Can An Average Runner Bag A Fastest Known Time?

[@runningchannel]

Has Mary inspired any of the average runners out there? What challenge will you take on? Let us know in the comments below!

[@adamsosa]

You have a excellent habit of hiring really great people for your channel. 🥰

[@runningchannel]

@@adamsosa Thank you! 😁

[@helengodber3178]

Mary has inspired me to run the Flich way. I'm from south Essex and looking to get off of my local trails, only I'm really not good at navigation 🤣

[@lenagennemarkedsbacker]

Would love more videos like this! More "average runners" 👍👏😀❣️

[@parsoniareigns]

@@lenagennemarkedsbacker yep some couch to 5 k action please. 👍💯

[@karenkillingley6946]

Inspirational. I am a back of the pack runner but always up for a challenge including being part of a relay team running Hadrians Wall, The Cleveland Way and Wainwright C2C! I ran a half marathon in my back garden, and I'll be running a 100k over a weekend at the end of July. Learning all the time and it's OK to walk if you need to!

[@runningchannel]

Great stuff Karen! Such amazing achievements - best of luck with the 100k in July! 🥳

[@HazlemereHong]

Felt emotional watching this. Mary, you did such a great job, you should've had The Running Channel team to greet you at the end, that would have put the icing on the cake, and happy birthday too.

[@runningchannel]

Thank you! 😁

[@gretchenw2613]

On a day when I was doubting myself, this reminded me of my “Why”. Thank you for this. Happy Birthday!

[@adinaluca317]

You inspired me Mary. I'm 49 and started running only 2 years ago and building up to 10 miles this year - you just showed me I can go further

[@ianaugustus5648]

Well done Mary. I'm so pleased for you and your achievement. Seeing you get emotional reminded me how personal running is and why we do it. You are an inspiration. XX

[@runningchannel]

Thank you for watching Ian! Happy running 😁

[@leeadams2413]

Love her. Great to see this, there's nothing average about being average. It's about enjoying what you've accomplished be it first or last place

[@carlahelenamoore]

Awesome running, Mary! I loved the way you took in your surroundings when running. That's what I like about running now, too. I used to be occupied by my times, but nowadays nature keeps me going and I therefore now love the trails, too!

[@racheleleanor1992]

This had me tearing up towards the end! Well done Mary, you should be SO proud of yourself. What a fabulous way to celebrate your birthday too :)

[@lisaelliott9385]

I absolutely just witnessed awesomeness in the highest order! Im an average runner and I m so glad to see this video! Love it! Well Done Mary

[@ricecakepower]

We need more Mary on this channel such a cutie! A tough one at that! And happy birthday!

[@Kelly_Ben]

Congratulations and happy birthday!! I'm going to research FKTs in my area! I'm a slow (11-12 min/mile) runner, in my 40s, and got tired of comparing myself to my younger faster self.... so I started running ultras, skipping the marathon 'step'. I absolutely love it, the ultra community is so inclusive and supportive, I walk when I need to, eat what I want to, and enjoy the scenery and history of wherever I am.

[@runningchannel]

This is me to a T, Kelly! Thanks so much for watching and let me know which FKT you take on! - Mary

[@racheller.4289]

What a fantastic video! Happy birthday Mary & thank you for inspiring this average runner to seek out a new adventure. I'm 45 myself and only started running a little over a year ago. My only regret is not starting sooner. I never imagined running could bring so much joy to my life and without this channel and one other I would have given up before I ever had a chance to learn how great it could be. Thank you for making my day ❤️ The best advice I've received in my short running journey is to keep the competition with yourself, nothing average about that & exactly what I needed to hear to keep going.

[@jaynequoiani9518]

Inspirational Mary! I have been running less than a year but been off to research and there is a fantastic historical route near me that doesn’t have an FKT! Can’t believe it! Will fit it into some HM training in the next 5 weeks! Thanks Mary!

[@annefowles281]

Way to go Mary! You're inspirational. I'm a beginner and an average runner and you've got me thinking outside the box now. I love the idea of having an adventure with running. Thank you X

[@keorbats9429]

This is amazing! I love your enthusiasm for the surroundings, nature, history, running, challenge... everything!

[@runningchannel]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed my waffling! Thanks so much for watching 😊

[@hannahcox89]

I want to LOVE this video not just like! Happy Birthday Marvelous Mary 🎉

[@TheOilBurner]

Great sentiment - "just because you're a back of the pack runner doesn't mean you can't do great things". Yes!! That exactly! Very few of us will set any kind of record at any distance, but all of us can take on our own challenges and achieve amazing things for ourselves. The best bit is we get to decide what those parameters are for ourselves!

[@meganjohnson9022]

I'm definitely a back of the pack runner and while I'm just starting out -- working toward that 5k distance right now -- this is incredibly inspiring.

[@runningchannel]

Thanks so much for watching! Keep going 💪💪

[@amandalucas79]

I could really see myself in this...feeling so inspired! I am a 40+ mom from Canada, and I am a solid rear-pack runner. I really want to go on big adventures but often I feel like a fraud because I'm slow, but maybe I'll start venturing out of my comfort zone a bit more this season. I felt Mary's frustration with navigation, I can run the same trail over and over and still get lost every time!

[@runningchannel]

Thanks so much for watching and yes - get out there for some new adventures! When I first started trail running I was nervous of getting lost, so I would just do out and back routes, gradually going further and further every time. Just take small steps and you'll get there 😊 - Mary

[@phishwak]

The sense of joy made me smile. Well done, really not sure why anyone would give this video a thumbs down.

[@DollarDude]

We have very different meanings to the word "average" 👏🏻Great job!

[@runningchannel]

Thanks for watching!

[@fog1238]

Can we see more of Mary? As a new older back of the pack runner she's very inspirational. Thank you for posting this. Way to go Mary!

[@runningchannel]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed the video. Do you have some ideas for the videos you'd like to see more of on the channel?

[@perthshiretim8280]

Congratulations on your FKT. Even for slower runners like me, who are too late to be first, the FKT website is a great source to find new routes to run.

[@christinaclementson2685]

Fantastic achievement Mary!!! What ‘average’ person can run 16 miles??? Don’t undersell yourself. Amazing. I’ve checked the FKT website - you’re still number 1 🎉🎉🎉

[@kara36991]

I'm a bit late to the party, but still wanted to say well done, Mary! Definitely an inspiration for a back of the pack runner like me! (Not so sure you're an average runner though, with so many marathons under your belt!)

[@michaelgoode9555]

With the greatest of respect, no runner is average in my opinion. Loved the video. I only ever compete against myself but I can see the attraction of an FKT.

[@runningchannel]

Thanks for watching Michael 😊

[@Eightfathorses]

This really spoke to me. I’m also a slow runner who loves adventure and I spent my 40th running cycling 20 miles and the day after running 10 all on my favourite trail.

[@brakkybru]

This is so inspiring! I remember Mary from the Wings for Life video you did a couple of years ago and I loved how funny and relatable she was in that. As a runner with a heart condition, I have always considered huge running achievements out of my league. However, I love how running makes me feel and I am always up for a challenge (despite my slow pace). It's nice to see someone relatable push herself in the same way that I strive to. My next running challenge is the Grand Tetons 5K + Half Marathon this summer!

[@kimturner5270]

As a fellow 45 year old and average runner it was lovely to see 'me' reflected in a running video. Happy birthday and thank you 😊

[@runningchannel]

Thank you so much, Kim! Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@steadman1969]

Hey Mary, I also did the GVRAT last year. It was a life saver in COVID with no actual races. I completed the BAT with two days to spare. Well done on your FKT. So inspiring.

[@runningchannel]

Thank you Mark! Yes GVRAT kept me sane for sure and the wonderful global community of runners ticking off the miles there was really something special. Well done for getting the BAT in with 2 days to spare! Are you doing it again this year?

[@wilsontang8995]

I felt just as emotional as Mary at the end! That was amazing! Well done!

[@nicolaa5955]

This has totally inspired me to reach the half marathon distance. I’ve been convincing myself that I can’t run that far, but maybe I can! Happy Birthday Mary - this was a fantastic video 🥳🏃‍♀️

[@runningchannel]

Yes you can! 💪 we’re right behind you! Best of luck and let us know how you get on!

[@ozjen83]

There is nothing average about you Mary. That was incredible. Congratulations and well done.

[@runningchannel]

Thanks so much Jen 😊

[@cejay67]

Runners like you are why I run. Like you, I’m not the fastest and at my age, not going to place, but I love the people I meet in this crazy adventure

[@runningchannel]

Absolutely! Runners are just the best people 😊. Thanks so much for watching!

[@rogerrichards8048]

A very inspirational video for any standard of runner to watch. Remember we all started running at different times in our lives and I always have the belief that for us non elite runners it’s more about running against ourselves rather than against others. Well done on the FKT Mary.

[@runningchannel]

Absolutely, Roger! Thanks so much for watching 😊 - Mary

[@mresab]

Average runner here! Got out of my comfort zone this year and did a “4miles every 4 hours for 48hrs” challenge finishing with 52 miles. Next challenge is my first marathon...the London Marathon, running for the We Are Invictus Community... Then trying to qualify for an upcoming Invictus games in either the 400m or 1500m 😬😬😬 *the end of this video made me tear up and gave me chills. Congrats!!! What an accomplishment!!!

[@roisindamm9151]

I love how you think you are an average runner but you can run 3 marathons in a year. I'd say you are a pretty amazing runner. Being fast isn't everything. I'm running my first half marathon in 3 weeks time at the age of 48. When I started running just over 2 years ago I could only just about manage a parkrun. TRC has been a great source of encouragement and advice to me over that time. Thank you all! I especially appreciate the content for the average runner!

[@runningchannel]

Thank you so much Roisin, this has really made me smile today! I'm so pleased to hear you've been inspired by TRC - that's what we're here for 😊. All the best for your first half marathon! Which one are you running?

[@roisindamm9151]

@@runningchannel Thank you! It's the Ladies Run Germany (where I live). Virtual, but running with a friend. Really looking forward to it.

[@AncoraImparoPiper]

Ha! Brilliant idea, Mary! I can already set up a FKT on my usual route around town. Nobody's recorded a time for that route yet. And after that there are so many country roads not far from home that I could FKT. I can be the first on so many routes, and inspire others to beat my time. Love it.

[@gabriellebullinga5377]

More Mary please oh my gosh, she's absolutely precious and I love her!

[@runningchannel]

Thank you so much Gabrielle 😊. What would you like to see me tackle next?

[@guystockley9417]

Great job, you’re an inspiration and a role model. You are anything but average, just because you’re slower doesn’t make you average, it shows that you have more determination and mental toughness. KEEP IT UP!!

[@eduard05ilva]

Watching this video touched me... Seeing an "average" (should we call her that?) runner like me reaching goals that maybe is nothing for many, but we know how much it means to reach them... It made me cry a little ... You are amazing Mary

[@runningchannel]

Thank you so much Edu 😊

[@gavinmaiden6509]

I am encouraging my whole work force to achieve something in 2021, and we have picked a park run as our goal, this video will 100% inspire them to do it, lots of training and encouraging ahead, but I know they can all do it. Keep going guys your amazing 👏

[@runningchannel]

Amazing stuff Gavin! Do let us know how the parkrun goes 😁

[@gavinmaiden6509]

September we have booked, to give everyone a chance to train, really excited for everyone to get that buzz when you finish and the energy you get from everyone. It helped me to do more and more and I just want that amazing buzz for everyone. I know they will love it

[@amandatempleman2960]

Loved this! Just what I needed. So refreshing to see someone who runs like me represented on a running channel! I'm going to do a FKT myself now, just need to plan a route. Thank you for inspiring me even after 2 years of making the video 🙏🙌😉

[@Tamieca.M]

Congratulations and a belated Happy Birthday, Mary! We'll have to disagree on what's considered "average" because you certainly aren't. Thank you, for the inspiration.

[@clarejackson6629]

Huge congrats Mary - so much more than average. Love this.

[@samahmed7015]

A very emotional video Mary! Congrats on navigating the route, completing it on your own and achieving an FKT! Brilliant work and an inspiration to us all.x

[@runningchannel]

Thank you so much Sam 😊

[@HannahC]

Yes for back of the pack runners! After my first 10k race and coming last I've felt a little miserable about it but this makes me feel like I can do anything :)

[@runningchannel]

Hannah - you absolutely can! I can't tell you how many races I've come last in.... loads! Don't care - it's not about the finishing time, it's just about finishing 💪💪

[@avinashbhogun]

Love Mary! We can all learn a lot from Mary! Great addition to TRC!

[@HappyPotter24]

I loved this. Would definitely enjoy seeing more from Mary and more videos like this. Thank you!

[@marcleong80]

Average, Mary??? That's an understatement. TRC have totally awesome staff.

[@runningchannel]

Ahh thank you Marc! 😁

[@Merritt7278]

Now that to me is what running is all about, that raw emotion at the end was great. Well done.

[@runningchannel]

Thanks so much Marc 😊

[@josiegjackson]

Sharing that moment when you just feel so proud of your achievement right at the end is just so beautiful. You deserve it so much! I signed up for a hilly 10-mile race in the Cotswolds which will be so good (haven't run this far yet!) But you tempted me to consider running to Elvaston Castle or along the Monsal trail poss.

[@runningchannel]

Best of luck with all your challenges! You’ve got this! 💪

[@nollys8523]

Please tell me I’m not the only person who went “let’s get crunk cos Mary’s back” 🙊. So good to see and hear Mary again. Mary represents to many of us; it was inspiring and funny to hear her story (like when her friend invited her visit and do a race lol) but I still want to know how she got those overhead shots! “You don’t have to be a fast runner, you just have to be the first” 😁 Go Mary!

[@runningchannel]

Ah thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed my little bimble! Confession: I wasn't able to get those overhead shots myself - I had TRC's videographer extraordinaire Tom with me too! 😊

[@katemcgrath254]

Thank you Mary! This is so inspirational! What a wonderful way to celebrate your birthday.

[@Lifeover60]

Congratulations.. way to go! I agree that we need to challenge ourselves at times. In 2012 at the age of 52 I decided to run a marathon ( race or distance) every week for 52 weeks. You never know what you capable till you try it!

[@runningchannel]

Oh wow, Sonja! That's amazing! And you're right - you just don't know what you can do until you try!

[@puertadelaestrella]

Thanks Mary. What an wonderful video. I had never heard of FKT. My wife and I will have fun planning and running some routes in our area. We are too old for PBs, but not for FKTs!

[@runningchannel]

Love this! Too old for PB's but not too old for FKT's! Thank you so much for watching - enjoy your running adventures together 😊 - Mary

[@SamHerbert50]

Congratulations!! Really makes me want to get my trainers on and run (haven’t been able to run since November ‘20 due to Long Covid!!! An inspiration 👏

[@paulburdett9200]

Great job! Well done! I am late to running too (60+) but like you am growing to love it. Keep on going.

[@AimeeandApollo]

Ive watched the vlog a few times now and find Mary so inspirational! I'm def a back of the pack/average runner and have found Marys words really encouraging! Ive found an fkt route on my doorstep so Im going to attempt it on my birthday too! Its not til December so plenty of time to recce the route! Thankyou Mary for sharing your experience

[@runningchannel]

Awww thank you so much Aimee! Good luck with your FKT and let me know how it goes 😊 - Mary

[@AimeeandApollo]

@@runningchannel Thankyou Mary! I will let you know for sure! My birthday is December so hoping for a crisp winters day! xxx

[@martinobrien3165]

This is my favorite video on the running channel. It is the most relatable. Fantastic job 👍

[@gary6514]

What a fantastic route. I would love to run it. Very well done Mary and to complete the run on your birthday must have made it even more special. An inspirational video. Thank you.

[@tonymayall5039]

Wow Mary, that's awesome. How inspiring and emotional. Another great from TRC. I'm already on the FKT website.

[@runningchannel]

Fantastic Tony! Let me know which FKT catches your eye 😊

[@dawnwoodward2228]

Well that had me in bits. Well done Mary, that was incredible to watch. I am a back of the pack runner too, you have inspired me hugely with that video. Thank you

[@runningchannel]

Aww Dawn, thank you! This is exactly what I wanted to do - to inspire more runners like me to try big things! We CAN do it! Have you thought about what adventure you'll try? - Mary

[@dawnwoodward2228]

@@runningchannel Mary thank you for taking the time to reply! I am going to carry on being a back of the pack runner and not caring 😍 I might try to increase my distance a little x

[@waynehearne5498]

Doesn’t matter what pace you run at. Getting out there trying to better yourself is a achievement. Well done Mary

[@runningchannel]

100% agree Wayne! Thanks for watching 😊

[@nehallavey-khan7209]

Inspirational stuff Mary. Thanks for bringing us along on the journey 👍🏽

[@Mrssuperkitty78]

Well done Mary... nothing average about that 👏🏻👏🏻

[@runningchannel]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@runningoncoffee9072]

Thank you soooo much for doing videos of average runners. Mary is amazing! I love the realness of her video. More Mary, please🙂

[@runningchannel]

Thanks so much Amy! Have you got an idea for our next challenge?

[@cardiaccyclist7477]

That was so amazingly touching. Thank you for the inspiration Mary!

[@runningoneddie]

Congrats Mary. Very well done and I really enjoyed this video. That looks like a really nice trail and I am glad you navigated your way through it.

[@innesdunbar]

Well done Mary, can’t beat a birthday running challenge. I did a 50mile run on my 50th birthday a couple of years ago and a 51k with my dog last year. Well done for being able to run so much with the GoPro as well, can’t be easy.

[@runningchannel]

Thank you Innes and well done on your birthday runs too! Glad it's not just me who loves a long run on my birthday 😊. What have you got planned for next year?

[@innesdunbar]

@@runningchannel I'll have to see what time I have spare, training for an Ultra distance takes up a lot of time. I get out for a run each day, so you never know.

[@notjustamumfromcumbria2563]

Amazing Mary well done. Such an inspiration. Hope to see more of you on this channel x

[@yooliah1981]

What a wonderful story! Thanks for sharing these moments, Mary! being an "average runner" myself, I can absolutely imagine how much this means to you. I cannot thank you enough for the inspiration and motivation this video has given me. Apart from that: well done and congratulations!

[@runningchannel]

Thank you so much for watching 😁

[@dabascom]

Thank you for this great accomplishment, Mary. Happy Birthday (belated). I was teary eyed cheering for you and knowing that we all have our “why” for running.

[@runningchannel]

Thank you so much Daphne 😊

[@AO-wg3pt]

You are such an amazing role model! I’m a slow runner. I like to enjoy long runs, never been fast but this really was inspiring

[@runningchannel]

Thanks for watching!

[@jennifermurray3630]

Thank you for this video Mary and TRC! I'm a super slow runner and need to walk-run following injuries and illnesses. I'm training to do a marathon and was tempted to stop at a half bit after this video I got the motivation back. Thank you 😁

[@runningchannel]

We're so glad to hear that, Jennifer! Keep it up, you've got this 😄💪

[@linneawestberg6435]

oh congrats on your accomplishment and birthday! but dang your definition of an average runner.... i just did my second ever 10k yesterday! the trail was stunning in the woods and i actually felt pretty great all throughout, even as i got rained on:P im proud of us^^

[@runningchannel]

Thanks so much Linnea 😊. Well done on your 10k!

[@wood7315]

Great effort, great story, great video. Congrats Mary !

[@CraigRowand]

Excellent video and great run Mary. Congrats on the FKT!

[@carolinasilva6366]

Happy Birthday! A fellow average runner here, definitely inspired :)

[@jamesrenwick6130]

Awesome effort Mary. Definitely not an average runner. That trail looks fab. 100% I’m running that 😀

[@runningchannel]

Thanks James! Yeah definitely get up there!

[@DavidJones-ek9zt]

Fantastic Mary, lovely route and a inspirational message. Well done 👍🏃‍♀️🌟

[@fcastle4]

Happy birthday! What a tremendous effort and accomplishment. Definitely more than average, you rock!

[@runningchannel]

Wow, thank you, Frank! 😊

[@MysteryMonkey49]

Crying along with you right now 🙈 The Flitch way is super close to where I live so I loved seeing this. Amazing effort and brilliant video Mary! X

[@runningchannel]

Thank you Chloe! And so pleased I got to run your local trail! Are you tempted to go for the FKT?

[@elitsahadzhiivanova298]

I cried with you at the finish. Well done!!!

[@runningchannel]

Aww thanks so much Elitsa! It was a very special moment for me - never thought I'd have an FKT! Thank you for watching 😊 Mary

[@wafelsen]

I looked up a local route that I thought was 16 mi or so to see if there is an FKT. So first, it turns out it extends longer than I knew and turns out to be 50K. Second, the FKT on it is well under 4 hours. I am not getting that particular FKT any time soon.

[@colincoleman1907]

Very well done. I run parts of the Flitch quite regularly and the upward slopes seem to go on forever and the slopes up and over the bridges can be quite steep.

[@markhitchcock7380]

First Known Time is definitely the fun way of doing an FKT! Well done Mary.

[@runningchannel]

Absolutely Mark! Do you fancy tackling one yourself?

[@markhitchcock7380]

@@runningchannel I've been eyeing up a local route that has some fast supported times but so far no self-supported record. I'm not fast enough to put down a time that would stay fastest for long, but your video has inspired me to just give it a crack anyway and be the first! I wont divulge the route in case someone else gets there first!

[@InkAndSmudge]

I never thought to try something like this! Now I really want to look up a route to try!

[@poohbearhunney]

Awwww Mary, I absolutely LOVE this video. Love the emotions at the end, and felt them myself!!!. This is so inspiring and motivational for me girlie. I truly Love that you're still doing this. Great comments too! Congratulations Mary (and happy birthday again)!

[@runningchannel]

Thanks so much for watching! 😁

[@allisonscanlan4144]

This is great! I'm also watching this on my birthday, happy birthday running

[@runningchannel]

Happy birthday!

[@chrisw8381]

That was really great- Well done from a fellow back of the packer

[@cyanidesky8170]

Thanks for sharing this Mary! Definitely brought a smile on my face as I’m recuperating from a knee injury. Would love to be an active runner

[@runningchannel]

Thank you 😊. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

[@crilups]

Happy birthday Mary!!! Hope you enjoyed the run! All the best!

[@crilups]

Double like!!!

[@stacylamb5607]

Congrats on an awesome running adventure. I cried and got all choked up for you.

[@jessiejeff4621]

When you got a bit teary, that got me. CONGRATS!!

[@emmabotterill3074]

So amazing! I can recognise that emotion and feeling of accomplishment at the end of a run. I ran my first (very slow) half marathon the other weekend, but as you say - it's not always about the speed! Well done Mary 🎉

[@runningchannel]

Thank you so much, Emma! Well done on your half marathon! What's the next goal for you?

[@IainMabbott]

Well done Mary! That inspired me to check my local FTK's... 😳 Not much chance of this average runner beating any of those! 😄

[@runningchannel]

Thanks so much Iain! Yeah I had to travel a little bit to find one, but I did it! Plus, you can add your own if someone else hasn't beat you to it 😊

[@aprilmunday1152]

Well done. I have happy memories of walking parts of the Flitch Way and I'm fairly sure we cycled along part of it.

[@debsthorpe]

Such a great video! And huge well done, you’ve definitely inspired me to check out an FKT 😊❤️