How I Went From Complete BEGINNER to NATIONAL TEAM in Just 4 Years

In 2012 I had never run in a race or competed in a Triathlon, but I had a plan. And 4 Years later I was competing for Team GB at the Middle Distance Triathlon European Championships in Austria. And it took just 5 simple concepts that I stuck to religiously. And you can too, whether you're a runner or triathlete.
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[@runfrankfurt]

I started running 4 years ago at the age of 41. Last year I managed to become the Senior Marathon State Champion in the state of Hesse/Germany with a time of 2hours43minutes. Have not done any sports between the age of 20-40. It is never too late to start if you have the desire to change your life.✌🏼

[@timothyheck4324]

Started running 2 yrs ago @age 60 and fortunately found ya'lls channel shortly after. Since then I've been putting into practice your recommendations and it's working very well for me. Keep up the good work! Like Goggins says, "Never Finished" 👍

[@SubtleForces]

I started one year earlier and am less than 10 years younger. Finding a crowd is hard at least around here and for me. The people my age are either sedentary, or have 20 years running experience (for example, when I ran a 26:11 5 k parkrun, a 65-69 woman and her partner dropped me in the last 1.5k with great ease. I didn't slow down: they just accelerated) and the young are, well, young and fast. The videos are my team so far but hoping this can change somehow this spring!

[@Slow_Lee]

doing my 2nd ever half marathon last week of this month. and I'm looking into training for a full marathon next. no hurry. just at my pace considering work and all the life things. thanks for this vid and all the other vids.

[@carlholland3819]

why?

[@morrisg5060]

​@@carlholland3819 why NOT?😊

[@scottm9357]

Just started my fitness journey again at 47 after life getting in the way in recent years. Cycling was always my sport (up to 400k per week) but can be time consuming. So, I’m running, taking it easy and enjoying the process. One month down and getting better each week. Ben & Mary - your channel is a wealth of information and inspiration - thanks 🙏

[@ThisMessyHappy]

That’s so much, Scott! And fair play to you. I hope you fall back in love with the journey! 400k a week is mad!! 🤯😂

[@scottm9357]

Haha - yeah, cycling became about the next race and not the love of it. If I never race again I’m at peace with it. The goal now is just to stay fit and healthy 👍🏼

[@ADAMBLAZEVIC]

Wow, congrats, a 4 year plan, that is admirable. You must have been really proud to represent your country, that is one of my dreams.

[@genedollaway6466]

Love your realistic videos guys. Thank you for putting in the time.

[@Jojo-eb1gi]

I’m a new subscriber, spending my days going through your back catalogue of videos, I follow a lot of running channels but this has to be the best best - what lovely inspirational people you are thank you for your content. I’m not a year into my running journey yet, I’m 46 and training for my first half after completing my first 10k race a few months ago. Your content is really helping me, it’s relatable to a new runner, it’s encouraging and not intimidating, thanks again to both of you xxx

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ahhh thanks Jojo, that’s a really kind comment to write. I hope we’re able to help you as much as possible on your journey. That’s what it’s all about 😊

[@botelhog76]

Hi Ben! Very didatic and inspiring video. I have alao improved my trail running performance with some of these principles. Thanks for sharing.

[@chrisvanbuggenum871]

One of my problems is i start going to the gym and I've started to be almost seduced by getting stronger, looking better etc. Its not all good for my running, but i like lifting weights now.

[@lanbroghini]

Do what makes you happy. Just running isn't the answer for everyone.

[@chrisvanbuggenum871]

@@lanbroghini this channel has the best viewers. You're one of them.

[@lanbroghini]

@@chrisvanbuggenum871 That's very sweet of you

[@ThisMessyHappy]

It’s all about balance, Chris. Gym for a while is fine. I’ve done similar. Focussed on gym, bike, swim and run at varying stages of life. Follow the enjoyment for a while 😊

[@NimbzBass]

Just do whatever keeps you active while being happy, right now I’ve been balancing running, lifting, and rock climbing but only cause I really enjoy doing all of those things

[@robduckett3908]

Excellent content Ben… I’ve previously concentrated on limited goals and not applying a longer term plan / process! Have started this journey and not setting quick turn around objectives and applying WAAAY too much self applied pressure! Thanks and keep up the great work! 👍

[@jonh1958]

Great advice, really useful re comparing performances from event to event. I've taken a break from running but I've set myself a goal of completing my first (and perhaps only) Ultra before my 50th birthday in 2yrs time. Going to apply these techniques to help me.

[@MihaiGoRunning]

Hey Ben, thanks for sharing your journey from a complete beginner to representing Team GB. Your five Core Concepts are simple yet effective, and I particularly like the emphasis on long-term planning and keeping training varied. Your dedication and hard work are truly inspiring, and I appreciate the tips on how to analyze data to identify areas of improvement. I look forward to watching more of your videos and learning from your experiences. Keep up the great work!

[@ampgb223]

Great to have a plan, this is the usual route, start off small and enjoying what you do.but its great to hear from someone who has been through it.

[@samanthajenkins2399]

Very inspiring!

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks Samantha 😊

[@bhavinipatel1775]

This is one of the best videos for all people….especially those like me who get frustrated at the slow progress in 1 year….boom time will come later….keep at the process ❤😊

[@Second2LastPioneer]

I really like how this breaks down training considerations into larger subjects rather than running, nutrition, strength training. And I really like how you broke them down. Thanks for sharing this highly informative video.

[@maxhuber5161]

Another great inspirational video.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks so much, Max 😊

[@sam4002]

That's cool man. Big respect

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks Sam 😊

[@ryanwickham2]

Thank you for sharing.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks Ryan 😊

[@alexismcbride9559]

Wanted to say thank you for giving a bit of insight into how you analyze your data. Sometimes it feels like the data analysis is a black box, so it was nice to have it spelled out. I therefore noticed that on my last long run, I ran faster with the same heart rate than the previous time, and otherwise I wouldn't have noticed!

[@steveb9658]

Thankyou for that Ben. Feeling a bit demotivated at the mo for no particular reason??! That film gave me the kick up the backside i needed 😊

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Woop woop 🙌🏼 thanks Steve. We all have those moments though. I find it helps if I think about future me and how disappointed I’d be if I bailed on sessions or conversely how proud I’d be of myself for making it happen even when I don’t want to! Go make future Steve proud 😊

[@steveb9658]

@This Messy Happy Thankyou so much! That's a plan 👌

[@irawhitlock1084]

Really cool stuff. I’ve never really planned out further than one distance at a time. That high level spreadsheet looked really interesting. The color coding looked like there were entire months dedicated to base, recovery, etc?

[@mikekarpaty3871]

Very interesting insight Ben,thanks. Do you think like me you have an obsessive nature. I think it helps. I was advised to use a diary to record all of my runs and have done so for the last 6.5 years. It has date,distance, time,h/r,weight,vo2 max,zones,elevation and comments. Its great for comparison. 😊😊

[@MrJonWaldock]

I watched this when it came out and it really changed the way I plan my year and make choices. Before watching I’d wanted to represent GB in age-group but this has helped solidify my longer term plans for it and focused me on the long term success that I hadn’t been before.

[@MrJonWaldock]

So, thank you!

[@carlfraser3320]

Great video Ben. Was a really good day today. I was one of the many Vegan Runners there 👍

[@yijuntey]

ive been a competitive swimmer through out highschool and since i graduated 2 years ago I started getting into triathlon. My dream and goal is to become a national athlete and this actually was very motivating, thanks!

[@q7Hx]

Having the swim background is already a huge benefit, it's the hardest hurdle to overcome for Triathletes with a running or cycling background, you'll do great.

[@rajeshrawal1681]

Can you put a video about spring autumn wears not the one in Thailand but UK

[@rajeshrawal1681]

Can you put a video about spring autumn wears not the one in Thailand but UK or Europe

[@Mpho_Makola]

This is so on time for me. Thank you so much. Edit: How old were you when you started in 2012?

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Awesome! I was 32 when I did my first triathlon/race as I’d played football and informally run before then 😊👍🏻

[@Mpho_Makola]

@@ThisMessyHappyThank you so much. This is helpful information 😊

[@pierce9128]

#ThisMessyHappy hi Ben and Mary. Just wondering do you have a video about how to push through the "pain" for a 5km run. In the last 6monthsbi have gone from a 26min 5km to a 23.18. would love to get into the 22min but it seems to be mental where Im failing. Hope that makes sense. Thanks

[@paulinewalker8146]

Great video. Do you miss triathlons?

[@darringrey4329]

Here in NZ you can represent your country in triathlon buy paying the 1000$ plus entry , your supposed to finish in the top ten in your age group , but if someone doesn't want the spot it rolls down and it rolls down alot , tri NZ needs ten spots because they want the money .

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Yeah it’s similar in the UK I guess. Definitely a money making exercise but the way it works with us is that you have to finish within 10% of the time of the winner in you AG. Then you have to apply with that percentage to British Triathlon and the top 20 in each age group across any race are the ones that qualify. So nowadays you need to be below 105% into stand a good chance 😊

[@darringrey4329]

Hey thanks for the reply yea we have the 10percent also, but we had John hellemans who was so quick they invented a rule for his age group , otherwise it would be just him , having said that it's a good system but how many go back year after year??? Like Ironman once is enough for most the sport is dieing a slow death in NZ

[@aileenhernandez9647]

10:00 I’m curious as to where your location is. Are you in a southeast Asian country?

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Hi Aileen, yes we live in Thailand 🇹🇭 😊

[@lanbroghini]

Do you know of any connectstats alternatives for android users?

[@ThisMessyHappy]

I’m afraid not. Really sorry 😬

[@A-betterMe]

Anyone know the App Ben mentioned? Connects Stats? Connex Stats? How'd ya spell it? And is it available on Android?

[@ThisMessyHappy]

ConnectStats and no sadly not available for android 😢

[@A-betterMe]

@@ThisMessyHappy ok cheers Ben, I'll have to dig for the equivalent

[@smally8499234]

I joined my local running club a little over a year ago, unfortunately most of the people there are over 60 and mostly use it for socialisation.

[@jc74435]

Genetics

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ha! Tell that to my mum who nearly got me tested for dwarfism aged 14. And came middle of the pack to last at every running or swimming race I did! I’m here because I refused to give up at any stage 🤟🏼😊

[@jc74435]

@@ThisMessyHappy100 people could do everything you did exactly the same, and maybe 2 or 3 would achieve those results. Because training doesn’t have the same effects on everybody. Im not saying you didn’t work hard. But don’t underestimate the role of genetics in how that work translates to resulta

[@chiroguy6969]

From beginner to national team? These days the quickest way would be to say you are a woman and compete against them.

[@dimitar297]

What is a woman