Finding Why | A Runner's Story

[@tonyscottinFrance]

A fabulous video. My wife and I loved it. We both run because we were mentally broken after having had six miscarriages. We are happy together and love each other dearly and we are runners.

[@jps5871]

Thank You. At one point in my life, I was done fighting. Done hurting. But then I took a chance that I could get better. Started working on the inside, looking at I could feel better. Emotional pain was normal, I would lock it away. As I got better I wanted to take care of all of me. So I started losing weight, then running. I had always hated running as it, reflected the pain in my life. Today after 2 1/2 years running at 56 run 5K,10K,15K, & 1/2 marathon races. I start training in 3 months for my first marathon in January. I have gone from hating running to running/training 6 days a week. From not believing that I could ever run a 5K to planning my first marathon. Running has taught me that today is not the day I am giving up on me. Thank You, you have no idea how much you have helped.

[@mikebegley994]

Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have as humans. Sharing your why is brave, humbling and inspiring. Brilliant video, thank you.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks Mike 😊

[@nathanv7585]

My why, I had been in a serious funk when my sister passed away. The runs when you can just think are very therapeutic.

[@mattread5646]

Wow, just an incredibly inspirational video. Why do I run? 3 years ago I died in ER and had to be resuscitated. For 2 years after I became overwhelmed with fear and anxiety and lost all belief in myself. I then stumbled onto 'Can't Hurt Me' by Goggins and my running journey began. Since then running and the community like this has been my healer and brings me so much joy and purpose. Thank you for what you do.

[@jenneurohr]

Thank you, Mary for sharing your story. I got back to running after 3 years of infertility ended with no children, and I felt like I didn't know what I was going to do with my life. I actually saw a post for a parkrun looking for volunteers. I signed up with no intent of ever running, but that quickly changed. I loved hearing your perspective and that you are doing so well now. It can still be hard, but I don't know where I would be without the running. It's given me the purpose, goals and community I needed to move forward and be excited about things again.

[@Jorge-c5t3s]

As a runner, I have always said that runners had something broken at some point of their life, myself included. Running has been part of the healing process.

[@SBoots29]

Mary's story resonates with my wife and I. It took a long time to get over it although I think you never can. I am now 65 and my journey to fitness started at 57. I could not bend over and tie my shoes. Slowly I got into the fitness craze and am now an age group Triathlete. I also have a muscle disorder called Mini core disorder. It is tough but one must have to fight through the pain to achieve that feel good moment. Why do I run? Because I am blessed. Thank you for the video

[@cars92dtb]

Today I ran the Newport half. I first run it in early 2020 aged 28 in 1:58 (my 2nd ever half)and expected that was the limit for me. I tripped and fell in a training run a month after and gave it up. I didn't have a 'why'. In 2022 I was recovering from an addiction and got into running again, wasn't as fast straight away but I had a list of whys: to keep me honest, keep me out of trouble and to learn discipline, not to mention it clears the mind and is a good outlet for the competitive spirit! Last year I clocked a 1:28, this year, a 1:25. All those years ago I never believed me to be anywhere near capable and feel running led me out of a private hell. I owe everything to the sport. And will keep going because those reasons, the 'why', became core parts of who I am. Just like Ben, Mary, Mikey and John!

[@paula60997]

Beautiful video. I started running after my son passed away. It gives me emotional release

[@geraldevans2688]

🤙

[@denisecasalino9295]

❤

[@eluz8856]

💜

[@bgberkley]

This video is going into my rotation of "why" videos. Whenever I'm struggling with motivation and/or discipline, I've historically gone to Billy Yang's videos; this one is going to the top of the list now. Great job as always, guys.

[@Gr8LakesCamper]

BEST video yet - and that's saying something. Major kudos for all of you being willing to share your stories.

[@Mookiethedog]

This is probably your best viddy ever. Well done all of you ...and Mary (and Ben) have a hug from afar. ❤

[@KC_Runz]

This hit me in the feels so so hard ❤️ I completed my 1st marathon last weekend, travelling abroad on my own for the 1st time aged 41, a year's worth of training, crossed the line in a mixture of elation & tears in 3:34:34 & my first thought was just how proud my late Grandad would be looking down on me as the father figure he was in my life, he made me the strong runner I am today & with every mile I complete I think of him 🌹 Thank you all so much for being so open, honest & genuine 🙏🏽You guys have been a big part of my love for this sport. Thank you. 🫶🏽

[@missingmimic]

Congratulations on your first marathon. 😊

[@kikkergnl9193]

Congrats, and you ran a great time! 👍

[@ayaoviespoirdjissenou8729]

Kudos made. That's impressive for a 1st marathon. Hoping to also join the club later this year.

[@denisecasalino9295]

🎉🎉🎉congratulations 🍾 🎉😊

[@DP-sh3nk]

Wonderfully done and very heartfelt. I often wondered why you two never had kids you striking his a couple that would be wonderful parents. I am so truly sorry for all that pain and heartache. You went through. You are clearly touching people in many ways and as always wish you much health and happiness.

[@gavinbruce-thegreyrunner5581]

Well done guys. Wonderful heartfelt video. Very timely as I crashed and burned during a half marathon yesterday and was questioning deeply why I do this. In the end I do it because I love it and love can be cruel sometimes.

[@philliphickey2687]

My why is me. Running now at 50 makes me, the husband, dad, brother, mate, and friend I am. I've had some bad times, but Running just makes it work. Ben, you and your amazing wife Mary are the bomb. Thank you for this video

[@christinaclementson]

Wow, that was probably one of the best videos you’ve made. Had me in tears. Thank you all for sharing the hard stuff. We all run for different reasons but it has such an amazing effect on those who have suffered. Thanks for a great video ❤

[@LGardisser]

This is beautiful 💕 Thank you for doing this! Mary, your story is very similar to mine. I feel like running saved my life after we lost our only pregnancy after 10 years of marriage. It’s my happy place and what I do to feel like it’s all worth still doing. I hope to be an ultra athlete after I finally conquer the marathon distance. Trying again this year after another injury set back last fall. Thank you all for what you do on your channel. I love watching all your posts. I love the name of it too, I feel like it explains my life with my husband very well 💕

[@RebsGuarina]

This is just beautiful. Plain and simple, yet the message is so powerful. Thank you, Ben, Mary, Mikey and John for sharing your WHY!

[@alanshafto748]

Wow, this has been such a powerful video today & very humbling too. Ben & Mary, this messy happy has and continues to support my why in running & in life, your story & continued journey inspires me so much to get up and keep running. Thank you and your wee team for all that you give back to the community ❤😊

[@backinthesaddle4861]

First of all, a beautiful, open-hearted video, being vulnerable and yet full of strength, a glimpse into the soul of a runner. The why, The pure essence of why you do what you do. For me, why I run are two reasons, I saw how my father suffered in his last years of life because he was no longer mobile and fit enough to be self-reliant. This made me realize that I don't want to get that old and that's partly why I started running. But running is also medicine for me because I have been fighting mental illness all my life. I am not a good runner, but I am good at suffering, for me the pain of running softens the pain of life.

[@SeeChadRun]

I love the way that Mary looked at Ben at 2:32. It was a look of true love and appreciation. Great video!!! I'm going to answer the same questions: *First run memory* > Racing the other 1st graders to the drinking fountain when the teacher blew the whistle. I loved running fast, and I was fast, often beating the other kids my age. *Greatest Endurance Achievement* > I believe that I'm just scraping the service on this, but currently it would be last years Never Summer 100k, which took 18 hours to complete (and I finished in the top 25%). I'm looking to do my first 100 miler this year 🙂 *Ability to run from a specific event* > I started running to get rid of the Dad bod. Now I run for intrinsic reasons. *My why* > Because I can. For me, running is gratitude in motion. It feels good, I enjoy the metal health of it, and I get to explore and see and do and create new relationships/friendships all because of running! *Advice* > If you're struggling with running, try to understand the root reason why. Maybe you need to rid yourself of fictitious comparisons, or work through a reoccurring injury, or change your perspective. Work on that and ask others to be part of your journey. Let them run with you (actually with you and vicariously), let them help you, let them cheer for you.

[@julietwistguernsey]

Such a powerful video, thanks to all of you for your stories, your 'why'. My 'why' is headspace, which I hadn't realised in 6 years of running until I was injured late last year. I didn't expect to miss running so much (about 6 weeks) and I didn't expect to feel so low - and so high after my first parkrun back running again. The running community is amazing and inclusive ❤

[@bernadettemcateer5792]

It was a privilege to hear your experiences. Thank you so much for sharing. It has made me really reflect on why I run.

[@nathankramer2080]

Not enough thumbs up for this video. Thank you!

[@abbyschwendler1107]

Long story short - I've been a serious runner for 2 years, but I've been a sporadic casual runner for years before that. There is no way I can sum up in a few sentences why I run and what running means to me, but I always felt pulled toward it. Around my 39th birthday, I went for a run, and I fell in love, and I could never imagine life without it. I've never run in a race, and don't care if I ever do. I love being a part of the running community The longer version I was never very athletic. I danced ballet for about 10 years and that was it. Track was my favorite part of gym class in school, but I was never very good, and never ran for fun. I have struggled with food and eating disorders. I would obsessively exercise and bounce between binge eating and starving myself. I started running years ago because it was the least dreadful way to exercise. I only ran on the treadmill, because I was too embarrassed to run outside. But I never loved it, and didn't identify as a runner. I developed MDDS from a long train ride in 2022 and it was advised I no longer use the treadmill. I went for my first run in my neighborhood and was convinced everyone was staring at me and laughing at me. But I kept on going. Running was a therapy to help recovery from MDDS, but when the symptoms went away I realized I was running because I loved it. running also helped me gain control of my diet and forge a better relationship with food. Without a good diet, I cannot perform. I'm slow, I'm injury prone, and I started this journey late in life, but I'm so glad running found me.

[@kimdecker8901]

Quite simply, that was lovely. Thank you.

[@amlanswain1]

Thanks for this video….I recently (around 2 years back)started running and I ran a 3:55 hour full marathon recently in Mumbai India….a big part of that has been you guys….the best thing is ,I feel complete and a better person only because I run….i encourage everyone and literally everyone around me to run ….grateful to you guys for the content…..it has been a massive part of my journey….the best part is I have helped my wife get on the running journey and your videos have been an integral part of that….gratitude

[@jedyer129]

My very first memories of running are from when I was very little. They’re hazy because I was so young, but I just remember whenever my family had a big bonfire with family and friends at the house, I would just run around in circles all night around those big fires. I just remember feeling pure joy. But the first real run I ever did was in elementary school, I was 9 or 10 at the time. In gym class we were told to either walk or run around the track for the entirety of the class, and depending on the number of miles we completed we would earn a reward. It was split up between 1 mile, 2 miles, and 3 miles. When we started, most students walked the whole time, while very few of us actually jogged or ran. I decided that I wanted to see what I was able to do, and maybe see if I could win a prize. The really athletic kids hit 3 miles with no issues at all, but still there was only maybe one or two of them. Most students managed to get into the “mile club” by walking a single mile. To my surprise, I had ran 2 miles during that class, and it felt amazing. I was super proud of myself and surprised by my own abilities. However on the way to the locker rooms to get changed, I overheard some of the other students(the ones that had walked the entire class), mocking me and saying there was no way I ran 2 miles, that I was lying, saying I was too fat to have done it. I was a chunkier kid at that time, so hearing that really broke my spirit and ruined that memory for me. Fast forward to today, and I’m on a journey to bring running back into my life. Over the last 5 years, I’ve had some years where running was apart of my everyday routine, and others not so much. But I’d like to change that. Hearing your stories and watching your videos Ben and Mary, is truly inspiring. All of your helpful tips, tricks, and reminders about why we run are appreciated more than you know. You and your friends are such wonderful people. Thank you so much for everything you do.

[@potblack7951]

Wow…some things I wondered about answered…best of luck to you both❤️

[@oliverkuhne5520]

Danke für das tolle und emotionale Video! Ihr seid eine Bereicherung für den Laufsport. Macht bitte weiter so, viele liebe Grüße aus Deutschland, Gruß Olli

[@kulkyfy]

Thanks to all for sharing …especially Mary! Mary you are a real gem, watching your journey keeps me motivated to carry on pushing. Great video as always- blessing to you guys.

[@rob.gr.1377]

Ben Mary Im say simple.. thank you… still running and still running wearing yours 👕..😀… it’s remains me who inspired me ,who giv me kick to action … all the the best gays … Mary be strong you are amazing women.!!!

[@job181]

Well done Mary ❤

[@HNXMedia]

Brilliant! Started running at 38. Life trauma ballooned me to nearly 300lbs. Lost 100lbs and embraced ultras. At 51 it really is the best, supportive community ever.

[@50Something]

It goes way deeper than that as well. It's a spiritual experience for me🙏

[@deanvanlaarhoven1413]

I had to stop and cry at 9:20.

[@jojosuuu]

Thank you the family of Messy Happy for sharing your personal stories of growth and hardship. I have listened to your early podcasts while trying to train for my first marathon and thanks to you guys, this 46 y.o ran 5 marathons in 2 years while being obese. I run because I can. Love & Respect 🫡 from Singapore.

[@stephensmith5805]

I found your program about why we do what we do whether it be running,swimming,or biking very inspiring as a child I had a very unhappy childhood and didn’t do any sport. I found swimming at 45 and without boring you I am now 71 living in a tiny village in rural Spain and swimming has made me who I am today and the one STATEMENT is if I can do it ANYONE CAN FIND SOMETHING THEY CAN DO TO MAKE YOU COMFORTABLE WITH WHO YOU ARE

[@jessiedial5895]

Well, I cried. Mary, you are a gem and an inspiration. Thank you all for sharing your stories!!

[@ynot6627]

Thank you so much for sharing, Ben, Mary, Mickey and John. Inspiring story !!

[@thenoiseph]

Such a beautiful, touching, and inspiring video! Thank you so much Ben, Mary, John, and Mike, for sharing your lives and your whys with us! My why is rooted in my struggles as well, and this video and the comments definitely make me feel that we all have a lot of things that bind us, even though we’ve all never met. Keep running, everyone!

[@SamHerbert50]

Thankyou for sharing your stories, and Mary, thankyou for being so open and sharing your story ❤️ xx

[@petertuin1092]

very inspiriing and touching video, thank you all!

[@timothyheck4324]

Wow! What a wonderful and beautiful video! Thank-you for being there for so many people around the world. You're important, don't quit!

[@rochellewolf249]

Thank you🤗🥰 for Sharing your Pains😢 Joys😊 and Lifes Journey 🎉 We Love watching your channel 👏👏🥳😍 My Husband is a runner👏👏I myself ,will Never be a runner, but that does not make me less than, not now or ever.😊it also doesn't mean I dont Enjoy😂 watching your channel😍. I am a walker🎉 just keeping that ability to walk is my Lifes goal🙏I have been walking daily for decades ,as I age my distance has changed from 15 miles a day, to 10-15 miles a day ,to on Bad days( Lupus flare, Rheumatoid Arthritis flare, Covid, Virus 🐛🐛🐛)these miles are 7.5- 10miles a day. There are no days off,no rest days or days without pain, its only the level of pain that changes. I must walk to Live and Live to walk❤ as it is what helps keep me alive. ( Medical Issues, 100% pacemaker dependant, with blood clots forming all the time on my pacemaker leads, on blood thinners for life, and too many medical diagnosis to write down.) Walking helps circulate my blood lessening the risks of Pulmonary Embolisms. Keeping me Alive🎉🎉🎉 Ms. Mary you are a delight and Joy to watch😊Thank you for Sharing your deepest pain today😭❤️Children, or no Children, Yours, Gifted,or Adopted ,You my Dear will Never be less than. You are the You, You are ment to be 🎉🤗🥰 A Gift and Joy to so,so many😊❤️. Many struggle with this😢.We too struggled with fertility, I have two Beautiful, Amazing Daughters from my first marriage ❤❤, but(second) Husband has no Children😢 so we tried everything ,treatments, nothing worked 7 miscarriages later, was a painful Lifes Journey of ours😢😭😭. Lifes Journeys are not just days of Joy and Happiness but Struggles, and Triumphs along the way. We will all find our way😊As like You and your Hubby😊 running has brought my Husband so, so much Joy🎉🎉😁 Its his Joy, Release,Relaxation, and Beauty in Life❤️ Keep Sharing🤗 Your Videos bring Joy, Knowledge and Comfort to so many❤❤ Sincerest Appreciation, The Wolfs in Michigan

[@MiguelUrbaez150481]

Omg! This is so poetically beautiful and it touched every fiber of my soul. I, too, became a runner when my life was spinning out of control drowning in sadness and hopelessness and then, one day, I realized that each and every day I woke up, put my shoes on and got out of the door, I felt a bit better, motivated, happier and regaining control of my own destiny while achieving things that never in my wildest dreams I thought I could do.🥺 God bless you💙🙏🏻

[@sherwinmoscow9455]

Thank you for one of the best videos on running I have seen.

[@personalbest]

Brilliantly made piece of inspiration. Thank you to all for sharing your stories. We run to escape, some as I to runaway from trauma but at the end of it there's the best community in the world waiting with open arms of love and support x

[@easyeddie2377]

Thanks for sharing this! Like many runner's, I've been through a thing or two in my life. All the therapy in the world would be futile without the running therapy along side it. I'm Ben and Mary's age now and as stated in this video - simply doing hard things can lead to the place running has me now: The happiest place I've ever been.

[@lizhenningrunning]

Thank you for sharing I find you all inspiring. Mary you are an inspiration thank you for sharing your story. I take so much motivation and encouragement from this channel as runner who started marathon distances at age 40 I know the best is still to come! ❤

[@JBIRDRN8]

Thank you all for sharing your stories. You are all so inspiring!

[@Midlifesports]

Thank you to you all for being vulnerable and inspiring.

[@BGNewsReporter]

Thank you Ben, Mary, John and Mikey for sharing your stories. Great video, moving and inspirational!

[@mattsully2238]

The last year has been one of nagging injuries. Videos like this help me find hope and direction to hang in there. My wife says you're in your 40s maybe it's time to hang out up but I am a runner

[@georginaporter946]

Age is no reason to stop running. Never put your running shoes away…keep running 😊

[@rebeccasteinberg8239]

Beautiful Video. Runners are a funny community, when we have suffering we seek comfort in more pain!! But what's so apparent here and important to keep the running path going is being with friends, face to face sharing that experience on a frequent basis. I have been solo on this for a while and the journey of pain starts to become just that. Community is so key no matter the foundations and intentions.

[@camilleybanez4614]

Thank you for this content. There’s not a lot of these out there. Thank you all for sharing your stories. ❤

[@mattmartin2292]

Thank you for doing this . Some of them videos are really humbling.

[@scotia7566]

Powerful story’s, beautiful message…….

[@gravypuk]

Charlotte bought me a MesHap vest for my birthday. I wear it with pride. Mary (and all of you) are so brave for sharing your story. Your most beautiful yet. Thank you. We don't feel so alone now. ❤

[@TriFitChris]

I feel guilty giving this a like rating. Heart wrenching yet inspiring, thank you for sharing.

[@ewazych4841]

What an amazing video!!! Thank you for sharing your stories and inspiring us. ❤

[@deanvanlaarhoven1413]

13:00 God bless you both!

[@ellachadney3579]

Such an amazing video. Thank you all for sharing ❤ I run to prove to myself that I’m capable of more than I believe, that I CAN do hard things

[@deshall1885]

Outstanding- Thank you

[@midlandmatt]

Ben and Mary you are inspirational parents to many people

[@NateHebert13]

13:43 You guys are incredible for sharing this video. It’s a great insight to all 4 of your lives and motivations.I have gotten so much from you videos and your stories and have become not only a better runner, but a better humans and man. You guys are beautiful. Keep going.

[@mrsjbaker4709]

Thank you for putting together a video that inspires and encourages all. Keep up the good work, you are fab!

[@milliejake2]

Thankyou so much for that guys……. So moving

[@SteveJones379]

Beautiful stories from all! Thank you for the inpiration. ☮

[@JLoweRuns]

Y’all are truly inspiring. The stories flow, it all hits right in the feels. Y’all are truly a great inspiration to anyone in the running community and in the running KZbin community. Thank you for this video- y’all had me on the verge of tears in a few places.

[@pierre-yvesdantec3802]

Realli great video. A professionnal one!🎉👍 Me, i just run to feel more alive.

[@Shevock]

That starting music is a tearjerker, like yall got excommunicated from the Church of England and were forced to emigrate to Thailand! Like pilgrims.

[@Shevock]

All joking aside. Beautiful video.

[@suzyaustin6066]

This was a genuinely beautiful video 🥹 Thank you for sharing your stories. I’m so glad I found this channel. ❤

[@donyastubbs8315]

What an amazing, beautiful, honest, and inspiring video! Love all your videos, but this one just might be the best yet. Thank you!!

[@nberkel]

What a listen on my way to meet up with a friend for a long run workout. Ready to rock!

[@lorifurr2899]

This really hit me hard today. My pursuit of a BQ is not going as well as planned and what a powerful video this was to remind me of my why, my reason to do the things I do. 😢 I’m so thankful to have found this channel and the powerful videos that you all share. Thank you to each of you sharing your stories. Not sure where I’m going yet… but your video is incredibly moving.

[@martinsupenieks4262]

Thanks for sharing your stories and beeing so open. Truly inspiring and heartwarming. Love, peace and respect.

[@sadieravening]

Thank you for sharing! You are all my heros and trauma and pain is common theme. I have heard alot of stories from runners within the club and the one thing I can say is they are all fantastic people. I am so proud to follow you all and to be part of my local running community because of running and family.

[@damiankedzierski1261]

Legends! Thanks for sharing. Just what I needed to watch after my morning long run which was a struggle. It reminds me of my "why", too.

[@johnbuchanan578]

Loved this, First memory is Major Le Measurer riding his horse around the common with a gaggle of boys running the cross country behind him. My why? It helps me manage the chronic pain which resulted from a car hitting me 15 years ago. It gives me that “I can”, which the accident so nearly destroyed. Thank you all for your stories.

[@amykirch9988]

This was really great, you guys! Thank you for sharing your stories.

[@izzyviveros2365]

This was beautiful! Gave me the boost I realize I needed. My why is that I never want to take for granted what the amazi g body that god has designed for me is able to do. I want to live pain free for as long as i can, i dont want to be dependant on medicine when i get older or to make myself feel better. I want to be a better person always. My goal was tunning a marathon. Doing 26.2 miles at 26, lol, but now I know that marathon or not, I am a runner and i will do my best to always honor that ❤

[@mrs_hyde6243]

Thank you for sharing your very personal thoughts and your why. I love your channel, you 2 keep me going, I only started running a year ago at 47 but I keep going 💪

[@Miangelou]

Wonderful video. Brave and strong people. ❤

[@markthacker3519]

Wow , have followed your channel for about a year now , these story's hit hard and inspiring, my own 10 stone weight loss , also cocaine addiction for 24 years , now 50 years old and running ultras, my second 100 will be Lakeland in a few months , once again a fantastic film well done all , hope your super proud of what you have done ❤❤❤

[@videowatch016]

That really hit deep ❤. Sometimes finding your purpose can be so helpful. Thank you Ben, Mary and all other participants who shared an important part of their lives. Best video that I came across till date. 👏👏👏.

[@missingmimic]

A rest day after my long run yesterday for an upcoming half marathon is the perfect time to watch this on my couch. Thanks for the inspiration Ben and Mary ❤

[@judithricken5447]

Very touching! Thank you!

[@1HappyBob]

A lovely video, thank you ❤

[@MTECHTipss]

I have been watching you guys for a while now and so what doing so fuels me with motivation to now go and do my 3rd marathon and having done an ultra last year. This video was beautiful and it does resonate with the final message. You can do it Weldone guys

[@tompatrick795]

So moving. Thank you for sharing your stories ❤

[@stephenrookes5812]

Inspiring - thank you ❤

[@nicknacks7824]

What a beautiful and inspirational video. Thank you all for sharing. Time to go run ❤

[@randyhawthorne4558]

This was one of my favorite videos you have done....we all have a different "Why" for running....mine is kind of in-line with yours, as to you will never know what you are capable of doing until you push yourself to do hard things. I would rather fail/unsuccessful at something then to not try at all. You learn more about yourself by doing that and I have come a long way by being a runner and have meet some of the best people along the way

[@frankaudiffret6959]

Thank you

[@Nurially]

Thank you for sharing your stories.

[@hannah_lipton]

really enjoy your videos and following your journey, thank you!

[@hs_aus_koln6059]

Very emotional and unexpected. But also very private, intimate insights of your life. Hope you made freedom with the sad past … You both are an amazing inspiration for many others. ❤