How Each KM of a Half Marathon Race FEELS (spoiler - not nice)

[@bigcarvao]

Running and talking and that paces is brutal, well done champ!

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ha ha thanks buddy. Never again! 😂

[@50Something]

I'm an old guy (55) and haven't been running that long. You ran your race about 60 minutes faster than my first half I did last year. My only goal was to finish😂. You both have impressive levels of fitness! Great video!

[@Jojo-eb1gi]

Relatively new subscriber, spending my evenings catching up on years of content. I love your content, what an inspirational couple, I’m learning a lot and taking a lot on board to help with my training. I’m 46, started running less than a year ago with zero fitness then and I’m absolutely loving every moment of it. First half in a few months - you guys helped me to lift the mental barriers I have been telling myself about being too old, not the right shape etc - I think my first half will take 2 hours 30, but it’s a start and my journey has only just begun. Keep being awesome 👏

[@iqbal4625]

Almost identical here, mate. 46 yo, start run again last august after more than 20 years absent. Doing some 10k, my first HM in july this year. Target is 2:16, but to be honest, I'll be glad to just finish it alive and in one piece, lol.

[@runningwithaj]

Well done to both of you. I love how you acknowledged how special a thing it is to break the tape. I can’t imagine doing that. The humidity in the tropics is a killer. There’s no escape and you just don’t cool down for hours

[@markknee4421]

Great running, both of you, especially all things considered. Well done. Superb content, as ever.

[@alanshrimpton6787]

Congrats guys. Love to run a 4:15/km for a half so I find it hard to imagine your paces and how hard it would be for me. That's more my 5k to 10k pace.

[@Dyu07]

Well done to the both of you! The heat and humidity doesn't help

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks so much. Yes it’s a bit of a race killer 😂

[@mikegamber8561]

so excited that balcony talk is back!! its the best!! Congrats to Mary and You on your impressive finishes. I always appreciate the transparency you give about the races and during the races. It makes you guys seem so much more human and relatable. Great Job!!

[@rizmaslen]

Great running both of you! Considering the conditions and soulless route you both smashed it! x

[@kieronturner2667]

Well done to you both 👏 looked grim but a great result considering. I actually enjoy seeing the harder side of running in a sick kind of way 😂

[@christinaclementson]

Well done again both of you. 1st woman and 2nd overall are pretty darn impressive. Results not to be sniffed at ⭐️⭐️

[@adventurecats4816]

Mary, quietly kicking ass. Excellent!

[@duncanwalshfitnessweightlo9329]

Around 3km when you said your heart rate was too high for where you wanted to be, my first reaction was, it's the humidity and your level of hydration. Training in those countries drains the water from you like your body is a sieve! I know from training in humid conditions you have to overload on the water to a ridiculous extent. I guess the lack of specific run training may have been a factor as well, but humidity is a killer. We live and learn! It's all good mentally though because if you push to that extent on a day when your actually feeling good, then good times will result. Enjoyed the watch! Good luck on the next one👍

[@benny_ben_run361]

I am glad we were not the only ones looking and feeling like death. Even though we only did the 10km race, it wasn't fun. Same thoughts on rejoining this race again. Thanks for the shoutout and congratulations 🎊 to both of you.

[@tessontherun]

I really liked this video! You captured all the emotions you can have during a half marathon. I myself have also filmed when I run races and the first kilometers I film a lot and then get so tired so there are fewer and fewer cuts the further into the race I get. You lasted a long time 😀👍

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ha ha thanks Tess. It used to be that half marathons felt easy to film on but with this humidity it feels like you’re running in an oven and can barely lift your arm 😂 glad you’re know the pain too ha ha 😊

[@simonhodgson4941]

Great video Ben. Congratulations Mary, the winning continues. This video is so true, every run is different. I did the London landmarks half marathon and felt great till around 20k, one month later and did Great Birmingham run and nearly every K after 5k was a mind battle and missed my 2 hour goal by around 3 mins because I needed the bloody toilet!! Grrr 😂

[@sun.2801]

Congratulations to you both!! Those conditions were brutal but you battled through!

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks so much, Su 😊

[@scottsmum61]

Awesome work peeps! 1st and 2nd is totally amazing

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks so much, Tina 😊

[@SeeChadRun]

Well done Ben and Mary!!! Hard run, yes, but you both did amazingly! Love your videos (all of them)!

[@RunSensible]

Great video guys. Well done on the take break by Mary. I know that feeling of hell on too well Ben. Great stuff! 💪

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ha ha thanks! I think every runner should experience that feeling to appreciate the good ones 😂

[@RunSensible]

@@ThisMessyHappy sooo true.

[@petersalmon718]

Absolutely outstanding you two 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

[@russamehta]

That’s quite an amazing performance from both of you

[@chrisryan6013]

Hats off to you both! Great effort under tough conditions!

[@AT-zr9tv]

You and Mary have such great content!!!

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thank you so much 😊

[@fighterinmkiwiscience3517]

@@ThisMessyHappy Ben, i kinda like mary , can you please ask her if she is interested in marring me 😊. I am very nice guy

[@VincentBechthold]

Thank you for being honest during that run

[@funwithmadness]

Humidity is a killer... It feels more like swimming than running.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ha ha doesn’t it just! The destroyer of PB’s 😂

[@acasualviewer5861]

I did a 39 C high humidity 10k.. 11 people ended up in the hospital, 1 for a month. I survived. But it felt horrible during the last 9k of the race. Never again.. I have temp limits now.

[@patrick7228]

Great job. Love your channel's positive vibes!

[@tomascanevaro4292]

Ran my HM pb at 1:58 yesterday. I was aiming for at least sub 1:55 but i paced myself horribly. Started at 5:05 for the first km when i should have probably started much easier at 5:30. As the run progressed i got pain on my back and shoulders, dehidration due to not hidrating mid run, and in general the last 5-6k where a struggle to get trough. For next time i should probably pace myself better and find a way to hidrate mid run.

[@zaximusdecimusmeridius]

You are flying! I’m hoping for just under 2 hours for my first coming up in April.

[@jamesmoss5404]

Well done Ben and Mary truly amazing running from you both. Those times are excellent and in that humidity too. It did hurt but again brilliant. I did one half marathon and it’s tough 1:48 so way off you both. Keep going 👍👍

[@timothylakeman9536]

Awesome effort!!! Love the channel.

[@JohnSmith-rx2uv]

Wow, well done! I wish I could run that fast!

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks John. I’m sure you’re a great runner! I always used to think the same about sub 15 min 5 km runners but there’s a certain joy in realising there are always faster runners than you and you rock for just running! Like you do. Keep it up 😊

[@JohnSmith-rx2uv]

@@ThisMessyHappy Thanks Ben/Mary!

[@jobanski]

Well done to the both of you! I was so excited to see another video. I looked down and said to myself, “oh yeah! It must be Wednesday!”

[@kim-anh9860]

Amazing, congratulations!!! 🏅🏅

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks Kim-Anh 😊

[@karlbratby4349]

Don’t suppose the heat helps, and humidity is the killer, nor talking to camera is easy and keeping HR in check. I was searching for how should feel after a half M effort, early 50’s and seem to be feeling the years. Great content 🎉

[@juanseaforth5111]

Outstanding efforts guys 😊👊🏾 well done!!

[@pf4186]

Today I completed my first half marathon. Only been running for two months and been following your videos. My heart rate was 172bpm from mile 4 but instead of slowing it down I just kept up the pace. It gradually rose to 180 but I managed to keep pace all race. Do you not think that you can ruin a race by focusing too much on heart rate? Or was my fast pace a gamble in terms of likelihood to get injured?

[@ianmac4915]

Interesting to hear how boring the run was. :-) At the same time you were doing that, I was down in Betong for the UTMB zero edition 25k trail run. Lovely town, great festival atmosphere, excellent Chinese food, & live music in the streets at night. Plus some awesome views on the run - which hugged the Thai - Malaysia border. Had to stop a few times when border guards wanted selfies :-) And to top it off I was #1 European male. A feat made possible by being the only one in the field of 400 runners. Well worth adding next year's run, Feb 17-19, to your schedule.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Wow! Firstly well done, buddy. Nice running. I heard it was brutal. A friend Alex came 3rd in the 100km and it took him 20 hours!! Madness. We were offered to race in it (the 25km) but opted for the Hua Hin race. Not as nice but way less hassle for travel when we had to be back for work on the Monday. What’s next for you?

[@ianmac4915]

@@ThisMessyHappy Next month off up north for Pha Sam Liam 30K. And then early July, it's Tanaosri - over near the Burmese border & a favorite run for masochists.

[@jos8192]

Having run the Straits Times Run in Singapore, I was not surprised by the humidity making it so tough. If you want scenic and flat(ish), I do recommend the Nagano Marathon.

[@Stevenc1984]

"No races are easy, but some are harder than others"... that's the truth. Well done on your win Mary & 2nd place Ben!

[@CoolInOlympia]

Great race results! I can sure relate to the suck!

[@jelly.1899]

Great vid! Very interesting to see the progress and congratulations for 1st and 2nd. A little feedback: the sound effects are a bit too loud.

[@melissahenault-rondeau9557]

I don't think I could survive running in that humidity. Congrats for your performance both of you :)

[@bigadventuresonaveragetale1563]

Ha! Love seeing this documented - I've got a few half marathons completed now in Thailand and this is an accurate description of how it feels 🤣 I have still managed to improve my PB in the 3 years out here though. What do you think will happen in September when I get back to the UK and Bristol half marathon?! Wondering if 3 years heat training will let me run a big PB...

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Oh my goodness you are going to fly in Bristol!! I can’t wait for my first non-sweatfest run!! 😂

[@sylvaindore3190]

Congratulations to both of you. Another great race! When is your next run? I might see you again.

[@Ligerpride]

Well done to you both.

[@Victoria3lain3]

I’m so excited! Today is my first half marathon!!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@Xero_Wolf]

You guys are outstanding. I can’t even run 4:00/km for a 5k let alone a half. I got a lot of work to do. 😅

[@patricia__alves_]

While TALKING 😂 They’re insane (in a good way) ❤

[@philo0]

Ran my first half marathon last Sunday. First 10 miles felt good but the last 3 were up hill and painful. Did it in 1:33:20

[@driftingintoretirement]

Great effort guy’s, humility is a nightmare. Don’t be so hard on yourselves. 100 km up soon.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks so much. It’s a performance killer that’s for sure 😂

[@christinaclementson]

@@ThisMessyHappy I think you’re both pretty humble 🤣🤣

[@ianjackson159]

Congragulations. Tough conditions but made for a great video to see Ben put into practice what he discussed in the previous video about "embracing the suck" and giving yourself a pat on the back when the going gets hard. First and second placing is awesome and what a wonderful feeling it must have been for Mary to actually be able to break the tape at the finish.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks Ian! We both laughed about the finish because, it would have been nice to appreciate it but the overwhelming feeling was joy that we didn’t perish 😂

[@alan_oz]

You guys are awesome. How about some Messy Happy stickers? :)

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ha ha I’ll see what I can do. Thanks Alan 😊

[@ysabellpp]

I’m happy this video was posted after my first HM 😂

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ha ha didn’t want to ruin it for you 😂

[@sandropavesi1412]

That was great!! Nice to run with you guys... next time I am going to talk with you guys hahahha

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks Sandro!! You were there then? How did you get on? Yes definitely come say hi next time 😊

[@sandropavesi1412]

​@@ThisMessyHappy Yeah I was there, you ran passed me around km 8 I guess.... I did really good... I got a new PB 1:42 and got third in my age group. I don't think this year will have another ATM Marathon, but you guys should definitely look at it! It was my first official event and it was really nice...Running through BKK and one of the famous bridge Rama 8 was really entertaining!

[@veteranrunnersaxmundhamsuf3804]

I had a similar experience in Lisbon on Sunday it was a really hard run my heart rate shot up and stayed there, from mile 8 onwards it was not much fun. 1.27.06 finish time 201st overall and 9th in age group 50-54. Birthday next month so this was my last race in this age group

[@Ligerpride]

Great time.

[@rossdemirel1365]

Brilliant 😊

[@praserti]

I was there too for full marathon. Humidity is very high.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Woah! Congratulations to you!! I cannot imagine running the full marathon in weather like that. Congrats 😊 hope you had a good race

[@yeahhhhh9209]

Thanks man for sharing your pain ahha, you're really fast .. i'm going to attempt a sub 90 minutes half marathon next week.. and i know it will be very tough for me and i'm going to suffer a lot (current pb 93 minutes)... but i'm ready to fight 😀

[@runningraven]

You're running km 16 quicker than I run km 1...you're a rockstar! 😅💙

[@pierce9128]

Hi Ben and Mary, great results in the race. Amazing as always. Could I ask, what would be a good zwift training plan to follow. Currently manage 20k cycle in around 45min would love to do it in 39. Thanks

[@briggzeee]

Awesome effort to both of you 💪💪💪 Ben, how do you go about getting one of those GB t-shirts? I think I may be at a M40 standard for 5-10k (not for HMs and fulls like you lunatics!) but have no idea what to do about it???

[@irawhitlock1084]

Do you think bike or swim can regularly be used to actually replace some runs every week? Like if someone has knee problems?

[@nath9091]

Nothing in the legs... runs 20 min 5K pace or so or 6:26 min miles.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ha ha couldn’t hold it though! A year ago with no humidity I was 11 mins faster!! This heat is no disco 😂

[@toasterboy708]

3-4am starts in Thailand too! How do you gear up your kip before a race over there? No sleep?

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Dude it’s brutal! We basically go to bed at 8 and sleep until 2 or 2:30am then nap when we get back after a race 😂

[@toasterboy708]

@@ThisMessyHappy You nutters. And how long did it take you two to 'acclimatise' and get your times/pace back up in the heat when you moved over there?

[@CombatePracticoUniversity]

Impressive

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks so much 😊

[@DavidB-zi3lg]

There is something not right about the paces you give. 6:06 minutes into the video you say "1.06 for the 10 miler", but the paces stated for the first 16K amount to 1:05:07. After finishing you have given all paces from 1-19K and they amount to 1:17:25, but the official time for the HM was 1:27:40. Surely you didn't spend 10:15 on the last 2.1K (pace 4:53)??

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ha ha sounds like my brain is batter. Those were the times as my watch said them and I was just repeating them. It’s all on Strava anyway so if I got it wrong, that should show the correct times 😊

[@DavidB-zi3lg]

@@ThisMessyHappy Aaah, now I see. You stated the same times as Strava. I assumed you stated the splits at the K-markers shown in the footage, where you followed the GPS, which was 400m off (=1:40 in pace 4:09). Anyway: solid effort, the way you handled the last 11K!

[@marcok5412]

I was there in Cha-am lol. I did the 10k, didn't get a trophy for 30 sec, should have done the half instead...

[@TheDeterminedRunner]

Talking to the camera wouldn't have helped with the heart rate, tough day at the office Ben & well done with the win Mary 👍

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Don’t I know it!! But needs must. The people must see the downfall of Ben 😂😂

[@njpf123]

where was this half marathon

[@ThisMessyHappy]

It was originally meant to be in Hua Hin but they moved it to Cha Am (in Thailand)

[@CoolInOlympia]

What was the injury????

[@Team.L]

U should start and run in 4.10min/km pace first 5-6km .. when ur body not are in that good running shape at the point .. and u had run the last 15-16km 10-12sec/km faster .. if 4min/km in ur normal shape are very comfortable pace .. try that next time u gona be very suprise ..

[@buffaloj0e]

Wow so a sub 20min 5k at the start of a HM. What’s your all out 5k time?

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ha ha yes but it didn’t go well for me did it 😂 17:15pb but not in Thailand. Thailand is like 17:40 or something.

[@buffaloj0e]

Well you did slow down a touch but still a cracking effort. The countdown is on till my first HM (11 weeks to go) so I’m really enjoying the insights, wanting to do sub 2hr.

[@gavinmaboeta6401]

Well done to both!!! Maybe some flu symptoms that caused the discomfort?

[@yai9346]

"Ben fighting" I shouted to you about your 13th (Not sure) km

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Yes! I remember! Thanks for the shout. How did your race go? 😊

[@yai9346]

It's not good (1:54:28) slower than PB 3 minutes, my HR was higher than normal.

[@CoolInOlympia]

Nice haircut!

[@milkguy1314]

Nice content well done, if you could add the corresponding heart rate would be more exciting 😁

[@dallas1891]

Wait a second. You’re not supposed to run an entire half in zone 5?

[@2spoons]

Flying at the start there Ben.... nice regular strides and very easy breathing..... don't knock yourself, tough conditions but convincing your brain and we all know you've done this before.... fabulous drive through the last killer kilometres but F A B U L O U S 2 n d P L A C E ..... 👍🏼 🏃‍♂️ 🏃‍♀️ - Awesome 👏 👏 work Mary F A B U L O U S 1 s t F E M A L E (you tape breaker) - what an incredible pair ! ! !

[@gaspergwanchele]

Must be nice sharing a hobby with your wife,,,,, i envy you guys.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Yeah it’s genuinely awesome. We get to have some amazing experiences together 😊

[@skobodabaws8946]

😁😂😂😂😂😅😂😂

[@russamehta]

That’s quite an amazing performance from both of you