55k Race with a Gopro! SURPRISE RESULT at Lakeland Trails UTMB warm up race...

It's time for a dress rehearsal to practice with all my UTMB kit so we headed to the Lake District to run the Lakeland Trails 55k race to test everything out! Follow along to see all the action...
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[@daveb3204]

They've obviously let you off ! You're back in the results at 22nd 😊

[@paulwood8943]

Bought back some great memories thank you. I did that race to prove a knee specialist wrong. He said I would be in a wheelchair in 2 years if I kept running. That was in 2013. I am now living in NZ and considering entering the Tarerewa 100km. Keep up the good work. Tell Sarah we miss her videos too. Got it done!

[@Chris-xt2yh]

Do it!

[@50Something]

You made this look like a walk in the park, if you struggled at all, it certainly didn't show! I also enjoyed you sharing your feelings of gratitude, very inspirational!

[@TomSzczepanski]

Looks like an amazing race Ben, might check that out one day. Regarding "they don't know how much you want it" - hear hear. They're used to the people doing the bare minimum rehab and physio. The people who commit their whole being to picking themselves back up can achieve incredible things. So pleased to hear how well you're doing.

[@eicegal4854]

Awesome to see you up and running again! Your attitude regarding your setbacks in the recent years is truly inspiring, keep up the great work!

[@BenParkes]

Thank you Eic!

[@Runner2706]

Well done Ben 👍🏼 but looks like on a technicality Sarah beat you 😂👍🏼

[@BenParkes]

Ha, well she’s a much stronger trail runner than me.. she deserves the win! 😀

[@garyloosemore2690]

Great attitude towards the "why to race" training and accepting the "oops"! Good luck in the rest of your training!

[@bev9708]

LOVE your attitude of gratitude and appreciation... your commentary was inspirational!! And what an absolutely gorgeous course!! SO pleased they still gave you your medal at least! BRAVO Ben!!!

[@jsrunningfitness]

If you’re wanting a recommendation for parkrun my favourite in Scotland is Falkirk, one lap, mostly trail, nice people. Get it done!

[@jsimpson9627]

Aww no, we can’t believe we’ve missed you in NM and also at Pollok on Saturday. Our home town!! We’re travelling up from St Ives but hoping to catch you at RTB after Giffnock North XC training at Rouken Glen on Sunday morning.

[@BenParkes]

Hopefully see you at run the blades!!

[@ruthg1581]

Thanks for sharing your experience with your ankle. I broke my ankle in March, and it’s a tough journey. It’s quite isolating and helps to know others feel similar 👍🏻

[@MarKyy-]

Lovely video guys! Having run the race aswell (a fair bit slower mind!), it was so nice to look back and remember all the different parts of the course, and take in the stunning views once again. These races are such an incredible experience, and good luck with UTMB both of you!! ❤️

[@BenParkes]

Thank you Markus. Glad you enjoyed the video! Hope your running is still going well. All the best!

[@joshdudley8367]

Thanks Ben, I needed to hear this. I currently have an injury and its affecting my mental health and love of running. Hoping to get back out there again shortly.

[@BenParkes]

Hope you get back to running soon Josh.. it’s always tough when you can’t run, but the body is strong and you’ll get back!

[@Stewartuk73]

Great run Ben. Such an inspirational run, which you always do with a smile on your face - on the surface at least 😂 Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@GaryHowland26]

I did Run the Blades half today. Gutted I didn't get to see you both.....it was a warm one # Getting it done

[@shemhaque2758]

Fantastic video, what awesome scenery 😍 I know what you mean about injuries I’m out with a herniated disk atm and surgery next week on it! I’ll soon be on the trails again though this year!!! I will not be put down 😎

[@BenParkes]

All the best for your recovery Shem! Hope you're not in too much pain and get it sorted soon. See you back on the trails shortly!

[@gary_runs]

Great video Ben! Nice to hear the ankle is pain free!! Keep up the great work! 👍🏻

[@gwilymeades]

It's not surprising that you're uninjured though! I find that power hiking combined with some running is an incredible re-balancer. I did a 28 mile run with 5000 ft elevation near Snowdon last week and averaged 15mm. I was a bit injured going in, but came out stronger than ever and no niggles, a healthy state that continues now even with daily running! Same for when I ran my first marathon. Went in injured, walked a lot of it, finished in 5:50 but had not a niggle for two years after that race. Keep on walking!

[@adamleadbetter5206]

I loved doing that race in 2016, you paced it better than I did though. I made the huge error of racing a GB international to the top of the first climb and paid for it dearly on the second! Also, thanks for your honesty about the ankle. I had keyhole on mine about 15 months ago and I’m trying to get back to the trails and anything over 10km.

[@alfdickinson1971]

"You don't know me!" Lol Your positivity is amazing. But I think you have somehow desensitised the pain threshold triggering fibres telling you to protect your ankle through gentle mobilisation of your ankle through all your running exploits(The Pain Gate Theory(Melzack and Wall, 1965).

[@jamesroberts2147]

Thanks for that, I've just hurt my ankle, no running so sad, but you just given me hope. Big thanks

[@BenParkes]

Hope you're back running soon James!

[@jamesroberts2147]

Thanks

[@chris.schmied]

Great video Ben! Have been doing 50k races the last years. Will probably go into the 100 k range next year! Cant wait to see how i do. Good luck With UTMB !! Greetings from Salzburg :)

[@ivylovesrunning]

You're doing well. There was a point when you didn't think you would run again and now you're getting your stride back. Congrate yourself for your achievement.

[@rgweaver]

Congrats - you made it look easy! We will all be cheering you and Sarah on during UTMB! Please check in at all aid stations for that one ;-)

[@ianmcpake1592]

Really great video Ben. I did the Lakeland 55k on Saturday as well which was my first ultra event and longest ever run. Was great to see all those views again 👍, absolutely stunning route. Now gearing up to the Montane Lakeland 50 in 2 weeks time. Good luck with the UTMB training.

[@nickbarnes3162]

I use Flavo Drops instead of squash - you only need 4-5 drops per 500ml and the container is 38ml, so smaller container if you're carrying a lot. It's vegan friendly and there are a variety of flavours. I add it to Maurten carb mix powder too.

[@simonround2439]

Really enjoyable video Ben, you look in great nick. One way around the digestive problems in long races is to go high fat low carb and get your body fat adapted so you can easily tap into fat stores and therefore don't need to take on so many carbs on the way. Some of the top ultra runners like Zach Bitter have used this method with excellent results. However, I do appreciate it's probably tough to do this on a vegan diet. Good luck for UTMB

[@jamezday]

Great shout with the Robinsons concentrate, might have to steal that one!

[@ScrappyCoCo0]

I've found myself my next holiday location. I didn't know the UK has locations this beautiful. I only got into running a few weeks ago but video's like these really inspire me to keep on going.

[@craigpillsbury989]

Well said Ben we decide what we are capable of achieving.best of luck cp🏃🏻‍♂️

[@Anitalouisa]

Has been on my “must run” list for a long time, but might have to bite the bullet for next year!

[@craigsturrock795]

Dundee Parkrun before the open - easily one of the hardest but fun parkruns in the UK

[@hxxxxwxxx]

Well done Ben, that was some great scenery,nice and challenging trail, perfect weather for outdoor activities that seems unreal in Britain,a bit too hot for racing thought.

[@RunnerWil]

Like I said in Brooklyn Ben we never had any doubts you would be back

[@chrisbeattie8738]

Great vid Ben, I’ve got some unfinished business with cracking a sub 3 marathon but after that I’ll be up for a longer distance, definitely. Looks good fun. I’m at Berlin too in Sept for my first crack at sub 3, enjoy your race there 🇩🇪 👍

[@BenParkes]

Good luck in Berlin Chris!!

[@user-qe6xb1gi8x]

wow,fantastic video,you did it yourself?really impressed. also reallllllly impressed by such a long distance,almost 100 kilos.amazing!!!!

[@CR-ew9gl]

Amazing Ben, delighted for you and congrats to you both

[@Leeroy49]

So great to see you back in action and doing this well.

[@crafferty18]

Queens Park Parkrun - hilliest in Glasgow so good UTMB training!

[@andrewhaddow8430]

Not as hilly as Drumchapel!

[@mark2rob]

For a hilly parkrun and nice views over Glasgow, Queen’s Park parkrun.

[@shanegallaher]

Hey Ben, Sarah … I know how much you enjoyed coming to Bedford in 2019, just saying we’re celebrating the 500th PR here this weekend 16th July). It would be great to see you both again!

[@mark580d]

Great video. You should head to Falkirk park run on Saturday as it is their 11th Anniversary this Saturday. Not the flattest route, but a mix of trail and tarmac.

[@RS-pz2yb]

Done that one last week when staying up there, beautiful location. Heartbreak hill was brutal last week in the heat.

[@johnharrison6477]

Great vid Ben. I was trudging around the 100k course and great to see it all again. I saw Sarah at Grasmere, but was too exhausted to say hello!

[@BenParkes]

Well done John! 100k in that heat is an exceptional effort. big Kudos to you!

[@donjimahern]

Always inspiring Ben!

[@garthly]

Beatiful location and nice weather!

[@TimeGoesBack]

Another great video Ben! Or many would laugh at being disqualified 😂 Enjoy Scotland!

[@4468D]

Gutted I'm not back in Glasgow to join you at both the park run and gerry cinnamon...hope my hometown welcome you both. I normally do Victoria Park park run 🏃‍♂️ 🏃‍♀️

[@derrunn3r613]

Had said it previously and will say it again: love your race vlogs, personally, I think those are your and Sarah's best videos!

[@mattcarr3798]

Brilliant video Ben, Well done👍

[@franklehouillier8865]

Seeing some grey in that beard. You need to grow it out into a big ol' ultrabeard. So happy about your ankle recovery.

[@findingultra7149]

Great job man! Can't wait to see how you do at UTMB. Keep up the good work!

[@bartburza7992]

Great Video Ben! Maybe you should try Edinburgh Cramond Parkrun, it is a very fast course if there is no wind 💨

[@markrunsparkruns]

Come and do Falkirk parkrun on Saturday. It’s our 11th birthday. A part-woodland course with a couple of undulations. Set in Callendar Park, next to the Roman Antonine Wall. You can then visit the Kelpies and Falkirk Wheel which are nearby. Come and join us!

[@BenParkes]

Thanks for the suggestion Mark. We'll be at Pollock this week now. But want to do Falkirk soon, as heard good things. We went to the Kelpies last week.. just beautiful!

[@markrunsparkruns]

Enjoy Pollok, Ben. Let them explain to you the real reason why we start at 9:30 in Scotland!

[@NicBen]

Great video thanks Ben. After all your cycling / X training you did before Brooklyn half, would you ever consider an ironman? Your cycling looked so strong!! And just wondered when you mentioned exercising for such a long period of time.. 😊 Anyway, thank you once again!

[@BenParkes]

I just know deep down I wouldn't enjoy it and just want to stick to what I love to do.. which is run. I have tried triathlon a few times (before my KZbin days) and just didn't have the love for it, in the same way I do for running. So maybe one day, but it won't be soon. I'll be back on the bike training again shortly though, as would like to do some more endurance cycling events.. enjoyed those!

[@Moroccoraces]

Congratulations you had a great race

[@paul78965]

Very good video that, hope you don't mind I laughed at the technical DNF. looking forward to that parkrun video you mentioned you have coming up

[@BenParkes]

I laughed too! All quite funny at my mistake really!

[@Markleshark1]

Great video! Completed the race myself, my first ultra experience. Was quite something in the heat.

[@BenParkes]

Well done Mark!! In that weather a finish is a great result 🙌

[@attackedbywaterfoul]

beautiful landscape!

[@BenParkes]

Yes, we love the lakes!! 🙌

[@RS-pz2yb]

Great video Ben, hopefully see you's Sunday at RTB after finding myself taking part due to a friend getting injured and me taking his place.

[@carlstoakes6240]

Definitely doing this next year, looks amaze-balls!! How are the Peg Trails holding up? A follow up vid would be good? How about the Saucony Edge?

[@BenParkes]

Very happy with them.. Using them for almost every trail run at the moment. Everything in the review stands!

[@lattakia3812]

Good luck at UTMB. I did the CCC twice. It was fun

[@vic6820]

Never listen to negativity. Strength of the mind.

[@gorantoljamo204]

top notch on this video! love it!!

[@troymorgan4955]

Strathclyde park run is close to Newton learns- flat, quite busy but not very exciting course. Lanarkshire moor is further away but has a fantastic trail section. There's a lot to choose from in Glasgow- pollok is the most popular, Queens is really hard but a nice course. Springburn and Ruchill also good.

[@seanmac80]

Great video Ben, this looks like a cool event. I assumed you'd gotten DQ's for running in the Prime X, but no ;-) Cheers from New Zealand, and good luck with your build towards UTMB.

[@BenParkes]

Haha.. I don't know if those rules apply to trail running. Would have to look it up. No way anyone could run this race in Prime X though.. mad shoe!!

[@maxm3325]

Great video as usual. Just a small comment to tell you it was very good to add equipment and information about the race and also if you could add the time when you give the mileage it would even be better. Thanks

[@Humppakarajat]

Awesome video, I like that format!

[@ians3983]

Your the man Ben, great video, thanks.

[@123cheenabhoy]

I rarely get back to Glasgow these days - I live / work in China. But when I go get back I run in that area (Newton Mearns ). Nice view of back home.

[@wildgingerruns]

Cool film Ben! Well done! Sounds like you’re training super well for UTMB, hope to see u there! Are you using a GoPro with the mic attachment to it here? Really good sound quality for the windy lakes!

[@BenParkes]

Hey Claire. Yes.. it's a gopro hero 10 with the gopro mic adapter and 3.5mm mic attached to it, plus wind muff. www.amazon.co.uk/GoPro-Adapter-Session-Official-Accessory/dp/B01L2CPPH2/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3BSZZYXNHW5FB&keywords=gopro+mic+adapter&qid=1657786688&sprefix=go+pro+mic+%2Caps%2C122&sr=8-3 plus www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07QVD95JW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 hope you're well!

[@scottburrow6446]

I did the 14 k that day was way to warm I was entered to do the 55k this year but having to do the 14k again due to haven't trained enough

[@GaryJahman]

That little talk about your ankle. I hear you man

[@metrazol]

Only in England will it be blisteringly hot and muddy and beautiful and green. Are those cool wooden laser cut medals?

[@ilaydagurel8005]

Hello Ben from Turkey! I love your videos . They are veeeery informative and also fun :) i am learning a lot about running. Especially trail running. I was just wondering what was your nutrition/fueling during this race? I am having hard time managing it :( it would be great to see some examples. Thank you :))

[@BenParkes]

I just had lots of bars, plus clif shot blocks. Will do a video on nutrition before UTMB! Glad you liked the video!

[@craigwilkinson8626]

The first ever holyrood parkrun is on this weekend. You can run around Arthur’s Seat again!

[@BenParkes]

I dropped them a email to ask if I could come, they said of course.. but said I couldn't tell anymore beforehand as it was their first event, so don't want too many people.. (totally understandable!) So we'll be at Pollock Parkrun on Saturday!

[@stephencsaplar6382]

Great video as always. Definitely need to do some more trail running. May I ask which running watch you were using please? 🏃🏻‍♂️👍

[@BenParkes]

Yes, Garmin Epix 2!

[@pennyrusbridge5725]

Great video Ben. Portobello parkrun

[@ns1clrk]

Great job, Ben! - Don't have much to say just contributing for the YT algorithm. Cheers brother

[@BenParkes]

Much appreciated, thank you!

[@brettpearce3631]

Great scenery.. good job.. enjoy the golf.

[@BenParkes]

Thank you Brett!

[@123cheenabhoy]

I enjoy these videos

[@25mariec]

It’s indeed glorious! Beautiful scenery and nice run. It’s hilarious that you were disqualified, they should watch your YT video, 😂.

[@AliceOnARun]

Could have done with that squash stuff to take the taste of soft water away 🤢 Great run and glad you’re injury free and appreciating it at the mo! ☀️

[@melissaarnold4960]

Hilarious that your background is Beefeaters 😆

[@TJP32]

Experts default stance is always negative. Similar ankle issue and told I will never be able to complete a marathon LOL...completed NDW100 ultra. Mate was almost killed in a head on car crash. He was well smashed up and in hospital for 6 months....told he won't be able to WALK again. A few weeks ago he just won the 110 mile spine race in a new course record! What do experts know!

[@willb4278]

great video Ben, looks a lovely route. Are you filming RTB on Sunday? Will be there also doing the half

[@BenParkes]

Probably filming it. See you there Will. Good luck!

[@trueredred859]

Great video Ben

[@krayzeeaaron]

You should do university of Stirling parkrun.

[@TwoCombs]

Beautiful video, amazing scenery and definitely a race for the wish list 👍

[@Dannyner6]

fantastic stuff!

[@ruthkelly3117]

Pollock Park parkrun is nice and nearby for you in Newton Mearns.

[@BenParkes]

Yes.. we'll be there on Saturday!

[@th3manias]

What’s the watch? Garmin 955? Looks stunning. Awesome running!

[@BenParkes]

Garmin Epix!

[@mikejames3148]

Aside from the running insight I thought this video was particularly good. You did not seem to have a specific time goal so maybe that let you get some good shots. In terms of disqualification at least you didn't get the bus!

[@rayneprendergast3338]

Really loved following your running story especially this last few months. I'd love to be able to do anything like this. I did the Serpent Trail recently but how long and hard would you need to train for 30k or even 50k?! Marathon plan and more 😳

[@fastinradfordable]

I had a hard time running for over 1hr 45 min. Got in Wim Hof routine and… now I avg running over two hours per day. What are u waiting for?

[@toshiroyamada2443]

I would be crushed if that happened to me. 56km would be the longest run I've ever done, current longest is 12km, hmm sounds kind of pathetic when I type it out. Then again only been taking running seriously for 8 weeks or so. Could barely run 3km-5km before without being completely wiped out after.

[@gambeasy]

I got my first DNF last weekend...let's celebrate!!! :-D

[@BenParkes]

Ah, sorry about that. Back stronger next time!

[@gambeasy]

@@BenParkes yeah mee too 😁 i think you did the second half of the race I DNF... It was the X alpine and you did the X traversee if I remember! Good luck for you UTMB this year!!

[@gracewhite1601]

You r so polite, 😍

[@robsbeenrunning]

Ben, The only person that knows you is you. specialists are generalising. Mental strength is what matters, so go smash UTMB. Good Luck.

[@patrickedwards5804]

Ben you should show this video and call out the medic who said this to you in my view those comments were completely out of place against current clinical practice. Clinicians aren't there to underpin nocebic attitudes, but to provide supper and guidance that has you as a person at it's centre. He. Should have asked " what do you want in life, learnt more about your life and then helped you get back to it Thankfully most clinicians and health care professionals do.

[@BenParkes]

Yes.. my regular physio Scott has been great with that. I guess it was just the comments from an ankle specialist that I always kept in my head, as he must know better than anyone what the final outcome would be. It's fascinating how the mind can control pain and tension in the body so much.. just glad it's all starting to get better.

[@edwin5419]

Gotta laugh at you complaining about the "heat", when it's roughly the same temp as we've got here in Australia in the middle of Winter 😂 good job, great to see you back and over that injury

[@pieter2236]

Might be a bit random but any sun screen you recommend for long efforts - when you may not be able to top up or when there is a lot of sweating?