I Trained Like AN OLYMPIAN For A Week

[@runningchannel]

Are you working towards a running goal? What races have you got coming up?

[@nathaniel23946]

Chicago Marathon ✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼

[@weigeeng337]

Currently training for my first marathon. I think I'm in the same situation as Tom, but obviously I'm not training like an Olympian. 😂

[@lazzaboyman8003]

Clarendon Marathon (trail 860+m ascent), Great South Run - 10 miles

[@missingmimic]

Half Marathon, my first one is the end of September 👏

[@grolillkland6991]

Amsterdam marathon in October!

[@zakcollins987]

you really stitched this guy up. making him do the kms rather than time, is brutal. running at 8-9min/km vs an olympian easy run at 4min/km means he's doing the same distance but twice the time, AND a full time job. that's even harder than what a pro athlete does

[@TJKarlson]

Very impressed by Tom's determination to complete this challenge, but having someone who, at the start of the year, couldn't run a 5k take on Olympian-level training is pretty ridiculous. Those are elite athletes who train full time. Asking a beginning runner to do that while also working a regular job is insane. That said, way to go Tom.

[@DavidTremblay]

Yeah the ramp up is steep. It tooks me two years to go from 3 workouts a week to 10. But he did it. So yeah it is worth a lot of kudos.

[@liamroche1473]

Average runner tries overtraining for a week. Gets totally knackered.

[@yellowfolder]

Half of youtube content is people suffering in some way and us peanut-gallery denizens lapping it up.

[@R.a.p.h.a.e.l.a]

Yah, this. I mean no disrespect to Tom, but TBH I found this rather difficult to watch and it certainly seems a disconcerting sort of thing to try. Why do something that massively increases your risk of picking up an injury that could jeopardise the very thing you're training for in the first place?

[@petewilcock]

This is why TRC gets flak. All these videos for running advice, then totally ignore it for a gimmick.

[@TriangleEmpire-sc2ye]

It can help us get insight on pro runners and we can slowly build it up to the plan and improve our times without injury bad for him good for us

[@Flashdenam]

I’m training for my 8th marathon in 7 years stage 4 cancer free! 🎉🎉 I would love to try training like Steph 😊 Congratulations Tom!

[@seanmcdonagh6237]

It’s nice to see someone genuinely struggle in a nice way, Sarah always looks like she’s not done much after she’s done so much

[@runningchannel]

Are you training for anything at the moment?

[@seanmcdonagh6237]

@@runningchannel Yes I am, a half in October and ideally pushing to a full early next year

[@SpecialFX99]

On one hand I agree but on the other this seems like it was a really high chance of getting injured ramping up that much in such a short time

[@claratownsend1262]

great to see an average runner like me take on a challenge! I’m training for my next half marathon. It’ll be my 4th one and I’m chasing a bit of a meaty PB! 🤞🏻

[@wackallen]

This makes me feel very uncomfortable. Getting someone with Tom's level of fitness to do the same training as an Olympic marathoner seems irresponsible at best and sadistically cruel with a complete disregard for the consequences at worst. Could easily have ended in injury and is really just advertising for an app. But it looks like I'm the only one who didn't enjoy it.

[@johnhiggins674]

I felt the same to be honest. Respect to Tom for doing so well and sticking with it, but looked far too much of an increase to me. Fair enough the pace was adjusted, but extra miles all of a sudden could set you back.

[@AM09286]

One of the best videos I’ve watched on the running channel in a long time. Totally relatable and what a boss! You smashed this!

[@runningchannel]

Really glad you enjoyed it! 😁

[@ceribailey3050]

Completely agree!! More Tom please! So relatable ❤

[@annie7297]

Agreed! Great to see someone I can relate to.

[@Fiona_tries_it]

I can only agree! Great to see someone like me do a challenge on the channel :)

[@sarag4743]

I'm using Runna to train for my first marathon this November in Philadelphia. So far, it's really great. I appreciate the difficulty Tom experienced. Love to see Tom in front of the camera representing the average runner!

[@jgreysquirrel]

My training goals are to continue to be consistent with my running and get a little faster while becoming stronger.

[@seanmcdonagh6237]

I feel very proud of Tom, well done lad

[@joshrobo1000]

Tom is a legend.

[@alexeyre3621]

The mental fortitude in this video is incredible. I have a list of 30 goals before 30 and complete a half marathon, beat my 5k and 10k pb are all on there. This is great inspo, big congrats on getting through it!

[@runningchannel]

Thanks Alex! You can do it 💪

[@edzgt5243]

How long until your 30?

[@alexeyre3621]

I’ve got 3 years so a nice chunk of time, sadly I’m at the point where I can’t just keep trying to run faster to get a pb and will need to train

[@edzgt5243]

@@alexeyre3621 3 years I'm sure you will ace the pbs.

[@CaptainBrash]

I'm just desperately trying to maintain my strength and fitness while dealing with full time job + toddler + newborn. Managed two 4.2 mile hilly runs in the sun today which was massively tough but lovely. Ran to a friends house and back.

[@siobhanflynn2504]

You absolute trooper! I'm training for the GNR this Sunday 🙌 Alton towers half in November and then Manchester Marathon next year! My first marathon 😬

[@SamantaBelotti]

I'm training for my first ever marathon, in December in Valencia. Good job man, so good seeing you being real in the struggle and still pushing.

[@anna.the.runner]

Well done tom 👏 loved this video. You’ve come so far from our lunchtime trots along the canal! Go get that marathon 🎉

[@m3phist0]

Well done Tom! Im training for the Luxor Marathon in Egypt Jan 2024.

[@rebecca4508]

Tom, what a legend! I feel so seen with this video, it totally captures the mental struggle I have, especially in the long and tempo runs. Amazing that you hit that 30km after such a tough week, you're gonna smash Chicago! Just remember to enjoy it if you can!

[@Lottepign]

Well done Tom. I am training to keep healthy and fit. No specific goals

[@michelleko6190]

Great video - congrats Tom on pulling through such a tough challenge, you’re the winner! It takes a lot more mental resilience to do something that you keep thinking you can’t possibly do. I’m training for a marathon now and my first ever 30k run is this weekend, this video has got me more motivated for it!

[@Gregjt13]

That was one of the best Running Channel videos so far, to get that amount of mileage/training in for a “normal” human was impressive and it was nice to see the true side of training (hating life,cramp and pain😅) I have Chester marathon coming up and have my 30km run Saturday so timing for this video was perfect, well done Tom good luck for Chicago

[@christinebarthelmes1579]

Wow so impressive how he clearly was pushing it above what he was used to doing, with such a positive mindset ! I need some of this mindset - training for an ultra next year 🏃‍♀️

[@mikestevenson1334]

Tom, that was amazing. Loved seeing how happy you were when you got to your last bike ride. When you were doing your first tempo run, I was screaming at you "RECOVERY!!!" lol. Hope your marathon training goes well, and keep up the awesome videos. You're great, both behind and in front of the camera! Great job! :D

[@Rajwinderx]

Great video! It's always amazing to see what you're body can do. I'm currently training for my first half marathon, I'm always amazed when I run further than I have before!

[@natashaelliot5930]

Amazing work, Tom! 💪 SO great to see an average runner take on a huge challenge (and struggle too - so relatable!) Currently training for Chester marathon in 3.5 weeks time 😱

[@dansmith4018]

I loved this video and not because Tom suffered. I am not as good a runner as Tom and 10k or more are super hard for me. But I enjoyed seeing the process of fighting the mental hardship of running longer and faster. I love all the videos on TRC but Tom is most relatable to the average runner that I feel like I am. Keep it up Tom and survive Chicago! Dan - Middleton, Nova Scotia, Canada. (for Rick lol)

[@yippekiay593]

Training for marathon number three, the last two I've managed to complete but with severe cramps and agony from mile 18-20 onwards which basically resorted me to walking speed. Having a proper tailored training plan like this app would provide would be a massive help as clearly the generic paper plans I was working off weren't enough for me on the two previous marathon race days . Massive well done training like an Olympian I don't know how you managed to do that 🙌

[@saras4507]

The run a app looks amazing. I was with you all the way through this video and literally held my breath at the end of your 30k! Such an inspiration to us normal runners who are trying to just get out the door each day

[@Rahema]

Really enjoyed watching Tom and found him really relatable! Good luck for Chicago marathon, you'll smash it 💪🏽 look forward to watching more videos from Tom!

[@matthewbourne6177]

Loved this Tom,so honest and wholesome but shows what you can do when you put your mind to it, so seriously well done! Roll on Chicago and look forward to seeing some more of your training too!

[@marykalter13]

All of 2020 I was training for a December marathon that only got cancelled in October. Since then, I've lost all motivation for distance running. I am now trying to regain that passion with the goal to run a marathon within the next year at least. Ideally, my training will return quicker (I've been keeping up with strength training and other aerobic exercises), and I'll be able to enter the same marathon I was signed up for in 2020 this year in December of 2023. A year of free membership to this app would allow me the opportunity to truly see where I am fitness wise now, and grant my motivation back to me. It's what I think I've been waiting for. Not sure when you decide who gets it, but I'd love to be notified either way. I think this app would be beneficial for me of course for a year free but even less if I can budget it.

[@WestNottsRunner]

Tom, absolutely amazing you managed to get through all that in a week and still a manged to run most of the final 30k session! 🎉 Whilst you were questioning your mental strength at points the fact you got through it all shows you are definitely strong willed. Congrats on your first 30k and I'm sure that's just the first of many.

[@wendystrout4435]

Did I hear Tom’s training for Chicago? That was my first marathon. There is so much cheering and support all along the route. Such a great one to do for your first. I hope you all film it!

[@luciagarcia4845]

This really motivates me to keep going, I´m restarting my running journey but I really hope to be able to do amazing challenges like this, you just have to start! Thank you for this great video!

[@SaraWasiuta]

My first marathon - Vancouver 2024! I honestly didn't I could attempt a full marathon until watching this channel, thank you to everyone at the Running Channel for the motivation and inspo :)

[@tomwoodbridge3034]

Great video - really shows how impressive those elite runners are. Tom did amazingly. I'm currently training towards my first half marathon and would eventually like to do a marathon. I had some calf issues in the past so I'm taking it really slowly, you can never go too slow after all

[@susanball2406]

Well done Tom! I have a 30k tomorrow morning in preparation for Amsterdam marathon, so this video appeared at the perfect time. Can't imagine completing that sort of distance after the week of training you did. Never mind anyone else, YOU are an incredible human.

[@SarahanneField]

Me too! How are you going with your training?

[@pascalejacquelinepetit5131]

Well done Tom! We are all routing for you from various parts of the world for your upcoming marathon in Chicago. You are already a winner for getting this far in the training! Great job!

[@richardmorschel6266]

My favourite video so far after Anna's LochNess Marathon! Love this channel!!! Thanks you guys!!

[@runningchannel]

Really glad you liked it Richard!

[@lind_a_ll]

I'm training for a 5k PB. Following Runna training plan. First time doing a training plan, always just did whatever felt right, pushed myself a lot. Feels weird running just 4 times a week, but I'm feeling really fresh. Enjoying it a lot.

[@violetannaert7570]

Well done! Chicago marathon is also my goal! ❤ After fracturing my shoulder blade during my run and having severe shoulder surgery last year, I’m doing everything I can to train for my fifth marathon! ❤ I know crossing the Chicago marathon finish line will feel amazing! 🏃🏽‍♀️💪

[@NeilCorcoran]

Hey there, inventor of the chair here! I'm usually not one to brag but it is certainly nice to get a little shout out from time to time. The idea actually came about quite spontaneously, one evening I was standing in my yard, drinking a nice cola, admiring the sunset and thought: "Boy I'd really like to be more at rest than I currently am, but I'm not quite ready to lie down..." First thing the next day I collected some scrap lumber, and with a couple of hours of amateur carpentry and heart the size of a Texas bean pie, the first chair was born. Makes me emotional remembering those days!

[@rachelshirley8403]

You did so bloomin well! I'm training for the Old Ghost Ultra here in NZ... and yep, already using the Runna app!

[@luigi2bad]

Gj tom. Im training to get back in shape. I've been in af for 17 years after covid hit. i was battling ankle issues so i could not run like i was but I've been able to run more now but im 60 pounds heavier. Anyways im trying to finish 20 years in the military so i need to loose the weight and run more. These videos inspire me to go out and run.

[@Hazelhills]

You did great, Tom! So much of it is mental, and you really stuck it out. I'm running Chicago this year, so I hope I see you! And as a Florida runner, may I recommend basing your routes on where you can find the most shade? Running in the sun on a hot day takes so much more out of you.

[@hbrackley]

I started running/shuffling 2 months ago after years and years of nothing, interrupted by the occasional challenge with mediocre training. Got the bug and I’ve booked a place for RTTS and Run Sandringham 24 next year… 😅 I love this channel but I have to admit, this is the first video I can fully relate to. Proper well done, you took on a mental challenge and did it 🎉👏

[@runningchannel]

Really glad you've caught the running bug too! Good luck for those races, they're both AMAZING! 🎉

[@irisr4536]

Tom, you’re a real trooper, what a week that was! A huge step up for an average runner, but you kept going and completed all the sessions 👏 I do agree with others who have mentioned that ramping up your training like this could lead to problems of injury or overtraining. Be careful!

[@happy_running_sober]

Brilliant Tom, genuine struggle felt but you done it!! Amazing effort!!

[@EACORE]

Im using Runna after the trial run I got and absolutely love it. My dad used to train me, he was an absolute beast. He past away this year back in January and I got back to running a few months ago. Im trying to beat him as he would love to have see me do it, and runna is really helping a lot.

[@checkerist]

I've just finished a half-marathon last week and recovering now. Tom is the beast, I hope he didn't supercharge himself with the load and didn't get any injuries, the guy definitely faces quite a challenge, but it will make him better!

[@dominofuel8050]

Way to power through the week Tom! 4 hours on the road is tough and miserable no matter who you are. I'm currently training for my first 100 miler in November optimistically shooting for 16 hours, wish me luck!

[@catiengst4622]

I’m currently training for the Manchester half marathon! Very excited and this video is very motivating. Well done Tom:)

[@michaelkinahan1829]

Super running Tom. Its nice to sometimes watch another runner go through the pain 😂 Well Done. Supreme effort

[@marekczarnecki5388]

Really appreciate what you put together here Tom. Thank you, and congratulations.

[@faykellett9589]

I love how you have brought reality to life here & you let the viewers see the good the bad & the ugly & that at the end of the day, no matter how much we love running...the struggle is real! I have my first half marathon on Sunday, after that my plan is to base train in the winter & after Christmas begin my marathon training, I'll be almost a year running at that stage. I've a few 5k's & 10k's I'm signed up for between now & the end of the year. Best of luck Tom, I think you are doing great

[@runningchannel]

Thanks Fay! It's true, no matter what your experience level, training is TOUGH! Good luck for your races 🎉 How are you feeling about them?

[@faykellett9589]

@runningchannel thank you 😊 I'm fine for the 5&10k runs feeling pretty good about them I'm working my way towards sub 25 5k, not far to go. Had a mini meltdown at the beginning of the week stressing about the half. It's expected to be very warm on Sunday & it's my first. I know I've the work done & I've done the distance twice in training, now I think I just need to believe in myself a bit more

[@joostc1590]

Very fun video, currently recovering from my second half marathon and getting a lot of motivation from the video! Starting training for a 50k trail in about 6 months

[@florenwong1253]

Great effort Tom! I’ve done half as much training as you did and felt just as bad you did during the video. I’m also working towards my first marathon in April next year and never ran more than a half marathon. I’m rooting for you and look forward to your marathon video.

[@issyh91]

I'm currently training for Oxford Half Marathon and following a Runna plan! Really good to see someone struggling with the mental battles of getting out there!

[@dudefromsa]

Well done on doing this mate. Am training for my 1st marathon on the 16th October. Miat say am pretty encouraged by your efforts

[@dresden_slowjog]

I've got mixed feelings about such "Train like an Olympian for a week" challenges. That massive overramping and overloading is screaming for injury, like the opposite of good advice. From another viewpoint, they are perfect examples how NOT to ramp up. Take care!

[@jdpjamesp]

Yes I really want this video to have a health warning with it about overramping. It really isn't a good idea.

[@jonathanp181]

Watching this video I kept wanting to scream "don't!"... I can't help but feel it is frankly borderline irresponsible to not provide more context and warnings. Context about his fitness and training load going into that week and about the recovery after, or about how the Runna app took these into account to come up with this plan for the week. And warnings about overtraining, injury and burn out if an undertrained viewer would feel inspired, do the same and go beyond that 1 week...

[@kyleames5792]

I’m only 10min in, where Tom is asking how people deal with the mental and physical exhaustion of running on days when you feel like he does. The answer simply is you don’t.. you take a rest day. Update** He finishes with a distance he’s never run before? After a week like that? I hope he does a serious taper after this in prep for Chicago, because training like this is what derails goals, and planning.

[@eurasianjes]

Yes, I really don't think people should be encouraged to do the opposite of responsible progressive overloading and skipping over a strategy of patient and consistent base building over a long time. This whole video made me uncomfortable in terms of the amount of harm that can come to people who watch this and think that it would be a good idea for them to copy this and push themselves too hard too fast. I just don't understand doing a 30km run on the same week that you struggle to do an easy 10km.

[@jdpjamesp]

@@kyleames5792Makes a fun video but it's irresponsible and bordering on insane.

[@craigwebb304]

Tom, well done mate. I'm doing Chicago this year as well, maybe I'll see you on the day, good luck!

[@jaimeferrari-mccomb5273]

So impressive Tom, thank you for giving us your real feelings. Training for a half marathon in January.

[@megvaccboss8445]

Awesome job! Good luck on the Chicago marathon!

[@get_running_mo]

What a great video! And hats off to Tom for being so honest and filming all the hard bits too. I'm just getting over an Achilles injury so my goal is to build up a good solid base so hopefully I can take part in my 1st 10k next year :)

[@merle9266]

I have my first 30k long run coming up on Sunday and honestly I’ve been super scared. Seeing this helped so much! Great job!

[@rachaelandthings]

I'm training for my first Half Marathon and already browsing races for next year..! Really enjoyed this video. Well done, Tom, that looked hard going especially after the tempo run.

[@daveswitch22]

Yeah mate! I invented the chair! I'll take that pint after you're back on your feet. I've just done my first half marathon and had a blast! I'm working upto doing the full marathon next year. Great effort mate. Amazing to see you push through.

[@adrianfoden8707]

Well done mate from down under . Keep up the hard work

[@IrishDublinDave]

Great video, well done on the training. On the question of motivation; a quote I heard in another video really helped me, along the lines of 'you can't rely on being motivated all the time, you succeed in consistency by just getting it done when you're not motivated' I find just switching off my brain and going through the motions even when I don't want to is enough to keep that consistency until it just becomes habit

[@jonnyryebread]

This vid is super relatable! I’ve definitely been through similar scenarios on many a long run as Tom on that last 30k run!

[@jjsmummy3358]

Well done Tom 😊 fab video, so relatable, getting in your own head, it’s so hard to overcome.

[@brakkybru]

Enjoyed this- Tom was super relatable and fun! Currently training for a 10k PB as I have a 10k in November. Would love to give Runna a try!

[@jenniferstamm7255]

Anazing job, Tom. You're tough! Thank you for sharing this weeklong journey with us. I'm training for a 10k, taking it one step at a time. I would love to train with Runna and be selected to try it for a year ❤

[@pauldavidson9120]

Well done Tom. To train like an elite athlete is very difficult for the average person. Mostly due to the time involved I take my hat off to you for smashing it. I am presently training for a 10k and finding the step up from 5k training hard but race is in a few weeks.

[@searched4u]

Great commitment their Tom! Be proud of yourself!

[@simonnixon6000]

Insane effort! We'll done! My next major goal is London Marathon next year. Found out I'd be running a couple of weeks ago and still trying to set a specific target for it

[@euanjackson3910]

Well done, absolute trooper. I strained my rectus femoris tendon so off running and I miss it like crazy, but trying my best to keep up with the cross training. My goal, to return to running before the end of the year and then Brighton marathon next year! 🙌 love the running channel!

[@kirstyhawkes1097]

Congrats on the mental battle won to keep going! I’m coming back from a knee injury and some self doubt on if I’m a runner or not but Anna and Sarah have shown that anyone can do an ultra marathon and that’s what I want to do :) would love to have some structure in my life to help me get the distance

[@jasminelizabeth96]

Great to see an average runner doing one of these challenges! I'm training to come back from injury and start the journey to a marathon good for age time (my biggest running goal!)

[@blackhellebore89]

Im training just to get back into running and general fitness. Thanks for the great video!

[@LonvingIt]

I'm training for Ultrabalaton in May as part of a 4-person team. Can't wait!

[@spalexander67]

Great video nice to see someone work hard and out of their comfort zone. I am going through a 10k plan after having some medical set backs so learning to meet your self where you are is so important.

[@brianyim5191]

Obviously risky - but Tom’s an inspiration to some. I bet this video pushed at least a few people to get off the couch and put in more effort. “Running is the bridge between the person I am and the person I want to be.” 👏

[@hippygeeza]

Excellent video.. Excellent work that man! Really impressive to see! I am training for bath half in October. My first race! Cannot wait! And next year I am doing mk marathon and hoping to do Amsterdam marathon too!

[@KillianByrne]

We're about the same pace Tom, you've got Chicago and ive got Berlin/Dublin. Delighted to see your efforts, congratulations you'll rock the windy city.

[@runningchannel]

Good luck Killian!

[@danmunnery6951]

Great effort Tom! Incredible progress from the start of the year too, well done and good luck in October. I'm not currently training but I'll be picking up a plan again ready to tackle a half marathon PB next year! 🏃🏻‍♂️🏅

[@gingee316]

Currently training to beat my 5k time. It’s coming to an end and got a race in a few weekends time and after that I’m planning some maintenance while I go travelling for a few months! Looking forward to cutting back and seeing new places while running!

[@melissaschdts9365]

Absolutely loving this video! I'm currently in base training before starting training for my second marathon 🫣🥳

[@RobertIanTaylor]

I’m excited to use the run a app but waiting for an injury to pass before signing up. Another great video guys. Thanks.

[@SharaRuns]

Well done! 👍👊 I'm in training for Riga World Champs half marathon and Great Eastern Run half marathon 2 weeks later (both October).

[@jonathanconn214]

Brilliant video. Looking forward to seeing your progress. That was really inspiring. Best of luck in the Chicago marathon.

[@runningchannel]

Thank you Jonathan!

[@harmonydoa7808]

Greta effort! We've all been there, I can certainly relate. I'm training now fir my first marathon and the thought of doing a 30k long run is terrifying! But I trust with theinign I'll get there. Thanks for the inspiration and relatable content!

[@emberchord]

It is so nice to see my body type presented! What a great challenge.

[@StiffishMedusa]

I'm currently training for a 25k, I can very much relate to the easy run that feels far from easy. The Runna app looks great!

[@missingmimic]

Something I learned today from my training with the Nike app is that no one run is important. As long as I'm consistent and steadily improving, I'll get where I'm going. If you train, the results will come 💪

[@wullivieh]

Oof, that looked so tough! Good luck on your upcoming training weeks, they'll probably feel much easier now that you got through this (though I imagine the week after this will still feel tough). I'm only just getting through a beginner running plan (almost done!) and will have to see what I'll do after that. It sounds crazy to me that you said you couldn't run one park run at the start of the year and now you are preparing for a marathon :O

[@sarahcolliver7650]

That was amazing to watch! Well done Tom🎉🎉. So relatable. Thanks!

[@philmay633]

Well impressed with your effort to complete the training week! I'm training to race my first triathlon, so it was nice to see the cross training sessions - swimming is the part I find most difficult, my goal is to be able to swim 750m without stopping...