CAMBRIDGE HALF 2024. WOW THAT PACK WAS QUCK! COME RUN WITH ME!

[@mikerausch6383]

Nick these type of videos and in race breakdowns really separate your channel vs others and something I really appreciate. The in race strategy and how to get it back together rather than full blow up is something to look up to. Keep on rocking! Boom!

[@JM-rm3lt]

Nick, these during race videos are superb. Many thanks.

[@Ouga_Official]

This might be weird, but I like these PoVs because I will never ever be front of pack so I have a completely different view of races being way at the back...

[@jobanski]

You said it! Watching this on KZbin is the closest I’ll ever get to the front! lol 😂

[@philipcampbell7548]

Same 😂

[@Supafloppy]

Absolutely brilliant effort Nick. Thank you for taking us with you for the entire journey - gear/kit, nutrition and along for the fast ride. You know your body well to have held back a bit and pass those two runners ahead of you. Solid racing - well done. 🎉😎

[@JonathanGreen-yz7ui]

Great video, I was further back, 1:54, my first half marathon. The section around Grantchester did feel hard, but I enjoyed the end. Thanks for all the advice on your channel.

[@CamMci]

I was reading the times for this (my local) race afterwards and was blown away by the times. Both the women’s and the men’s races were so strong.

[@justalilbester]

Every year the field is getting faster and faster 🔥🔥

[@alicehopper680]

Great video Nick. I was also at the Cambridge half -I ran 1:54, a 13 minute pb. Absolutely loved it and will definitely be signing up again next year

[@justalilbester]

Congrats on the PB!! 🍕 I hope you treated yourself to a pizza ;)

[@akvabelam5483]

Thanks for the video, I really enjoyed it! Cool to see the view of what it looks like, running at such an amazing pace!

[@justalilbester]

Aaaah I meant new MERCH not NERCH 🤣 too much running. Not enough video editing I tell ya! 🙌🏻

[@pmam1968]

Nerch? Ah, Quck! 😆

[@mikew6840]

You should have Nerch…short for Nick Merch 😊

[@conradburdekin722]

I thought it was Nerch for Nick Merch = Nerch 😂

[@BobbyRunout_EverydayWorld]

Haha yeah like the other commenters I thought there was a good chance it was deliberate

[@akvabelam5483]

Maybe he just coined the word Nerch today!

[@mikehobbs624]

Really enjoyed that Nick.That was definitely a full send. It's so tough when you're in solo city, but it was great to hear your insights on the mental game. Boomshakalaka, let's go!

[@justalilbester]

Km by km, you gotta grind it out and find a way! 👊🏻 thanks mate

[@juanpablogallegos5801]

Incredible content! Last Sunday I was struggling with my demons chasing for sub 40' in a 10k race. I didn't make it but watching your content I learned a lot. Thanks!

[@nick4041]

Loved this video. Liked seeing the "dead spots" of the race as well

[@justalilbester]

That’s real. We tend to only show the highlights. Glad I captured those lovely moments.

[@Journeyoflee]

Amazing video Nick and amazing effort so pleased for you. It’s probably one of the best POV videos I’ve ever seen. I’m so glad the video didn’t cut out when you wanted it to that bit of footage and commentary was amazing you showed us raw footage , no man’s lands , the demons and what it’s really like out there. Just a quality video. On a other note when you one day hang your running shoes in many years time I think you could have a great career as a commentator as well - All the best mate - keep grinding 👍🏻👍🏻🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️💨💨💨💨

[@justalilbester]

Thanks so much! One thing this footage does is allow me to share my true thoughts with you. I was thinking potentially golf once I hang my running shoes up 🏌️‍♂️ haha but a commentator could work too. 😉

[@Journeyoflee]

I’m so glad you showed it Nick , it’s weird how things work out sometimes for me that was one of the best bits. Golf ⛳️ that’s means you have to wear them funny trousers 👖 😂😂 - keep smashing mate 👍🏻🏃‍♂️⛳️💨

[@JohnBrown-be6re]

Really impressive running as always, many thanks!

[@Gaming-DAD]

amazing. love the run along and commentary

[@gary_runs]

Another quality video Champ! So many great tips to take on board for future racing. Always an inspiration Nick! 🔵💯💪🏼⚪️

[@mattnolan2440]

Thank you Nick, these race videos are fantastic.

[@xcammyg737]

Love your vids man, keep up the goodwork!

[@phanto617]

Nice run. Great footage!

[@chilloutvibesforyou]

Well done, great production, thanks for your insights!

[@Gmjack17]

i love these long race vlogs

[@CarFocused]

Awesome! I ran this - managed a PB of 1:21:57 which I was very happy with! Never knew you were there 👌🏻 Was great to watch your footage - I could feel every moment of it. Although your pace still seems unreal to me!

[@Oviegoat8]

My first and only half marathon was 8/13/23 and I ran 1:29:56. I know you’re probably in agony running that fast but you make it look so effortless it’s really impressive. I threw up a few times after my race lol.

[@devmaharaj9768]

Excellent video, thank you Nick

[@qc_mp6899]

Iyoh! Lekker Nick! So very fast!! Amazing stuff!

[@johnmiller5630]

Well done Nick. Great to see what it’s like at the front. It’s a fab event isn’t it …. was my 5th time and looking forward to many more🙌🏻

[@nrg_runs]

Brilliant video Nick, love these recaps. I also ran Cambridge Half and filmed some of it for my channel documenting sub-3 marathon training, but still working on the edit! Fair play for getting it out so quickly, it’s a (half) marathon in itself!

[@justalilbester]

Thanks so much!! Aaaah yess I feel you. The running part is the quickest 🤣 editing not so much. But I do enjoy looking back to it and reliving the experience.

[@nrg_runs]

Yeah definitely, and your commentary approach is a great way to do that - it’s like a journal in video form 🙌🏼

[@NelsonVanDweller]

Im doing a half marathon this weekend . Hoping to get under 1 hr 30 mins. My last half marathon was 1hr 33 mins. This video taught me to take it steady.

[@justalilbester]

Equal to negative splits 📈 good luck and go get it!!

[@NelsonVanDweller]

@@justalilbester epic. Thanks buddy. It's in Battersea park by the way. Your fave place it seems.( I haven't run there yet)

[@lowzyyy]

I have the same goal. Unfortunately it will probably end like yours. Hoping for the best

[@NelsonVanDweller]

Well that went better than expected ....1 HR 27 mins. I'm buzzing!

[@lizgreen2936]

Great video I always watch every second of Yr videos whereas I skip a lot of running videos.... Love your take on everything.... See you at London can't wait too Boooooommmsshhaaakkaalllakkka you while I'm spectating.. 🥳🥳Well done..x

[@justalilbester]

Oooo yess!! Our 2:45 train 🚂 is going to need it!! 🎉🙌🏻🙌🏻 Xx

[@nath9091]

Yay congrats Nick. I did it too coming in a much slower 1:57 although still a 4 min PB. Saw your name in the results and wondered when I'd see your video. That middle Barton Road/Granchester section was really brutal with the mild hills. Far more spectators came out later filling a lot of the pavements in the city. Probably not one I'd do again however as once you got to my wave 6 there were way too many people for only half closed roads and paths 90% of the time meaning constant weaving around slower people in earlier waves resulting in a lot of mild clipping and lack of running space and the water stations were a congested nightmare grinding to a halt. Didn't really clear up until about mile 11.

[@Krilinjams]

1:05 Nick at UTMB 2025 confirmed. Great job and inspiring spirit as always mate!

[@justalilbester]

Ultras are calling soon 👀

[@eduardowernerroseli1555]

Muito legal acompanhar um atleta de ponta ..escutar sua respiração..se sentir um corredor de elite..através da filmagem ..parabéns top🏆🙌🤛

[@SCHENTH]

Congrats from Brazil ! 🇧🇷 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@davidm9964]

It's so refreshing to be able to hear much better and more accomplished runners going through exactly the same types of experiences and thoughts! I struggle so much with not going out too quickly, knowing exactly rhat I'm doing it, and paying the price later on 😂 One thing I've not quite understood from your rave videos I've watched so far, is why you say that the last kilometre doesn't count. I'm guessing it's because of the bug adrenaline rush that lets you find an extra gear? Am I right, or is it for another reason?

[@Bort_here]

goated race footage

[@joelespley5525]

Catch me at 21:31 wobbling over the finish line 🤣Great video mate keep em coming!

[@NelsonVanDweller]

Dam you went for it! Lol

[@lean2281]

Good man. What time did you get

[@MS-jt2yi]

Great video thanks! That dreaded no mans land. As if your mind make things worse than it actually is....trick is not to listen and keep going!

[@nicnak4475]

Thanks, Nick, it was nice to be at the front for a change 😅

[@BobbyRunout_EverydayWorld]

Bro, that's ....pretty flippin' fast. Great job!

[@callmeal4183]

"Me versus the demons." (!) That's every race or parkrun I've run since getting back into the sport after a twenty year hiatus. Starting too fast and hanging on ........ Better than not running, though. Great videos showing what being a competitive runner is really like.

[@tianoyt7005]

well done Nick!

[@simonbirtles8981]

Well done mate, top bloke boss run

[@milkahorozova6696]

Great video!

[@jamezday]

Great running Nick, fly now pay later, wise words! 👍

[@albusdumbledore7360]

1:48 never knew the secret was a pint of lager before the race fair play 👏

[@justalilbester]

🤣🤣 it does look a bit like a pint!

[@tobuslieven]

14:48 You look calm and collected here. Great run.

[@richardyork-weaving5425]

Love your videos Nick! You have really inspired me to take up running properly for the first time in my life. Really got the bug now and sneaked a 17.59 parkrun a few weeks ago and ran 1:22 at the Cambridge Half this weekend which was my first ever half marathon. Would love to hear more about your journey on how you got faster over time, eg what was your mileage and training like when you were running sub 18, then sub 17 etc. How long did it take you to improve to the point of doing the rapid sub 15 times you regularly post now!? Cheers, Richard

[@justalilbester]

Huge congrats 👏🏻 Okay great I’ll do one soon from how I went from a 25 min 5k to a sub 15 min 5k over the space of 10 years and how the mileage/training differed. 🙌🏻

[@richardyork-weaving5425]

Amazing, thank you!

[@melonheadmckeown2657]

Didn’t realise you were there, amazing time mine wasn’t so great but still a pb for me

[@justalilbester]

I’m there every year! Love it! 😍 Huge congrats on the PB!! 🙌🏻

[@ianhearn9655]

Nice one 👍🏻

[@Mckezzle]

Can I ask what the benefits of wearing sleeves are? I’m doing my first ever half marathon in a few weeks 😬

[@davidveauthier3847]

Great race Nick! It's super cool to see these racing videos and your commentary is fantastic as well. One question, do you use the voice control to start and stop the camera or do you press the actual button on the camera?

[@justalilbester]

I used the actual start and stop as I thought it would be safer especially with the noice on course. Thanks so much! 🙌🏻

[@csalis]

Is the offer on the socks still going? I can only find the one pair on your site. Loving the content! Only found it recently but can’t help but get inspired by your race videos

[@justalilbester]

Thank you and YES the offer is still going 🎉 both socks should be on the website. Enjoooy 🔥

[@mogosberhane264]

"Hit the great Wall of China "😂😂😂😂😂😂. Great performance. I need your advice, I'm 42 years old and still run my 15km 52min. My plan is to run a marathon under 2:50.

[@justalilbester]

With that time… You’re capable of it! 🙌🏻

[@mogosberhane264]

@@justalilbester .thank you

[@anwar-rhm]

Amazing how different the world looks from that height 😄 It's a different view from 5'7 😄

[@mogosberhane264]

Wow 😢😢😢. Great.you triggered my emotions. Good luck

[@JagodaNowak-v9w]

Bravo 👏 👏 👏

[@CambridgeFitnessAcademy]

That was epic

[@philipcampbell7548]

Nick could you do a video on how you fit in all that mileage with having two little ones?

[@justalilbester]

Yes for sure. In summary the life balance is so so tough to get right. I'll film a vlog on how I try balance it best and what to prioritise.

[@Fizz_Runner]

Amazing Nick. You are so inspirational and good to know the best also have to grind it. Just did PB half. Only my second half mara racing it. And yeah i so felt like giving up midway to 15k. And locking on to others really helps. That wilderness period you had those demons were screaming im sure. How do you operate and chose go3 cam. Thinking of getting one. Could you also charge it while running say for a marathon. Doing Boston hence wanna max the footage

[@justalilbester]

Congrats on the PB!!! 🍕 yes I think you can in its charging case but I must say it has 48 minutes of running footage which is more than enough for a race. Especially if you stop and start it properly. Good luck for Boston 🦄

[@Fizz_Runner]

@@justalilbester thx for the quick reply. Were you holding the case or how did you control when it was recording etc

[@justalilbester]

@@Fizz_Runner it was attached to my head. A quick click of the start/stop button 🙌🏻

[@Jimmy3305]

Great love these videos mate. But the sand was definitely shingles tiny stones, and not sand 😂.

[@B1000ad]

How do you eat that much beforehand? I'd be in the hedges after 2 mile.

[@justalilbester]

Gotta train your nutrition 🙌🏻 you need the fuel ⛽️

[@B1000ad]

I definitely have to work on that. Very interesting. I hadn't even entertained the thought of consuming that much pre-ra e. Thanks!

[@hahaheslop]

"Fly now, pay later" that's the Ryanair motto! 😅

[@9MRSG]

Nick, in todays results, what would that translate to a marathon pace?

[@justalilbester]

Probably between 2:21-2:22 Got some work to do! But I’ve got time and am up for it!! 📈🙌🏻

[@markfoz7248]

How is the camera so still? Expected it to bob up and down more.

[@uMsubathi]

This is beautiful

[@Gmjack17]

ooooh maybe ultra one day

[@justalilbester]

Perhaps even Wings for Life ultra this year.. Let’s see how things play out 👀

[@stevejt1000]

When the guy crossing the finish line 14th celebrates far more than the guy who won 😂

[@justalilbester]

🤣 enjoy each one as if it’s your last.

[@elsdonerasmus9755]

Do you ship to sa realy wanna buy😊

[@MiguelJaramillo-v1w]

Saludos desde mexico 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️

[@justalilbester]

Helloooo 👋 sending good vibes to 🇲🇽

[@sharkymoon422]

The on;y difference between you and a pro runner is the PED’s … The world we live, I’m sure some people at Nike and others 100% know the deal.. Keep on running for fun 👊🏻❤️🙏🏻

[@nobby2783]

Great content, too many ads 😢

[@-jp-9773]

why do athletes wear the arm sleeves

[@tarmaccio]

Your breathing tells you‘re completely smoked from the beginning. How on earth do you sustain that for 21k?? 😱

[@justalilbester]

My HR ave was 168 (maybe a bit higher). But the breathing sounds worse as the camera is very close to your mouth.

[@Gino-hm2zc]

Poorly executed but an interesting watch all the same