Big Half 2024: Racing Through London - Hard Work or Hard Fail?

[@BenHack]

It's impossible not to enjoy your videos and learn from them Nick. If you ever question your impact, just listen to all of those people shouting you on. Love your content!

[@justalilbester]

🫶🏻🫶🏻 it’s made me realise that that’s the win. 💙 means so much more to me than quicker running times.

[@russamehta]

I second what Ben posted. You are an inspiration to this 61 year old in India.

[@jaishhh1770]

0:35 Why was my guy running like that 🤣🤣

[@JustBrowsing777]

I was thinking the same haha that's too funny 😂 He was moving as much sideways as he was forward. Not being disrespectful, he's also way faster than me, but it still had me laughing out loud and rewind 😅

[@misterbelll]

See him again at 2:20 up with Eilish...

[@Hiwind994]

he is running like a video game character 😂

[@jacksonm.6549]

As a middle of the pack runner, I'm so much more grateful that I spend the majority of races surrounded by lots of other runners. This perspective makes it seem so lonely up ahead. So sad that the surge you did in the tunnel to try catch up with and run alongside that group had an impact on your time. Loved the stats overlay during the race. This is different from others who hold some GoPro and point it at their faces while commenting about the run. Your method is much better.

[@justalilbester]

Ah yes company makes the world of difference right!! 🫶🏻

[@mikehobbs624]

Great video and footage Nick! Not all races go to plan, but you gave it your all when you weren't having a good day. You're smashing those big training miles, you will smash Berlin. Let's gooooo!

[@justalilbester]

Thanks mate! Still feeling very strong and niggle free, so can’t complain about that 👌🏻

[@sharkeyboe]

Full sends ONLY

[@justalilbester]

Never easy.. Always worth it 🙌🏻

[@Davean1]

Congratulations, Nick. That was still impressive!! Keep it up! 💪

[@dieselCric]

5:29 decision was not good ! What an incredible video ,one of your best videos ! It might not be your race but you will be more focused for Berlin Marathon 🔥🔥2:20 let’s go !

[@justalilbester]

You never know at the time. Fully backed myself but yes in hindsight it wasn’t the right choice. We live, we learn, we move forward. Thanks 🇩🇪🤞🏻

[@dieselCric]

@@justalilbester true ! All the best for Berlin ! 🙏🙏

[@robidoo99]

@@justalilbester I don't think it was the wrong call to bridge up. Maybe the lesson should be that you keep a close eye on your HR when surging like that, because if someone in that pack decides to push when you're already trying to catch then it might leave you flogging yourself to cover their surge and then some. Looked like you hauled in maybe 30m or so over 600m, so you're going 5% faster than them for 2 mins. Some days your legs forgive you, some days they don't. Good to commit to catching them but you still have options as to how you go about it. I've done similar to what you did, and paid for it. Easily done, especially early in a race when you're feeling so strong.

[@paolobilardo6520]

Inspiring ! Thanks for sharing such a great content.

[@ianhearn9655]

Top work Nick 👏

[@garycooper3777]

What incredible support you had out on course from fellow athletes, super fuel for the mind and determination to get the job done! You continue to inspire

[@justalilbester]

Honestly blows my mind and I appreciate every little bit of it. Especially because I know just how tough this sport a really actually is.

[@michalkriz6773]

I am training fo half marathon. It was high motivated video to me. Thank you.

[@osianlewis1346]

Great pov video!! Well done nick🎉

[@arunprasadha]

You are my motivation, propelling me to achieve greatness. Quite simply, you are my inspiration. With love from India.

[@1519Spring]

Fantastic filming and edit. Love the natural race sounds.

[@Lynn_St.Vil-1989]

The running community is HUGE and absolutely amazing. 😮

[@misterbelll]

You showed great character in pushing on when feeling bad....when the going gets tuff the tuff get going....👍👍. Well done 👍

[@nicksmith4507]

Awesome video as always. I was doing my second Big Half and it was tough in the heat: I was seeing stars the last few km but got a new PB. So thankful to everyone involved!

[@justalilbester]

Niiice congrats on the PB and I hope you treated yourself to a post race PB pizza 🍕

[@barrysullivan9492]

4k all the way Nick. You always give everything. 💪💪♥️

[@JoE-se3hm]

Great Video, you are an amazing athlete even on your "bad day" you are a great inspiration to so many! I Always look forward to watching your videos. Good Luck for Berlin you got this!

[@justalilbester]

Thanks so much! Tough days make us tougher! Onto the next one we go! 🇩🇪

[@sunnybification]

Incredible video and running...and a brilliant perspective into what the elite/pro race looks like 😮 🙂

[@MicLee01]

This is a great watch. Keep the content coming, you're smashing it. Best wishes fir Berlin.

[@simonmorley8403]

Great stuff... so that's what it looked like up the front. Well done sir. I was there. It's my favourite of my race season. I ran in my full army pack. If you cheered me as we went around then thank you so much.

[@SK-sh3lg]

Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@sainathanakonar]

Thanks for sharing your race experience. Motivates me to give my best for my upcoming running season. Wish you great success at Berlin

[@DaveMeibusch]

Quality video, Nick! So immersive, it gave me both PTSD from my own race decisions, and gave me huge motivation to do it all again!

[@rheno03]

Wow,😮 I can't imagine how hard was the last kilometer for you! Yet, you still pushed hard, great sprint finish! Congrats!👏 I'm rooting for you to Berlin! Stay strong 💪💪

[@christanbesseling6095]

Wow that’s an amazing time, you can definitely be proud and 7th overall is an excellent result 🙌 We’ll done Nick, you’re inspirational

[@go_run]

Great run, great video. Glad to see the video quality improvement 😁🎉 I would like to run one day this race. Looks absolutely magnificent.

[@KazuyaL2Lab]

Excellent performance! I cannot believe that this is a part of the road to Berlin Marathon. I am 100% confident that you will achieve sub 2:20 in a month. Good luck & your stories (strava, youtube) are so inspiring to all of us!

[@Sharkey2005]

Amazing and inspiring. Can't wait to see what you do in Berlin.

[@alexiscastillogonzalez4792]

Hey, Nick! I love your videos format! haha I able to wacht it full. Ty, this videos get me motivated

[@Y2Bray96]

Caught you on London Bridge before the race, you absolutely smashed it! Great stuff.

[@r0lfus]

Outrageously good video footage! Fascinating to watch 🙌🔥

[@bobz5]

Really enjoyed the race sounds. Music not needed. Great race well done mate!

[@muhammadirfanbinelmi8947]

Fans from Malaysia 🇲🇾, more to come Nick... Let's smash that sub 2:20!!!! Boom shakalakaaa

[@justalilbester]

For sure!! Training has been good well lately 🙏🏻 🙌🏻

[@julien7705]

What a content each time!! You have followers in France 🇫🇷 !! Congrats this is so amazing 🤩

[@justalilbester]

Glad you loved it! 🇫🇷 👋

[@odumfrancis2157]

Congrats Nick! I definitely think pacing yourself to start slowly and enough recovery before Berlin and you'ld be great. All the best and big fan!

[@justalilbester]

That’s it. A much more equal split run coming up in Berlin 🙌🏻

[@AddaBADDA-85]

I was working on the baggage area 20, a great atmosphere, I will return to visit Greenwich in the future, such a beautiful part of London

[@saljablo2767]

Thanks Nick!

[@FORD-CHAFIN2TUFF]

Good work you really inspire me keep it up!

[@ag0nypain496]

Love theese "raw" pov videos!

[@patrickedwards5804]

Yeah! They're the bomb. 😊

[@justalilbester]

More to come! 👊🏻

[@young-spark]

100%

[@michaelz9500]

I bet ya do ;)

[@samuelaguilar2484]

i love you nick!!

[@justalilbester]

🫶🏻🫶🏻

[@ItsMeBenson]

Just watched your video-what an incredible achievement in the Big Half 2024! You tackled that half marathon with the same fierce spirit that Calamity Jane brought to the Wild West. For those who might not know, Calamity Jane was a legendary frontierswoman known for her bravery, resilience, and willingness to face any challenge head-on. She was tough as nails, just like you were out there on the course! Keep channeling that unstoppable energy and pioneer spirit-Calamity Jane would be proud!

[@justalilbester]

Love this!! 🙌🏻 thanks for sharing!!

[@zimkwananzi7216]

Considering all the mileage and the lack of carbs, you did a great job. I see a sub 2:20 in your near future.

[@KillStreakMcH]

Awesome video. See you in Berlin.

[@gary_runs]

Well done Champ!! It was a great day! See you at the Winchester Half!! 💙🤍

[@justalilbester]

Thanks mate! Well done to you guys too! Such a great team day out! 💙🤍 Yes, I’ll definitely be supporting Winchester HM the week before Berlin

[@aidanfurey2015]

Hi Nick, I also follow you on Strava, and between the title of this video and what you said there, it was anything but a disaster. You ran a race that will prime you for Berlin. For a tune up, you should be happy with this. All things being equal, you'll break 2.20 in Berlin. To be above threshold and hurting for so long was perfect for Berlin. Well done

[@fnamelname1927]

Lets absolutely smash 2:20!!!👏🙌🎉

[@sebjessup123]

That surge in the tunnel did you dirty! Massive effort for mostly solo running on a hot day, fingers crossed for better weather in Berlin 🤞

[@adamjurilj4109]

Respect! You gave it all.

[@youtoober87]

Great work! I would love a 1:09 half! I'm doing a half in 4 days. Targeting sub 1:42 for a PR

[@ConnerMarchant]

Saw you at about 18k as you were coming back. Will be rejoining BA now I’m back in London!

[@justalilbester]

Awesome to hear mate!! 💙🤍🫶🏻

[@joshuasmith1215]

Good job dude

[@ziedsassi5722]

Well done ! May be it wasn't your day but still great performance and top 10. What is remarkable though is the guy who passed you in km20 and had the 6th position , he has a remarkable running technique which improved his course economy.

[@cory3476]

Still great job Nick!! Check out the complete 5k splits of Kelvin Kiptum’s WR. He ran much slower than Kipchoge’s WR time for prob 80-90% of the distance and then turned on the gas, all the way through to the end. I think you could hit sub 2:20 at Berlin if you execute like that too. 👊🏻🤙🏻💯. KIPCHOGE'S 5K SPLITS 5k - 14:14 Seconds 10k - 28:23 (14:09 Split) 15k - 42:33 (14:10 Split) 20k - 56:45 (14:12 Split) Half Split - 59:51 25k - 1:11:08 (14:23 Split) 30k - 1:25:40 (14:32 Split) 35k - 1:40:10 (14:30 Split) 40k - 1:54:53 (14:43 Split) Final 2.195k - 6:16 Split Finishing Time - 2:01:09 KIPTUM'S 5K SPLITS 5k - 14:26 Seconds 10k - 28:42 (14:16 Split) 15k - 43:09 (14:27 Split) 20k - 57:39 (14:30 Split) Half Split - 60:48 25k - 1:12:04 (14:25 Split) 30k - 1:26:31 (14:27 Split) 35K - 1:40:22 (13:51 Split) 40k - 1:54:23 (14:01 Split) Final 2.195k - 6:12 Split Finishing Time - 2:00:35

[@justalilbester]

Thanks for sharing and just goes to show how important it’s going to be to stay under my threshold at Berlin for as long as possible

[@kostaskaratzas6736]

What a incredible raw video!!! And a amazing time!! Can you tell me what camera do you used in this video?

[@justalilbester]

Yes sure, Insta360 GO3 S

[@kostaskaratzas6736]

@@justalilbester Thank you! 💪

[@AJB_runs]

Jeez tipping threshold after only 4km, you did well to really not fall off the wagon completely!

[@mattisemil]

Hi Nick, always a great joy to follow you closely on your runs. Love the commentary I am wondering though: What is your max HR? And what is your exactly goal “maxing out” on a half marathon leading up to Berlin?

[@justalilbester]

My HR max this year is 188 bmp. I always try and do a hard HM effort in the build up to a marathon. Just to remind the body of what that race effort / feeling is all about

[@infocuslearning]

You blew that!

[@ThatRunnerAaron]

Ah man, catching up to that group cooked you so hard, but got to fucking send it on the day! Well done Nick great race, and a great marathon training stimulus.

[@ACTRUNNER]

Excellent!!! As I am gonna be running Amsterdam marathon this October , your videos are soo motivating! Can you please tell me the camera you used in this race? I also do not want to hold a GoPro during the whole 42k course actually! :)

[@GideonVan]

Nick, you were under 30secs from Second Place don't worry just keep going. Hope to see you at Cape Town Marathon one day man!

[@justalilbester]

I’ll definitely make a return there at some point 🇿🇦 🫶🏻

[@mrwhiffle]

Great footage. Love the telemetry! How much recording time do you get from the Go 3S?

[@justalilbester]

Thanks. Around 30 minutes, so I stop/start while running

[@BartCampbell]

Amazing run, you are truly inspirational. How did you get the go3s to last this long? I only get 23 minutes of of mine.

[@callummcvarnock8085]

Great time . For a runner completing around 75-80km pw, should I race a half marathon 4 weeks before my scheduled marathon? Or run this half at MP? I would like to race it but don’t want to take anything from main marathon goal in October .Thanks

[@justalilbester]

Race!! It’s the perfect time for a hard HM effort, 4 weeks out. Even if it doesn’t quite go according to plan like this one ;)

[@nikolaykumchev9530]

I found kms 17,18 and 19 especially hard in the sunshine and the constant up and down little bridges. This was my third Big Half, same warm sunny weather every time 😅

[@justalilbester]

Nice one 🙌🏻 there seemed to be a little head breeze into that last 7k too

[@204514602]

Incredible Nick! Be proud. And this was good training for Berlin. What time were you hoping to run this Big Half in?

[@justalilbester]

Probably at least a minute quicker in those conditions but hey, it’s given me fuel for Berlin. So let’s go get it!!

[@DavidBond668]

I'm glad i inspired you to tackle half a marathon 🎉😂

[@AlexmacKnotty22]

Honestly I had a half marathon in England myself yesterday and it was stupidly hot. Just knew it was gonna be hard from the start. Was going for 1:42 and came in 2:02. Damn it

[@justalilbester]

Winter can come already 😜🙌🏻

[@bigjonhey]

My second favourite South African athlete after Oscar Pistorius

[@patrickedwards5804]

?

[@qc_mp6899]

You obviously know what you capable of, hence you will say it is not your best. Maar ekse my bra, yoh yoh yoh! Amazing time still Nick. Well done!! Perhaps next video explain more about going to hard / running above threshold at the start. It was sensible to stick with a pack as u where narrating, but yeah, Please explain more about threshold relating to this race. Thank you.

[@justalilbester]

Cool I’ll cover that off in a bit more detail in one of the upcoming ones. 🙌🏻

[@MuhamedNifal]

sunday i run my first half marathon. complete without stop or walk 🎉 consistency of run 😊

[@justalilbester]

Huge congrats!! 🎉 Many more to come!!

[@MuhamedNifal]

@@justalilbester thank you so much 💜🤝

[@ikampbush1722]

Amazing show of grit being that you knew early doors it’s wasn’t your day. What are your take homes/ advice on where it went wrong though? Or is that coming in another video?

[@justalilbester]

Na I’m not going to make another video on. Let’s draw a line in the sand and fully focus on positive energy for Berlin!! I surged too early, and paid for it for the bulk of the race. That’s what went wrong.

[@ikampbush1722]

@@justalilbester Get after it!

[@sm78880]

Love your video bro my 5k timing is 20:35 and hope i can run sub 20 by next month 😪

[@alb.1911]

This group chase at the beginning of the race ruined everything 🙈... Congratulation anyway, great pace. 👏👏👏💪

[@justalilbester]

Big time. But hey I thought I could recover enough by the time I got to them. I was wrong. 😑 thanks! Still a morning well spent!

[@alb.1911]

@@justalilbester the most important is that at every race you learn something new about you.

[@bellyboy1998]

sustaining that HR must’ve been a killer

[@DeanGerous11]

Hey champ, what camera did you use for this? If I may ask.

[@justalilbester]

Yes sure, Insta360 GO3 S

[@Kernoe]

i can not even run 1k at your average speed in the half marathon. ; ) incredible to get to this level of speed.

[@dbranc0]

"GO NICK" :D

[@diananino-k7x]

Champ 🫡

[@aidanoc19]

Like the cold, are you sure you're South African 😂? In all fairness, I ran the Cardiff 10km the same morning and it was super humid, warm and very sweaty.

[@justalilbester]

I know, I’ve been here 8 years and clearly adjusted. Cold weather for when it comes to racing is ideal for me. Keeping that core temperature cold

[@gmd654]

Great video and hard lines on the outcome. As an experienced runner I really do think you are over training though. Your body adapts when you resting/recovering. The constant over training e.g. double run days cannot be good and perhaps thats why you arent seeing the results despite all your hard work. Just food for thought and good luck with Berlin.

[@justalilbester]

The whole block is tailored around Berlin. Thats the first time in 10 weeks I’ll run wish fresh legs. Appreciate it and can’t wait! 🤩

[@ElloEllo35]

I did a 10k race on the same day! Came out with either a tight calf or something more serious. Any tips on how to diagnose between DOMS or an actual injury?

[@justalilbester]

If you feel it tomorrow then it’s definitely worth seeing a physio for a proper diagnosis. You always want to play it safe in this game.

[@pjos11]

Watching people run in front of the camera is really cool 😊They look like robots or AI generated

[@justalilbester]

Like a real life PlayStation game right 🤣🙌🏻 except it hurts a little bit more!

[@remcodejong9149]

Mate you're a local celebrity over there. People shouting your name constantly. Happened to me once as well. But that was because my name was on my bib.

[@cristian-adrianfrasineanu9855]

McColgan has such a weird stride like a goose without a head.

[@breadsandwich1270]

That’s my Boom shakalaka at 9:48😂

[@TheManaloBrand]

Big goal of mine is to experience a race like this

[@timt8746]

Ran a red light 👮🏻‍♂️ 15:00

[@justalilbester]

Internally my red light was on after 5 minutes 🤣

[@magnusolsnes9155]

I was about to write the same ! 😩😩😉😉😜

[@dieselCric]

lets go ....

[@justalilbester]

That was insane quick 🙌🏻🔥 commented just about before I posted it. Enjoy! Let’s goooo

[@dieselCric]

@@justalilbesterhaha i just watched it within few seconds after you posted it ! I enjoyed it ..thanks for the video ! 5:29 decision was not good ! What an incredible video ,one of your best videos ! It might be not your race but you will be more focused for Berlin Marathon 🔥🔥2:20 let’s go ! (Temp makes huge difference ,on that day it reached 28C !)

[@1RealFacts]

Please Help me Athletes (dude) My current pace is 20m 5k how long does it train to reduce 2 or 3 min

[@Zelenskyyyyyyyyy]

Was that Marshall Smith with the yellow shirt?

[@someguy7897]

Which smart watch do you use?

[@justalilbester]

Garmin Forerunner 965

[@esgee3829]

question, if eilish mccolgan and lionel sanders had a kid, would it get cancelled out and have a normal gait, or a really really off gait?

[@ThatRunnerAaron]

Crazy that guy in the last 500m running like 5:10 miling and barely lifting his heels

[@geogeotagz]

Yolo!

[@iranali8581]

69 mint good work cheampion congratulations🎉👏

[@welcometomathy]

wondered why the street was full of gell packs and water bottles all over the place whne i went on a jog this sunday ... dirty

[@nicksmith4507]

Just after the start I almost slipped on the gell pack of the guy in front of me after it bounced out of his pocket. The a minute later another came out of his other pocket 😢

[@kingofdeath5600]

Is the big half another ballot race? Also, if you remembered your beta drink would you of sipped it prior to the race or grabbed it at a drinks station for a mouth full or two??

[@justalilbester]

No it’s not a ballot like London. But you have to enter early if you want to get in. I would have sipped it prior to the race

[@kingofdeath5600]

@justalilbester Thanks for taking the time to enter, like always. Hopefully, I'll see you at Basingstoke half one day.

[@KNF-zy2wu]

Great video but feels really like a rookie mistake this time sadly. Just slot behind McCoolgan would have been the perfect first half.

[@justalilbester]

That would have been the right call in hindsight. We live, we learn, we move forward!!

[@NelsonVanDweller]

Dam those women are good!