BIG Session for SPEED (loved this) When is it TOO MUCH? and RACES UPDATE!

[@ziggyc79]

I only started running at the end of June, dong a 3km run at 7 min per km. Now I have the bug and spent far too much on shoes, watch, clothing etc! I completed a couple of 10k races in October (Newbury racecourse and Dorney Lake), both under 60 minutes and now targeting sub 55 at the 10km race at Goodwood on Sunday 06th December. Running around 4 times a week and 35 - 40km. Longest run so far is 14km. Only now am I running different runs, fast, slow, interval speed work etc. Enjoying the journey and progress. Really enjoying your videos and I have learnt a lot from them. Keep up the good work!

[@DaedalusLabyrinth]

Was looking at a training plan, found Mona Fartlek, read about it, then decided to see if there are any videos about it on youtube. Of course Ben has something about it! Saw this last year but I'm watching again.

[@jonmarkbaldwin]

I love seeing these sessions - lots of inspiration, thanks for that @benparkes. I'm thinking of working more fartlek type sessions into my training as I hope that'll improve my ability to recover whilst still running, so that I can tackle faster paces & longer distances. I've done some distance based intervals, but that just seems to train me to walk or jog.

[@petergibbs6993]

Haven’t tried your sessions yet, but certainly like seeing them as this is the sort of stuff I need to progress to. I have been concentrating on consistency and my base and this year has been good for that. Great video Ben

[@SuperCookiemonster69]

My half marathon in December got postponed til January, so I've dropped that (Crystal Palace half) and doing the Newbury racecourse half in February instead.. and using that race as training for a marathon in April (Southampton - will be my first). Fingers crossed at least one race goes ahead soon!

[@michelsira9791]

tappering for my first half marathon on sunday

[@darrengofton7564]

Good luck! Although the first one is the most difficult it’s also the most memorable 😊

[@michelsira9791]

@@darrengofton7564 Thanks :) i made it :) 1:37,11

[@darrengofton7564]

@@michelsira9791 GREAT time mate, well done! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@joekendall7265]

Love a Mona session! My friend and I were doing them every Friday morning before work. Over a few weeks you notice a big difference.

[@AugherAndy]

I love your sessions! In my club we tend to do completely different ones but there usually the same ie 800s, 400s etc. I definitely prefer yours and Sarah's time ones! Eg 3 x 5 mins etc

[@alanshrimpton6787]

New Zealand, did my 2nd Marathon on weekend. 3:41:23. Just need to learn my fueling and hydration better. 1st 21.1 was 5:10/km, 32km split 5:11/km then last 10km 5:27/km so pretty much died in the last 10km. Something to work on.

[@maverickgoose4679]

I'm currently training for a 50km ultra with a 3000m vertical elevation change in January. Its rather daunting. My training at the moment is pretty much solely focused on low intensity medium to long runs including trail / hill work, with a once a week tempo style run.

[@davidabkk]

Hey man, im training for something similar too. Whats your training program like? How long do you think long runs need to be

[@joehayes3081]

I was training to do Brighton marathon next April but has been postponed til September, so I’m using your 3.30 marathon training plan atm to train for a virtual marathon! ( around February time) On week 5/18 and so far so good!

[@clinteden3422]

Ben can you make a video and take us through all of your saved workouts on your garmin watch and explain their purpose in your training

[@23DPL]

Ah I'm doing Goodwood too! Would be great to see you Ben, but if not good luck with your race!

[@gary_runs]

Great video as always Ben. I will definitely try that session. I have been enjoying getting one of your other sessions done a few times lately. 10km = 2km Warm up then 6x 1km (800m fast 200m kick down), 2min recovery but I knock 10 seconds off of my recovery after each rep - then 2km cool down Keep up the great work 👍🏻

[@richardbrown1573]

Looks a great session Ben. All the best for the 31m goal and the Centurion 100 miler track training too! 🙌

[@jack_rathborn]

Did this session at the start of the week, it’s the toughest I’ve done but a brilliant one (I kept the float at just above tempo pace, 10ish secs, rather than marathon, but paid for this in the final 3-4 reps and needed slower rest). Feel like this session has brought me to the point of 5k/10k PB shape, or at least helping me realising it 👌

[@hansteuwens1651]

After running your Marathon Plan I did run a Marathon at my place alone 2 weeks ago. I achieved my goal time of under 4 Hours. I am very happy with that. I liked your plan very much. Next year I plan to run the marathon in Hamburg and Berlin. Also a half marathon in Venlo (Holland).

[@Stewartuk73]

Been keeping an eye on your videos Ben. Really interesting. Personally running more on TM these days (Zwift) and but really enjoying the running with other people. Your times are so good, keep going and keep up the good work.

[@stevenwatson7523]

Great video as always, Ben! I did my first ever speed session today, it was a mile warmup followed by 6 miles (3 on/3 off) and a mile cool down. It was so tough but the feeling of accomplishment afterwards was unbeatable 💪🏼

[@BenParkes]

Well done Steven! Always feels great after a session.. all the best with your running journey!

[@littlemoonwdp]

The Mona is SUCH a great session, I love it! And you nailed it. I feel totally wiped and can't hit paces when I overtrain. More rest/easy runs and fuelling sort me out.

[@jeffbrunton3291]

That park is a good spot for training, each lap is a good distance. Plus Mile End Parkrun if you want a few ‘hills’

[@81chrisling]

Mk winter half- A goal to break 1:25, B goal minimum to break 1:30

[@RobManser77]

If A is a possibility, you should manage B easily 😊

[@Jess6Gun]

Running my second half marathon next Sunday in Tulsa. Hoping for a better time on this attempt. Had a 4 month layoff because of PF. After the pandemic, try to come to Oklahoma/Texas for a run.

[@stevewooldridge2403]

Keep doing these vlogs with your training sessions - really useful for my own training plan. And hope to see you at Goodwood - doing the marathon though, so if its (sort of) like last year, you will start and finish while i am still pounding round the circuit.

[@GyulaJentetics]

Hey We wish you the very best on 100 miles track and just improved my 5km today in 6 days from 34 minutes to 32 minutes so I'm glad to tell ya Good luck Ben 👍🏆🌟🎈🎁

[@AliceOnARun]

I’ve found I get eye twitches when I’m overtraining!

[@BenParkes]

I'll be keeping an eye out for that at the session next week!

[@davidabkk]

I got that recently too, are you sleeping enough. Lack of sleep can cause it too

[@BanjoStu]

That's a warning sign for me too, always my left eye. 🤷

[@michaelwilliams54]

Great session Ben 👍🏽 2.38 that's not very hidden your top says Sarah 😂

[@alexsawbridge9146]

Running the marathon at Goodwood 🤙🏼. Good luck with the 5k!

[@joetruelove2770]

I've got a 4 mile cross country race on Saturday and the following weekend I'm doing a 30 mile ultra with 2,000 metres of ascent on the cliffs. Here in Guernsey we are very lucky to be able to race.

[@ashleyholbrook9396]

I'm a big fan of the Mona Fartlek. It's one of those where you get a lot of bang for your buck! I've got the South Downs Way 50 in April (won't be anywhere near your time 🤪) and also the Ultra Trail Snowdonia 50k in June. Hoping to get back to a road marathon in the Autumn and crack sub 3 🤞. I really enjoy following your journey Ben, best of luck with the upcoming events!

[@BenParkes]

Thank you Ashley! UTS will be a great race.. know a few people heading for that. A lot of climbing to get in! Enjoy the SDW.. it's such a beautiful route. All the best! :-)

[@simonecarniglia4870]

Hi Ben, my never ending training for a Marathon that is not going to happen is still rolling. Had no chances in 2020 but I am as fit as never before, my "Easy Pace" is now 4:20/Km....but I am aiming at a "Urban Trail Marathon" in early 2021 (3rd of January) jn Trieste as a test....the distance is the same, but with 900m of elevation and mixed terrain. I would also like to improve my 5k and 10k PBs, I struggle in short distances, so these videos are helpfull!

[@phill.p]

I live just down the road from Goodwood didn't know this was on, thanks for letting me know just signed up for the 5k!!!! Very happy that I now have a race this year!

[@BenParkes]

Awesome Philip! See you there!

[@mwmstals]

Great video Ben, will check out the Mona fartlek.

[@jbjerga]

Im doing my second marathon on saturday. Karmøy Maraton🇳🇴, going for sub 3:15🤞🤞

[@BenParkes]

Good luck Jarle.. have an awesome run!! You can do it!

[@rozicc]

good luck!

[@RobManser77]

Good luck. A marathon during COVID is a rare thing! 😊

[@markdavies8946]

Best of luck

[@Morfeusm]

Go Jarle! GO!!!

[@mikeboudrie6585]

Thanks for these Vids Ben and Sarah! I'm just coming to the end of the first week of your 5km training plan, with a sub 20 min target... Feeling faster after just 1 week!! Just need my Ben Parkes hat to arrive and I'll be even faster 👍👍

[@jasoncaporale6470]

My training is going great! Have the same workout planned for this Friday!

[@katy4822]

Speed sessions are my favourite at the moment! Also aiming for a 10K PB soon when lockdown ends! Best of luck :)

[@kirbster1977]

How strange, I did this exact workout this afternoon. SNAP! Very good workout, i enjoyed it.

[@Miss33S]

I have had 2 weeks off so far since my HM race. Havent done much lately. ;)

[@Morfeusm]

How did your HM race go?

[@robbiegreenslade]

Unfortunately after a year or so of suffering from the same injury I am going to spend the Christmas period thinking about continuing with running. X-Ray, MRI and ultra sound scans show nothing. Physio and bio mechanic suggested certain things which have not fixed the problem. Gutted as I put so much work into my running 2018-2019 gaining lots of PB,s (39m30 10k / 1hr27m50 1/2 M and 3h17m52 Marathon) having fun doing it but now I struggle far too much and can’t see much (if any) light at the end of the tunnel. I signed up for a 1/2 marathon a few weeks ago just to a) do a race this year and b) hopefully get round the course in no too much pain. It’s difficult knowing what I am capable of but not being able to do it. I’ll keep watching your videos as I have done for the past few years as I love watching all of your adventures!

[@davidrogers5443]

Great video Ben, keep getting better! 👍 Westonbirt 10k on the 13th December... 🤞🏻 my first race and can’t wait.. 🏃🏼

[@mike8479-t2x]

Should see you there! A few of us have done a few of your 10k sessions from the 10k plan for it!

[@ThatRunningGuy]

Great solid session Ben💪 You are so lucky to have Sarah filming

[@BenParkes]

Yes.. she's a super star!

[@paulcain1285]

Good video as we are all guilty of over training, to try and cram extra efforts into a training block. Kofuzi gave you a well deserved and quality ‘plug’ on Ben Parks Merch in his recent gift buying video 👍

[@colinsoppitt4316]

I raced a 5km in the virtual etiken marathon relay in an incredible team and got a new pb! (18.25). I’ve been enjoying speed sessions I.e km reps and have a 5km race next Sunday

[@colinsoppitt4316]

😂 just seen that we are racing a 5km on the same day.

[@MrHaroldhardrada]

No races in the diary but targeting something on the trails or in the mountains in the spring. Might enter now so I have a target!

[@TheFODRunner]

Brilliant video mate 👌 brings back memories of the first ever video I watch of yours when you had about 2k subs! My friend found your channel and told me about it and from that day onwards, Millwall park became a weekly video fixture for me for the training block you were in at the time 😂 great tips at the end 👌 speedway 10k mate in janaury with Matt and I, it’s super fast, super quick field, sub 30 minute 10k runners, I think I ran 36 something last year and I came like 80th out of 150, just so many quick runners!

[@BenParkes]

I'll have to look up the Speedway 10k.. if we're around then I'll see you and Matt there!

[@TheFODRunner]

@@BenParkes entries open beginning of December for janaury 24th race, flat and fast! Just over the Severn bridge 👌

[@xocupcakecouture]

LOL at the shoe falling footage. great session!

[@Richard-yr4wz]

I was registered for run through Crystal palace half but this has now been postponed until 9th January which is disappointing. It will be my first and really wanted to do it before Christmas.

[@dcawkwell]

I have been doing more cycling over the last few months I think it helps with my running. Curiously I find myself easily cycling along without getting out of breath but my legs seem to run out of steam first and I have to slow down without getting out of breath not something I am used to.

[@rickyemery7917]

Ben could you elaborate more on the float pace, appreciate you states marathon pace but could you express it in terms of effort or heart rate zone ? Thanks

[@DMGC529]

A float is a reduction in pace but it is not a slow jog, you still keep rolling you just take the foot off the gas a tiny bit. For most people this tends to be their marathon pace.

[@davecowdry6274]

Matt Rees (thewelshrunner) has entered Berlin! Two of my favourite KZbinrs in the same marathon is too exciting for words. (My money's on you Ben. Do it for England, no pressure! ) could you also explain what a float recovery is? Also love these session vids, can you done on tune up races in marathon training, do you recommend them and in what week. My base training is ongoing. I start your level 2 HM plan in January. I've waffled on enough now. 🤣

[@BenParkes]

Haha.. Meeting up with Matt soon to film a video.. so hope you'll enjoy those videos! A float recovery is faster than a jog recovery.. for many people around half marathon to marathon pace is about right.. just to get a bit of composure back. Tune up races can be good, especially if you can get some mid-week. But no races within a month of marathon race day. Speak soon!

[@davecowdry6274]

@@BenParkes wow a video with you two is going to be amazing. The biggest UK runtubers in a race off hopefully. Can't wait

[@JoacimO]

Finally got my hat and wanted to get it done but I'm stuck here with the worst shin splints I've ever had so I guess it's time for a few weeks of rest and then I'll stop experimenting with new shoes and start again with the tried and tested old Nikes

[@matthewdowse1707]

Looks like a great session. Would you recommend incorporating that into a marathon training plan, or would it be better to have slightly longer speed sessions to build endurance as well, something like 8x800m? Currently training for the Arc of Attrition (really hoping it goes ahead - might see you down there), then have the Ultra Sierra Nevada in Granada in April (postponed from this month), and I’ve just got a GFA place in London 2021!

[@BenParkes]

Awesome on the GFA place! Yes, Sarah will hopefully be running Arc and I'll be helping her as much as I can get the finish she deserves!! I was having an easier week, so put this session in as it won't fatigue me too much.. If I was doing dedicated marathon training then I'd have some longer reps in for sure. All the best!

[@divyanshu1756]

Please make a video on speed workouts for 1mile pr..

[@louisdcruze3865]

Mona Fartlek is a great one doesn’t seem too bad on paper with it being only 20 mins but by the end it’s really hurting !! Love it though

[@JonsConsciousLife]

100 miles on a track? Well have fun with that haha.

[@nickbrowne6350]

Hey Ben! Loving the content as ever! Would you recommend the Hoka Rocket X for the fast training runs like this? I am guessing yes as you are wearing them! Also would you take them up to half marathon distance on race day?

[@mattpoulton1]

Great video, following your Strava upload for this session I did the run today. Same format but my R pace for the intervals and normal recovery in between. Didn’t realise it was aimed at 5k pace and floats. Will look at that another time. Which New MacBook did you end up getting ?

[@Wenzel102]

Great video Ben. I will be sure to dodge that session when it comes round to our running group! I was interested in what you said about using visualisation. I was wondering if this is something you mentally rehearse before each run and during runs. Are there any books/videos you would recommend? Cheers.

[@gary7542]

How do you feel your running form is post injury? Another cracking video. 👌👌👌

[@waynehearne5498]

I am recovering from a Calf Strain ATM. Probably got that from over training but this running malarky is so addictive when you keep seeing your times dropping. 😂

[@BenParkes]

It is really hard, especially when you're on a roll with everything. All the best with your calf strain recovery.. you'll be back at it soon!

[@waynehearne5498]

@@BenParkes cheers Ben and well done on your recovery from your injury the results you have been getting are amazing.

[@razswortzkoren3311]

what pace should the intervals be?? Awesome vid!!

[@barneyhall4361]

I registered to run the Silverstone 5k but sadly the event was postponed til February so I will have to wait until then to breaks 20 mins. Any tips on running in little light as I often get home from school (I’m 16) late and struggle to have time to run. Thanks for the video👍

[@richy5833]

Thanks for all your videos, how long is the recovery time between sections (float) gracias amigo.

[@clairekerridge2972]

Was 5 weeks into training for the Edinburgh marathon, its been cancelled. Any other Marathons for end of May or June that you'd recommend for a 1st time marathon runner?

[@ngpuleio]

Running the Marathon at Goodwood 👍🏼

[@veritasvincit2916]

Good luck. Many many laps. Good mental test. 👍

[@BenParkes]

Have a great race Nikola!! See you there

[@richardbate4989]

The guy you ran passed at 06:46 looked like he had skills

[@Morfeusm]

Like he knows what he is doing yes

[@thomaswestaway2793]

I’ve fled from London back to New Zealand to get some races in. First up: Tarawera. One for you at some point, Ben?

[@BenParkes]

We will certainly aim to get back to the east side of Australia and also to both islands in New Zealand when it's cool to travel that far again, when it's just travel for 'fun'! We had a lovely time away in Hawkes Bay for the marathon there not so long ago. Hope life is treating you well and good luck at Tarawera!

[@Nikunj573]

Sir why don't you use Adidas shoes for your runs? Just curious.. thanks

[@rodm49]

How did the Rocket X fair out?

[@BenParkes]

There is a full review on the channel.. nice shoe!

[@darrengofton7564]

Whenever I’m on my bike, which isn’t often, and I go past a runner I feel jealous and feel the need to say ‘I’m a runner you know, I’m just on the bike for a change’ 😂

[@okantichrist]

It works both ways

[@mrk4018]

I'm signed up for the Bath Half marathon in 2021 but it's already been moved from March to September. 😩

[@woolmunga1000]

Hey ben, those hokas looked like they could get any tighter? This standard for the carbon x?

[@minhltv]

Do you planning to use STRYD for your training?

[@davidabkk]

Do they stream the centurian track 100? Anyway we can we follow it? What are your expectations for it?

[@BenParkes]

Aiming for 16:48 (cut off is 17) as that's auto qualification for a race called spartathlon. I don't think there will be any official thing, but will make sure there is a way people can follow!

[@nikargiropoulos9433]

Great vid as always. Had someone steal my stashed gloves and water bottle down Basingstoke canal yesterday - who wants that during a virus lockdown?? 😬

[@okantichrist]

I expect they gave them a wash before using them 🥴

[@Sam-ss5hd]

Looking at getting a 5k pb. Been searching for sub 20 for sometime and I'm so close. Any tips??

[@barriehobbs4533]

What are races? I live in Spain and according to my training log I last did one in February: in the Netherlands.

[@richwoolterton5279]

Thanks for mentioning Goodwood event previously, I entered the 10k last night, first race of the year! Hope to spot you 👍👀

[@BenParkes]

See you there Rich!! Good luck with the 10k!

[@jackwilliams2564]

Are you still able to enter for the goodwood 5k?

[@BenParkes]

I think so!

[@mohbaali6928]

hello champion if it's possible to talk to us your preparation for your 2h25 valencia marathon and your key sessions

[@ajeemajari3699]

how many minutes for the recovery run

[@mikuslembergs]

What temperature are you having in London when you're running with a t-shirt in november? :D

[@veritasvincit2916]

Ha. I have not even got my winter gear out yet! Loving it!!

[@BenParkes]

It was quite warm that day... probably about 15 Celsius!

[@sammypatten4940]

Am running a half marathon in 4 weeks!

[@joesmith7497]

Such a short workout, I'm surprised it has such an effect?

[@DerekGreen123]

I've not read "In the long run", Steve Monaghetti's book from 1996, but apparently he used to do his Fartlek session every week. Like most things in life, it's the consistency that gets you the results... so a short sharp weekly interval session along with lots and lots of Km's will improve everyone's running 😁

[@ingmarneple6072]

What are floats?

[@BenParkes]

Another way to describe it would be a fast paced recovery.. so you don't walk or jog, but run them at a steady pace. Around marathon pace is quite a good pace to aim for. All the best!

[@ingmarneple6072]

@@BenParkes thanks!

[@mcraft1666]

Got my first ever race, a 10k on the 6th. Training been going well but I've had to self isolate until the 1st. Was aiming for sub 40. Just asking with not being able to run for 2 weeks, does anybody think I'd have to change my goal time slightly? Cheers

[@veritasvincit2916]

Depends on your fitness but probably worth just giving it your best crack and see what happens.

[@mcraft1666]

@@veritasvincit2916 cheers, might have been a bit ambitious with it but training was going well, so I'll just give it a go 😊

[@BenParkes]

Good luck!! As Ed says, if you feel good then might as well give it a go and see what happens! There will hopefully be plenty of races in the future now, so it won't be long before you're back in A+ shape again. Enjoy! PS: Hope everyone is well in your house with the self isolation

[@mcraft1666]

@@BenParkes we're doing okay thanks Ben. Yeah like you both said, no harm in giving it a good go. All the best with your races as well!

[@uras1]

i find getting enough sleep is my weakness, just not enough hours in the day!

[@jacobkeller9774]

music?

[@AugherAndy]

Would yous ever consider a relationship or personal q & a

[@JonsConsciousLife]

First?

[@JonsConsciousLife]

💥

[@BenParkes]

1st!

[@JonsConsciousLife]

@@BenParkes excellent session. I’ve been adding in some mini fartleks into some of my easier runs and long runs over the last few weeks and it def helped me achieve my HM PB a few days ago. I was training for 1:40 as an A-goal and came in at 1:42 and change. Over a 10 minute PB so no complaints at all haha. 🌱💪🏼🏃🏻