RUNNING A 50 MILE ULTRA.. VERY TOUGH DAY

Follow along as we embark on the Centurion Running Chiltern Wonderland 50 mile!
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#gettingitdone #benparkes #trackworkout

[@AHBrien85]

My race was cancelled so I ran my half marathon goal race on a local route I created! Completed my goal of sub90 and did 1:29:17!! Thanks for the inspiration👌🏻 Next goal is a sub 40 10k 💪🏻🏃🏻

[@Tom-mcateer]

Well done Ben.. love this film..captures everything that is good about running, ultramarathons, and life.. despite everything and the fitness issues you had at this time you did it.. and although an elite runner you showed that on the road to recovery and fitness you still held a humble and positive outlook through this tough challenge.. much respect 💙👏👏

[@jonh1958]

That Sarah Place seems to follow you everywhere, I'd keep an eye on her. Well done on the run BTW hugely inspirational to come back from injury, get to the start line and finish the race - next year is your year Ben!

[@malcolmcornelius7215]

I can relate completely Ben. I had 2 months off earlier this year with a painful achillies. Started from scratch, run/walks initially then 5k every 2nd day building up to 10k over a month. Had a few 5k/8k x-country races I treated as training runs, where I was beaten by guys I had been minutes ahead of previously. Pride definitely took a beating, but I knew I had to be patient, not overload my achillies & that every run was making me stronger. 6 months later, I'm fitter than ever, achillies is good & I'm back competing at the level I was. All about trusting the process as you have done, and not getting down on yourself when you have an offday. Every day you can get out & run injury free is a good day, especially as you get older! Stay positive, stay healthy & stay safe in these difficult times 💛

[@novpriory6624]

Congrats! Great to see you showing this side of things - I did the Ladybower 20-miler in the Peaks over the weekend - was recovering from a sprained right ankle and 6 miles in I went over on the left one 🤦‍♀️ had a really strong first half but my feet were in so much pain to the point of tears that by 15 miles I just decided to walk the last 5 miles. What's the point of absolutely hating the experience and hurting yourself! Still finished!

[@BenParkes]

Well done Emma.. we runners are stubborn! Even when we know it's sensible to stop, we just want to carry on and get the medal. Hope you're recovering well and the ankles are back ok again asap! All the very best :-)

[@2487jemma]

I loved this video, it's nice to see real life ups and downs of running, and not just pbs after pbs, really appreciate this. Its feels a lot more relatable and inspiring that even if it's not your perfect race you can carry on and enjoy it. 💙🐐

[@JAMSwart]

Well done Ben. Great mental strength to finish despite not feeling your best. For what it is worth, it was one of the highlights of my day to see you out on the trails. Not sure that will happen again any time soon once you are back to peak fitness.

[@BenParkes]

Great to meet you as well Jaco! Nice to put a face to a name. Enjoyed our chat. All the best :-)

[@kbuzz5255]

Great to see such positivity, even when the wheels fall off. I had this on my first HM recently and this video has made me look at it as more of a learning curve for future events. Keep up the good work.

[@darrengofton7564]

Well done mate! When you push as hard as you do it's never humiliating, always humbling, always learning. I have the NYM 55k Ultra on Oct 3rd, only my 2nd Ultra after the 'Lakes in a Day' in 2017, and I wondered if you have any taper tips for Ultra's?

[@BenParkes]

I find the taper for an ultra, especially that distance isn't really any different compared to a marathon. I personally wouldn't bother with a session on the Tuesday that I'd usually say for a marathon and just keep it easy running all week. Maybe around 40% volume of your biggest training week .. during that final week. (not including the race). Anything will be easier than lakes in a day 2017!!! Have a great run!

[@helenwoollven3116]

Thanks for sharing this video, appreciate your honesty. I am struggling at the moment with fitness and totally get the whole thing of thinking back to the speed you used to be able to run at. Your video has inspired me just to get out there and make progress! Well done for keeping going and getting it done x

[@evanreid9759]

Just what I needed Ben, out of running for the first time with an injury and rewatching your videos for inspiration 😁

[@BenParkes]

Sorry to hear that Evan. It happens to all runners of course, but is still tough. Hope you get back soon! :-)

[@laurencesdaddy6392]

Good luck with your recovery

[@stevenwatson7523]

Feel your frustration, Evan 😞 I’ve recently just returned from an odd ankle injury that I’ve never had before and think it was a case of doing too much too soon when returning. Now I’m back to it and just starting out with 2 miles a few times a week, putting pace aside and just happy to be back out there on the road. Wish you well with your recovery!

[@leana.b9481]

You finished! With a smile as always. Both you and Sarah are so inspirational. I finished my 80km a month ago and felt the same way. So sick but at the end it's all worth it. Keep going you guys are amazing!

[@BenParkes]

Very kind Leana.. Thank you! Well done on your 80k!! :-)

[@mjgreeninc]

The adversity and struggle makes your story even better. Don’t look at the injury as a negative. Your times may have gotten slower temporarily, but your voice will have grown stronger because your challenge is greater. We all love to see a story of overcoming. Keep up the good work!

[@BenParkes]

Thanks for your lovely message Justin! Right now (two weeks on) I do feel like I'm moving better than I ever have form wise.. the fitness will home back very soon. Many positives! All the very best with your running, glad you enjoyed the video!

[@TobyTheJug]

Always inspirational and honest. Am attempting the Joss Naylor Challenge on Saturday - 50 miles and 17,000’ ascent across the Lakes. At age 58 I get 15 hours to complete. Hopefully I’ll be “getting it done”! Thanks for your commitment and example.

[@marsme7511]

Good luck for your 50 miles!

[@liamblatch6666]

Congratulations for fighting to the end Ben, massively inspirational as always!!! I’m starting to work towards coming back from a shoulder injury, after I had an accident whilst out on my bike at the start of the month. It’s great to see how you have been getting on and the improvements you have made! Thank you for making your videos, it helps the rest of us to see your approach and attitude!

[@WorkandLifeFitness]

Excellent dedication and inspiration after recovery Ben 🥂👏

[@Joe-mans]

How on earth can someone dislike this video must be a mistake

[@Tonyr2]

There will always be haters even for someone as nice as Ben. Says more about them imo. He's a top bloke period.

[@Josh.17]

@Road Runner Proof?

[@Josh.17]

@Road Runner Pretty large website you linked there.. His skills developed in his corporate career help make this content what it is.

[@deniseclay2762]

Ben, thank you for this inspiration. I am recovering from an injury that occurred almost two years ago. Some days are awesome and others are frustrating. But I love being back on the trails even if I am walking more than I want to. Like you said, I will keep on enjoying it and keep smiling.

[@williambarham1902]

Love your videos Ben! Not only are they great to follow, but they also inspire and teach me various physical and mental lessons which I try to incorporate into my own runs! The best of luck with your recovery, you'll be back stronger than before and you'll have brought more people along the journey with you!

[@Supafloppy]

Ben I can relate to what you were feeling. When you compare your fitness to what it was previously. Thank you for reminding me that its always been about the process and discipline that will yield us our desired results. Keep it up - you are an absolute legend.

[@TheFODRunner]

Can’t believe you got back to ultras so quickly mate, absolute class 👏 shows you took recovery seriously during rehab and that’s paying dividends now already!! Massive respect, you may of finished quicker last time but the journey on this one was far more adventurous and probably much more memorable as the first 50 miler since surgeries!!

[@19Kamau79]

Love your energy no matter how tired you do get you just never stop smiling 🌞

[@IBXRunning]

Love the positive attitude as you come back from injury. Congrats on getting through it!

[@cahal]

For want of a better phrase, I appreciate the 'warts and all' coverage Ben.

[@TomSzczepanski]

Get in Ben, superb running and bouncing back like an absolute boss. The speed which you've recovered is awesome, I broke my little finger at the start of June and ripped the tendons off the bone and its still in a splint, so feeling inspired by you to keep nailing that physio and working hard on the recovery

[@DanRuns]

Thanks for sharing the experience Ben. I did my first 40 mile ultra last weekend. A tough day out :)

[@guillaumesperlich5749]

Ups and downs, thank you for your honesty. I'm recovering from an injury myself and I am more prepared mentally thanks to your videos.

[@West.Ham1964]

Well done on getting it done, I just love the sheer positivity in the face of pain and how you pulled yourself to that finish line, despite the odd *ahem* wrong turning.

[@will_hargreaves]

Thanks for posting this video Ben and keeping it real. It must have been tempting to can this footage. But sharing your bad days as well as your good days, you are sharing the highs and the lows that I and the rest of your audience can relate to. Blessings 👍

[@e3Scott]

Another great video, Ben, so inspirational watching you keep up your determination through some tough moments to get it done in the end, well done! Cheers from Canada, Scott #gettingitdone

[@neilsyard]

Hi Ben. Great effort once again, despite the personal circumstances. Keep on getting it done!

[@johnstewart8665]

Nothing humiliating about that Ben - great effort and total determination to finish. Having also watched Sarah's video from the race it looks like a beautiful course. Thanks for sharing your hard days, such as this one, with us. In some ways they are more inspiring than the days when everything goes well.

[@michaelwilliams54]

Uplifting humbling video ☺️🏃I'm recovering and nursing Achilles so also taking it easy this video is just what I needed , it takes time for injuries to heal, great reminder thanks Ben

[@jamjazzer9212]

Well done Ben for finishing. Stay safe stay healthy. I’m pleased you walked at the end and listened to your body. Will give you a quicker recovery for the week ahead. 👍

[@henrygodwin4826]

Just got back from college and pumped to watch this! Cheers for the content! So inspiring! Getting new trail shoes at the weekend and I’m pumped!

[@lenavalavani8887]

Awesome!!well done-thank you for the strong faith and high spirit you gave us all!!Keep going!

[@carsonmalleet4367]

Great content! I strive to have the attitude you have towards running! Subbed!

[@76yacumo]

Good to see you running Ben👊🏼 Stay safe

[@TriathlonDan]

What a comeback from your injury Ben, I've loved following your rollercoaster of a year!

[@martinyardy3213]

Great attitude and well done for sticking it out. I've got my first ultra in November the OTT Brecon ultra, super excited and hoping covid doesn't put a hault to it. Also got Celtic Trail ultra in December and Chester 50 in February. Loving your videos, they are keeping me motivated to get out the door and put the miles in..

[@JonsConsciousLife]

Good job Ben. Currently training for a solo sub -1:40 half effort in November. It would be about a 12 minute PB, as I’ve not raced the distance often and have dealt with injury over the past year.

[@BenParkes]

All the best Jon.. a 12 minute PB would be a great achievement. Wishing you all the best and sure you can get the sub 1:40. Come back and let me know how you get on! :-)

[@tngo3]

i like how you always have a smile and so cheery good job keep it up!

[@peterczeszek2048]

The trails you ran along and scenery look amazing. Well done Ben.

[@bostonchaval]

I love that course. Good grass surface. Not technical. Great for preserving the legs.

[@shemhaque2758]

Well done mate, I had to walk the last bit of that too! Beautiful scenery and fantastic people, was awesome chatting to everyone as I went along.

[@BenParkes]

Well done on getting it done as well Shem!! A lovely day out for sure :-)

[@Simon-Ward]

Great work getting it done 👍 I'm doing my first Centurion event in a couple of weeks, it's the Autumn 100 so that should be fun!

[@BenParkes]

All the best Simon.. Centurion will look after you and everyone really well. You'll get through a lot of hand sanitiser during the event, (I did my hands 10 times during this I think) which I imagine will be a real faff (but of course necessary) if it's cold and you have gloves in the colder sections, so something to think about now. All in all have a great run and hope you get it done!!

[@Simon-Ward]

@@BenParkes Thanks Ben, great tip about the hand sanitiser, I really hadn't thought about it with gloves on which I reckon will be a must in the early hours (I'm not quick 😬). I was entered in the NDW100 but had to pull out, got to meet you and Sarah at the Detling Hill CP though 👍🏻

[@marcusposton432]

I did my first ultra (32.75 miles - 4 laps of 6.55 loop) naively a few months after a marathon with no real longer mileage in the legs and suffered big time! This brought back memories and has given me a thought to push myself, build up and even push beyond that distance with an extra lap for 39.3 miles to take me past 60km.

[@gary_runs]

Great Video Ben, Well done for 'getting that race done'. It's hard to believe you was in plaster only 6 months ago! Keep up the great work your nearly there!! 🙌🏼

[@katy4822]

Good job!!! Very much the approach I'm taking to the London marathon next week... ended up signing up to the virtual race because I really wanted to clock a decent time, but then got injured so now the aim is just to complete the distance 😂💪

[@BenParkes]

Hope it all goes well for you Katy! These distances are always a great achievement just to complete. All the very best for the run and hope the injury is all ok now!

[@steveruppel]

Thank you for sharing your journey back from an injury, it isn’t easy!

[@ultrarunneradam]

Thanks Ben good to see you showing true spirit and perseverance - 130k week is quite a schedule!

[@markscott9760]

Been doing your half marathon training and after a week 3 I pulled my calf. So giving it a week off and then will do a nice short easy run to see how it feels. Did miss the hills week so I’m a way glad but gutted. Never give up and going to complete the training

[@Jess6Gun]

Good effort, Ben. We can't set a PB every time we go out. I was inspired to sign up for my first trail run, first since my injury. Hoping to finish in one piece. Keep up the good work. Getting it done!!!

[@colinsawyer9391]

Mrs S loving her BP hat, order for 2 more incoming. Well done on completing the Centurion. Struggling here with back & hip niggles so can really associate having lost a good 2 minutes on my 5k time since July. Next physio appt 7th Oct. Whilst the mind is willing the legs just aren't #frustrating

[@garyashton1466]

Great watch as always Ben....my 10K at Heaton Park this Sunday is cancelled so got out yesterday morning on the hills of Huddersfield and got it done virtually ! 😉👍🏃

[@StridesandSummits]

I didn't know the Garmin 945 did map overlays - very cool! Thank you for this. Good fun and well done! 👍

[@JuanaVallSerra]

I love you two, Ben and Sarah! Keep going!

[@buddybaillie4940]

You are amazing Ben . Always remember that🏃‍♂️👍👏👏💪💪

[@TheHuskyRunner]

Bro! Such an inspiration!! I know you hear it all the time, but still want you to know that! Not training for a race, but training to just run! 5K program going well!!

[@jdidsbury]

Great job, Ben! Was good to catch up with you around the 42 mile mark (you passed me at about mile 5) - apologies for being the 200th person to ask about your ankle. :p Perhaps see you again if you're doing NDW50 or SDW50 later this year. P.S. Remember to sign up again for CW50 on October 17th! ;)

[@wildes_]

Quick Question Ben! - Do you know when the new wraps will be available on the website?? It says mid-September and really looking to get my hands on them! You're the man! Thank you!

[@BenParkes]

Any day now! They were due last week, then I was told this week.. but no sign yet. I want them there as much as you do Austin!!

[@johnspowart3774]

Great work looks like a flat route not super hilly and quite a bit concrete

[@thefraseman]

well done Ben - it must be tough.

[@bcvids999]

Unbelievable effort Ben, awesome positivity as always! It won't be long until you're back and better than you were before! Are you surprised at how your endurance seems to be coming back slightly lower than your speed? Or is that to be expected? Or is that not actually the case?

[@carlosgarciatovar9220]

Great job !! Keep the work 🤟💥 you are doing great

[@willhogarth9945]

Another Great Vid Ben

[@Ian-oi2pe]

I have the Henley on Thames Trail Half this Sunday. Looking forward to that.

[@TheDangerousKid]

Crazy! The thought of running for over 3 hours is enough let alone 9 lol. I’ve got my marathon in a week and to be honest but over the training now 😂 but this has inspired me to get it done. Love the channel and Sarah’s

[@mr.schoko8032]

Great job and congrats on toughing it out!

[@gorantoljamo204]

Have waiting for this video after I c Sarahs. She upload faster then you ;) Even if she had to take care of you when you get home and got sick. =)P Glad you are better =)

[@BenParkes]

Thank you very much Goran. Sarah is very quick with her edits! Appreciate your message, very kind. Hope your running is going well!

[@mikeparker3865]

Ben - thanks for the inspiration!!!

[@Freddie_plays_fortnite]

Great effort, well done! How do u record the run when/if your watch finally dies?

[@BenParkes]

I guess you could use your phone if it had battery.. but once the watch dies, it can't record anything.

[@Pwadventuress]

Such an inspiration 💪🏻

[@uras1]

Great work on finishing!

[@Alex.1739]

You are awesome. Im recovering slowly but am pretty pants now.

[@kieranoliver6485]

Head up ben, you're smashing it 👊🏻

[@davidmellor5605]

Great video Ben! Still smiling even when the going gets tough! On the ultra marathons over trails, how well is the course marked out and how much do you rely on the watch?

[@littleoldmanrunning105]

Way to tough it out. It doesn't matter so much how you cross the finish line, as long as you DO cross the finish line. I'll use your race as inspiration for my first attempt at 100km in November. :-)

[@BanjoStu]

Oof, that looked like a tough day at the office! Love how you're taking the positives out of it though. 👍

[@travisthechosenone]

Awesome man!!!

[@Gary_Luke]

Quick question Ben - what model of Garmin watch do you have, the mapping on it looked pretty good?

[@BenParkes]

Garmin 945, it's very good! The battery life is usually about 24 hours. But when you navigate it goes down a lot to about 11-12 hours... you can change it while you run, but it is a faff!

[@vedantkaran1853]

Very good job, you've inspired me

[@amazanto]

Great work! 💪🏻

[@billflu]

Good job finishing Ben! That doesn't look like a recommended weight loss plan 😆

[@BenParkes]

Ha no.. not something I'd recommend! Took a couple of days to get back to normal.. then all ok again!

[@joshuaking1194]

Well done on getting it done! Dont know if its something you believe in but hav you ever considered or do you do any low carb high fat training? Maybe some fat adaptation may help you on the ultras....

[@juliankeren5731]

Ben,Ben why you didn't show up in Dulwich park for race with 42.2crew man?You could win alphafly shoes..or maybe not? :-)

[@m7dga10]

Absolute legend!

[@dreamingofvintage8365]

Well done, awesome effort. I’m completing my first 50k Ultrathon in a couple of weeks x

[@oliviakillen]

its hard not to think back to PB's and thinking wish I was where I was 12 months ago

[@schuletrip]

Injured my calf two or so months ago and I am so apprehensive to get back running that I’ve fallen off the wagon. I was really enjoying running too. I just can’t find my mojo anymore, maybe it’s a fear of injury.

[@mitchellatkins9701]

Could pushing-on attitude. The attitude everyone needs for life." Not going to be a quitter" like it

[@dapwhu66]

More long distance suffering Ben. You are getting there. Keep it up.

[@ThatRunningGuy]

Onwards and upwards💪 In hindsight would you have not run the ultra so soon after your injury?

[@davemoore672]

Hi Ben, well done for completing the race. I am about to embark on my first Ultra Marathon and I have the Garmin 945 watch. I don't know how to set my watch up to have the two fields showing on my map whilst running like you have. Can you tell me how you do that please? Many thanks

[@iberiksoderblom]

All (ultra)runners have tried when things just fall appart on the trail. Just keep on, get it done, and you will be fast and strong again.

[@tomkusal]

Marathon debut this saturday 😁

[@BenParkes]

Hope you have a great run Tomasz! Good luck!

[@tomkusal]

@@BenParkes Thank you!

[@michaelbatterbee448]

🙌

[@ja7417]

Nice what shoes did you use

[@DD-mr2tk]

Ben I would really appreciate if you can answer my queries. I’m running my first ultra in next weekend. For navigation during run; will I be alright with google map on my phone since I don’t have a tracking watch and use only Strava to track my run ? Any suggestions for first time ultra marathon runners ? I’m doing my first ever 52k race and haven’t done more than 30k farthest; currently I’m on my 60-64k weekly mileage. Just wondering if I ll be ok on the day with this training. Good to see you recovered well.

[@BenParkes]

D D the course you’re running should be marked, so there should be arrows to follow. I only use my watch as a back up.. but rarely actually need it. So check with the organisers. Navigation via a phone isn’t that easy, but possible. It does use the battery a lot. I can’t say 100% you’ll be ok with that training, but you should be absolutely fine to get the race completed. Take your time, walk up any hills and run the flat and downhill sections. Good luck, enjoy!

[@DD-mr2tk]

Ben Parkes I ll check with organisers; yes Ben my aim is to complete; safely because I don’t want to DNF on my first ultra race 😁. I will do what u said there; run flat and downhill; walk uphill. Thank you Ben!!!

[@aaronbower6819]

Ben, can I ask where you got your vest from? I'm after one that doesn't carry a bladder and just holds water bottles/gels etc on the front!

[@MAZU001]

Saloman Vest