It’s easy to share the parts of your life that go well; it’s much harder to share the moments of vulnerability. Kudos to you for sharing the difficult, uncomfortable parts, too. It’s humanizing, and helps many others who have experienced their own adversity relate. Cheers to healing up from Canada and continuing to put out the excellent content!
Never commented on a TH-cam vid in my life but had to comment. Great attitude brother. Love how humble you are. Anyone who’s banging out a 2.25 marathon is good enough to be elite level on the trails. Was gutted for you both when you dropped early doors. DNFs are part of the game in these long trail races. I did the race myself in 2016. It’s a beast. Spent the last climb talking to my Girlfriend the whole way up who wasn’t even with me. 🤣. Stay strong and swift recovery
Amen, "Real Life" has so many punches, and ever grateful to see an insight into your "low" that ultimately will turn into a "high" in 2023 or 2024! Onward and Upward Ben, excited for your future races.
I'd consider myself a good trail runner and I fall over and hurt myself all the time. In the last 10 months, I've had to DNF twice from bad falls that I couldn't walk/shake off. Sometimes we land just wrong and we can't push through. It is a tough break and as you reflected, really frustrating when you are actually feeling good. Don't give up on the trails though!!
Absolute legend for sharing this, both of you went through a heck of a lot in that time, I’m glad to see you’re determined to get back there over the coming years, that’s the right attitude 💪 also glad to see you’re back jogging as well 🙏
Absolutely gutted for you both! But what a great team you are, Sarah is an amazing support to you, being willing to sacrifice her race to make sure you were ok. You are both fantastic ultra runners and you’ll be back stronger than ever soon. Take it easy xxx
I echo the sentiments of everyone else on here--so sorry you had to DNF and thanks for sharing a truthful account of your experience. It's tough to share the difficult parts of your life. But I have to say a big "Not good, not good at all" to UTMB. You called for help, they said they'd send help, and no one showed up. Unless you sign your life away in paperwork before the race, I do find it shocking they had no ability to rescue an injured and stranded runner. I understand it's at altitude, etc etc, but you weren't in the death zone on Everest. There should have been a way for the race officials to get someone to assist you. Your attitude is refreshing and I very much appreciate the recognition that sometimes you do everything right and then one thing that is not your fault at all goes wrong and your plans and goal evaporate. There are indeed millions of others in the world with more to complain about, and I appreciate your positivity very much.
I'm pretty shocked that no one from UTMB picked you up or helped you in any way!! I would have freaked out! Wishing you a speedy recovery, glad the injury doesn't seem too bad! 🍀
Stay strong Ben and wishing a good recovery PS: saw you at starting line at London Half yesterday and you done a little hop and skip past me whilst recording so trust you’re back to you’re inspiring best Keep inspiring 🙏
“Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” - Nelson Mandela Don't be too hard on yourself - you're an inspiration to many!
I've had multiple tumbles that at the time felt like slow motion and too small to matter - only to find out a few hours later that I broke my collarbone, or elbow, or busted my knee up bad enough I still have scars. So I can sort of relate! Still, I'm gutted for you. I can only imagine how much you put into preparing for UTMB. But I am very glad you made it off that mountain safely. It is a story and experience you will NEVER forget. And You have an amazing girl. Total respect for how she came back to help you. Priorities!
Congratulations to your sub-3 Berlin Marathon achievement attained 3 days ago on September 25, 2022! This UTMB 2022 video shows that you have made a strong come back and nailed it. I will always remember this real life story of yours to give myself and others encouragement whenever we shall meet a setback in life! You are a very optimistic and a strong executor of your running plans! I admire your never-give-up personality!👍👍👍
Ben, your strength and courage is inspiring. This can't have been easy to put together, I have nothing but admiration for you picking up and going again at The Big Half so soon. So many of us were with you online through the race and will keep supporting you on the journey. I hope one day I can share some miles with you both and thank you personally for being so inspiring 🙏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Ben, terribly sorry to hear about your injury. I was fortunate enough to meet you Sarah, Loyd Purvis ,and Stephen Cousins in Chamonix. Many of my favorite content creators in one spot and you were all generous with your time and even posed for a group photo with me. Like you, my UTMB (CCC) dreams were crushed after waking up Friday morning with chest and head congestion. I took a COVID test that was negative and had to give it a go after working so hard for the past three years to get into the race. It was clear early on that a finish was unlikely. I managed to make it 55K before having to drop at Champex Lac. Turns out that I did have COVID so the reminder of my vacation consisted of laying in bed watching the races on my computer. With the change to running stones and so few races in the US to earn them, I don't know how long it will take me to get back there. I'm inspired by your determination to return. Thank you for the great running content and for being a model of positivity. Heal quickly.
Kudos to showing how you gave it your all... I banged my head on the west highland way in June and carried on for 20 miles before having to call it. Gave me the grit to see UTMB through to the end. Win some, lose some but luckily you have the memories of the start line, the incredible training runs and the knowledge that you have people around you who care and have your back. No DNF can take that away from you!
The WHW is obviously a dangerous place. I broke my rib on the WHW 10 miles in last year. Managed to finish it though but wouldn't want to do that again!
Aww man! And the two of you trained so hard and that had to happen. Still epically well done for getting it done what you did even on an injured knee. I do however find it rather shocking that they didn’t notice that 2 runners didn’t check-in at the next checkpoint and basically left you stranded. At least I know with the races here in South Africa they have sweeps at the back keeping a check on the back runners or anybody that has lagged behind. UTCT has sweeps that swap out at ever so many hours at aid stations so even on the 100km and new 100miler this year their is always somebody at the back to check-in.
Thanks for sharing Ben. I know this wasn’t the video or experience you had envisaged sharing but you have kept a positive attitude and will be back there at some stage to rewrite the record. I know how cruelly frustrating it must have been to have the knee cost you the race but it’s just one of those freak things as you say. When you finish UTMB another year it’s going to feel even more incredible. I hope the knee continues to heal well and allows you to go after more adventures soon.
I remember I had a similar fall at the ‘Lakes in a Day’. I was 45 miles into a 50 mile race. I also couldn’t continue. I was gutted. After that day I have never taken running in events for granted. It’s made me more determined than ever and I make sure I enjoy every second no matter what happens. Like you said Ben - we are blessed to be able to participate in these great events 😊
So sorry for you both. you are both an inspiration on how possitive you can remain even when things do go as planned. I'm sure you will both be back and complete this magical race!
Incredibly inspired by this video. The opening shots were amazing. I’m so sorry for the unfortunate injury - but very grateful you still shared the experience. Whenever I’m feeling down or uninspired, I’ve found myself watching these opening few minutes here a few times now - hard not to shed tears with you as you were taking it all in. Thank you!
The only thing I would question about this video (- which I think is the best one you have ever done -) is the title. I expect that getting off the mountain and home was actually the nightmare aspect, but the rest of it seemed to be pure joy, and that is the memory that should endure. For you, the die was cast, but it is Sarah's altruism that stands out in this story.
Absolutely gutted for you both. I ran the race with one of your caps on and finished in 41 hours. I then looked though the results trying to find you both (expecting something crazy like sub 30 hours) and saw you had to pull out. Superb spirit and attitude in the face of adversity - I would have been wailing given the time and effort and difficulty in even getting to the start line. Next time brother, next time....
dnf is such a big part of ultra racing. the elites dnf all the time. no other sport has that, i believe. so, it is precious to see it documented. to learn how to deal with it best. so much like life. great video!
Thank you for sharing your experience, and in such a raw, honest way. And how cool that both my favourite runnner TH-camrs and running couples featured each other in their videos! #JeffPelletier and Audree!
Sorry for that outcome Ben and well done to Sarah for her sacrifice. At least you got to taste the unique UTMB atmosphere and experience. We know that injury / incidents unfortunately play a part in our sport and extremely frustrating though it is , in the end it will make us tougher and determined to come back for more ( end of sermon😁😉) Look forward to seeing you and Sarah in more adventures 👍💪
Very unfortunate that you got injured, good on Sarah for hanging in there, & you both adapting to the situation, you’ll look back in months & years to come of what an amazing experience you had first time at UTMB, can’t wait to see both you & Sarahs faces with huge smiles next attempt at UTMB running over the finish line 🏁onwards & upwards 🥳 🏔🌲👣👣🏔🍀🌿✅😀
Well Ben, I want you to know, you did triumph at UTMB. Your narrative warmed my heart and brought out your essential strength and humility. These are invaluable qualities you modeled for us. Thank you. Sarah always excels . Her love and support was touching and real. Amazing couple.
Believe or not, these “fail” videos are just as inspiring as the “super suceed” videos. Seeing big YTs fail encourages those of us who aren’t talented runners and who have silly injuries to keep going. Your experience in UTMB 2022 will just make it all the more sweet when you complete the race, which you one day will.
Kudos for sharing the crushing lows that ultra trail can bring. I had been following your training journey on TH-cam and having seen you off on Friday as you exited Chamonix town centre I was surprised to see that you had dropped out over night. Your positive attitude will see you through to the end of this race and what you have gone through will make that success all the more sweeter. BTW your bucket hat was top class, sheltering me from the worst of the sun during my OCC. All the best to you and Sarah.
Massive feat even still Ben. Huge achievement being there and doing what you did. Sometimes a fall can hit you harder than you realise before the adrenaline leaves. Definitely made the right decision for your body and a tough action to take. I bust my hands and knees from a fall running down Snowdon the other week but that was nothing compared to the damage it caused to my ankle, I made the mistake of running through the pain and paying for it now. All the best
Oh man, I want to give you guys a hug now, or buy you a beer or a coffee (guess I should just order some more benparkes-hats)! Seeing you and Sarah being so genuinely excited at the start of the race, I'm not lying, put some tears in my eyes as well. Massive kudos for sharing also those more sad moments which, however, you immediately put into perspective with your humble positive attitude. You both are just awesome! Also, I said it several times by now and I will probably keep saying it again and again: personally, I think your and Sarah's race-vlogs are your strongest videos and I am always really excited when there is a one coming up! Stay healthy and get this injury done!
How did you get passed by the sweepers? Where there sweepers? It's a major failure for any race to have this happen and leave runners stranded mid-course.
Oh no! Such an easy accident to happen in that terrain! I'm so glad it wasn't a worse accident. Thanks for sharing the harsh realities of racing. I think we all need to be reminded of this sometimes. UTMB in particular is very dreamy, but so so challenging! BTW: I must say that I'm obsessed with all of these running-youtuber crossovers!
Hey Ben, we were out there following the race, checking on you and Sarah's progress and were so sorry that this happened to you, the knee looks so painful. It's so lovely that you appreciate how great your life is and that this is just a small blip in it, your optimism and positivity are a credit to you and a great example to all. Well done!!! You'll be back!!!
Never underestimate the positivity of a trailrunner. You’ve got what it takes Ben to finish at UTMB. Such a real life, ordinary people’s example you set in this video. Congrats on this from the Netherlands 👍😁
Gutted for you both, enjoyed the video, it really came across how special it was. On the bright side you've still got that finish line feeling to look forward to one day, and it'll be all the more special as a result of this!
Glad you managed to get yourself back to civilisation. I know it wasn’t an official aid station, but pretty poor showing from UTMB there considering they were contacted, they told you they’d come get you, but you STILL had to find your own way back. You pay a premium for UTMB for exactly these situations. Personally, not impressed with the organisers there at all but happy to hear it’ll eventually be ok for you :)
Just watched your video Ben and take my hat off to you. Having just completed London 2022 and struggled the last third I can only imagine what taking on UTMB must be like. As you know these episodes make us stronger and power up the human spirit in us. Go run.
This video really got me, seeing that emotional, joyful start and knowing it wouldn’t be the ending you expected 😭. Thanks for sharing such an honest and authentic video. I DNF’d UTS this year so have a teeny tiny understanding of how gutted you must be. But we learn, then dust ourselves off and go again!
Much much love and hugs to you both from Ireland. You both will smash it next time. Amazed and so very inspired from your positive attitude, especially when you mentioned about this race in every single video of yours over the last few months. Take care Ben.
Thank you for sharing your story with us. Like others have said, you and Sarah inspire so many people every day. I admire your positive outlook after a heartbreaking turn of events. I look forward to watching you cross the UTMB finish line!
Thank you for this amazing video recounting your heartbreaking and yet inspiring experience at UTMB 2022. Your emotion at the start of the race, your determination afterwards, and your smile throughout are wonderful to see. Kudos to Sara for sticking with you to make sure you'd be okay.
Your ability to stay calm and positive is so admirable. I recently broke a toe which ruined my summer mountain climbing plans and let me say..I did NOT take it with such grace, lol. Wishing you all the best for your recovery, hopefully you'll be back out there in no time!
Thank you for sharing!! Even though the race didn’t play out the way you wanted. What an adventure to tell and remember especially when you run this race again and finish. You and Sarah are an inspiration and I hope to run this race in the future.
Fair play for looking at things as positively as you can Ben. As runners we put our heart and soul into getting to the start lines of bucket list races so feels like our world’s are falling apart sometimes when things go wrong, but as you say there’s a lot of worse things happening to people all over the world thru no fault of their own. You and Sarah will complete UTMB one day and it’ll be feel even better than you can imagine after the setbacks you’ve had. I’ll be following all the way!
You are a true inspiration 🙏 Thank you for sharing your honest experience of what many of us consider to be an impossible challenge. It's the stuff for heroes. You are a hero. You kept going despite your injury and gave it everything. Incredible! Keep doing what you do. It's truly inspiring 👏👏👏
Such terrible rotten luck but amazing positivity. Well done for trying to push through, and a huge round of applause for Sarah sacrificing her race to render care. So thoughtful of her to double back down the mountain when she lost contact. Glad you're both safe. Next year!!
What an inspiring duo! We all know how much it meant to both of you to get it done at UTMB yet sharing your journey with us shows that sometimes there are more important things than the finish: Ben, your grit, determination and relentless optimism in the face of adversity is a philosophy we all should emulate (and not just for running); and Sarah, you may have descended the mountain, but in helping a struggling Ben you chose your partner over the medal, to get home safe together rather than to get it done apart… While UTMB 2022 didn’t go as planned, you can always count on your partnership 🤝🏃♀️🏃
Don't worry Ben, it can happen to anyone. You will come back stronger. Keep up the fantastic efforts and thank you for sharing the highs and lows with us. Your training and racing videos are an inspiration to me. You will be stronger because of this.
Thanks for sharing this very difficult moment. It just shows how brutal extreme ultra trail races can be and you can be proud you gave it your all (as you always do!!).. I really hope you recover fully and already looking forward to seeing both of you finishing UTMB some time in the near future. With your positive attitude I am sure you will fulfill that dream. All the best.
This was incredibly moving as well as inspiring. As an injured runner you are giving me so much hope and perspective. Thank you for sharing your courage, persistence, and heart.
Brilliant video Ben & Sarah!!! So glad to hear that you’re already planning on getting back there again. Tough gig tripping over and injuring yourself, but as you say, it could happen to anyone. So you’ve got as much chance (if not more now due to experience) as anyone else in the field next time around. Perhaps a 2023 UTMB showdown between Jornet, Walmsley, and D’Haene will have to play second fiddle to the 3-way head-to-head of Parkes, Purvis, & Cousins!?😉 (And I reckon any collaboration between yourselves and Jeff Pelletier will be awesome too!)
Well done you 🙌👍 It’s not about the finish it’s the journey to get there. Toeing the UTMB start line, you made it to that start line despite all the adversities and challenges and road blocks along the way. You proved your perseverance and you will continue to persevere and continue a journey to new accomplishments and new destinations! Never give up 💪💪💪
Hey Ben 👋🏻 really sorry about your injury and extra sad you both had to drop off the race especially given how genuinely happy you were at the start 😔 On the upside, I’m glad you still found the strength to make this video. I think it’s important to showcase the downs as much as the ups. Also, just wanted to thank you for your content. I’ve learned a lot from you and in no small part thanks to the knowledge you’ve shared here I was able to run my first ever marathon this Sunday. 4:07 and I couldn’t be happier. Speedy recovery and can’t wait for you to finish UTMB in 2023! 🙏🏻
absolutely gutted for you Ben. don't know what else to say, but commiserations. such an epic race and so much hard work and preparation getting ready for it. you have my utmost respect in what you've achieved in your running in general, let alone getting into UTMB. that's very hard core. DNF through injury is just one of those really tough breaks - i hope you heal up quickly and are back getting it done very soon.
Full kudos to you both for such an honest and open look back at how yours and Sarah’s plans and hopes for the race ended up. I really hope you are both able to get to another UTMB race week in the coming years and complete the unfinished business. Very glad to see you are recovering well and Sarah is doing well. Best wishes Mark
I found this heartbreaking to watch. I admire and am inspired by you even more now! Very excited to hear you and Sarah might be coming to Canada to work with Jeff Pelletier. I'm an Essex girl originally but have lived in Vancouver since 2011 and Jeff is also someone who inspires me. Really hope you all do something where folks can join you, that would be so awesome 🤩
Greatest trail race on the planet and all of that, but the sheer density of the runners and t the narrowness of the trails through out the better part of the run confirms the view that hell is indeed other people. You just can't get a way from them and the thought of being in the tuning equivalent of crash bar is a real turnoff It's been a real insight to get your experience of UTMB on film, but I have to confess that after watching yours and other vids of the race, it will be a very cold day in hell before I join you.
Feeling for you, Ben. What an amazing effort, with perseverance and a smile on your face. Think of all the amazing times you had in the lead up and training - views and time spent with Sarah. This weekend I had a similar experience, my dad and I did a 50km race, at 19 kms he fell and hit his head and knees, and broke his finger - ending our race. The comment you made about how just one moment can end the entire race was so true. I think this is why we do trail running, for the adventure and the challenge. Good Luck in future races on the trail :)
Really sorry to hear about the accident, but glad that you are okay. I had a similar knee injury during my snowboard trip earlier this year and totally understand why you were not able to complete the race. I am also quite shocked that it took you guys forever to get back to some place safe. I thought UTMB would have handled the situation better. Anyways, get well soon and look forward to you returning to the race next year!
Ha man! I am so sorry Ben. I was watching the live show on TH-cam and so many people were asking about you, we all got a bit worried. Come to Thailand by UTMB the top 10 men get an automatic pass for UTMB, it is in December. I was so happy to see you on the start line with Jeff Pelletier (Pel-T-é coming Ben that easy😂) such a great youtuber and runner.
Feel so bad for you and Sarah! The start of the race was so incredible and I could feel the emotion alongside you. I hope you get back there to finish it one day soon. Please do come to Canada and film something with Jeff - that would be fantastic.
WoW thanks for this very important share! We do not get enough of the reality check like this! I hope you make it to fill your UTMB with less pain next! Your departure made me cry !
powerful stuff lad, seeing you so pumped and emotional at the start and knowing how it ended was super tough, can only imagine in the edit putting this together! learnt a lot following your series as we start our own quest for the infinity stones - thanks for sharing the highs and the lows!
.....and at the end of the day, Sarah and you are two amazing people, who will hopefully spend decades and decades of your life together. I admire both of you, and the way the race went just added to it. I tip my hat and congratulate you both...heal well and keep your positive mindeset
I’ve never dreamed of any of this race but I totally emotional when you pass the starting line! I bet you’ve done so many hours of training for this, waiting for the moment. You are amazing! I could see, you took every single moment very gracefully and enjoyed well even with hard climbing. Like I said, you are AMAZING! Thank you for sharing it!
Hi Ben. I hope you've found peace coming out of this year's less-than-ideal UTMB. I say that because 1. I know you can easily finish that race absent debilitating injury. and 2. Because you inspire so many people with your life story, and it's important to your fans that you bounce back and continue your inspirational journey. My 2022 New Year's resolution was to walk at least a mile a day, every day for 365 of them. About a month and a half in, I decided to do a (rare) February run in Upstate NY, and felt absolutely awful at its conclusion. I used to play soccer/football growing up, and could at one time run for days, and so I decided after those few difficult runs that I needed to up my game. Somewhere in there, I discovered your TH-cam channel, and watched just about every video there was to watch. I invested in some cold-weather running gear, signed up for a 5-mile race (I was not at all ready for), and trained hard for a few weeks and put together a (for me) respectable time of 45 minutes and change. That showed me I could turn things around with focused effort, and your videos have been instrumental in keeping me moving forward. When it came time to buy warm-weather gear, I opted for the most colorful stuff I could find (as you seem to), and when I saw your hats, I bought one of those too. For the last 9 weeks, I've been following your half marathon training plan, and in less than 3 weeks, I'm going to run the longest distance I've ever run, and complete my first half marathon - at 43. I owe you a great deal for inspiring me to face these challenges head on, and I hope you are able to draw from knowing your impact on others is significant as you recuperate and prepare for the next challenge. Keep on keeping on!
Your smile is contagious. Your emotions inspire me. You are a legend. Life is not always peanut butter and jelly. You will come back stronger. Don't worry. 💪
I hope that you heal quickly and I am glad that your knee is structurally sound. Good luck getting back out there. Thank you for sharing this story and your videos.
What a crazy experience Ben! So gutted for you to have that happen, but your attitude is awesome and I'm sure you'll get back there and get it done! Thanks for sharing this even if it was not in any way fun, great to see your authenticity and willingness to put yourself out there. Kudos for persevering and look forward to seeing you finish next time!
OMG...so awesome!!! Would LOVE to run it in the next few years...thanks for putting this together and most importantly CONGRATULATIONS!!! Need to start researching how to get myself qualified and registered...thanks!
That start line is just massive. Seemed so amazing. Tough break, Ben. I'm sorry that it happened. But we already know you and you know you. We'll get back out there stronger than ever. And all these struggles and downfalls just means that success will taste sweeter than you can ever imagine! Let's get it!
Beautiful footage from the UTMB! Thanks for sharing! Huh, sorry you had those issues Ben! Great that you're fine now! I finished this race in 2013 and hope I will finish it again some time in the future, but for now I don't have the time to train anymore. Very unfortunate situation with the knee in that rock just there, between of the aid-stations. Best wishes Ben!
It was so hard to watch how excited and emotional you both were at the start line, knowing what was to come. I hope you both get to cross that finish line someday! I hope to cross it some day myself, but that seems rather less likely.
Congrats for the great vid. Something similar happened to me as well in the UTMB 2018 (but without an impact of my knee with a rock but rather because of an old but ongoing knee issue, flaring up from time to time. I almost stayed above there, where you could not go further, close to Croix Bonhomme. I was eventually able to hobble down till next aid station Les Chapieux, km 51. But I was passed by about 700 runners during only that downhill, that says it all..
Really sorry to hear about the accident and the pain with your knee Ben. Fair play to you sharing this experience with us all. Wishing you all the best with the recovery and look forward to seeing you return to UTMB in the future and smashing it.
Ben, those tears at the Start... ohhh - my - god! Priceless . I'd love to live it too, so... training starts from... today!!! You've been an inspiration to me! Thank you Ben, Have Happy Years :)
So sorry you fell Ben! I was tracking you all on the UTMB website and saw you stop and wondered what happened. You will finish this race sometime soon! Thanks for all the inspiring content!
I feel sad you guys didn’t finish, but I feel such pride for you in sharing the honest truth of your race - huge ❤ and we’re all praying you get another crack at it one day 🙏🏻
Followed you for a long time and have a BP hat for my 55 birthday. I know how much this means to you. Your positivity is an inspiration and Sarah is a rock. Keep up the good work and I hope to meet you one day out on the Thames path. Stay strong.
Hi Ben. Thanks for sharing this video. It must have been a very hard experience but your positivity is inspiring. It was great to see you after the big half and to see that you are back enjoying running. Loving your TH-cam content which have helped and inspired me many times.
Jeff Pelletier standing behind Ben at the start making his own TH-cam video is a wonderful crossover 🤣
Exactly my thought 😂. Seeing Jeff behind him I really had to laugh 😆, amazing crossover 😅.
It’s easy to share the parts of your life that go well; it’s much harder to share the moments of vulnerability. Kudos to you for sharing the difficult, uncomfortable parts, too. It’s humanizing, and helps many others who have experienced their own adversity relate. Cheers to healing up from Canada and continuing to put out the excellent content!
Soooo true !!!! Great comment Zac !!!! Sooo well thought out !!!!
Well said!!
Very well said Zac 👍
Plato here
Never commented on a TH-cam vid in my life but had to comment. Great attitude brother. Love how humble you are. Anyone who’s banging out a 2.25 marathon is good enough to be elite level on the trails. Was gutted for you both when you dropped early doors. DNFs are part of the game in these long trail races. I did the race myself in 2016. It’s a beast. Spent the last climb talking to my Girlfriend the whole way up who wasn’t even with me. 🤣. Stay strong and swift recovery
"Spent the last climb talking to my Girlfriend the whole way up who wasn’t even with me" ... lol that's awesome. next level crazy. Good on you mate!
Amen, "Real Life" has so many punches, and ever grateful to see an insight into your "low" that ultimately will turn into a "high" in 2023 or 2024! Onward and Upward Ben, excited for your future races.
Well said Seth
Sarah is a saint.. seriously she is so tremendously supportive of everything you do.
I'd consider myself a good trail runner and I fall over and hurt myself all the time. In the last 10 months, I've had to DNF twice from bad falls that I couldn't walk/shake off. Sometimes we land just wrong and we can't push through. It is a tough break and as you reflected, really frustrating when you are actually feeling good. Don't give up on the trails though!!
14 hour hundred miler is better than a good runner 👍
Absolute legend for sharing this, both of you went through a heck of a lot in that time, I’m glad to see you’re determined to get back there over the coming years, that’s the right attitude 💪 also glad to see you’re back jogging as well 🙏
Absolutely gutted for you both! But what a great team you are, Sarah is an amazing support to you, being willing to sacrifice her race to make sure you were ok. You are both fantastic ultra runners and you’ll be back stronger than ever soon. Take it easy xxx
I echo the sentiments of everyone else on here--so sorry you had to DNF and thanks for sharing a truthful account of your experience. It's tough to share the difficult parts of your life. But I have to say a big "Not good, not good at all" to UTMB. You called for help, they said they'd send help, and no one showed up. Unless you sign your life away in paperwork before the race, I do find it shocking they had no ability to rescue an injured and stranded runner. I understand it's at altitude, etc etc, but you weren't in the death zone on Everest. There should have been a way for the race officials to get someone to assist you.
Your attitude is refreshing and I very much appreciate the recognition that sometimes you do everything right and then one thing that is not your fault at all goes wrong and your plans and goal evaporate. There are indeed millions of others in the world with more to complain about, and I appreciate your positivity very much.
I'm pretty shocked that no one from UTMB picked you up or helped you in any way!! I would have freaked out! Wishing you a speedy recovery, glad the injury doesn't seem too bad! 🍀
Stay strong Ben and wishing a good recovery
PS: saw you at starting line at London Half yesterday and you done a little hop and skip past me whilst recording so trust you’re back to you’re inspiring best
Keep inspiring 🙏
“Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” - Nelson Mandela
Don't be too hard on yourself - you're an inspiration to many!
I've had multiple tumbles that at the time felt like slow motion and too small to matter - only to find out a few hours later that I broke my collarbone, or elbow, or busted my knee up bad enough I still have scars. So I can sort of relate! Still, I'm gutted for you. I can only imagine how much you put into preparing for UTMB. But I am very glad you made it off that mountain safely. It is a story and experience you will NEVER forget. And You have an amazing girl. Total respect for how she came back to help you. Priorities!
Congratulations to your sub-3 Berlin Marathon achievement attained 3 days ago on September 25, 2022! This UTMB 2022 video shows that you have made a strong come back and nailed it.
I will always remember this real life story of yours to give myself and others encouragement whenever we shall meet a setback in life! You are a very optimistic and a strong executor of your running plans! I admire your never-give-up personality!👍👍👍
Ben, your strength and courage is inspiring. This can't have been easy to put together, I have nothing but admiration for you picking up and going again at The Big Half so soon. So many of us were with you online through the race and will keep supporting you on the journey. I hope one day I can share some miles with you both and thank you personally for being so inspiring 🙏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Ben, terribly sorry to hear about your injury. I was fortunate enough to meet you Sarah, Loyd Purvis ,and Stephen Cousins in Chamonix. Many of my favorite content creators in one spot and you were all generous with your time and even posed for a group photo with me. Like you, my UTMB (CCC) dreams were crushed after waking up Friday morning with chest and head congestion. I took a COVID test that was negative and had to give it a go after working so hard for the past three years to get into the race. It was clear early on that a finish was unlikely. I managed to make it 55K before having to drop at Champex Lac. Turns out that I did have COVID so the reminder of my vacation consisted of laying in bed watching the races on my computer. With the change to running stones and so few races in the US to earn them, I don't know how long it will take me to get back there. I'm inspired by your determination to return. Thank you for the great running content and for being a model of positivity. Heal quickly.
Kudos to showing how you gave it your all... I banged my head on the west highland way in June and carried on for 20 miles before having to call it. Gave me the grit to see UTMB through to the end. Win some, lose some but luckily you have the memories of the start line, the incredible training runs and the knowledge that you have people around you who care and have your back. No DNF can take that away from you!
The WHW is obviously a dangerous place. I broke my rib on the WHW 10 miles in last year. Managed to finish it though but wouldn't want to do that again!
@@peterwilkins7013 fair play!
Aww man! And the two of you trained so hard and that had to happen. Still epically well done for getting it done what you did even on an injured knee. I do however find it rather shocking that they didn’t notice that 2 runners didn’t check-in at the next checkpoint and basically left you stranded. At least I know with the races here in South Africa they have sweeps at the back keeping a check on the back runners or anybody that has lagged behind. UTCT has sweeps that swap out at ever so many hours at aid stations so even on the 100km and new 100miler this year their is always somebody at the back to check-in.
Thanks for sharing Ben. I know this wasn’t the video or experience you had envisaged sharing but you have kept a positive attitude and will be back there at some stage to rewrite the record. I know how cruelly frustrating it must have been to have the knee cost you the race but it’s just one of those freak things as you say. When you finish UTMB another year it’s going to feel even more incredible. I hope the knee continues to heal well and allows you to go after more adventures soon.
I remember I had a similar fall at the ‘Lakes in a Day’. I was 45 miles into a 50 mile race. I also couldn’t continue. I was gutted. After that day I have never taken running in events for granted. It’s made me more determined than ever and I make sure I enjoy every second no matter what happens. Like you said Ben - we are blessed to be able to participate in these great events 😊
So sorry for you both. you are both an inspiration on how possitive you can remain even when things do go as planned. I'm sure you will both be back and complete this magical race!
Incredibly inspired by this video. The opening shots were amazing. I’m so sorry for the unfortunate injury - but very grateful you still shared the experience. Whenever I’m feeling down or uninspired, I’ve found myself watching these opening few minutes here a few times now - hard not to shed tears with you as you were taking it all in. Thank you!
The only thing I would question about this video (- which I think is the best one you have ever done -) is the title. I expect that getting off the mountain and home was actually the nightmare aspect, but the rest of it seemed to be pure joy, and that is the memory that should endure. For you, the die was cast, but it is Sarah's altruism that stands out in this story.
Absolutely gutted for you both. I ran the race with one of your caps on and finished in 41 hours. I then looked though the results trying to find you both (expecting something crazy like sub 30 hours) and saw you had to pull out. Superb spirit and attitude in the face of adversity - I would have been wailing given the time and effort and difficulty in even getting to the start line. Next time brother, next time....
dnf is such a big part of ultra racing. the elites dnf all the time. no other sport has that, i believe. so, it is precious to see it documented. to learn how to deal with it best. so much like life. great video!
Thank you for sharing your experience, and in such a raw, honest way. And how cool that both my favourite runnner TH-camrs and running couples featured each other in their videos! #JeffPelletier and Audree!
Sorry for that outcome Ben and well done to Sarah for her sacrifice. At least you got to taste the unique UTMB atmosphere and experience. We know that injury / incidents unfortunately play a part in our sport and extremely frustrating though it is , in the end it will make us tougher and determined to come back for more ( end of sermon😁😉) Look forward to seeing you and Sarah in more adventures 👍💪
Very unfortunate that you got injured, good on Sarah for hanging in there, & you both adapting to the situation, you’ll look back in months & years to come of what an amazing experience you had first time at UTMB, can’t wait to see both you & Sarahs faces with huge smiles next attempt at UTMB running over the finish line 🏁onwards & upwards 🥳 🏔🌲👣👣🏔🍀🌿✅😀
The start and finish lines are the most emotionally overwhelming place on earth ❤❤❤😊
Well Ben, I want you to know, you did triumph at UTMB. Your narrative warmed my heart and brought out your essential strength and humility. These are invaluable qualities you modeled for us.
Thank you. Sarah always excels . Her love and support was touching and real. Amazing couple.
Believe or not, these “fail” videos are just as inspiring as the “super suceed” videos. Seeing big YTs fail encourages those of us who aren’t talented runners and who have silly injuries to keep going. Your experience in UTMB 2022 will just make it all the more sweet when you complete the race, which you one day will.
Kudos for sharing the crushing lows that ultra trail can bring. I had been following your training journey on TH-cam and having seen you off on Friday as you exited Chamonix town centre I was surprised to see that you had dropped out over night. Your positive attitude will see you through to the end of this race and what you have gone through will make that success all the more sweeter. BTW your bucket hat was top class, sheltering me from the worst of the sun during my OCC. All the best to you and Sarah.
Massive feat even still Ben. Huge achievement being there and doing what you did. Sometimes a fall can hit you harder than you realise before the adrenaline leaves. Definitely made the right decision for your body and a tough action to take. I bust my hands and knees from a fall running down Snowdon the other week but that was nothing compared to the damage it caused to my ankle, I made the mistake of running through the pain and paying for it now. All the best
Been looking forward to this video! Thanks for bringing us along on this journey!
1:00... The essence of this video. Great attitude and disposition to enjoy what life gives to you. Best of luck for everything Ben :).
Oh man, I want to give you guys a hug now, or buy you a beer or a coffee (guess I should just order some more benparkes-hats)! Seeing you and Sarah being so genuinely excited at the start of the race, I'm not lying, put some tears in my eyes as well. Massive kudos for sharing also those more sad moments which, however, you immediately put into perspective with your humble positive attitude. You both are just awesome!
Also, I said it several times by now and I will probably keep saying it again and again: personally, I think your and Sarah's race-vlogs are your strongest videos and I am always really excited when there is a one coming up! Stay healthy and get this injury done!
How did you get passed by the sweepers? Where there sweepers?
It's a major failure for any race to have this happen and leave runners stranded mid-course.
Oh no! Such an easy accident to happen in that terrain! I'm so glad it wasn't a worse accident. Thanks for sharing the harsh realities of racing. I think we all need to be reminded of this sometimes. UTMB in particular is very dreamy, but so so challenging! BTW: I must say that I'm obsessed with all of these running-youtuber crossovers!
You are strong and determined! I know you will succeed in your future endeavors! Thank you for your heartfelt sharing! Sarah is a keeper!
Hey Ben, we were out there following the race, checking on you and Sarah's progress and were so sorry that this happened to you, the knee looks so painful. It's so lovely that you appreciate how great your life is and that this is just a small blip in it, your optimism and positivity are a credit to you and a great example to all. Well done!!! You'll be back!!!
Never underestimate the positivity of a trailrunner. You’ve got what it takes Ben to finish at UTMB. Such a real life, ordinary people’s example you set in this video. Congrats on this from the Netherlands 👍😁
Gutted for you both, enjoyed the video, it really came across how special it was. On the bright side you've still got that finish line feeling to look forward to one day, and it'll be all the more special as a result of this!
Glad you managed to get yourself back to civilisation. I know it wasn’t an official aid station, but pretty poor showing from UTMB there considering they were contacted, they told you they’d come get you, but you STILL had to find your own way back. You pay a premium for UTMB for exactly these situations. Personally, not impressed with the organisers there at all but happy to hear it’ll eventually be ok for you :)
Exactly what I was thinking, not sure what happen there UTMB??
Just watched your video Ben and take my hat off to you.
Having just completed London 2022 and struggled the last third I can only imagine what taking on UTMB must be like.
As you know these episodes make us stronger and power up the human spirit in us.
Go run.
Ben, I think you and Shara are the best! You both did fantastic! You are so inspirational! Much respect.
This video really got me, seeing that emotional, joyful start and knowing it wouldn’t be the ending you expected 😭. Thanks for sharing such an honest and authentic video.
I DNF’d UTS this year so have a teeny tiny understanding of how gutted you must be. But we learn, then dust ourselves off and go again!
Much much love and hugs to you both from Ireland. You both will smash it next time. Amazed and so very inspired from your positive attitude, especially when you mentioned about this race in every single video of yours over the last few months. Take care Ben.
Thank you for sharing your story with us. Like others have said, you and Sarah inspire so many people every day. I admire your positive outlook after a heartbreaking turn of events. I look forward to watching you cross the UTMB finish line!
you're such an inspiration! Been using your running plans and I'm in the best running shape of my life! Thank you
Thank you for this amazing video recounting your heartbreaking and yet inspiring experience at UTMB 2022. Your emotion at the start of the race, your determination afterwards, and your smile throughout are wonderful to see. Kudos to Sara for sticking with you to make sure you'd be okay.
Your ability to stay calm and positive is so admirable. I recently broke a toe which ruined my summer mountain climbing plans and let me say..I did NOT take it with such grace, lol. Wishing you all the best for your recovery, hopefully you'll be back out there in no time!
Thank you for sharing!! Even though the race didn’t play out the way you wanted. What an adventure to tell and remember especially when you run this race again and finish. You and Sarah are an inspiration and I hope to run this race in the future.
Fair play for looking at things as positively as you can Ben. As runners we put our heart and soul into getting to the start lines of bucket list races so feels like our world’s are falling apart sometimes when things go wrong, but as you say there’s a lot of worse things happening to people all over the world thru no fault of their own. You and Sarah will complete UTMB one day and it’ll be feel even better than you can imagine after the setbacks you’ve had. I’ll be following all the way!
You are a true inspiration 🙏 Thank you for sharing your honest experience of what many of us consider to be an impossible challenge. It's the stuff for heroes. You are a hero. You kept going despite your injury and gave it everything. Incredible! Keep doing what you do. It's truly inspiring 👏👏👏
Ben you and Sarah are legends - so down to earth and real. Thank you for your honesty - I am 100% positive you will complete this.
Such terrible rotten luck but amazing positivity. Well done for trying to push through, and a huge round of applause for Sarah sacrificing her race to render care. So thoughtful of her to double back down the mountain when she lost contact. Glad you're both safe. Next year!!
What an inspiring duo! We all know how much it meant to both of you to get it done at UTMB yet sharing your journey with us shows that sometimes there are more important things than the finish: Ben, your grit, determination and relentless optimism in the face of adversity is a philosophy we all should emulate (and not just for running); and Sarah, you may have descended the mountain, but in helping a struggling Ben you chose your partner over the medal, to get home safe together rather than to get it done apart… While UTMB 2022 didn’t go as planned, you can always count on your partnership 🤝🏃♀️🏃
Don't worry Ben, it can happen to anyone. You will come back stronger. Keep up the fantastic efforts and thank you for sharing the highs and lows with us. Your training and racing videos are an inspiration to me. You will be stronger because of this.
Thanks for sharing this very difficult moment. It just shows how brutal extreme ultra trail races can be and you can be proud you gave it your all (as you always do!!).. I really hope you recover fully and already looking forward to seeing both of you finishing UTMB some time in the near future. With your positive attitude I am sure you will fulfill that dream. All the best.
This was incredibly moving as well as inspiring. As an injured runner you are giving me so much hope and perspective. Thank you for sharing your courage, persistence, and heart.
Brilliant video Ben & Sarah!!!
So glad to hear that you’re already planning on getting back there again.
Tough gig tripping over and injuring yourself, but as you say, it could happen to anyone. So you’ve got as much chance (if not more now due to experience) as anyone else in the field next time around.
Perhaps a 2023 UTMB showdown between Jornet, Walmsley, and D’Haene will have to play second fiddle to the 3-way head-to-head of Parkes, Purvis, & Cousins!?😉
(And I reckon any collaboration between yourselves and Jeff Pelletier will be awesome too!)
Well done you 🙌👍
It’s not about the finish it’s the journey to get there. Toeing the UTMB start line, you made it to that start line despite all the adversities and challenges and road blocks along the way. You proved your perseverance and you will continue to persevere and continue a journey to new accomplishments and new destinations!
Never give up 💪💪💪
Hey Ben 👋🏻 really sorry about your injury and extra sad you both had to drop off the race especially given how genuinely happy you were at the start 😔
On the upside, I’m glad you still found the strength to make this video. I think it’s important to showcase the downs as much as the ups.
Also, just wanted to thank you for your content. I’ve learned a lot from you and in no small part thanks to the knowledge you’ve shared here I was able to run my first ever marathon this Sunday. 4:07 and I couldn’t be happier.
Speedy recovery and can’t wait for you to finish UTMB in 2023! 🙏🏻
absolutely gutted for you Ben. don't know what else to say, but commiserations. such an epic race and so much hard work and preparation getting ready for it. you have my utmost respect in what you've achieved in your running in general, let alone getting into UTMB. that's very hard core. DNF through injury is just one of those really tough breaks - i hope you heal up quickly and are back getting it done very soon.
Full kudos to you both for such an honest and open look back at how yours and Sarah’s plans and hopes for the race ended up. I really hope you are both able to get to another UTMB race week in the coming years and complete the unfinished business. Very glad to see you are recovering well and Sarah is doing well. Best wishes Mark
I found this heartbreaking to watch. I admire and am inspired by you even more now! Very excited to hear you and Sarah might be coming to Canada to work with Jeff Pelletier. I'm an Essex girl originally but have lived in Vancouver since 2011 and Jeff is also someone who inspires me. Really hope you all do something where folks can join you, that would be so awesome 🤩
Greatest trail race on the planet and all of that, but the sheer density of the runners and t the narrowness of the trails through out the better part of the run confirms the view that hell is indeed other people. You just can't get a way from them and the thought of being in the tuning equivalent of crash bar is a real turnoff It's been a real insight to get your experience of UTMB on film, but I have to confess that after watching yours and other vids of the race, it will be a very cold day in hell before I join you.
Feeling for you, Ben. What an amazing effort, with perseverance and a smile on your face. Think of all the amazing times you had in the lead up and training - views and time spent with Sarah. This weekend I had a similar experience, my dad and I did a 50km race, at 19 kms he fell and hit his head and knees, and broke his finger - ending our race. The comment you made about how just one moment can end the entire race was so true. I think this is why we do trail running, for the adventure and the challenge. Good Luck in future races on the trail :)
Really sorry to hear about the accident, but glad that you are okay. I had a similar knee injury during my snowboard trip earlier this year and totally understand why you were not able to complete the race. I am also quite shocked that it took you guys forever to get back to some place safe. I thought UTMB would have handled the situation better. Anyways, get well soon and look forward to you returning to the race next year!
Sorry to hear!! Thanks for putting such an honest video up on the net! Thanks for real life video!
Ha man! I am so sorry Ben. I was watching the live show on TH-cam and so many people were asking about you, we all got a bit worried. Come to Thailand by UTMB the top 10 men get an automatic pass for UTMB, it is in December. I was so happy to see you on the start line with Jeff Pelletier (Pel-T-é coming Ben that easy😂) such a great youtuber and runner.
Feel so bad for you and Sarah! The start of the race was so incredible and I could feel the emotion alongside you. I hope you get back there to finish it one day soon. Please do come to Canada and film something with Jeff - that would be fantastic.
WoW thanks for this very important share! We do not get enough of the reality check like this! I hope you make it to fill your UTMB with less pain next! Your departure made me cry !
People love your channel & subscribe because you're both so honest about the highs and other the other times.
Sarah is a keeper.
You remind me of Gary Robbins who shares his hardships with his successes. They are by far the most interesting videos. Thanks so much!
Well done for making it as far as you did and we'll done Sarah for looking after you - the unsung hero!
powerful stuff lad, seeing you so pumped and emotional at the start and knowing how it ended was super tough, can only imagine in the edit putting this together! learnt a lot following your series as we start our own quest for the infinity stones - thanks for sharing the highs and the lows!
.....and at the end of the day, Sarah and you are two amazing people, who will hopefully spend decades and decades of your life together. I admire both of you, and the way the race went just added to it. I tip my hat and congratulate you both...heal well and keep your positive mindeset
I’ve never dreamed of any of this race but I totally emotional when you pass the starting line! I bet you’ve done so many hours of training for this, waiting for the moment. You are amazing!
I could see, you took every single moment very gracefully and enjoyed well even with hard climbing.
Like I said, you are AMAZING!
Thank you for sharing it!
Hi Ben. I hope you've found peace coming out of this year's less-than-ideal UTMB. I say that because 1. I know you can easily finish that race absent debilitating injury. and 2. Because you inspire so many people with your life story, and it's important to your fans that you bounce back and continue your inspirational journey. My 2022 New Year's resolution was to walk at least a mile a day, every day for 365 of them. About a month and a half in, I decided to do a (rare) February run in Upstate NY, and felt absolutely awful at its conclusion. I used to play soccer/football growing up, and could at one time run for days, and so I decided after those few difficult runs that I needed to up my game. Somewhere in there, I discovered your TH-cam channel, and watched just about every video there was to watch. I invested in some cold-weather running gear, signed up for a 5-mile race (I was not at all ready for), and trained hard for a few weeks and put together a (for me) respectable time of 45 minutes and change. That showed me I could turn things around with focused effort, and your videos have been instrumental in keeping me moving forward. When it came time to buy warm-weather gear, I opted for the most colorful stuff I could find (as you seem to), and when I saw your hats, I bought one of those too. For the last 9 weeks, I've been following your half marathon training plan, and in less than 3 weeks, I'm going to run the longest distance I've ever run, and complete my first half marathon - at 43. I owe you a great deal for inspiring me to face these challenges head on, and I hope you are able to draw from knowing your impact on others is significant as you recuperate and prepare for the next challenge. Keep on keeping on!
Your smile is contagious. Your emotions inspire me. You are a legend. Life is not always peanut butter and jelly. You will come back stronger. Don't worry. 💪
I hope that you heal quickly and I am glad that your knee is structurally sound. Good luck getting back out there.
Thank you for sharing this story and your videos.
I was so worried when I saw you had withdrawn, but really glad you are ok. Thanks for sharing and continuing to inspire so many of us!
What a crazy experience Ben! So gutted for you to have that happen, but your attitude is awesome and I'm sure you'll get back there and get it done!
Thanks for sharing this even if it was not in any way fun, great to see your authenticity and willingness to put yourself out there. Kudos for persevering and look forward to seeing you finish next time!
OMG...so awesome!!! Would LOVE to run it in the next few years...thanks for putting this together and most importantly CONGRATULATIONS!!! Need to start researching how to get myself qualified and registered...thanks!
That start line is just massive. Seemed so amazing.
Tough break, Ben. I'm sorry that it happened. But we already know you and you know you. We'll get back out there stronger than ever. And all these struggles and downfalls just means that success will taste sweeter than you can ever imagine!
Let's get it!
Beautiful footage from the UTMB! Thanks for sharing! Huh, sorry you had those issues Ben! Great that you're fine now! I finished this race in 2013 and hope I will finish it again some time in the future, but for now I don't have the time to train anymore. Very unfortunate situation with the knee in that rock just there, between of the aid-stations. Best wishes Ben!
It was so hard to watch how excited and emotional you both were at the start line, knowing what was to come. I hope you both get to cross that finish line someday! I hope to cross it some day myself, but that seems rather less likely.
What a story man.. kudos to you and what a fantastic partner you have in Sarah.. inspiring!
Congrats for the great vid. Something similar happened to me as well in the UTMB 2018 (but without an impact of my knee with a rock but rather because of an old but ongoing knee issue, flaring up from time to time. I almost stayed above there, where you could not go further, close to Croix Bonhomme. I was eventually able to hobble down till next aid station Les Chapieux, km 51. But I was passed by about 700 runners during only that downhill, that says it all..
Really sorry to hear about the accident and the pain with your knee Ben. Fair play to you sharing this experience with us all. Wishing you all the best with the recovery and look forward to seeing you return to UTMB in the future and smashing it.
Start line vibes are truly goosebump material. Not the result you wanted but you'll will return with Sarah to have another crack!
Ben, those tears at the Start... ohhh - my - god! Priceless . I'd love to live it too, so... training starts from... today!!! You've been an inspiration to me!
Thank you Ben, Have Happy Years :)
Thank you for your honesty in sharing such a tough time. Gutted for you both and will look forward to the time when we get to watch your finish xx
So sorry you fell Ben! I was tracking you all on the UTMB website and saw you stop and wondered what happened. You will finish this race sometime soon! Thanks for all the inspiring content!
I feel sad you guys didn’t finish, but I feel such pride for you in sharing the honest truth of your race - huge ❤ and we’re all praying you get another crack at it one day 🙏🏻
Followed you for a long time and have a BP hat for my 55 birthday. I know how much this means to you. Your positivity is an inspiration and Sarah is a rock. Keep up the good work and I hope to meet you one day out on the Thames path. Stay strong.
Ben, I always appreciate you for being transparent with your audience. Sorry that this happened and wishing you well for your recovery.
Hi Ben. Thanks for sharing this video. It must have been a very hard experience but your positivity is inspiring. It was great to see you after the big half and to see that you are back enjoying running. Loving your TH-cam content which have helped and inspired me many times.
I love your attitude about it all. So glad the injury was not more serious and you are still out there 'getting it done!" You and Sarah are awesome.