“Exceptance” - a bit like acceptance, but way cooler… the meaning is the same but the spelling includes an “x” which adds an air of intrigue and mysteriousness.
Great you mentioning Femke Bol! She is a true inspiration and so humble. After her fall she said that people often said she was a robot, always winning, she proved then wrong in a way. I'm Dutch and couldn't be more proud. Thank you for this video of a bad but great race! You will bounce back.
Great champs for Ciara 🇮🇪 too! Just to add that you can run amazingly, not medal, and still be a total fucking legend. Bets a cooler climate and she would've gone even faster anyway. Great video @PhillyBowden, and thanks for posting it. I'm new to running, but not new to sport's highs and lows. When you train alone (a lot) it's great to know others aren't always cruising and executing races as they intended! #loveTheGrind
A few runners had a difficult time at Podium this time. I was disappointed with my performance too but chomped 30 seconds from my PB the next week. Sometimes the best prep for a good race is a bad one!
I'm not a runner, but I watch your videos every week. The way you move through the world is so inspiring and you are such a positive light! CAN NOT WAIT to scream "BEAUTIFUL RUNNING PHILY!! at my tv, when you get to and crush the olympics. Always rooting for you!
Of 66 years plus of running, the word failure it's not a word in running, you have good days and bad days. The name of the game is go out and enjoy it no matter what times you run!
But you did finish it?.. That's an achievement in itself.... 🏃♂️🏃♂️....theirs no failures in running... It just makes u come back stronger for the next race... 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I needed this as I ran rubbish today in an 8 miler. It was tough and it was hot 🥵, but I know I could have gone better. I have been annoyed with myself all day… until I watched this. Thanks Phily ❤
Very well put Phily, I'm coming over to running from a cycling background, I used to race and time trial on the bike and have had many poor rides over the years which I've had to learn to accept, It's part of the process and although it's difficult to swallow, I don't beat myself up over bad performances anymore because there'll be another one around the corner!..I'd be over the moon with a 16:30 5k time by the way 😄
We were there that evening to run and watch you as well. All the running aside what you say in this video is truly amazing and what we can all learn for life. I recently lost the sight in one eye and didn’t know if I wanted to run again but ‘acceptance’ of the new me and I’m back out there again. Thank you for posting this, amazing words.
There are millions of people that are blind in one eye, myself included. It's easy to deal with if you were born that way. Funny but I don't know how I could handle it if I suddenly could see out of both eyes, It's a skill your brain learns when you are a baby. And a couple of years ago I almost lost vision in my one good eye but a couple of surgeries save my vision. I'm not sure I would want to even live with no vision, not at this late stage in my life and living alone.
Dang, I had heard of Femke's fall but that's the first time I've seen the footage. Ouch! Also Phily I'm imrpessed you still finished the race, despite knowing the whole time it wasn't going well. I've seen so many pros just simply DNF rather than complete it, and I feel like the demons really win that day if you do that. Props to you!
Well said and great advice. I’m 61 and slowing is inevitable but still hard to take. Setting new goals through mindset gives satisfaction and a sense of achievement. Love your work!
I DNFed twice running UTMB, the third time I made it purely on mental strength, though the many lessons learned to get there were on all the different aspects you have been treating recently. Good luck with the preparation for the Copenhagen Half Marathon!!
G'day from Australia.. I am 75, so not quite as quick as you😊 You are a real inspiration, not only for me but for 100s of others. Keep smiling and inspiring us
As I had to pull out of the Berlin Marathon two months ago through an injury, this was the best inspirational running video that I have ever seen! I have now got seven months before my next marathon. Thanks Phily
Great video! So true, as my best friend and I didnt make the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon in South Africa Cape Town this year April we had a moment of giving up our running careers for good - that lasted all of 5 seconds and we were like "screw it" lets try and do it again next year. We are following inspirational Elites for tips and have taken our running a lot more seriously with planning, gear and filling our boots with all you can eat content - so far, we are rocking it 😀 !! Thanks Phily you have been a great help on our journey !!
I'm still making "mistakes" at the age of 61, or are they seeing what my limits are? From racing too easy or getting carried away at the start and blowing up. I think mental strength has a major part to play, but I think self-discipline, knowing where you are at is vital.
This is such great advice. I messed up at the Milton Keynes marathon in the spring, but it’s only later when you realise the mistakes you made. Running Chester next month in a much better state of mind and preparation. Talking of perpetration, last week my friend suggested a Phily Bowden 10k workout on the track. It was awesome!!
Thank you. Needed to hear this. I’ve been racing a lot this year and yesterday I had one of my worst 10k performances. Started fast and found every excuse to accept quitting on myself. Like you, I wasn’t excited for the race and I’m training for a Fall marathon. This morning I’m now so disappointed that I gave up so easily on my self. Glad to hear this kind of thing happens and I accept it, learn and move on!
Great video! I found this very encouraging as Im experiencing a lot of failure in my current training block for the Berlin Marathon..... I have upped my mileage and paces considerably and thus went from nailing every pace and workout in my last block (London Marathon) to constantly missing paces and overall feeling quite frustrated with myself... This prob is just culminating fatigue and raceday will be better but it's hard as the failure in training sure does test the confidence that your body will perform in the race.... Anyways we shall see, but I'm encouraged by the video and thank you!!!!!
I've been following you for a long time. This was the most important video you've made, IMO. Thank you for sharing. I'm nowhere near as fast as you, but I just had a similar experience at a USATF 10-miler. I wanted to quit running. THANK YOU for letting we mortals know this happens to the best
This video has come at a great time! Had a rubbish long run today which I've filed away in the "learn from and swiftly forget about" folder. Really great to see failure being reframed as a positive, inevitable part of the process when you're pushing yourself 😊
This was not a failure - 16:30 for 5k is just a hard workout effort for you. You can't expect to run your best in each race and actually that feeling you had during this race is wonderful for your pain tolerance training. I hate when I see people upset over failures. There is no failure here - just another experience in your life. You survived and are now stronger. Move on
This is hands down the greatest video I've ever seen, so inspiring. Also so much admiration for the honesty and as ever superbly communicated. Go Phily!
I DNFd in my last road race (cycling) of the season. I found myself angry, because I just had no will to fight. I just…gave up?! I felt frustrated to end the season this way. Before the race I also wasn’t excited at all, when I normally am, and I’m going to start listening to that feeling more.
That's common to feel like that at the end of the season. Your body can only go to battle so many times before it needs a break. You will feel ready to fight again soon 😊
Really good insightful video. Something ive noticed is that i always race really well following a bad race as i learn more from the bad races and can tell myself to not repeat it
So, I’m not a religious person at all (in fact I’m quite a secularist), nor am I really immersed in recovery culture (though many loved ones are), but I think a lot of sage, universal advice can be gleaned from the prayer for serenity. Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. This has been especially useful to me in my running life as well as personal and professional life. Keep loving the grind, Phily!
Nice video. I've also had bad running day's. It's just proves I wasn't fully ready or even taking care of my fitness, rather than my running. But once you find the problem. It's the ability to push through and fix the weakness in my body. Then the mental strength starts improving because you know it's helping and wanna push yourself
I’ve had a bad race week with two races which I hoped were PBs and they ended up falling apart, but I’m so glad this video was here. The ‘exception’ 😉 I have now provides me with drive to move forward and know that these targets will be met, just not yet and that’s ok. Love watching your journey Phily 🫶
I failed my HM yesterday. My asthmatic lungs let me down halfway on my way to my PB and despite being so fast until I reached the first half (for my standards) and fitter than ever before, I could barely finish and came in slower than my first. Today I am looking for my next run to come back stronger.
Thank you for sharing this. It seems that at any level one can talk oneself out of doing one's best. Even before you go there you thought, I'm not going to do great today. It's something that happens to me often. I'm trying to train myself to be my best coach to myself.
There will always be bad races. Most of the time it’s our minds telling us we can’t do it. I wish I could train my mind to only be positive but I doubt that’s doable. Thanks for keeping it real and honest and sharing the good and bad Phily. Helps us mere mortals 😁😁
I have difficulty racing 5k and 10k, most of them I've blown up (few of them were on me, few of them were outside my control), but upon reflection I've determined it's mostly mental (aka my mile splits are slower than my HM splits 😅), so now I know, that's what I need to work on! 🧠💖 Thanks for the inspo and encouragement Phily!
We all have good days & bad days. I've gone into races absolutely confident I was going to smash a PB and then just been totally unable to get up to speed and missed it by a mile. On the other side I've turned up to races feeling blah with no expectations and smashed the PB. Sometimes you just can't put your finger on what made it go one way or the other, so you have to learn to just let it go, put it down as 'one of those days' and move on.
For sure, if you race long enough, you are going to have some seriously bad races. I've been at the game for just shy of 20 years and I can't count the number of races where I wish I should've stayed home. I am just an average runner so definitely running with a different motivation and I am there more for the social aspect as well. But I think you made a lot of great points as to one's mental mindset as being a great predictor to race success. Love your content and your training advice! (also I noticed a spelling error in the video: it is acceptance, not exceptance)
I needed to see this today after turning my ankle and hitting the deck at parkrun I wanted to cry with frustration as I'm halfway into a marathon training block 😢
Great video and how accurate. Even old timers like myself who’s glory days are long gone still get the same feelings and doubts. I think you should seriously consider writting a ‘running related book.’ You have the eloquence and intelligence along with a unique style of presentation to be a top coach and influencer. P.S. Love THE Grind 👏👏👏👏🔥👍👌
I Needed to hear this today. Attempted a 24 hour track run on Friday and had visualised me changing into my new Love the Grind T-Shirt at the end of the run. Sadly that didn't happen, I dropped out after 16 and a half hours and even worse than that, I only did 6 miles more than I had run on a 12 hour track event this time last year. Trying to be honest with myself by acknowledging that I was not ready for this event and trying to focus on the positives of learning what worked and what didn't with regards fuelling and kit and pace and that even though I didn't hit my time or distance targets I ran further and longer than I had done before. I will be trying again, only next time I'll remember not to take short cuts with regards to my training.
At times I've been in great shape and had a level of expectation on myself and from training partners. I've embarrassingly ran terribly, accepted it and had to move on. It's only one race. On reflection I knew my heart wasn't in it. Other times I've been injured and raced well above what I expected. No pressure on myself and I was there for the team and scored on our senior team. Sometimes it's not your day regardless of fitness, like everything in life... Accept it and move on. Those that don't reflect and accept tend to stay stuck in that cycle. (We have all ran with those people)
something that might help your mental game is deciding o a pace before the race and making a rule for yourself where you say, this is my pace and I'm not alloud to go faster no matter what. except last k or whatever :)
Good to share the less good days. I have had too many of those in my 40 years of racing but at least enough better days to remember them more. I too haven't done as well had hoped over 5K this summer after a decent for me marathon in February. Also kind of being forced to start a 5K too quick rarely ends well does it. Maybe these marathons just catch up with us eventually and can't keep pushing all the time. Curious that I see you never ended up doing any track races this summer. Is that partly as the recovery from a fairly late spring marathon just eat into the time? I guess now as a pro athlete, you need to pick and choose races more carefully especially if the real goal is to have a crack at qualifying for the Olympics marathon next year and for sure Copenhagen showed you have a great chance.
I think you should seriously think about coming to Porto Alegre for the 2024 marathon since there is a great chance that you will win it. In 2023 the winner did it with just 2:40 and this is one of the flattest marathons in the world and not only is it flat but it is also at sea level (it could be flat but at altitude). It is also celebrated in winter so the temperature is very low, favoring Europeans. As for the prize: although it is not very high compared to more renowned marathons (by 2024 it will be close to 35,000 reais, something like 7 thousand dollars) it is quite good for a pay day and a mini sports vacation. Added to all this is that the official sponsor is New Balance, so perhaps they can give you a hand in guiding you.
Ahhh yes, literally me during my last track season. So like 3 months before this race, I ran my fastest ever mile, 5:26, and I was feeling great, I was like, "Man if I keep this up, I could break 5 in the next SEASON!". I was so excited. But I noticed I started feeling more and more tired on runs that should have been almost a no brainer for me. It was weird because when I ran my 5:26 it seemed so easy, almost TOO easy, and than like a month later, I got sick, had bad headaches, and I could barely run even easy runs. It was atrocious. However, I started off the the next track season running a 5:43 mile time, so it was okay. But as I got into the season more and more negativity got inside me, and than it happened. The last mile race I did, I decided to try to stick to the top guns who had a 4:51 mile time, and try to stick with them to break the magical sub 5 minute mile barrier. The chance was LITERALLY running in front of my eyes, and I comPLETELY blew it by running a 5:45 mile time. And it actually hurt so much that I had to lay down for like 15 minutes, and was feeling REALLY down after that. Especially after seeing others get a much faster time than me or new prs, it just piled on and on and ON. But now I'm starting to feel like I'm getting back into that 5:20 mile shape, and I'm ready to start my track season even before my XC season is over yet XD. And now after seeing this video, it's really inspired me to look on the bright side and learn from what happened. Turns out that over spring track I didn't realize how important it was that the recovery I needed was way more than I had been giving myself. And now I feel ready to train to break my first ever, sub 5 minute mile!
Hey Philly! I love your channel and I was wondering if you have tips for 5ks. Mental tips, race plans, how to get excited for a race…. Any pre race tips😂
DAMM I am eternally humbled and have so many mixed feelings from my first Boston Marathon. Attempted my first Sub-3 and it wasn't the day! Everyone says it was the heat, humdity, and the downhills. Despite having perfect/flawless marathon training with plenty of downhill & uphill running sessions to mentally and physically prepare. Nothing prepared me for the intense quad cramps I started getting from 13km onward from all the downhills and probably dehydration on-top of that. First time I''ve ever had to stop because my calf from 20miles to finish kept seizing and nearly got injured on 5 occassions. I made an oath with myself to NEVER DNF a race so thus I had to walk in order to give the calves a break. Overall time 3:25:15 and that was with being conservative at the start and adjusting as I went. My coach says I could not have anything differently and everything else was outside of my control. Yes there is some piece in it but still mixed feelings. I was in PB shape and on a perfect weather day would have easily broken 3 hours. Hardest and personal worst marathon of my running career journey thus far so did not expect it to be my first Boston= personal Olympics. At least I won't lose much fitness once I fully recover and wasn't all for nothing like many of you may say. It appears I am not alone in this experience but wanted to vent this out to see if perhaps I am missing something that could have made sub-3 more possible in hindsight.
I had a pretty bad 10k at the start of the summer. I ran my first mile faster than 5k pace. It was pretty uncomfortable trying to finish and ended up running the last part slower and slower. I looked later and the heat was about 10 degrees F warmer than when I was training. After that I ran 2 more each running 4 minutes off my 10k time. I got 3rd overall on my last 10k. I never do that so it was really exciting. Hard work pays off. That and knowing your pace on that day.
Such a disappointing year - I have a half in two weeks and a marathon in 4 - and in the last 3 months, I have had a muscle pull, a bruised toenail, a viral infection. I have already deferred the marathon, and I might skip the half. I have only run 9 miles in this training cycle - once. I am hoping next year is better.
Run the 5K's for fun. Only fun. Never mind if you are quick or fast. Clown around when the gun goes off. And allways go for a race like this, choosing a slow race. I've just had a week with two (2) races, two days appart (27K and 25K) and two days later (yesterday) a marathon "race". But I could run the marathon as a slow and nice social event, enjoying being super tired from the previous races, talking to people and having fun. Yes, I'm super tired in my body today and has done nothing but an hour long walk. Remember to include slow funny runs.
Brilliant Philly... Everything u said is sooo true....i just take each race as it comes.. I'm generally in the last 10 runners but theirs no pressure cos I just love running & I'm at 7minute km pace so anything less than that is a bonus.. 😁...dont dwell on Yr failures I don't have any all my races are winners cos I've FINISHED them!!...#keeponkeepingon....🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️😁x
You have so drilled 5:30's into your systems for marathon racing that it is a difficult ask for pb's in very different sort of race. You cannot "jeykl and hyde" race. Stick to your guns Phily. Keep dialing in that sub 2:25. You are in a special window of opportunity. Stay focused and go after it!!! 2 cents from an ol coach in east tennessee.
I did a 10km race last year and almost as soon as it started I knew it wasn’t right for me! It was so hilly, and although I love a good trail run, that made it more difficult. On finishing I knew I was never going to do that particular race again but I was ready to do a different 10km that was more suited to my ability! Low and behold, a few months later, I did loads better at a different 10km 😅
acceptance , that's something i have to do more often than i would like. You rebounded? good, keep the good job, Next stop Houston marathon then the Olympics in Paris.
I done a half marathon last week philly, ran 72.06 in it last year, taugh I was in better shape this year and ran 77.18, disgusted , legs were heavy from mile 1
I was at one stage ready to just side on the side line and just run parkrun or help organize parkrun events and not run again. This came after I ran my first ever 10k road race and came in 100th place out a field of 111 men and 2nd last in my age grade. That was back in May this year and I was feeling really bad about my performance and lack of training.
I am putting in the work but I'm almost 60 years old and have only really been training for about a year so I don't think it's in the cards for me anymore! My best 5K this far is 26:12 and id like to get below 25 and id be happy with that!
HA! two weeks ago I missed alot of runs due to hip pain putting me in horrible fitness. felt horrible at 3k ran slow at 5k, almost dropped out at 7k, made the wrong turn at 9k, end up running 11k instead of 10k plus running a slow race. only way for me to cheer up is to run a 5k pb next week😼😼😼😼😼
Had a similar experience right today. I had my halfmarathon for which I'd been training for 12 weeks and I screwed up. I went in way to fast, got straight into my anaerobic zone right from the beginning and blew up after 9km 🤦♂. My lactate value was as high as a panda's. I somehow managed to keep a moderate pace but I definitely lost about 4 years of my life expectancy 💀
I am training for a race this December. I got sick recently and haven't run or worked out in 4 days. Doesn't seem like much, but I wonder how much it has set me back.
I like the serenity prayer…..God grant me the serenity to accept the things I can’t change, courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference…….
I saw this the day after total collapse the last 6 miles of a marathon? How do you prepare for that? Getting to that level of hell in training would take forever to recover from right?
5k in 16min and you say it’s a failure… that’s mental, I don’t care what is the time of the rest of runners, I’d love to be able to do such a time in a 5k.
“Exceptance” - a bit like acceptance, but way cooler… the meaning is the same but the spelling includes an “x” which adds an air of intrigue and mysteriousness.
😂😂
Well played 😂
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
😂😂😂
Or just blame Daniel’s editing. 😅
Great you mentioning Femke Bol! She is a true inspiration and so humble. After her fall she said that people often said she was a robot, always winning, she proved then wrong in a way. I'm Dutch and couldn't be more proud. Thank you for this video of a bad but great race! You will bounce back.
She’s such an inspirational athlete! I think that fall made her even more determined to come back and win, and she did it in STYLE 🔥
Great champs for Ciara 🇮🇪 too! Just to add that you can run amazingly, not medal, and still be a total fucking legend. Bets a cooler climate and she would've gone even faster anyway.
Great video @PhillyBowden, and thanks for posting it. I'm new to running, but not new to sport's highs and lows. When you train alone (a lot) it's great to know others aren't always cruising and executing races as they intended! #loveTheGrind
FAIL = First Attempt In Learning. Taking and applying the learnings is the key 😀
I run with my dogs, even if I have a bad run and don't enjoy it, they love it! And that cheers me up.
I suppose I could go for a run with my cat... that would REALLY take my mind off my failures! 😹
A few runners had a difficult time at Podium this time. I was disappointed with my performance too but chomped 30 seconds from my PB the next week. Sometimes the best prep for a good race is a bad one!
It must’ve been the wind 😉
I'm not a runner, but I watch your videos every week. The way you move through the world is so inspiring and you are such a positive light! CAN NOT WAIT to scream "BEAUTIFUL RUNNING PHILY!! at my tv, when you get to and crush the olympics. Always rooting for you!
🥹🥹🥹 thank you so much ❤
Of 66 years plus of running, the word failure it's not a word in running, you have good days and bad days.
The name of the game is go out and enjoy it no matter what times you run!
Great to see this after my own complete failure at running a half marathon below two hours yesterday! Thank you!
But you did finish it?.. That's an achievement in itself.... 🏃♂️🏃♂️....theirs no failures in running... It just makes u come back stronger for the next race... 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Head up, friendo; two hours is no mean feat! You'll get there, for sure, though!
Thank you Philly, I had a 'bad' race today but have taken so much from it to make me stronger. These lows will make the highs so much sweeter 🎉
I needed this as I ran rubbish today in an 8 miler. It was tough and it was hot 🥵, but I know I could have gone better. I have been annoyed with myself all day… until I watched this. Thanks Phily ❤
Very well put Phily, I'm coming over to running from a cycling background, I used to race and time trial on the bike and have had many poor rides over the years which I've had to learn to accept, It's part of the process and although it's difficult to swallow, I don't beat myself up over bad performances anymore because there'll be another one around the corner!..I'd be over the moon with a 16:30 5k time by the way 😄
We were there that evening to run and watch you as well. All the running aside what you say in this video is truly amazing and what we can all learn for life.
I recently lost the sight in one eye and didn’t know if I wanted to run again but ‘acceptance’ of the new me and I’m back out there again.
Thank you for posting this, amazing words.
There are millions of people that are blind in one eye, myself included. It's easy to deal with if you were born that way. Funny but I don't know how I could handle it if I suddenly could see out of both eyes, It's a skill your brain learns when you are a baby. And a couple of years ago I almost lost vision in my one good eye but a couple of surgeries save my vision. I'm not sure I would want to even live with no vision, not at this late stage in my life and living alone.
Ah thank you so much, I’m honestly touched at this, and also in awe of you - proving that we can all get back up when life throws us a curveball! 💪🏼
Dang, I had heard of Femke's fall but that's the first time I've seen the footage. Ouch!
Also Phily I'm imrpessed you still finished the race, despite knowing the whole time it wasn't going well. I've seen so many pros just simply DNF rather than complete it, and I feel like the demons really win that day if you do that. Props to you!
You have such a great way of communicating and summarizing the important takeaways in your life and running. Well done! 👍🏽
Well said and great advice. I’m 61 and slowing is inevitable but still hard to take. Setting new goals through mindset gives satisfaction and a sense of achievement.
Love your work!
I DNFed twice running UTMB, the third time I made it purely on mental strength, though the many lessons learned to get there were on all the different aspects you have been treating recently. Good luck with the preparation for the Copenhagen Half Marathon!!
G'day from Australia..
I am 75, so not quite as quick as you😊
You are a real inspiration, not only for me but for 100s of others. Keep smiling and inspiring us
Great stuff, thanks. I also failed at a 5k lately AND will go to Copenhagen half as well! See you there, let’s be buzzing and optimistic 🤩
Ah give us a wave! 🎉
Probably your best video yet! Accept, yes. Analyse, most definitely. But don't dwell, Dwelling can sow the seeds of negativity.
Phily like you said you will bounce back from this .Keep at it you are destined for great things 👍👍
As I had to pull out of the Berlin Marathon two months ago through an injury, this was the best inspirational running video that I have ever seen! I have now got seven months before my next marathon. Thanks Phily
Great video! So true, as my best friend and I didnt make the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon in South Africa Cape Town this year April we had a moment of giving up our running careers for good - that lasted all of 5 seconds and we were like "screw it" lets try and do it again next year. We are following inspirational Elites for tips and have taken our running a lot more seriously with planning, gear and filling our boots with all you can eat content - so far, we are rocking it 😀 !! Thanks Phily you have been a great help on our journey !!
I'm still making "mistakes" at the age of 61, or are they seeing what my limits are? From racing too easy or getting carried away at the start and blowing up. I think mental strength has a major part to play, but I think self-discipline, knowing where you are at is vital.
This is such great advice. I messed up at the Milton Keynes marathon in the spring, but it’s only later when you realise the mistakes you made. Running Chester next month in a much better state of mind and preparation.
Talking of perpetration, last week my friend suggested a Phily Bowden 10k workout on the track. It was awesome!!
Hindsight is a wonderful thing! Good luck in Chester 🎉
Thank you. Needed to hear this. I’ve been racing a lot this year and yesterday I had one of my worst 10k performances. Started fast and found every excuse to accept quitting on myself. Like you, I wasn’t excited for the race and I’m training for a Fall marathon. This morning I’m now so disappointed that I gave up so easily on my self. Glad to hear this kind of thing happens and I accept it, learn and move on!
Ah thank you, I’m glad! And don’t be disappointed in yourself - be sad for 1 hour, then make the plan to do better next time, and you will!
Great video! I found this very encouraging as Im experiencing a lot of failure in my current training block for the Berlin Marathon..... I have upped my mileage and paces considerably and thus went from nailing every pace and workout in my last block (London Marathon) to constantly missing paces and overall feeling quite frustrated with myself... This prob is just culminating fatigue and raceday will be better but it's hard as the failure in training sure does test the confidence that your body will perform in the race.... Anyways we shall see, but I'm encouraged by the video and thank you!!!!!
I've been following you for a long time. This was the most important video you've made, IMO. Thank you for sharing. I'm nowhere near as fast as you, but I just had a similar experience at a USATF 10-miler. I wanted to quit running. THANK YOU for letting we mortals know this happens to the best
Never quit.. That’s when the failure demons win! Totally a natural part in the path to success for all of us!
GREAT advice Philly. This is one of the hardest lessons to learn in racing and life. Keep on loving the grind.
You’re such a fun and bright soul
Phily and I’m so glad I’ve found your content, I look forward to each video drop! Thanks for
being you!! ♥️👏🏻
This video has come at a great time! Had a rubbish long run today which I've filed away in the "learn from and swiftly forget about" folder.
Really great to see failure being reframed as a positive, inevitable part of the process when you're pushing yourself 😊
It’s an important folder to have, hopefully you’ll have a run for your “hell yeah I’m a badass” folder soon too!
This was not a failure - 16:30 for 5k is just a hard workout effort for you. You can't expect to run your best in each race and actually that feeling you had during this race is wonderful for your pain tolerance training. I hate when I see people upset over failures. There is no failure here - just another experience in your life. You survived and are now stronger. Move on
This is hands down the greatest video I've ever seen, so inspiring. Also so much admiration for the honesty and as ever superbly communicated. Go Phily!
I DNFd in my last road race (cycling) of the season. I found myself angry, because I just had no will to fight. I just…gave up?! I felt frustrated to end the season this way. Before the race I also wasn’t excited at all, when I normally am, and I’m going to start listening to that feeling more.
That's common to feel like that at the end of the season. Your body can only go to battle so many times before it needs a break. You will feel ready to fight again soon 😊
Your never be a failure, we all have off days, dust off and go again.
It's all about the longer distance for you.
Really good insightful video. Something ive noticed is that i always race really well following a bad race as i learn more from the bad races and can tell myself to not repeat it
So, I’m not a religious person at all (in fact I’m quite a secularist), nor am I really immersed in recovery culture (though many loved ones are), but I think a lot of sage, universal advice can be gleaned from the prayer for serenity.
Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
This has been especially useful to me in my running life as well as personal and professional life.
Keep loving the grind, Phily!
Nice video. I've also had bad running day's. It's just proves I wasn't fully ready or even taking care of my fitness, rather than my running. But once you find the problem. It's the ability to push through and fix the weakness in my body. Then the mental strength starts improving because you know it's helping and wanna push yourself
Thank you so much for this video!!16:30 is an outstanding time if only i can get that sub 18.....last 5k was a 18:05 hopefully sub 18 next 🙏
Thank you for sharing this and encouraging others to push on in pursuing the dream!! Go Phily! This just makes the wins even sweeter!
Great timing! Exactly what I needed to hear and perfect to share with family.
I’ve had a bad race week with two races which I hoped were PBs and they ended up falling apart, but I’m so glad this video was here. The ‘exception’ 😉 I have now provides me with drive to move forward and know that these targets will be met, just not yet and that’s ok. Love watching your journey Phily 🫶
This is really helpful!! I had a DNF on ring of fire ultra, hit me really hard and have not entered any ultras since
Tomorrow is a new day, all running is running, you’ll come back fitter and stronger
Having a platform to analyze and discuss successes and failures is also in a way kind of a positive?! Keep looking forward!
I failed my HM yesterday. My asthmatic lungs let me down halfway on my way to my PB and despite being so fast until I reached the first half (for my standards) and fitter than ever before, I could barely finish and came in slower than my first. Today I am looking for my next run to come back stronger.
Thank you for sharing this. It seems that at any level one can talk oneself out of doing one's best. Even before you go there you thought, I'm not going to do great today. It's something that happens to me often. I'm trying to train myself to be my best coach to myself.
Class video, this, Phily! 👏
Love the grind.
Comment for the Algo! Thank you, thank you thank you.... So relatable in some way. I am not an Elite Athlete but on my level I getchu 👍
One of my new favorite songs is" Fake it til you make it" on Rick Springfields new album Automatic!😂
There will always be bad races. Most of the time it’s our minds telling us we can’t do it. I wish I could train my mind to only be positive but I doubt that’s doable. Thanks for keeping it real and honest and sharing the good and bad Phily. Helps us mere mortals 😁😁
It IS doable, but you have to believe it’s possible in order to really try
I have difficulty racing 5k and 10k, most of them I've blown up (few of them were on me, few of them were outside my control), but upon reflection I've determined it's mostly mental (aka my mile splits are slower than my HM splits 😅), so now I know, that's what I need to work on! 🧠💖
Thanks for the inspo and encouragement Phily!
We all have good days & bad days. I've gone into races absolutely confident I was going to smash a PB and then just been totally unable to get up to speed and missed it by a mile. On the other side I've turned up to races feeling blah with no expectations and smashed the PB. Sometimes you just can't put your finger on what made it go one way or the other, so you have to learn to just let it go, put it down as 'one of those days' and move on.
For sure, if you race long enough, you are going to have some seriously bad races. I've been at the game for just shy of 20 years and I can't count the number of races where I wish I should've stayed home. I am just an average runner so definitely running with a different motivation and I am there more for the social aspect as well. But I think you made a lot of great points as to one's mental mindset as being a great predictor to race success. Love your content and your training advice! (also I noticed a spelling error in the video: it is acceptance, not exceptance)
I needed to see this today after turning my ankle and hitting the deck at parkrun I wanted to cry with frustration as I'm halfway into a marathon training block 😢
Turn failures into lessons.
Great video and how accurate. Even old timers like myself who’s glory days are long gone still get the same feelings and doubts.
I think you should seriously consider writting a ‘running related book.’ You have the eloquence and intelligence along with a unique style of presentation to be a top coach and influencer.
P.S. Love THE Grind 👏👏👏👏🔥👍👌
As always, important, true and well said. Love. The. Grind.
I Needed to hear this today. Attempted a 24 hour track run on Friday and had visualised me changing into my new Love the Grind T-Shirt at the end of the run. Sadly that didn't happen, I dropped out after 16 and a half hours and even worse than that, I only did 6 miles more than I had run on a 12 hour track event this time last year. Trying to be honest with myself by acknowledging that I was not ready for this event and trying to focus on the positives of learning what worked and what didn't with regards fuelling and kit and pace and that even though I didn't hit my time or distance targets I ran further and longer than I had done before. I will be trying again, only next time I'll remember not to take short cuts with regards to my training.
Love this video really needed to hear this
Love love love this video! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Great video! Just trying to work out why some people dislike it? Keep up the good work!
At times I've been in great shape and had a level of expectation on myself and from training partners. I've embarrassingly ran terribly, accepted it and had to move on. It's only one race. On reflection I knew my heart wasn't in it. Other times I've been injured and raced well above what I expected. No pressure on myself and I was there for the team and scored on our senior team. Sometimes it's not your day regardless of fitness, like everything in life... Accept it and move on. Those that don't reflect and accept tend to stay stuck in that cycle. (We have all ran with those people)
something that might help your mental game is deciding o a pace before the race and making a rule for yourself where you say, this is my pace and I'm not alloud to go faster no matter what. except last k or whatever :)
Good to share the less good days. I have had too many of those in my 40 years of racing but at least enough better days to remember them more. I too haven't done as well had hoped over 5K this summer after a decent for me marathon in February. Also kind of being forced to start a 5K too quick rarely ends well does it. Maybe these marathons just catch up with us eventually and can't keep pushing all the time. Curious that I see you never ended up doing any track races this summer. Is that partly as the recovery from a fairly late spring marathon just eat into the time? I guess now as a pro athlete, you need to pick and choose races more carefully especially if the real goal is to have a crack at qualifying for the Olympics marathon next year and for sure Copenhagen showed you have a great chance.
I think you should seriously think about coming to Porto Alegre for the 2024 marathon since there is a great chance that you will win it. In 2023 the winner did it with just 2:40 and this is one of the flattest marathons in the world and not only is it flat but it is also at sea level (it could be flat but at altitude). It is also celebrated in winter so the temperature is very low, favoring Europeans. As for the prize: although it is not very high compared to more renowned marathons (by 2024 it will be close to 35,000 reais, something like 7 thousand dollars) it is quite good for a pay day and a mini sports vacation. Added to all this is that the official sponsor is New Balance, so perhaps they can give you a hand in guiding you.
You know I wouldn't be encouraging you to do it if I didn't think it is going to be a point for your career.
Ahhh yes, literally me during my last track season. So like 3 months before this race, I ran my fastest ever mile, 5:26, and I was feeling great, I was like, "Man if I keep this up, I could break 5 in the next SEASON!". I was so excited. But I noticed I started feeling more and more tired on runs that should have been almost a no brainer for me. It was weird because when I ran my 5:26 it seemed so easy, almost TOO easy, and than like a month later, I got sick, had bad headaches, and I could barely run even easy runs. It was atrocious. However, I started off the the next track season running a 5:43 mile time, so it was okay. But as I got into the season more and more negativity got inside me, and than it happened. The last mile race I did, I decided to try to stick to the top guns who had a 4:51 mile time, and try to stick with them to break the magical sub 5 minute mile barrier. The chance was LITERALLY running in front of my eyes, and I comPLETELY blew it by running a 5:45 mile time. And it actually hurt so much that I had to lay down for like 15 minutes, and was feeling REALLY down after that. Especially after seeing others get a much faster time than me or new prs, it just piled on and on and ON. But now I'm starting to feel like I'm getting back into that 5:20 mile shape, and I'm ready to start my track season even before my XC season is over yet XD. And now after seeing this video, it's really inspired me to look on the bright side and learn from what happened. Turns out that over spring track I didn't realize how important it was that the recovery I needed was way more than I had been giving myself. And now I feel ready to train to break my first ever, sub 5 minute mile!
Hey Philly! I love your channel and I was wondering if you have tips for 5ks. Mental tips, race plans, how to get excited for a race…. Any pre race tips😂
Bad ass. Go Phily.
DAMM I am eternally humbled and have so many mixed feelings from my first Boston Marathon. Attempted my first Sub-3 and it wasn't the day! Everyone says it was the heat, humdity, and the downhills. Despite having perfect/flawless marathon training with plenty of downhill & uphill running sessions to mentally and physically prepare. Nothing prepared me for the intense quad cramps I started getting from 13km onward from all the downhills and probably dehydration on-top of that. First time I''ve ever had to stop because my calf from 20miles to finish kept seizing and nearly got injured on 5 occassions. I made an oath with myself to NEVER DNF a race so thus I had to walk in order to give the calves a break. Overall time 3:25:15 and that was with being conservative at the start and adjusting as I went.
My coach says I could not have anything differently and everything else was outside of my control. Yes there is some piece in it but still mixed feelings. I was in PB shape and on a perfect weather day would have easily broken 3 hours.
Hardest and personal worst marathon of my running career journey thus far so did not expect it to be my first Boston= personal Olympics. At least I won't lose much fitness once I fully recover and wasn't all for nothing like many of you may say. It appears I am not alone in this experience but wanted to vent this out to see if perhaps I am missing something that could have made sub-3 more possible in hindsight.
New Balance and Versace going for that same cross waistband style on their leggings/tights.
I definitely think if you arent excited to race then its definitely your body telling you something 💜
Great race and great video. Do you think the other person's running form could have been better, the way he was or was not swinging his arms
Is it a tiny microphone or a giant Phily?
Or both? 👀
I had a pretty bad 10k at the start of the summer. I ran my first mile faster than 5k pace. It was pretty uncomfortable trying to finish and ended up running the last part slower and slower. I looked later and the heat was about 10 degrees F warmer than when I was training.
After that I ran 2 more each running 4 minutes off my 10k time. I got 3rd overall on my last 10k. I never do that so it was really exciting. Hard work pays off. That and knowing your pace on that day.
Awesome and inspiring video!
If failure is what it takes, my future is bright 😅
Such a disappointing year - I have a half in two weeks and a marathon in 4 - and in the last 3 months, I have had a muscle pull, a bruised toenail, a viral infection. I have already deferred the marathon, and I might skip the half. I have only run 9 miles in this training cycle - once. I am hoping next year is better.
Run the 5K's for fun. Only fun.
Never mind if you are quick or fast.
Clown around when the gun goes off.
And allways go for a race like this, choosing a slow race.
I've just had a week with two (2) races, two days appart (27K and 25K) and two days later (yesterday) a marathon "race".
But I could run the marathon as a slow and nice social event, enjoying being super tired from the previous races, talking to people and having fun.
Yes, I'm super tired in my body today and has done nothing but an hour long walk.
Remember to include slow funny runs.
Brilliant Philly... Everything u said is sooo true....i just take each race as it comes.. I'm generally in the last 10 runners but theirs no pressure cos I just love running & I'm at 7minute km pace so anything less than that is a bonus.. 😁...dont dwell on Yr failures I don't have any all my races are winners cos I've FINISHED them!!...#keeponkeepingon....🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️😁x
You have so drilled 5:30's into your systems for marathon racing that it is a difficult ask for pb's in very different sort of race. You cannot "jeykl and hyde" race. Stick to your guns Phily. Keep dialing in that sub 2:25. You are in a special window of opportunity. Stay focused and go after it!!! 2 cents from an ol coach in east tennessee.
I did a 10km race last year and almost as soon as it started I knew it wasn’t right for me! It was so hilly, and although I love a good trail run, that made it more difficult. On finishing I knew I was never going to do that particular race again but I was ready to do a different 10km that was more suited to my ability! Low and behold, a few months later, I did loads better at a different 10km 😅
acceptance , that's something i have to do more often than i would like. You rebounded? good, keep the good job, Next stop Houston marathon then the Olympics in Paris.
Just an average hobby runner here... but 5Ks are hard for me. It takes me 4-5 miles to warm up and settle in to my pace.
I done a half marathon last week philly, ran 72.06 in it last year, taugh I was in better shape this year and ran 77.18, disgusted , legs were heavy from mile 1
I was at one stage ready to just side on the side line and just run parkrun or help organize parkrun events and not run again.
This came after I ran my first ever 10k road race and came in 100th place out a field of 111 men and 2nd last in my age grade.
That was back in May this year and I was feeling really bad about my performance and lack of training.
Everything is relative of course! I would give my right arm to run 16:30!
Why don't you put the hard work in and achieve it
I am putting in the work but I'm almost 60 years old and have only really been training for about a year so I don't think it's in the cards for me anymore! My best 5K this far is 26:12 and id like to get below 25 and id be happy with that!
@jbsnyder3477 age is just an excuse
HA! two weeks ago I missed alot of runs due to hip pain putting me in horrible fitness. felt horrible at 3k ran slow at 5k, almost dropped out at 7k, made the wrong turn at 9k, end up running 11k instead of 10k plus running a slow race. only way for me to cheer up is to run a 5k pb next week😼😼😼😼😼
Had a similar experience right today. I had my halfmarathon for which I'd been training for 12 weeks and I screwed up. I went in way to fast, got straight into my anaerobic zone right from the beginning and blew up after 9km 🤦♂. My lactate value was as high as a panda's. I somehow managed to keep a moderate pace but I definitely lost about 4 years of my life expectancy 💀
I am training for a race this December. I got sick recently and haven't run or worked out in 4 days. Doesn't seem like much, but I wonder how much it has set me back.
I blame Daniel... :D
Acceptance*
Well said .....
I like the serenity prayer…..God grant me the serenity to accept the things I can’t change, courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference…….
Negation of this video - (failure is not an option) It is not okay to fail, ever. Resistance is futile (i think? idk)
I saw this the day after total collapse the last 6 miles of a marathon? How do you prepare for that? Getting to that level of hell in training would take forever to recover from right?
@philybowden any plans for a shakeout run here in CPH before the half?
5k in 16min and you say it’s a failure… that’s mental, I don’t care what is the time of the rest of runners, I’d love to be able to do such a time in a 5k.
I’m writing exceptance on my wall
16:30 is a solid workout.