North Downs Way 50 Miler 2022 - Race Day Vlog

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Let's gooooooooooooooo So great, congrats Dan!!!! Wow, tears to the eyes as you crossed that line. What a journey you had out there.

[@DanRuns]

Thanks so much for taking the time to watch and comment Seth. I’d be really interested to see how you’d tackle the course. I feel a course record on English soil on the cards.

[@MihaiGoRunning]

Nice journey, Dan! So great that you crossed the line with your little one! Beautiful race, great vlog, my friend! Cheers!

[@DanRuns]

Thanks so much! Hope you’re well?

[@MihaiGoRunning]

@@DanRuns yah, I am, thanks.

[@IRunDaily]

I waiting for the kids to go to bed, making a cuppa and settling in for this one!

[@DanRuns]

Popcorn at the ready!

[@ThatRunningGuy]

You run 50 miles and your daughter takes all the glory. Amazing job Dan, proud of you

[@DanRuns]

She took all the glory for my poor prep and lack of training as well

[@DevRunner]

I'm finally catching up on the big day! I love the real-time reporting as the race progressed so you can share the details! It simply amazes me that you are able to cover such immense distances in such a short time! I really love your motivations for pushing through - giving of yourself to inspire your child in the future - beautiful! Congratulations on a spectacular finish - truly inspiring!!

[@DanRuns]

Thanks for this message, it means a lot 💚

[@BenNotley]

I have waited 18 weeks for this video! It did not dissapoint! I love you mate! 💙

[@DanRuns]

I waited a year to tackle it again!

[@IRunThings]

You beat me to first 'poster'

[@BenNotley]

@@DanRuns 😂

[@BenNotley]

@@IRunThings unbeatable 😂

[@IRunThings]

@@BenNotley 😅😅😅

[@JohnBirtchetSharpe]

FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!! very well done Dan. you persevered, you were very honest, brilliant.

[@DanRuns]

Thanks John! I always like to be transparent with people because at the end of the day, it was not the easiest race for me to tackle! I got it done and will live to fight another day

[@its_Matt_B_]

Everyone:” Box Hill is so beautiful. Let’s go for the day and have a picnic! Dan: “Basically, this is horrible!” Dan, another epic video documenting an epic race! Well done to you, sir! You captured the essence of what it takes to be an ultra runner! Nicely done, mate! 👊🏽

[@DanRuns]

I bet the families at Box Hill were mystified how anyone could look so miserable as they shuffled past some of the most beautiful views in Surrey. Haha

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@DanRuns 🤣 You know the families were wondering why the runners looked so miserable on such a gorgeous day!

[@racheld1844]

This one will go down in your history book Dan, never to be forgotten. Running can be an utter misery sometimes but there is nearly always something that keeps us going. Watched the whole video and even paused it when I put the washing away. Glad to see the waist belt worked out well in the end. You may have started a revolution in to ditching the hydration packs 😂 ⭐️WELL DONE ⭐️

[@DanRuns]

The waist band was perfect! Perhaps I’ll start a revolution (or at least kick start a U.K. one!)

[@IRunThings]

Congratulations Dan!! This was absolutely epic. Thanks for taking us with you (but not that fly lol) Also, those steps.....😨

[@DanRuns]

Thanks for taking the time to watch! Much appreciated! The steps are a killer

[@IRunThings]

@@DanRuns I was suffering just watching you go through it 😪

[@DanRuns]

@@IRunThings and yet the fitter folk on the day would jog / run them!

[@eprohoda]

Yo.yeh, unreal !farewell~😮

[@tompayne10]

Well done, that was an awesome effort. I finished but after the cut off

[@DanRuns]

By how long did you miss? How did you find the course?

[@bev9708]

BRAVO Tom!!!!!!

[@tompayne10]

@@DanRuns 28 mins. It was hard, Boxhill did me in and was struggling to Reigate. Then that ridiculous hill up to final check point?! I got through with moments to spare, so I was fairly sure I wouldn't make it. I wanted to stop at pretty much every pitstop but somehow carried on.

[@DanRuns]

@@tompayne10 oh damn! Box Hill to Reigate is absolutely the worst section. The Box Hill steps alternative hurt me and I didn’t recover for a number of km. As for the hill before the final checkpoint, I recall it last year and it had been drizzling so I kept slipping going up it. Regardless of the time, you did 50+ miles in those conditions. Kudos to you

[@HereWeAreRunning]

Brilliant Dan!! Considering you've not trained as much as you would have liked, beating last year's time is a great achievement. And the heat this year was much warmer. I ran 2km to the point where I met you and 2km back home again and I was sweating buckets. Perfect way to cross the line as well.

[@DanRuns]

I didn’t necessarily capture the heat on the day so well, but I definitely felt it during those climbs. I was very pleased not to have been wearing a hydration vest! I think it would have cooked me alive! Thanks so much for meeting me, I needed the boost

[@michaelsanderson7328]

Wow!! Awesome run and video Dan! Well done!!

[@DanRuns]

Thanks Michael!

[@BenNotley]

Amazing mate. Just amazing. You pushed through and showed us all how to get it done. I am sure the little one will surely get loads of inspiration from this mate. You have truly inspired me. The main thing I took away from this video is how you are truly vocally talented in the singing department and also the backwards cap..... Gotta be the first time I have seen you wear a cap like that but it didn't last long though 😂 Huge kudos and mad love to you mate! 😎🤘🏻💙

[@DanRuns]

I wore the cap backwards thinking I was going to stop myself getting a sunburnt neck. Given that I was 30 miles in its clear that I realised immediately after that it was too little too late! The singing got me through and I had some Artful Dodger in the final 5 miles

[@gingeral]

Ahh mate, well done 👏 such a special moment crossing the finish line with your daughter ❤️

[@DanRuns]

Thanks Al! It was a special moment indeed

[@dawngodwin2028]

Well done Dan for battling through when you wernt feeling great knowing you still had 30 odd miles to go,This was my first 50 miler and was great to see you,thanku for the shout out,hope your not feeling as stiff as I am today,wow I'm hurting😂

[@DanRuns]

Are you the infamous Dawn? Your profile doesn’t give any info except ‘D’. If so, you did phenomenally well! I’m feeling a little tight but I think tomorrow will be worse!

[@dawngodwin2028]

Hi Dan yes it's Dawn😊 Thanku really enjoyed it,the last 4 miles were tough,just wanted to see the finish line,but a great well organised race,will give it another attempt next year,will you run it again for the 3rd time?

[@DanRuns]

@@dawngodwin2028 I think that’s me down for now with NDW. I much prefer to run it socially than under a time constraint! Plus I’d just see a hill and turnaround :)

[@trailriderp]

Amazing Dan, a real battle right from the start but you prevailed and stuck at it, where many would have fallen. Top days work 🙌 💪🏼 👍⛰️

[@DanRuns]

Thanks! I know 45 of so did DNF and it’s not surprising as the course doesn’t let up

[@JonsConsciousLife]

Dan you absolute legend! Great job mate, so inspiring.

[@DanRuns]

Thanks Jon! Hope you’re keeping well?

[@grahamcook6702]

Awesome work Dan... Loved your finish, fond memories of running over the same finish line in 2015 with my 2 girls :-) Well done

[@DanRuns]

When I decided late in the race that I wanted to cross the line in that way, nothing was going to stop me. Thankfully the photographer is excellent so we’ve got another way to remember the moment. Thanks for watching and commenting, it’s much appreciated

[@DanRuns]

When I decided late in the race that I wanted to cross the line in that way, nothing was going to stop me. Thankfully the photographer is excellent so we’ve got another way to remember the moment. Thanks for watching and commenting, it’s much appreciated

[@matthewogorman4862]

Well done Dan, we spoke briefly at Botley Hill, well done on beating last year's time! 👍

[@DanRuns]

Good to briefly chat! I was pleased to make a little dent on last year and something to aim for in the future of course. How are you doing with your recovery?

[@m3phist0]

Hugely inspiring Dan. You did great and what a strong finish at the end there to your daughter.

[@DanRuns]

Thankfully she wasn’t too heavy to carry! The body summons strength when it needs to and in that moment I felt nothing but joy

[@stubbini]

Massive congrats on seeing it through. Not easy when it’s not going to plan. Solid performance 👍🏻

[@DanRuns]

A shame it didn’t go as I wanted but I finished and will live to fight another day

[@tommcg9544]

Fantastic, Dan, really well done. Someone said running an ultra is like living a life in a day. Ups and downs, light and dark. You battled through it all and it was great to see you at the end smiling with your daughter.

[@DanRuns]

That is a fantastic analogy. I’ll remind myself of that in the future!

[@TheChessPlayer1956]

Doing an ultra is so awesome and impressive, hats off to you Dan!!! You bring up an important point for me--- enjoying running. Watches, pace, so many things can swirl around in our heads. I am most happy when I focus on trees, gardens, and just the feeling I have when running and afterwards. Here is wishing you continued fulfillment from running.

[@DanRuns]

I definitely got wrapped up in the stats early on and whilst I would have been on track to do well, it hampered the experience. I’m pleased I could enjoy the surroundings in the latter half of the race

[@TheChessPlayer1956]

@@DanRuns I totally understand. Stats are like our report card and we want to know what we got.

[@markg99]

It must have been very disheartening to feel so ropey near the start but the comeback was incredible. It sounds as though your legs were wrecked but not injured like last time, so that's a big plus. Really enjoyed the video and the joyous end to the story. Well done, Dan! 👍🏻🏃‍♂️

[@DanRuns]

Yes! My legs were definitely not hampered by injury but most likely lack of fitness. I was able to run / walk most of the way, even if I was pausing to walk more than I’d typically like

[@movemorenowjames]

Well done Dan, great effort .. emotions always run high on these events !

[@DanRuns]

Absolutely! Hope you’re doing well?

[@leedaviesfitness]

I love how at some point in an ultra we all. Think of quitting but then a little voice says don't you fecking dare. You haven't come. This far to throw in the towel. Top. Work Dan 😉

[@DanRuns]

It was your voice and the tones of Rick Astley that spurred me on

[@ylive5169]

​@@DanRuns😂

[@runningwithmarc]

You did it again!!!! look forward to hearing the 'debrief' and how the feeling is in the days after and such. Enjoy the moment, well deserved and earned.

[@DanRuns]

I’m looking forward to sharing my thoughts on this race actually. I might do another Q&A post so that I can answer everyone’s questions, as well as addressing some of the more obvious topics. Thanks again for the pick me up, it meant a lot

[@chrisbarnaby7754]

Excellent running mate, well done 👍🏻. Brought back memories watching you on the course.

[@DanRuns]

Thanks Chris! Good memories?! Haha... I had some horrible deja vu moments where I recalled what was coming. Sheer torture

[@samharper2175]

Well done Dan, you embodied what ultra running is all about! Going to those really dark painful places and pushing through. I saw you in the morning at the sports hall!

[@DanRuns]

Thanks for the views and comment, it’s much appreciated! How did you find the course?

[@samharper2175]

@@DanRuns really tough, I went out extremely fast holding the 1st spot until just after box hill where I went into the pain cave for the rest of the race. I managed to finish 3rd but that second half can only be described as hellish! The heat was really getting to me and stomping down those steps/climbing over trees!

[@DanRuns]

@@samharper2175 blimey! I would have loved to have some POV shots of you tackling some of the course. At times I couldn’t comprehend how anyone could move faster than I was and yet I was left in the dust of people running Colley and Botley Hill! Huge congrats on your finish, it’s genuinely incredible in my opinion

[@samharper2175]

@@DanRuns The aim is to come back next year and actually get some footage. Of the 4 that went off in the front pack 2 dnf unfortunately. We got to box hill in under 3hours which was a bit too fast I think! It was brutal in the end and we certainly paid for it, very unpleasant experience but worth it! Your video really touched me though. Have you got any other ultras planned?

[@DanRuns]

@@samharper2175 your shoes must have been catching fire at that pace. I remember when Ry Webb broke the course record last year I analysed his splits and it was funny to think he was probably at home in bed by the time I was half way. Definitely record the experience, even if it’s just for me to watch! There isn’t much POV footage of top performing runners sadly and I for one would be really intrigued. Nothing else planned now, I’ll just see what’s out there and dive into whatever feels right. You?

[@kieronturner2667]

Ahh brilliant stuff Dan 👏👏 super video and wasn't prepared for the finish line moment 😊 very moving 👍

[@DanRuns]

Thanks Kieron! It was my motivation in those final hours of trudging to cross that line

[@kieronturner2667]

@@DanRuns love that 👍

[@RunSensible]

Dan, I came on here to see you running shirtless. What happened 🤣?! Great footage. It's fab that you captured the moment so well of you feeling low and the obvious elation when you finished with your daughter. Great stuff. 💪 💪

[@DanRuns]

Do you know what’s funny, I thought about that a number of times in the day and contemplated doing it before photo oops, but there were no camera crew out on the course! Maybe next time haha. That finish was my main focus when times got rough

[@CotswoldTrailRunner]

Wow! What an adventure! Favourite quote “Basically, this is horrible”😂 so glad you got over those tough times. Well done. Epic effort and one your daughter will definitely be proud of.

[@DanRuns]

She’s enjoyed watching the final clip back today a few times. I look forward to her true reaction in years to come! Maybe I’ll sit down with her and we’ll watch together and film a live reaction

[@IRunDaily]

Forget the title race - this was the epic story of the day! You captured the pain, agony and ecstasy of an ultra beautifully! That moment when you said '30 miles to go' with a little wry smile... Totally relatable... But it always comes back around if you give it time. Well done, Dan. Enjoy the rest now and hopefully you have a week off coming up 😉😉

[@DanRuns]

I’m glad I stuck with it and gave my body a chance to come back to me. It felt so right at times to throw in the towel and it took a lot of battling with my head, but thankfully heart prevailed. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment, I really appreciate it

[@michaelbennett6778]

Fantastic Dan- a brilliant achievement and you did a great time too! I’m the Michael who gave you a shout out ! Thanks for the vlog and love the channel 👊💪🏃🏻‍♂️🏁

[@DanRuns]

That little boost meant a lot and I was able to press on with a spring in my step!

[@philipcampbell7548]

Incredible effort Dan. Got me a bit emotional at the end!

[@DanRuns]

Thank you! I held back my tears that’s for sure

[@CraigRowand]

Excellent video capturing a wonderful run. Inspiring stuff!

[@DanRuns]

Thanks Craig!

[@holdingnamerequired4703]

Amazing video. Seeing your content keeps giving me motivation to make video for my channel. I'm really looking forward to the next video. Keep the content coming!!!

[@DanRuns]

You should absolutely make vids. They serve as great memories for you to enjoy in the future. You can always set videos to private if you’re not ready to share to the public as well

[@guzgrant]

Inspiring . Your aside to the viewer is compulsive heart on sleeve stuff .

[@DanRuns]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@Nick-pk4sq]

What a run, and what a video! So inspiring, your resilience and cheerfulness under pressure is phenomenal. And amazing scenery too - although I did laugh at the bit where you passed a picturesque ruined church tower and were in the zone focused on your likely finish time!

[@DanRuns]

I had actually recorded a part about the church, but it turned out my GoPro wasn’t on, so I didn’t think to say anymore about it!

[@Nick-pk4sq]

@@DanRuns whereabouts is it, out of interest?

[@DanRuns]

@@Nick-pk4sq I’ll have to look into it and get back to you. I can’t recall the name

[@Nick-pk4sq]

@@DanRuns don’t worry you need to be resting up and eating and drinking lots, I’ll have a look along the route. Am a big fan of old churches that’s all so was intrigued.

[@DanRuns]

@@Nick-pk4sq before Caterham checkpoint I believe. Could be St Mary’s but I may be incorrect. It was next to a relatively busy main road

[@bev9708]

BRAVO Dan... what an epic!!! I was thinking of you today wondering how you were getting on. As expected, lots of ups and downs there so thanks so much for sharing them with us and chatting with us along the way, and even making us laugh there a few times.

[@DanRuns]

Thanks Bev! There you have it, a tough ultra in all it’s glory. There were definitely some moments I’d sooner forget and others I’ll cherish. Thanks for all your support, it means a lot

[@bev9708]

@@DanRuns It was mighty indeed Dan!!!! Bravo and Bravo again!!!

[@bensmith6633]

Fantastic Dan 👏👏Well done for battling on even when it wasn’t going your way. You were definitely winning the mental game when I saw you 👍 Whats next for you? Will we be seeing you on the South Downs next year? 👍

[@DanRuns]

Quite a few people mentioned SDW to me on the day, with most saying how much kinder it is compared to NDW. Never say never but as it stands I have no particular desire to go another 50 yet. When I know I can train hard for it, I’ll sign up

[@jat2319]

Amazing work mate. Well done and congrats!

[@DanRuns]

Thanks so much!

[@trailrunningphil]

The belt seemed a winner then? Great job making it to that finish line. Do you think it was anxiety that churned your stomach up at the start I wonder? I’m not a huge fan of time goals in races like this as it’s yet another thing to stress about but even that, you seemed to brush off quite well! Thanks for letting us tag along and yeah, loved the finish line shots. Shout out to wifey for some good footage there!! 🙌🏻

[@DanRuns]

I’m almost certain it was anxiety and nerves. I think I got wrapped up in a time goal to checkpoint 1 and just dropped the ball. The belt was fantastic and I’d definitely use it in the future instead of a vest

[@thekernowrunner3752]

Mate great vlog.me and wife watched.great i could show what ibwent threw lol.keep on truckin lol

[@DanRuns]

It was one hell of a day out!

[@PaulCoatesTrailRunning]

Quality finish. Well done for toughing it out

[@DanRuns]

Do they get any easier the more of them you do? You’re a veteran

[@PaulCoatesTrailRunning]

@@DanRuns - I wish. If you get fitter and. Faster, it’s over quicker but I expect your legs hurt even more. Bugger

[@Ijustkeptrunning]

Well done Dan!! Truly inspirational stuff. I like it that you told it how it was, which sounded horrible. Maybe I’ll give it a try next year, sounds like my sort of thing 😂.

[@DanRuns]

If you like hard days out and the chance to crush yourself physically and emotionally, don’t hesitate to sign up!

[@nigelb1851]

Well done Dan, real pleasure to meet you last week. Not sure why I didn't see this vlog earlier, damn KZbin algorithms! I saw you did a run today, so recovering ok?

[@DanRuns]

Nice to meet you also! KZbin algorithms rule us all! As for my recovery, it’s been really good actually. How are you doing?

[@nigelb1851]

@@DanRuns no lasting physical damage, but I've just signed up for sdw50 so clearly Ive not recovered mentally 😁

[@SwimBikeRunStu]

Great effort, Congrats on a top job.

[@DanRuns]

Thanks a lot!

[@IRunThings]

I am here! And first! Edited. Actually Ben was first

[@DanRuns]

Haha. Thanks for being here!

[@guzgrant]

What next Dan? Do you get the post event come down / blues?

[@DanRuns]

Nothing planned at the moment. Focus on spending time with family first and foremost and then I’ll look at what events are happening. Hopefully jump into something shorter for fun and requiring no training

[@TheChessPlayer1956]

Special note: What shoes did you choose?

[@DanRuns]

Hoka Speedgoat 4 and perhaps more importantly they were a wide fit. As it stands I’ve had no foot issues whatsoever following the run.

[@TheChessPlayer1956]

@@DanRuns That's great! We all have individual needs. I have a very narrow foot with high arches. I also have small feet for a man that stands 6 ft. tall.

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks for the shout out 🤓 Well done for battling through it, was getting flashbacks on some of those climbs. What a special finish line moment - beautiful

[@DanRuns]

Can’t wait to see your vid. You must have been running up those hills!