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@@IRunDaily Thanks Ian, I’ve never done a half before and when I struggled in the middle, I really was entering unknown territory but a combination of crowd (and friends) support plus a bit of Goggins helped me fight back. I reckon it’s taken me a good 10-14 days to recover😮

@@raleyadventures Thanks for watching guys, Saturdays wouldn’t be complete without a Parkrun😀The Wammy cafe was great and it’s ram packed with athletes run by athletes✅😀Last Saturday’s Parkrun was a cracker - including the cafe. Upload as usual, Thursday at 3pm😊

@@AndyCliffMTB Looking forward to it 🍰🍰

@@markedmondson5364 Thanks Mark, I’m very happy with my result😀

@@MartinWelsh-h2d Hi Martin, thanks for watching, glad you’re enjoying the content, please subscribe if you have a moment😊I’ll be back at Hanley in Spring, that is such a beautiful park!

Thanks Tony, I’ll never forget that day😊

@@glamwithjinx Hi Jess, thanks for watching, I did Trentham in March this year, it was great although I found the climbs on the far side a bit tough😊Trentham Gardens Parkrun - The Journey Back to Peak Fitness...💪🚂⚙️😕 th-cam.com/video/fGlkWKiXr7I/w-d-xo.html

@@RunFreeandStrong Thanks Reto, I don’t think I realised how much the half marathon took out of me tbh, I could hardly walk on the Monday (the day after)😩. The calf pain took me by surprise but I think it was HM related and the fact that I was slow jogging. That would be a great place for a coffee afterwards for sure😀

@@edwilson5416 Hi Ed, thanks for watching, that’s serious commitment, getting the early train to London for a Parkrun😊

@AndyCliffMTB does this make me a hard-core parkrun tourist? We did similar when we went to Highbury and Hampstead Heath events. Sadly I don't think any others are doable without staying over unless they move the start back to 9.30.

@@edwilson5416 Ed, I’d say a definite yes on that💪Did you know the Scottish ones start at 0930, found that out at Mount Stuart😊

@@AndyCliffMTB yeah and Irish ones.

@@edwilson5416 Is that the whole of Ireland or just NI?

@@jennyharrison4 Hi Jenny, I agree and it was just nice to be there and soak up the place, the sun came out just before I left and it looked stunning😊

Brilliant video Andy. Gorgeous setting. Hope you haven’t picked up another niggle. You could do with a magic sponge like they have at my grandson’s football matches… If only eh!! 😀 ❤

@@lindalou8308 Thanks for saying so Linda, I appreciate it😀I’ve never heard of a magic sponge but I’ll start looking in Google later😂I’m hoping it was HM recovery related, tomorrow is when I’ll put in a bit more effort and then we’ll know (the heel thing is, I think🙏slowly improving, didn’t feel it in the HM, just afterwards😂).

@@TheRegularRunner Thanks Matt, I think that Half really punished my body, I could hardly walk the day after😂I mix up my activities and have a massage every 3 weeks so hopefully it’ll settle. Great to socialise with the lower order runners, it can be quite a lonely run if you’re in the last 10 or so😊

It wasn't just you mate. My parkrun a week later was a similar experience to yours (the video is due later today). I planned on doing a bit of a performance comparison to the first video I ever uploaded and it ended up being a demonstration that all runners have tough days some times. Well done for making it round to the end though, and to do so in such a positive mood is great!

@@TheRegularRunner No question about it Matt, a half marathon is tough on your body🥴

@@markg99 Yes Mark, it’s a “must visit” Parkrun, it’d be even better on a sunny Spring or Autumn day. The amount of great parks I’ve found because of Parkrun is remarkable, we then sometimes visit on a Sunday with our dog😊If I’d been pushing myself I’d have missed out😊

@@TheRunningWhale Thanks for watching Craig, it’s such a lovely location, the calf, I think you’re probably right, a combination of the Half still affecting me and jogging vs running might be it💡😊

@@CarlTheAmateurRunner Thanks Carl, yes, we couldn’t have had better running conditions or crowd support that day, thanks for watching😊

@@cameronashton7150 I bet you’re so glad you got out there regardless Cameron, running conditions were perfect and the crowds were amazing. Well done on the 2:19💪I’m still so happy with how I coped with the low point in Sale and managed to bounce back in last 5/6K, I’m already booked for ‘25😀

Thanks very much, I appreciate the kudos, already signed up for 2025 (what time could I do if I was able to train properly...?) Have you done this one at all?

Thanks guys, I was absolutely determined to cross the fnishing line and grasp that medal, as you saw it was a complete step in the dark with the minimal training. I don't think I have been so happy for many a year:) The sense of achievement was overwhelming so a couple of beers were consumed thereafter:) I have already signed up for the MCRHALF 2025 as I want to see what I can do with proper training 💪

@@AndyCliffMTB 🤯🤯 very exciting times, have you splashed out on the fancy race shoes at all yet?

@@raleyadventures I haven’t, I might do if I finally crack the heel pain issue (I think it’s near the end now😃, says he optimistically😬). Ran in the Mizuno Wave Ultimas at Manchester, they did me proud🥳

@@AndyCliffMTB get some carbons on your feet 🤩👀😂

@@raleyadventures you reckon? I was considering Endorphin Speed 3, Neil @x22sports recommended them but don’t think they are carbon🤔

Thanks Matt, the thing was, I'd had to cancel the MHM in 2023 because of COVID so even though I'd cut back the mileage by 75% I thought I had to give it a try and hope the other stuff I do would back fill a bit. When the wheels started to come off at 12/13K with the leg pain I started to think it was over but when Tony & Mandy gave me a shout out in Sale, I decided to try and recover the pace and by 16K, I was on a mission - I had to get that medal, even if it meant walking💪My heel didn't play up on the run, just my calves🤣You couldn't make it up really..! And thanks to David Goggins obviously🤣

Thanks Matt, at 15K the gel I took at 14K might have been kicking in but the pain in my legs was the real barrier I had to overcome, I think that was more David Goggins related and just focusing on trying to recover my earlier pace. I surprised myself in the last 5/6K, I just kept getting quicker and using up rserves I didn't realise I had:) I paid for it all this week, just worn out and yesterday's Parkrun at Hanley was telling...but I have the medal and I am really happy I completed it:)

@@AndyCliffMTB more to come in the future I'm sure if you want it !!

@@RunThePlanet Definitely Matt, I have unfinished business on this course, I've just booked for 2025💪

@@x22sports Thanks Neil, appreciate you watching, I had no idea you were that close, sorry I missed you, I’ll have to re-watch on my PC later😊

I still can’t see you, are you running with the 1:20 pacer?

@@MattRuns Thanks Matt, appreciate you watching, I now think all those David Goggins videos I watched weren’t in vain😂

@@otocan Thanks for watching, although this was a tough one, I really enjoyed it, I’d been to another tough one called Wepre (video on YT before this one) and it reminded me of that. It was just a shame that on that day it was a bit overcast so we missed out on the views🙁Good luck tomorrow💪😀

@@AndyCliffMTB haha didn't even come close with that hill. Maybe next time.

@@otocan It’s a tough course and then that hill tests you again at the end⚙️⚙️⚙️

@@AndyCliffMTB it's so tough to push yourself in the first 4.5km and still save enough in the tank to tackle it. Hope you enjoyed your stay in Devon!

@@otocan Yes we did thanks, cottage in Buckland Monochorum🙂

Thanks Reto, I could not have been happier at the finish, and I surprised myself with my splits over the last 5K when I thought I'd be walking! My heel has suffered and it's not been good this week but I would not change what happened last Sunday for the world:) I will do a test start on my watch the next time I race! Appreciate your support, when is Kodiak 50K?

@@AndyCliffMTB The heel will heal, and that is expected after racing a half-marathon. There were wildfires in the San Bernadino National Forest when I had to make travel arrangements for the Kodiak 50K, so I deferred to 2025. Of course, the fires were finally contained and the race happened. LOL. My Yeti 100 Cancelled video mentions my upcoming races.

@@RunFreeandStrong Sorry Reto, of course, I remember now about the Kodiak, the wildfires☹️

@@AndyCliffMTB Andy, no worries! Have a great weekend!

If you achieved a 1:45 that's impressive, when I was training for it last year (but had to pull out with Covid) I was hoping to do at least a 2:06 and maybe on the day a sub-2:) Yes, I was super happy with my time and just getting across that line on Sunday. Thanks for watching/subscribing.

@@AndyCliffMTB I've been running halves for 4 years now and trying to 5-10 minutes off every year. So like you I started at 2 hours and worked from there, I'm not 'keen' runner but I like to challenge myself. Don't think you can't do it, I'm nearly 60 and don't do a long every week.

@@BillyBobJoeSnr I think I mention in my YT bio about surprising yourself (and other people) and not being held back because you're an older runner. I made a decision at 40 to go down the fitness route and for the longest time it was all about mtb or swimming and running only happened properly in 2019 so now I try to divide my time across lots of disciplines gym/swim/aqua/run/ride and I love it. I think sub-2 is possible for me, it's quite a watershed same as sub-4 in the marathon. Where are you, assume in the UK?

@@AndyCliffMTB Yorkshire, hence have been running GNR, Leeds and Manchester

Hi Jenny, thanks so much! I feel like I've climbed a mountain and put a flag on the top! I am thinking of taking part in a trail race in November but there's a lot of other things going on for me and my wife at the moment so I won't know for a week or two. Thanks for your support!

Thanks James, it was a roller coaster of a day and I will never forget all the special moments that lifted me and helped me fight back at the low point in Sale.

Thanks Linda, I appreciate your kind comments. Without wanting to sound too dramatic, this really was a journey into the unknown and hitting the wall at 13K really tested me physically and mentally but I got through it, I just had to get to the finish line...:)

Thanks Gethin, it was such a remarkable day, I won't ever forget it:)

Hi Rich, it was an emotional day for sure, from the lows of the 8 mile point to the highs of a negative split last 5/6K and a sprint finish, it had it all. Thanks for watching and supporting:)

Hi Tony and Mandy, thank you so much, as I said when I walked to the start, it was a just a great big unknown with the lack of of training and the heel issue although the heel had been good in the days leading up to the race, would I even complete it but strangely I didn't feel that nervous either (which is unusual for me). Thanks for your clip btw, I never thought I'd make it to the big screen! I do not know how people can even complete a marathon as that Half took it out of me, I am only just starting to feel recovered! So well done to you Tony:) I am pretty certain I will book for the Manchester Half for 2025, I think I would enjoy it more with training and I want to do better:) I walk Ivy each morning and you probably saw the next day I posted my walk with her as "Aching"....:) A bit broken!

Hi Mark, thanks so much, I really wasn't sure if I would complete it when I hit the low point in Sale (say 13K) but I Tony and Mandy gave me a big lift cheering me on at that point and I just kept going. My heel wasn't an issue at all in the days leading up to the Half but I struggled to walk to the tram stop afterwards and my heel has been troublesome all week (no surprise really), must have been that 200-300m sprint to the finish line. If you would like any tips on the heel recovery, just get in touch via Strava and we can message each other. I have learned a lot about PF in 11 months I can tell you:)

Hi Craig, thanks for watching and appreciate your kind comments. It's hard to take in how many people there are literally all around this Manchester course, must be thousands, and hearing your name shouted is a massive boost. I remember about 19K someone was playing "Getting Jiggy With It" by Will Smith and I started dancing and jumped into the air, that got a big cheer (I was on a massive high by then...:)

Hi John, thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed it. That was such a great day for the runners, the weather was perfect for everyone and the crowd support was a massive help to everyone. I made that mistake at the Geneva 10K in 2023, then realised there was another 400-500m to go! I am pretty certain that I'll be doing the Manchester Half in 2025 because I think I could do better with solid training (as I did in 2023 before I pulled out with Covid).

@@AndyCliffMTB Funnily enough I just put my entry in for 2025 this morning. I'm doing the Manchester full (first marathon) in April and also Chester Half again a few weeks later (bad planning on my part!) but I'd like to get as close to 2 hours in Manchester this time next year! (a big ask to knock 20 minutes off, but you never know!!) I'm not sure the conditions will ever be quite as optimal again though, it really was perfect weather on Sunday!

@@J0hn.Turn3r Hats off to you for going for the full marathon, I have done a couple of videos of Manchester, supporting friends and otherTH-camrs and getting around the course on my mtb. I think 2 hours is a nice target, although that's about 5:40/km average, that might be tough for me. I am about to sign up for Manchester Half again for 2025, hope weather is kind to us!

@@andrewhuggins9008 Thanks for watching Andrew, yes that Lido experience was a bit extreme, definitely wetsuit territory that night🥶Love Beccles😀

@@IRunDaily It was yesterday, I’ve left a comment about that in your latest video😊

Thanks Mark, I did see a +14 last year when I was training for the ‘23 Manchester Half but it didn’t translate into super quick times😂

@@alldone1116 Thanks very much Tony, I look forward to seeing you and Mandy, that’ll be a welcome lift at a key point😀

@@AndyCliffMTB I'll bring a chair 🤣

@@alldone1116 Great, i do that when I marshal at Parkrun, reckon I’ll be reaching that 13K point at 1110-1120 if we set off at 0954 as planned🤔

@@AndyCliffMTB Just enjoy it buddy you'll love it

@@theaverageparkrunner Thanks for watching Paul, it certainly was, I started too far back😊

Thanks for watching Craig, yes, he just wasn't concentrating I think, I only remembered how close he was to crossing my path during the edit. Thanks re Sunday, I'll do my best, you'll see how I do on Strava. Finishing is my aim:)

@@raleyadventures Thanks guys, I’m looking forward to Sunday but I’m really apprehensive too as I’ve really not trained for it, 5K per week does not qualify as HM training😂

@@AndyCliffMTB you just tapered a lot more than usual that's all 🤫😂 you'll be fine, just fuel well 🔥🔥

I’m just going to get out there and see what happens😀

@@edwilson5416 I quite enjoyed it but the weather was perfect and I was happy that my pace was improving. Where’s your favourite?

@AndyCliffMTB Richmond park in London, a beautiful one lapper. Hackworth in Co Durham is the friendliest. Also got soft spot for Mount Stuart on isle of Bute where I came first and my local one at Buxton which is in a very attractive town park.

@@edwilson5416 Thanks for those recommendations Ed, I’ve actually done Mount Stuart and Buxton (I did a video of Buxton but Mt Stuart was before I started YT)😊

@AndyCliffMTB I'm featured in your Chadderton video. The one who says 'are you putting this on youtube?'.

@@edwilson5416 Ah, yes I remember that😀I had a great morning at Chadderton, a lovely Autumn morning although I was absolutely exhausted at the finish😂