MY FIRST 50KM ULTRA MARATHON (SVP50)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ก.ย. 2024
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In todays video I raced my first 50km Ultra Marathon, the Stour valley 50 aka the SVP50. Things started well but the heat and cramping soon got the better of me. At the half way point I honestly didn't think id make it to the finish line but with the support of my family and friends as well as my stubbornness not to give up I completed the thing in just under 6 hours. If you enjoy the vlog leave a like and consider subscribing.
Big thank you to all the SVP team and volunteers for making this such an amazing event. Cant wait to get on that podium next year.
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Ben, you may not have made the podium or had the race you wanted, but two things are abundantly clear to me watching this video.
1. You're not a quitter - that took grit to make it to the finish, and real head strength to convince yourself the race was still worth completing, even after you realised your race had really ended.
2. Perhaps the most amazing thing I saw was your friends and family - people would do a lot to have the family and friend-network you have around you. They seem like an amazingly supportive bunch - and this weekend you saw that they love you at your best, but they love you even more at your weakest.
Cherish those who give so much to help support you, it's life's greatest gift, in my opinion.
Well done champ, I'm sure you'll smash the next one. Never give up!
This comment made my day. It was a hard pill to swallow watching the race I'd trained hard for disappear but my family being there certainly gave me the push to finish the race. I honestly couldn't have done it with out them and they continued to support me even if they also knew id fallen short of what I what I am capable of. Very thankful for people like yourself who take the time out of their day to spread the positivity in the comments. Thank you Adam :)
@@BenIsRunning absolute pleasure mate x
Adam.. what a comment ! !
You made me cry!! So true!!!
So proud of you for showing your vulnerabilities on here, it’s only going to help others know that it’s real and it’s tough!!! 👏 you did so well!
Couldn't do it without you x
Hi Ben, great video and really nice to able to run with you on Saturday in what were tougher conditions than expected. Great to see your support team featured as well - well done to them as well! Really good to see a positive/honest feature on your experience and that its not all just PB's and trophies, sometimes things are tough and thats when we learn what we are all about! Keep up the great work and I look forward to following your journey. All the best fella
Appreciate that Ty and was a pleasure running with you. Hopefully see you there again next year :)
Ben well done, I’m a person looking to complete an ultra 50k trial and this has helped me realise the challenges involved, thank you for being so honest and not just showing the ‘nice’ parts. You’re an inspiration to me and I appreciate you more than you’ll ever know
My friend.. welcome to the ultra running!
It's a lot different from the shortest distances as you saw.. and now that you have complet it you can think of the things you can adjust for the next race.. in which I'm sure that you will only go with either plan A or B !
One more thing to say if I may, it was really touching seeing your family, girl and friends support you through the race, not many people do that and it was really heartwarming having your little sister accompany you for the last miles.
Don't forget your words, trust the process!
All the hard work will pay you back eventually.
Wish you all the best Ben!
Until next time!
Thank you very much George. I certainly learn some valuable lessons from this one that I can take on with me not only just in running. Plan A and B will certainly be achieved. Im not planning on stopping until I do. cheers buddy
11mins in, it started not to go to plan.. good to show your emotions Ben on how you were feeling at that point...congrats on the determination to finish it 👏 proud of you
Thanks Dad, honestly don't think id of even made it out of CP2 if it wasnt for you guys x
We've all been there Ben, shows real heart to finish a bad race. So sweet how you sis walked it in with you!
First video I'm seeing on this channel and I am super impressed. What a class act. Your personality and optimism is contagious (not to mention that this is very well edited). Excuse me as I go back and watch the rest of your videos
Ah thank you! Hope you enjoy the content, appreciate the support :)
Best video you've evr posted. THANKYOU. Running is not always easy, what we've expected or planned for in any given moment ... just like in life. But your attitude, doing it without ego, still pushing forward, and the demonstration of amazing support you have was beatific and 'INSPIRING'. Inspire to run and run to inspire summed up in your effort. Massive, genuine congratulations for not just talking the talk.
(One of my 2 sons, an an avid runner/siccer player, just diagnosed with wolf parkinson white syndrome ... heart conditon related to electrical nodes, had been told he isn't allowed to do his favourite things anymore ... hopefully treatable and will get back to it all. Yr video showing push forewarm even if its not to plan was needed ... its more than running, even tho it's seems like the running is everything)
💖🙏
With a family support crew like that you can never fail Ben! Well done for finishing it!
Very true. They certainly made it feel like a big win at that finish line :)
Nice one Ben, top vlog as always .
I was so touched by the support of your wonderful family. You’re a lucky man!!!
I loved this. Social media is full of cherry picked moments. It was so interesting to see someone who could have podiumed having a howler. So genuine and I was very impressed when you got back on the horse at the last check point to get that finishers medal. Well played.
Huge Kudos to you Ben. I've done SVM a couple of times (at tortoise pace I might add) so know how challenging that trail is. It was so humid on Saturday. I remember seeing you arrive at the final CP, then later hearing Colin R at Brantham say you'd dropped out.... so, it was wonderful to see you cross the finish to earn your medal. I have no doubt you'll return to get your plan A and plan B. Great vlog!
Ah thank you! After a 10minute sit down in the chair I managed to find that something extra to get the job done. Thanks for you support
100% agree with the pinned comment. Congratulations on finishing this ultra, when I would expect many who went through what you did would have quit - that's clearly not your style. Thanks for showing that you are human and vulnerable like the rest of us - we are so used to seeing you make running at speed look easy, but sometimes even guys like you find it hard.
You have an amazing support crew to celebrate the good times and help you through the tough times - well done to them 👏
Keep up with these great vlogs, Ben - the content is always improving 👍All the best for the future 🙂
Thank you matt! I was so close to calling it a day as going on just seemed too painful. After a packet of prawn cocktail crisps and hairdos from meg I was ready to go again. Would of 100% thrown the towel in if it wasn't for my family and friends that came along to support me as they always do.
I know this must have been hard to post Ben as its not the result/performance you would have wanted but to me this is one of the best videos you can upload for us viewers. It takes a great deal of courage to post a video like this and as we all know, sometimes it doesn't matter how much training you put in, there is always a chance that the race just doesn't go your way and its valuable for us to see that everyone suffers from this at all levels. I for one have suffered with stomach issues during races and it takes every ounce of willpower and determination to finish the race and not just stop so huge props to you for soldiering through.
Thank you Alex. If I'm honest I didn't hesitate posting this video for that exact message you outlined above. I'm glad it came across clear and hope people like yourselfs can relate. It happens to all of us :)
What a lovely wife, family and friends out there supporting you. You're a very lucky man. Not in a million years will my family support me like that. And congratulations on the 50k Race. Awesome video.
I certainly am extremely lucky, thanks for your kind words :)
I’ve only recently discovered your channel but am loving working my way through it. I am 18 months in to my running journey and you have so many useful tips and reflections. And this video is so inspiring - huge respect to you not just for finding the grit to push on but also sharing the footage of you at your lowest. I know from my own experience of having to drop out of a marathon that you can train so hard but sometimes it’s just not your day. But pushing on, learning from the experience and bouncing back for the next race is what gets you through it. That medal was hard-won and must be so special!
Haven't watched all the way through yet so I'm not sure if you'll come back to footwear choice - but I think my only reservation about using the Nike Vaporfly's for a trail race would be stability and support.
These shoes are made for road running and therefore by taking them off road you may run the risk of twisting an ankle (especially in an Ultra where fatigue plays a part) - so I would probably advise a shoe specifically designed for the trails next time!
I know the Vaporfly's are speed demons but you still find good speed in the Hoka collection nowadays plus others (Salomon, Asics, Adidas Terrex, innov8, etc.). Interested to know if other viewers agree!
Yeah all valid points. I'd ran the course previously and knew in dry conditions, of the shoes I own, they were my best bet. Hoka evo speedgoats would no doubtly been a better bet :) Could of done with some walking shoes for the last 5 miles lol
Absolutely fantastic effort mate and very well put together. I really felt That emotional bit as well about 12 mins in. You did amazing mate and trained hard for it.
Thanks sam, i was heartbroken not going to lie. Felt so lonely out there on the course so when I got to that last checkpoint i was convince i was done. The support from my family and that cheeky packet of prawn cocktail crisps saw me to the finish line though. Fancy it next year? Im sure you'd love the challenge :)
@@BenIsRunning I know mate you could hear it in your voice. It’s amazing the support you got from your family and your girlfriend. Ahhh I don’t know mate the marathon seems like long enough to me 😂 Never say never!
@@Runningmansam yeah very lucky to have them by my side. Karl has said he's up for it, a whole year to train ;)
@@BenIsRunning haha there’s no way I can keep up with you two though 😂 I weigh about 27373 stone 😂
That 11 minute mark.. that hit me right in the feels - really appreciate you being so real! Just getting into racing myself and seeing stuff like this is inspirational! Videos are always great - this one was mega though!!
Sorry about that ahah! Cheers for the support :)
As soon as your sister joined to help finish, something got in my eye… 🥲 well done Ben! (and lil sis) 👏 🙂
Thanks Chris, shes a trooper!!
@@BenIsRunning You are blessed to have such a supportive group of family and friends.
Even when you were struggling you were moving forward. Nice work dude.
Thanks Judson :) Id come so far already, I knew I had to push on despite the pain and disappointment.
I know the feeling all too well. Runs like these are what really help you to become a better runner, so I think this will make you even stronger. Great job Ben!
Thanks Andrew! It just fuels the fire :)
Great race vlog mate! Races sometimes don’t go to plan, that’s why it’s so addictive lol. You did great, and to get a finishers medal is awesome
After seeing the struggle, I am really looking forward to see you give it another try this year!
Awesome friends\family - i hate a death march and have dnf a few races to avoid - you’ll win many 50kms sure.
Thanks Andrew. Thats a pretty good way of explaining it lol
@@BenIsRunning 50km is tricky as no time for low points if you want to make the podium- it’s why I like 24hrs - time for multiple lows and still a good performance.
Well done Ben, brilliant effort mate and don't be too hard on yourself. I really felt for you in this vid. I really enjoy your vlogs, they are one of the best running channel vlogs keep up the great running and content👍🏻
Wow, the best, I'm not sure about that but thank you very much for supporting me. Comments like this make it all worth it!
Well done Ben👏
Kudos for showing the downs as well as the ups
Thanks buddy, running isnt just PB's and achievement. Its bloody har work alot of the time so always want to be transparent. Thanks for the support :)
Amazing!!! My two favorite races are the 5k and the 50k… both very very different but equally enjoyable to run. Glad you tried something new!
Had no idea you’d done an ultra Ben. Hands down my favourite of all your videos. Really well done and well done on filming the really tough bits.
Great work Ben, really impressive stuff for not calling a day at 43km! Gonna smash the 70min half!
Thanks Lewis :)
Love watching your videos. Inspirational!! Gutted you cramped up after 40km. Fair play for carrying on. Emotional to see you finish it with your sisters support
great effort mate. maybe a short vid on what worked and what didn't work? what might you do differently next time (diff shoes lol?). really tempted to sign up for one. always good to learn from the experience of other first-timers! cheers
Great idea, I shall do this in the next few day! A race recap if you like :)
Ben, on my first 60k run I did the same mistanke, I ran the first 2 hrs to fast and it bitre me later, and I have also tryed the same mistanke on my 2nd 140.6 Ironman i did , but we all learn. I like to see how you progress. Myself i am back to my Training after 3 years break - i got kids and that rat up all my time and energy, but now i am back and trying to train up for my first 100 miles ultrarun , called Hammertrail,Bornholm, Denmark :) But Ben keep pushing, you run great 💪
100miles wow that’s incredible! Best of luck with that and good to hear your back running and enjoying your training after a few years off 👊🏻
@@BenIsRunning thanks, I see how my Training goed and try not to go to fast neighter to slow… one of my friends has tryend to train up for death valley ultrarun, if you not know that race allready, then i recomand you to look it up, insain and i guess the king of all ultraruns in the world. Next time you do an ultra i guess you get on the podium. 💪
Man what a rollercoaster.. amazing Ben.. dunno if it means anything to yah but I'm proud of you
of course buddy! Thanks for your support :)
Some times it doesn't go to plan but that's the nature of the beast. All a learning experience, and a fantastic effort regardless or time/position. Keep it up! :)
Thank you Will and exactly. Can't always be your day :)
Well done for finishing! This is just as inspiring as a podium finish! Well done! Goodness, I know that feeling when you think you just cannot take another step! Well done!
Wow a local runner that’s a first for me, I’m from Colchester. Great stuff, and a new sub
Well done, I ran it on sat too and the heat was really tough especially in those exposed fields. Well done for sticking it out.
Thanks Ty, I think I quickly lost a lot of salt despite keeping on top of the drinking water! Do you happen to be a relation to mark mckeown?
@@BenIsRunning Hi Ben no relation although it's not a common surname.
@@tymckeown5312 Ah no worries... I train with a guy mark from my running club and thought you may be brothers
Brilliant Ben, great effort mate great mental fortitude and great support from ur fam and friends mate supporting u :)
Thanks buddy! They carried me through :)
I'm so excited for you!
will see your video and comment!
Thank you George, enjoy the vlog :)
You already know by the time you're back you'll smash it
Thats the plan :)
Fantastic video mate! Well done
I felt your pain. I did run to the sea ultra 50km
Toughest thing Iv ever done! The pain and emotion I went through during that was unbelievable! Has made me more determined to do it again but better next time! Loving your videos and glad Iv found your channel.
Ps. My 5km is 15:32 😉🤣👍
The minute when your voice broke i broke the subscribe button man, much love from Poland Brother! Keep doing this
Well done Ben ! Awesome you took your sister with you mate brilliant to watch 👏 ❤
Bless you for being real bro.
Well done Ben 🏃👊👍
Cheers Keith
I didn't do a 50km run but I did do a 30km fell race recently over 1000m elevation and I remember getting 20km into it feeling the same.
I kept cramping after that, chest felt funny and whenever I tried to run I felt like I would size up.
I realise now that I went out too fast on the hills 😂.
however your channel has inspired me to be better prepared and train more 😅
Fair play mate good effort that looked hard 👍
Ben is amazing 🎉
You have the best family and friends support team.
"It's not always easy no matter how much you train" Those are very true words my friend. You grinded it out which is commendable by itself. I know you'll come back stronger and better for it. Stay the course👍
Thanks mate, lessons learnt and will be able to take them on to the next race :)
Well done Ben. And well done to your family too - amazing support :)
Thank you John appreciate that :)
It kinda made my day, watching random friends appear to support you. Interesting shoe decision as well. Mental training is tough but you are better for the experience. RESPECT from Indiana!!!!!
Thanks Michelle, I definitely will be mentally stronger on the next start line. All the best from the UK
Well done Ben! it was great to see you get it done. I was watching the live standing on there site, you had me scared for a bit. Also a big well done to all your whole family for there support.
Cheers doug, yeah unfortunately didnt go at all to plan! Family was great, just what i needed
This video has done me so much good. I'm not at your level of running but have definitely had similar issues when on longer runs. Well done for pushing through, great mindset that I'm going to try and copy! 👏
Thanks Jarred, I think we can all related to bad runs. Just a shame when it happens on race day but we go again :)
Good running Ben, your fitness is still very strong and it’s not always your day. You will come back and have many great performances soon, I’m in a similar situation. Cheers from North Carolina
Thanks Drew. The gels just didn't sit in my stomach despite the fitness being there. Thankfully no injury so can continue to push on. Good luck with your training :)
Nice 50 k Ben💥👊💥Simon from the Cayman Islands 🇰🇾
Thank you Simon, all the best out there :)
Good on you Ben!
THANKS AS ALWAYS MR SI FI
Ben. You did amazing. Just to even finish this is INSANE. I got a little emotional when you were down but I knew you would finish it. Great job Ben and let’s gets the Under 70min half!
Ah thanks mate! You knew id get it done. Lets goooo!
What an awesome video, and your sister! Walking it in with you! I swear, I almost cried when I saw that. And you finished, that's the biggest thing. Ultras are tough beasts. I DNFed my first one, and then sat in the middle of the trail and sobbed like a baby. Trust me, you've totally got the next one. Plus you've already have a great family, and that's worth more than any race.
Brilliant video
Nice video Ben, currently getting into racing myself for the first time and seeing experiences such as this one is really inspirational! Great job.
Thank you Isak, Good luck with your training and races in the coming months. Im sure you'll smash them :)
What an incredible effort young man
Very inspiring mate. Such a feel good vid. Keep it up!
Thanks sadiq, appreciate that and I will do :)
Been following your channel for a while now Ben and always look forward to your videos. I love how real your videos are and this was no exception. Even if it didn't go the way you planned, it is still an awesome achievement and super impressive guts and determination. Looking forward to seeing what your next challenge is :)
Cheers from Australia,
Toby
Australia wow. Thanks toby for following along, really appreciate your kind words. All the best to you guys down under
Great video Ben!
Cheers Matt :)
Hey Ben - this was raw, honest and beautiful. The highs wouldn't be worth it but for the lows. The truth is that there many lows along the way and I think it's wonderful that you laid it all out there in this video. I have absolutely no doubt you will be back stronger for it 💪🏾
Thank you Nahal. I hope so too. Is it crazy that I already want to give it a go despite not being able to walk normally yet aha :)
Absolute hero, stuck it out and won the mental battle, I bet that beer never tasted so good. Keep up the content, cheers from Derbyshire
A fantastic video, Ben. Really inspirational - and I imagine you'll learn a lot from this run. Enjoying your channel - definitely top of my running vlog list at the moment . Love how you just get right in there, whatever the distance, and give it a real go.
Well done for persisting Ben tough when it doesn’t go your way but the extreme highs and lows of ultra running are why I love it. When it goes wrong it really does go wrong. You’ll be back to smash the distance the way you wanted mate no doubt
Thanks Darren. I already feel like i want another crack at it even if my legs are still in bits. Thanks for the kind words, ill smash it for sure :)
Well done Benjamin 🏃♂️
Thank you very much sir Daniel
Take it easy Ben. Have a good rest!
Thanks Aldo :)
Just watching some of the backlogs waiting on the new vlogs 😁
Also Meg you are awesome great support ❤
Good video and well done for finishing. Would have been so easy not to. Clearly there was something not quite right as for somebody of your ability a 1:34 HM to start even off road ought not have been too fast. Looking at your training last few weeks wonder if perhaps a bit too much quality over easier miles? So hard to race 50K and track miles in the same timeframe!
Thanks Tim, always value your insight. I didn't feel like I was moving too fast...I was even helping push the pace on in the first 20km and was feeling very good. When the stomach pains began I tried to slow things down to hopefully relieve the pain but unfortunately had no luck. Looking at my clothing and skin at the halfway point I was already covered in salt which was unusual for me after a relatively short distance to what I was used to but im guessing that was the effects of the heat. Moving forward I plan to work on my core strength as well as train with electrolyte drinks and gels ect :)
@@BenIsRunning The warm weather certainly must have been a big factor. I think these long events need a bit of a different approach and perhaps the hardest thing is just being on your feet for so long. I probably would have worn NEXT% too. I know Matt Rees likes to in his ultras so far. Maybe a road marathon next year?
Where did you get the Hoka cap from that could be perfect for me also
On the Hoka website, The Hoka packable cap i believe.
Nice run . What camera is that?
Well done, mental toughness to complete the 50km and even jog over the line. Hopefully you can take some pride from the day 👍🏃♂️
I certainly can. Completed it, cant wait for the next one :)
That looked tough going in that heat. How did you find the Karrimor gels? I usually use High 5's but looking to try alternatives.
It sure was. Terrible...used SIS in my training runs but unfortunately couldnt get hold of any the day before the race so thought these would do the trick. Tasted horrible and thing they were the cause of my stomach issues
Love it Fenton! Mental toughness you showed to grind it out is commendable. You'll only benefit from the experience as well 💪🏼🏃🏻♂️💪🏼
Was all them David Goggin videos you sent me!! Cheers though jman, fancy doing it next year with me?!
@@BenIsRunningI won't rule it out! You about Wednesday/Thursday for a run at all?
@@TheHockenJon Wednesday sounds good to me, could be at yours for 3ish?
@@BenIsRunning perfect. It's a date 🏃🏻♂️
9:41 your friend is hilarious!! 😂
Well done Ben.
Well done Ben!
Thank you Alvin
Well done Ben, when the going gets tough 👊🏃♂️
Thanks james, Got to get it done :)
Great stuff! More water and food next time ey🙃
Hoka xtrerra torrent. Works way better on that kind of terrain. Light weight, cushioned, plenty of grip for grass, trails and some pavement. Also recommend a waistband instead of vest with a handheld for someone as fast as you are.
Was looking at Hoka trail shoes the eco speedgoat so will do some research. Yeah im not a huge fan of the pack so I may look into the waistband, can you recommend any?
@@BenIsRunning Nathan vaporkrar. Nathan handheld. Evo speedgoat I liked less than hoka torrent.
Great video, love the realness of it!! You did so well mate 👏🏽
It’s that the infamous kg runner? Thanks buddy! Fancy giving it a go next year?
@@BenIsRunning haha it sure is mate.. I’m all over it next year if you’re up for it again, I’ll be right there with you mate!
@@Kg_travelandrun YES MATE. Ill be there and will hold you to this comment :)
@@BenIsRunning 100% do!!
What running shoes are you wearing?
I’ve been a road racer for a number of years now up to marathon distance, keep looking at these and wondering how I’d get on, not sure if this has helped mind 😬, great watch mate, I think many would have stepped off the course way back, high kudos indeed sir 🙌
My advice would be if you do decide to do an ultra would be to simply have the goal to finish the thing. Trying to chase a good time on my first attempt was in hindsight a bit niave. Thanks for the supprt though Sean, Good luck with your training!
I have stomach problems. Maybe I'll eat some jelly beans and chips with lager. This will definitely help. :) What a shame...
I was wondering. I knwo you have a donation link but any chance that you would make merch soon? I like to support channels while also having a physical object to show for it.
That very kind. At the moment I don't have merchandise however maybe something I look into when I reach 10K. Appreciate your support :)
Now I am running 3.33 km in 16 min 🙏❤
Good job :)
@@BenIsRunning 👻
Hold on: your recovery 5k is still better than my pb!
I'd be quite interested to see how you'd fare at the opposite end of the spectrum of distances, what do you reckon you could run in distances 100m-800m in your current shape? Could be a fun test at some point.
I ran a mile race 2 weeks out from this race aha! Any distance under 800 I think id be pretty average to be honest :)
I think every new distance takes some time getting used to. I've never done an ultra, though, the normal marathon is enough for me.
Yeah in hindsight completion should have been my only goal really and maybe after 3 or 4 I attempt a time/top 3 :)
Like and subscribe from Zimbabwe. Just found you Chanel Ben and will be following you.
really enjoy your videos for thier inspiration but this one showed how human you are and how emotional running can make you..whe it goes to plan, and not quite.....
50k
Without mg and salt...not good
Started fast...not good
No fats....not good
Your experience is a typical one for a really good short distance runner taking on an ultra race
First!
EYYY!!