Ben Parkes figured out what MOST RUNNERS MISS! | The real secret to running faster.

After Ben Parkes ran his 2:25 marathon he made a frank admission to his girlfriend Sarah Place. His message then is something we all can learn from now. In part 2 of our conversation, Ben talks about how he's been able to get as fast as he is and why we may be focusing on the wrong things.
Be sure to check out the other parts of the interview:
Part 1: ‪@BenParkes‬ talks about how he went from 0 to 100k subscribers
Part 3: Ben’s favorite shoe (which you won't find on store shelves)
Part 4: Seriously, WHAT is Ben waiting for? (Ben talks about his relationship with Sarah Place).
A big thanks to Ben for the time and thank you for watching!

[@jaycoane6127]

That was deep. You uncovered something I don't believe he's ever revealed in any of his vlogs. Great job Kori!

[@KoriRuns]

Thanks, Jay! Ben is just a really authentic guy!

[@jaycoane6127]

@@PoetWithPace Beating his PR is not his ultimate goal, it is just to run for happiness 😊

[@jaycoane6127]

@@PoetWithPace I think it is more of a personal insight into Ben and I've always found him to be quite open on his channel. I never got the impression that he is pushing runners to their limits, but rather helping runners to feel joy and excitement, which result in improvement. No one can deny the mental health benefits we gain from running 😊

[@mrrandom2501]

Refreshing to hear talk like that, way different then when he is on his own channel. Good on u both.

[@KoriRuns]

Thanks!

[@churnetvalleyrunner3635]

I’ve been watching Bens channel since the early days and I’ve always admired not just his running knowledge but also how nice of a human being he is. All round great person. Good interview 🙂

[@KoriRuns]

Yeah! He's the real deal!

[@paultester8672]

I met both him and Sarah at the start of the Larne half marathon. They’re simply nice people.🇮🇪

[@greynj13]

Kori, you have such a gift as an interviewer. I do appreciate the shorter bite-size vids. Thanks for sharing.

[@KoriRuns]

Honestly Ben made it really easy! He was great!

[@KoriRuns]

Honestly Ben made it really easy! He was great!

[@oceaniccurrents]

Woah! First time viewer. 👏🏻 loved everything about this. Well done!

[@KoriRuns]

Wow, thanks! Hopefully you find some other videos you enjoy.

[@GreyJedi17]

Thank you. This is gem of an advice for runners. Longevity trumps over Pb anytime.

[@bev9708]

RUN HAPPY is my number one most important daily objective and all else after that!!!! PBs certainly contribute to running happy, but so does being out in nature, feeling the breeze in my face, exploring new trails / roads / routes, buying new shoes😂😂, etc!!

[@KoriRuns]

Yeah, I take the mindset that I should feel better after the run than I did before. If not, I need to evaluate what's going on.

[@bev9708]

@@KoriRuns Feel better after, yes I love that Kori... except perhaps for that wonderful aching pain in the muscles that makes you feel so proud of yourself!!! 😁😁

[@GillFisherRunningMySpace]

Love Ben’s thinking and can't wait to see the next episode Kori. I completely agree with Ben. I can get so wrapped in running pace and time. I started running years ago to challenge myself with my distance and time and found out that the peace of just running was a stronger highlight and my times got better.

[@KoriRuns]

I've found my best races have been the ones where I went out to run to have fun rather than try and prove something.

[@seeleftyrun9845]

Ohhh…I really loved this & needed it! I was literally grappling with the same thing yesterday & that’s my “why”. I know why I run, for the same reasons he said, but I’m not sure why I’m still chasing time when I’ve really exceeded what I thought was possible for ME. I’d rather chase the joy & sometimes the time ruins that. Lots to think about.

[@KoriRuns]

Totally!!! I told Ben he needs to do a podcast. I could listen to him talk and running all day!

[@AlisonWilliamsMorris]

Omg congrats on 1k subs!!!! I agree that you have to do it because you love it!! Love the positivity and optimism!

[@KoriRuns]

Totally! That's the key!

[@trailrunningphil]

Ok. My respect for Ben Parks has risen considerably after hearing him speak like that. Fair play to him. Wise words indeed.

[@KoriRuns]

He's a really smart guy!

[@butterflyrunner9342]

Absolutely agree with Ben on this!!! When I moved from road training and races to trail running and racing, I let the time goals fall away and I couldn’t be happier. Love his quote of being able to run forever rather than having another PR. I haven’t watched Ben’s channel but I stumbled across Sarah’s a while ago and love watching her because she just seems to love and enjoy the running for its own sake. It makes total sense that her and Ben are a couple now that I have watched this video! Thanks for interviewing him Kori. I agree with you that he has old soul energy. Love it.

[@KoriRuns]

Yeah! That's the irony if running. The sport is literally about time by design but you can't always be focused on it.

[@butterflyrunner9342]

@@KoriRuns So true!

[@peteryun8379]

Wow! I am a new runner who is preparing for my first full marathon this December (Dallas BMW marathon - Just signed). I was feeling the pressure weather I could finish the cross line within my target... This video changed my mindset how to prepare for my 1st marathon. Thanks Kori & Ben!

[@KoriRuns]

There's nothing like running your first marathon, I'm excited for you! Definitely let me know if you have any questions. I'm not an expert but I've BEEN there!

[@bigdamp1]

I really appreciate that you keep your videos short, and to the point. Great work

[@KoriRuns]

Thanks! I try to make what I'd want to watch!

[@ThatRunningGuy]

Really enjoyed that, thanks for sharing this with us. Wise words Ben

[@KoriRuns]

No prob! Thanks for watching!

[@matthiassventoest6800]

this is a great interview.., very valuable insight, in such a short amount of time. thanks to you, Ben and Sara.

[@KoriRuns]

Appreciate that, Matthias! They really are great!

[@ChristianRunsNY]

I love these! You have someone who puts their life on the internet every day, based around running, revealing new things about what motivates them and keeps them going as a runner.

[@KoriRuns]

Thanks! The best thing about interviews is when a person reveals a different side of themselves.

[@ChristianRunsNY]

@@KoriRuns Takes a special touch to make that happen!

[@TravelRunner]

Hey Kori, I like your channel! Great interview segment with Ben, I’m looking forward to checking out more of your content. Thanks for sharing this with all of us!

[@KoriRuns]

Hope you like what you see! Thanks for watching!

[@Swiftfilmsuk]

There's some absolute gold in this interview with Ben! Love how you're teasing us and eeking it out Kori!

[@KoriRuns]

Haha thanks. I figured it just made sense to do more focused segments.

[@RunSensible]

I'm really, really, really enjoying these. Thank you, Kori.

[@KoriRuns]

Glad you like them!

[@shayneknox6247]

Awesome video 👏 been following Ben for years stumbled onto your channel after Ben mentioned you in his HM video. really great interview!

[@KoriRuns]

Appreciate that, Shayne!

[@ClancySullivan]

Another great video Kori! Personally I like the that you broke this interview up into smaller segments, I think it’s more potent this way, I get the message loud and clear…and, of course, it keeps us coming back for more! Great job, can’t wait for the next installment!

[@KoriRuns]

Thanks so much! Agreed. I personally find it hard to sit down and watch anything for 20-30 minutes these days! Short and sweet is my approach.

[@MyFavoriteBrunette]

Kori, you’re like the Barbara Walters of running interviews! 🤣 Ben didn’t cry but he was so sincere and organic in what he said. Loved it! Lots of wisdom.

[@KoriRuns]

Barbara Walters! I'll take that! That's quite the compliment!

[@bigadventuresonaveragetale1563]

Great conversation and advice! I think there is a time for target times, but not at the expense of enjoyment. And Ben is 100% right in the variety of different distances and types of runs we can do is huge. I am running a 58km jungle night race on Saturday night, and then will focus on a half marathon PB effort training block. Maybe not as fast as Ben's though...!

[@KoriRuns]

Good luck in the jungle!

[@ml3609]

I am so excited to see the next episodes!! Two of my favorite people on KZbin ... well three because Sarah is always there too even when we can't see her we know she is there :)

[@KoriRuns]

Awesome! Agreed on Sarah! Part 4 might be my favorite!

[@EricS-uf9mv]

Wonderful interview! It's so refreshing. So often when you see these 'Creator/influencer interviewing another Creator/influencer' type vids, all they wanna do is talk 'shop', whine about YT, and pick each other's brains about strategies for getting more clicks. And GOD is it boring! (not throwing shade but for ex. BitR interviewing Ginger Runner... snore fest). Such a simple concept for an interview... What makes you happy? Being a 'better' runner doesn't always equate to being the fastest runner.

[@KoriRuns]

Really appreciate that! I guess I just ask about the things I'm really curious about!

[@johncmoore416]

Like Ben, once I focused on the joy of running vs chasing times, I really began enjoying running so much more. I also go out my front door and just go where my feet take me. It is a real treat to be that free.

[@KoriRuns]

Freedom! Literally that's the thing that keeps me going out!

[@starz8900]

That was lovely.

[@runningwithdr.andrewdpt9177]

Another great video!! I think we all could learn from Ben and go out and just have fun. This weekend there was an 85 yo that ran in the 5k race that I ran. I would like like to make this a life long sport. Thanks for sharing!!

[@KoriRuns]

I want to be that 85 year old when I grow up!

[@runningwithdr.andrewdpt9177]

@@KoriRuns me too. It was awesome seeing him out there.

[@jamesmann8039]

Always run with appreciation not expectation🧘🏻‍♂️

[@KoriRuns]

That's the key!!!! 💯

[@CaroElena]

I needed this! I went for a run yesterday and it was awful and I just kept asking why I was doing this! Thank you 🙏🏽 this brings peace

[@KoriRuns]

Sooooooo glad this video could help! Remember for every awful run there's a run that will make you feel amazing. Keep at it!

[@seikodude]

Great video! I need to stop stressing about moving up a corral or running a faster race. I need to just enjoy running. Easier said that done but I will try :) BTW I can't wait to see which shoe Ben chooses :D

[@KoriRuns]

Yes! Focus on what really matters! The other stuff will come.

[@jname9368]

It's like in the lifting community, there's this joke from a popular KZbinr called Dom Mazzetti who said "The day you start lifting was the day you forever became small". It's like that with running. If you just chase that PR, you'll always be chasing a new PR and never be happy with your time because you'll always look at people who are faster than you. You have to learn to enjoy it and not get caught up on the numbers

[@KoriRuns]

Don't know Dom -- but that's a really smart piece of advice!

[@Shevock]

Interesting interview. Perhaps I should start pushing myself further on those normal runs when I go out of the door with no plan.

[@KoriRuns]

That's up to you! I definitely think adding easy mileage is the easiest way to build your running capacity.

[@TheOldUltraRunner]

Good stuff!!

[@KoriRuns]

Thanks

[@joelgriffitts1385]

Well Kori and Ben, with a 3:00:26 PR, I'm still chasing times :-) That said, I do best when I train with the goal in mind and race for the sheer fun of running. If race day is do-or-die, it doesn't usually end well. Thanks for the great insights!

[@justanoldfashionedrunner605]

this is so true and to hear it from a young and very fast runner makes me happy....and i look into the mirror and i say to myself what a wonderful world....and for once i did right...no regrets......i just run

[@KoriRuns]

You know that I was thinking about you when I made that statement about sounding like an older runner, right? 🤣

[@justanoldfashionedrunner605]

@@KoriRuns 🤣to be honest, when i heard you and Ben talk, i thought, well that sounds pretty familiar😁and looking back, all the numbers and times fade away, but the joy of running stays with you for life

[@janettrigwell8851]

Needed this

[@KoriRuns]

Thrilled that you could see it!

[@RunnerWil]

Everything stops being fun when you go into overthinking mode and right now I am deep in overthinking mode lol

[@jamesbrinklow1979]

Inspirational. And I think every Runner should Take this on Board, as every Runner becomes obsessed with a finishing Time at one Time! Or another. Yes! This includes even Non competition Events Like PARKRUN 👟

[@KoriRuns]

Absolutely! It's so easy to get sucked into focusing on the wrong things!

[@petersalmon718]

Bang on comments from Ben and recognise myself re times was on very good run streak getting PBs over different distances but was always thinking could have knocked a minute off there or few seconds off there. Carrying an injury now and had to slow down and made look at my running in a different way

[@KoriRuns]

Good luck with your recovery! When you're physically 100%, you'll also have the added perspective in your running journey!

[@janfolkerts7342]

Totally right, I also still want to run when I am 65 of age

[@KoriRuns]

Exactly! That's what real winning looks like!

[@Kg_travelandrun]

Another good clip, but it would be so much better to drop the whole video

[@KoriRuns]

Yes, I know... I thought about it but I just think it's a better more organized experience to break it up this way because not everyone wants everything. I am going to build a playlist with all the videos together.

[@KoriRuns]

Yes, I know... I thought about it but I just think it's a better more organized experience to break it up this way because not everyone wants everything. I am going to build a playlist with all the videos together.

[@paultester8672]

Don’t despair Tommy Hughes can still manage a 2:30:05 marathon at 61!

[@KoriRuns]

Holy smokes! I just looked it up. He's incredible!

[@rich1760]

hey Kori what is your preferred race day shoe?

[@KoriRuns]

I don't think I race enough to have a preferred show but I can say that I ran the 2021 NYC Marathon in the Atreyu Artist and had a great race. I ran the 2022 NYC Half in the Vaporflys which I also enjoyed.

[@irunovermountains]

It would be nice to hear the actual interview rather than small sound bites.

[@KoriRuns]

Fair point. There are some technical reasons why doing it this way is preferable but mainly I'm trying to deliver the videos in a way that makes the most sense for the platform (KZbin). If I did a podcast I'd obviously do things differently.