanks for your comments. Shame you found my channel through this specific video but it’s one I had to make as I felt it was the next step to not staying quiet. The amount of supportive comments on this (and the previous video) have been incredible and really helped.
Things still being sorted behind the scenes but the best thing is getting caught up in some massive training sessions to get me ready for autumn 🍂 🏃🏼♀️
@racheld1844 You're welcome. And the support you have received is a testament to how many are against your tormentor and his behaviour.
I will subscribe to your channel, and watch more of your videos now. x
@@stevieroger7478 thank you 🙏
Wow. Shocking!!
It’s been a journey for sure.
Well done for speaking up Rachel, we’ve got your back! I hope this problem goes away for you and you can get back to putting out the quality content that you do. 👊😊
Hi Freddy, I’m not sure where your reply has gone? I wrote back to everyone and some of my replies seemed to have disappeared. Not sure if you got it or not, but thanks for your comments and support 😊
@@racheld1844didn’t see another reply 😊. Looking forward to seeing what you do next 💯😎
I know we briefly chatted earlier in the week, but there is nothing more I can add that everyone else hasn't already said. Good luck with the training, I'm sure you'll smash your 100miler. (Rather you than me though, 100miles is way too far, even in a car!)
Thanks Gary. Don’t fancy giving it try then 😉
@@racheld1844 ha, I get bored doing 10k races!
@@garymacalister😂
Well done Rachel.
Thank you 🙏
Firstly Rachel, kudos to you for this as I know it was difficult to decide whether to post or not. Brilliant that you have not allowed this to prevent you from entering more events and having this experience sully your overall running experience for the future.
Best of luck for the Centurion 100 too. I’m wondering if you are able to contact the organisers with this persons name to see if you can ensure that if he sees this video and turns up with the express desire to harass you that perhaps safeguards can be put in place to prevent that happening? I know it’s probably not that easy but perhaps letting them know anyway might get them to take this matter seriously and ensure that they have a duty of care for runners like yourself who will be taking part.
Or maybe just turn up mob-handed instead and watch him melt away.😂
Hi, thank you for your comments. You’ve touched on something quite important in that there are race organisers who publish entry lists and it’s an easy way to be found. This is what’s happened a few times to me. I was found out to be attending parkrun due to the volunteer list publishing my name. Lo and behold I got a visit that week with some unkind and unwanted attention from said person (who travelled 45 mins to my home parkrun to specifically do so). I contacted parkrun and was given the option to change my name but decided that was letting them win.
From now on, if I see this person at an event, I won’t keep quiet.
@@racheld1844 I had never really thought about entry lists but you’ve raised a great point there Rachel. I wonder if events couldn’t just have an ‘opt out’ option when signing up to determine whether entrants want to be automatically included in an online entry list. I know it’s a nice thing for some to see who else is competing but generally if you are close with those people then you will probably already know. Having the option to opt out would certainly help those who don’t wish others to know if they are entered or not.
@@ChrisBull-u3h - LDWA use si entries to organise the processing and payment of events and they publish names of who’s attending events. There are also published names on the 100 mile race by Centurion Running too. I was also caught out by my name appearing on the parkrun volunteer list. I had thought about the implications of my name being on a list but haven’t taken any further steps to hide it (like contacting the organisers) But yes, I would think having an opt out option would be helpful. Maybe when the dust settles a bit I may send some emails out and tell them of my experience and see if there’s anything they can put in place.
The specific incident you describe is shocking, never mind the continued trolling and abuse. Our experience of running UA-cam has been nothing but positive and we hope that this issue is swiftly sorted so yours can be again too
Thank you both 😊 I’ve seen nothing but positivity and encouragement with running and UA-cam…. apart from this. Unfortunately it’s been something I didn’t ever think I’d have to go through but I don’t think this person will have the nerve to say or do anything again.
I don't know you, but what you are describing is completely wrong. Sounds very much like stalking. Good to hear that you have involved the police. I hope the running community keep an eye out for you and support you. Well done for speaking up. Stay safe 👍
Police are classing it as malicious harassment and stalking. I’ve had messages and threats from unknown numbers and from fake Facebook accounts. Messages to me and messages to my partner and threats to send messages to my family and friends. I’m so glad people know as it puts the onus for this person to just stay away.
Very sorry to hear about your experience. Everyone has the right to feel safe running. It is a joy just to get out and enjoy a run. Hope this nightmare is soon sorted for you 🙏🤞
Good luck with the training for the 100 miler.
Thank you. It’ll be my hardest block of endurance but hoping it’ll be enough to get the 100 mile in a day buckle 🤞
Just unbelievable to hear this. Its just crazy. You shouldnt feel scared or intimidated to do the things you love. So respect to keep at it. We support you 👌
Thanks Stu. As well as other channels getting comments using my name, I had noticed some indirect comments relating to my channel on some of your videos. Anyway to try and get me to see he was lurking.
I skimmed the comments, haven't seen this mentioned. I think you need to talk to a solicitor to get a restraining order. It costs, but it means you're in the driving seat, not waiting for the police to act.
It’s not what I’d directly thought about but I did wonder if there were alternatives. I wouldn’t rule out any (legal) solution to make sure this stops. Thanks for the suggestion though. I will keep it in mind.
What a horrible person, disgusting behaviour. I'm glad you seem to be dealing with everything. All the best😊
Thanks for your support Simon 😊
Where's the evidence?
Your point is?
@@racheld1844 Where's the video evidence of her harassment?