I Ran A 100km Ultramarathon For A BET

[@marcsteven9477]

Hi James, I took up running when my wife was diagnosed with terminal cancer 3 years ago. This helped my mental health and without this I doubt I would be here today. Taking on more challenging runs I was planned to do the 100km Race to the Stones but in May 24 my wife took a turn for the worse and I ended up staying with her in the hospice till she died on 29th June. I didn't end up doing RTTS but applied to raise money for the Hospice by doing next year's Marathon Des Sables. This has me excited and terrified in equal measures. I am now rebuilding my fitness and my life after 8 weeks out of running post her death. It's hard but running is helping me get back to balance.

[@AngellicAkima]

I'm sorry you are going through that. Good luck with the application. It's wonderful that you're fundraising.

[@Nobipsjustbops]

Grief if a f'er - good luck with your running and MdS.

[@jackhannam6211]

5d.2k K 5k564t

[@Kelly_Ben]

No words, just wishing you well, in life and running.

[@missingmimic]

James, as a sometimes "stream of consciousness" running vlogger, i feel validated by your wonderful self talk during your run. Especially about your daughter, how lovely those bright spots are when we start to tire. Congrats on the finish 😊

[@runningchannel]

It's amazing how those moments and memories come to you when you most need them isn't it! Have you ever run an ultra?

[@missingmimic]

@@runningchannel not yet, but I am working towards it.

[@davidburn9472]

My story, 48 years old, overweight, didn’t exercise much, terrible diet, drank too much & a heart attack waiting to happen, then it did! During my recovery I started marshalling at parkrun, eventually recovering enough to walk run the 5k now 3 years later I’ve done 2 half marathons & just signed up for my first ULTRA terrifying challenge ahead. Your story & journey has inspired me for the last year or so since I discovered the running channel. Love what you all do & thanks for the motivation & inspiration

[@timmymofo2697]

I grew up with both my parents permanently in wheelchairs (mum cerebral palsy, dad polio) and therefore we didn't drive places very much, instead we always walked/wheeled. Now I run to make sure I take every step I have been gifted with, and to honour the challenges my parents went through to raise 3 kids. Last week I completed CCC raising money for Cerebral Palsy

[@jamesbarwick1457]

James, You have a wonderful way of vocalising your thoughts. I find videos like this incredibly therapeutic

[@runningchannel]

Thanks James that’s really kind of you to say

[@JoannaNoelle-se3sq]

You are right up there with Anna when it comes to making me cry. Congratulations!

[@runningchannel]

That’s a high honour!

[@torontocitizen6802]

I just started running in March at age 60 and will do my first 1/2 marathon in October and full marathon in May ‘25. After that I may go for a 100K trail. I find you guys so inspiring. Thank you!

[@ethanstringer8985]

I started running out of pure hatred. I hated my body and wanted to punish myself for my overeating and overall unfit lifestyle. Running felt like the best punishment - I overeat, I run to burn off the same calories. Over time I worked on my relationship with my body image and after a long, long struggle realised how lucky I am. Some people are born with chronic pain, some people may never walk, and some people have never walked. I learned to appreciate my body not for its’ shape or size but for how much it allows me to do - whether that’s running a 2hr 30 half marathon or just waking up and walking to work. There’s so much more to exercise than hatred for your body, you just have to look hard enough for it

[@the_different_dad9943]

James behind my kids and partner. You are in my top three of inspirations. I am currently getting back into it after child number 2. Who is only about 2 months behind your little one. I am also up around 120kg. The paces I see you run and the things I see you do. Show me that if I just keep doing the things that I am doing. I will one day be able to do what you do. Your videos are amazing you are amazing. And a true inspiration.

[@nataliamartinkova]

James at 15:20: "There is a pride in finishing and a pride in attempting something as truly terrifying as ultra running." Every year, I make a book of our photos. This year's edition will feature my ultra and your quote is going there, with your permission. Your words speak to the depths of my running soul, James.

[@runningchannel]

Of course you have permission! Thank you so much for all of the encouragement and support ❤️

[@nataliamartinkova]

@@runningchannel Thank you! Happy running!

[@faithmacdonald2292]

Always hated running, from it being used as a punishment in sports. Come 2021, and i was having a rough time mentally, and my therapist encouraged me to try and run to work out all my nervous energy (alongside meds!) Been hooked ever since and honestly credit running with my decision to go bacl to school and get my PhD! Much love James and congrats!

[@rachelshirley8403]

Congrats James, legend as always! Love the snippets of life wisdom we get treated to with your video footage. And yes, you inspire so many James. Literally thousands. Also, pretty sure there is a 'plaid shirt' chap in every ultra... Keep on creating those stories James... and so will we!

[@aveldi]

Started running 2020 due to Covid and over weight, managed 5 k and then I was hooked on running and the weight became secondary. On saturday I'm doing my first marathon 😮 And as always I'm moped to tears when watching James 🥹 You are one of my biggest inspirations!

[@J.K-t2w]

I just started running Ultras this year, did 4 so far. The best was the West Highland Way in Scotland at the end of march, that took me two days, split in 75km, all on my own. The most pain I ever endured. And I absolutely loved it! Afterwards I ran a 75km ultra event in Germany and decided that I dont enjoy the competition. I just want to run, enjoy the views and the silence around me. So in mid octobre I will be back in Scotland to conquer the Southern Upland Way, 350km within 6-7 days, sleeping in a tent. I am a surgeon and always trying to cope with the stress at work, with seriously annoying people. Ultra running is my happy place. I always enjoy content from James!

[@iansoady8113]

I want to go out and run 100km right now! Always inspired by TRC vids but particularly so by this one. My Ultra journey was interrupted by injury in 2017 and only now is back on course for next spring - but I want to go now. 🙂Thank you James and TRC crew

[@primordialburst2935]

Plain and simple, this video is pure art. Amazing run James; you’re truly an inspiration mate!

[@runningchannel]

Thank you so much! Have you got any races this year? What gets you through the tough moments?

[@primordialburst2935]

@@runningchannel first marathon ever coming up in a month (hoping to go sub-3:30). Honestly, watching content like this drives me and seeing the feeling that runners go through when they achieve something great, as well as how they respond to the tough times (like in the Comrades race shown in the video).

[@paulwilliams2814]

You are such a modest, thoughtful and determined SOB. TRC is continuing to provide incredible, diverse content that inspires, informs and amuses us all. These moments you share with us are profound.

[@JoshButton]

I love how emotional you get about running James. Really good stuff. I was over 140kg. Looked in the mirror and said something has to change. So I started riding my bike. I dropped 10kg pretty quickly. Then we were locked down to only 5km for exercise. So I turned to running. In my late teens I could really move. But hadn't run properly for over 20 years. I met a bunch of guys online at various points in their journeys. We inspire each other. Next Sunday I lace up for my 4th marathon in 3 years at Sydney. Concerned about how it'll go. I'm currently 9 weeks into a clinical trial for a weight loss drug. So I have to fuel pretty much solely on the day. I'll probably blog about it because I haven't found any similar stories. I already wrote about doing the city2surf a few weeks ago. Keep moving forward. Love watching your adventures.

[@kxs7267]

James and the rest of the Running Channel crew are such _real_ people, watching your efforts always makes me feel the emotions with you, and long to get out there. Beautiful landscape in this - a contrast to the mountains but quietly gorgeous in its own way. Love ultra distances - but usually do them in a kayak. Have been ill and away from the boat, so the Running Channel has been one of the little nudges to get me to pick up running again, instead. I did a bit in my youth but hadn't run for so long, plus illness really wiped me out. So it's frustrating thinking back to where I was, but at least from such a low baseline I have plenty of scope to improve... There's something about doing ultras that can give you trust in your body and mind. Whether you finish, or get timed out, or injured, you know that you can push your limits, and that feels good. And you guys show it so well in these videos. Thank you.

[@christopherkinsella8081]

James, you are great inspiration, you show the hard times in your videos along with the good times which social media and fitness videos need more of that! Iv always been on the heavy side since I was 18 now 31 had bad knees and said I would never be a runner, videos like this one inspired me to run again at the start of this year and fell in love with running, pace and times don't matter at the end of the day, as corny as it sounds I run for the love and the fun! Keep it up mate and smash your 100 miler 😊

[@rachelng9766]

Fantastic run and video James! You are a huge inspiration to many, not just your daughter, but that bit did make me cry! You'll smash the 100 miles 😊

[@Matt-yw8tj]

My story is that in 2019 I ran my first ever parkrun. Took over 43 minutes and I nearly gave up three times. 30kg lost later I’ve gotten my Parkrun time down to 26 minutes and have done an OCR, a half marathon, and am now signed up to a marathon, 24hr endurance race, and on payday will be signing up to a 57 mile ultra. Watched videos from the likes of yourself and Mark Lewis and realised that running is something I don’t necessarily want to get quicker at, but to have new experiences in life with.

[@jassaljs]

Lovely

[@gazza2933]

Absolutely Matt. Well done!

[@TischTosh]

Your COMMENT made me tear up a bit😢, so true 👍🏽 especially as I get older.... still jogging though, and grateful for it!

[@SilviaPallova]

James, awesome job! You and Anna are my stars. Whenever I feel I do not want to run anymore, I watch these ultras videos and I can go on Thank you! And big applause for winning that bet 😃

[@iamsynecdoche]

James' videos are always on a whole other level. Well done! He almost makes me want to try an ultra... Almost 😅

[@ButtaflyGrlNZ]

James, you always knows how to hit me right in the feels in the best possible way! You're awesome and I am so happy for you. Onwards and upwards to the 100 mile event 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@emlin1]

Hi James, looked like you had a wonderful journey. I think that is what keeps me coming back to these races. The emotional and physical journey is amazing, the sights, the sounds, the people you meet along the way. I'm doing the Autumn 100 also, so perhaps I will see you there and can wish you luck in person. Perhaps a high five or two on the out and backs. Good luck with your preparation. Tim

[@timlangley3681]

Congrats on the win! Did it myself for the first year this year, and have been waiting for this since I heard you ran the race in the days following it.

[@runningchannel]

Thank you! I'm getting lots of coffee now haha. Congratulations on completing it!

[@rubarb1275]

Well done James, really amazing effort! My journey started supporting my daughters at junior parkrun, and I found it so hard to jog slowly for 2k. I then moved on to 5k parkrun, and that was really hard but the community was really welcoming and I carried on. A few years later and I really enjoy running, although I am still slow! 😂

[@charlescommins]

I always love watching your videos James and this one was no exception. RTTS is on my list of ultras I want to do and seeing you complete it here has made me want to do it even more. Great running and brilliant video.

[@TristinKing]

Thanks mate. Brilliant video. I'm doing my first ultra in 3 weeks and this is great inspiration/support and definitely feeling nervous. I love the monologue! Thanks for be an inspiration to us all.

[@tarynmilligan8339]

Amazing stuff! I’ll be volunteering at A100 and look forward to seeing you! I have always been slower than everyone else around me and this almost caused me to pack running in, but then I found that I could keep on going and going no matter how far…. Just not at a ground breaking speed and as it turns out, I’m now an ultra runner and covering some big distances at my own pace. I’m always inspired but those who aren’t right up at the front smashing out the speedy times, but those who have the resilience and the “always forward” mindset to keep showing up and keep getting it done❤❤❤

[@Kelly_Ben]

Love this!! I'm the same... a solid back of the packer, who loves the challenge and feeling of personal growth and accomplishment. Getting faster and becoming a midpacker is a goal, but not a necessity for my enjoyment of ultras!

[@Nabbo892]

Love when James does videos, inspires me so much. I am doing a trail half marathon in Malham in the Yorkshire dales on the 14th, super nervous about being last as it only has about 200 people doing it but it's a big challenge for me

[@lynnmundy1460]

Great run James, I did spot you at the start with your wife and daughter but didn't want to disturb you for a selfie! It was my first ultra and the best thing i 'd ever done genuinely loved it!. Keep up the great content. !

[@janiskalnins92]

I was training at 100m/200m dash when I was teenager. Stopped training due overload and no proper recovery, so my dreams of becoming a national star were shattered. Then came life and stuff, I found myself in a pit of mental and physical misery. Therapy, meds and strugle came along, but running was like my last resort, because during my youth days, long distance running was my nemesis. Right now I'm using my knowledge of training, discipline and internet of course to get my body and mind in better shape. It's a perfect ME time. And it's so effing hard to get used to having training sessions, where I don't need to go all in every time. So hard, but I love it. It's my own journey of which I have 100% control. Congratulations James! And good luck in 100 miler! You are a true inspiration!

[@thehighwires9851]

Great video James, and well done for an amazing time! The Running Channel (or Blue Peter for runners as I explain it to others) has been a massive inspiration for me. I think I found you whilst training for my first marathon in 2021 and you made it so easy to understand how I should be preparing, making sure I wasn't daunted by the challenge, and teaching me to run the mile I'm in (thanks Anna!) and to smile a mile too. It's great to see your challenges too, helping us to realise that EVERYONE finds things challenging, but with perseverance you can achieve your goals! Thanks TRC for helping me on my way to 2 marathons, and hopefully a third at the end of this month in Berlin (even though I had a stinker of a training run last night!). Thanks team.

[@runningchannel]

Thank you so much for all of your amazing support! We're so glad we've been able to help you in your running journey and LOVE the fact you describe us as the Blue Peter of runners!! 🥹

[@Kelly_Ben]

Congratulations!! Thanks for taking us on the highs and lows of your 100k. Ultras truly are transformative... if i could tell people 1 thing, it's that you don't have to be skinny, or fast, or train for 10 hours a week to do ultras. They truly are for anyone who has the determination and will to prepare and push through, and wants to feel like life is more than just surviving week to week. They've added so much to my life... they are SO different than any other running/ racing I've done, and I wish I'd started before my 40s. If you want to add something to your normal everyday life, the challenge, friends, excitement, and feeling like a bad@ss are such an incredible return for 5-7 hours a week of healthy fun training!

[@Deadushka99]

Well done! The part where you listening to your daughter’s voice made me choke up a bit. Almost 47 year old fat bloke, just into my 7th week of couch to 10K, largely thanks to your channel guys. Thank you all for inspiration. Doing it for my 7 year old son.

[@runningchannel]

That's a brilliant reason to start running! How are you finding the plan?

[@Deadushka99]

@@runningchannel thank you. It’s going well. I’m taking it slow, always warming up before and stretching after. I did it 8 years ago, but for some reason it feels just a bit harder now 😅

[@amole7344]

Truly inspirational. Well done James. Last 5 minutes had to watch with my eyes closed though. Couldn’t stop thinking about that pointy end of your running pole bouncing so close to your face .

[@jadoreetjespere]

Grew up watching my mom do marathons. Did one with her (my one and only) in 2013 to prove I could. After big hiatus from the sport to have children and change careers I’ve been back in the sport for nearly 2 years and hopefully will do my second marathon next year with my kids cheering me on!

[@tonymayall5039]

Amazing inspirational video. Superb production. One of the best yet and yes, not afraid to say it brought a tear to my eye. Just Awesome!

[@runningchannel]

So glad you enjoyed it Tony! thank you for all of the amazing support

[@ClaireCrane-b3w]

Watching your videos are my happy pplace. Congratulations on such a fantastic achievement.

[@AnnGoodwin-tv5dy]

Absolutely brilliant! Having done Stones twice, but each time over 2 days, I feel your pain and exhilaration! 'More Is In You' for sure.

[@randomize.4]

I got into watching this channel with one of James' videos and damn he is so motivating. Like he is just himself. And that is enough. Damn. Thank you for being!

[@runningchannel]

Thank you so much! So glad you find them inspiring

[@Abyss_end]

2 Months ago I was at A&E with the majority of the signs of a heart attack. Needless to say a lifestyle change was needed. I got myself a Garmin and a chest strap and started moving. I have run 3 Parkruns since each time reducing my finish time by roughly 1:30 to 2 minutes. Furthermore my resting HR has dropped from over 100 to 55-65 on average. This channel, the team's vibes has been a massive inspiration since. My goal at this stage is to do the 20Km 13 Valleys next year, 55 the year after and the 100 the year after.

[@AlbertWeijers]

Well done James. This is inspiring. I did a 50k ultra earlier this year, after months of rain, we had like 2k of walking through mud and water. But I got the bug. Want to do a 100k and a 58k with 1600 meters of altitude in the future.

[@runningchannel]

Congratulations on your 50k! Have you got any specific races in mind?

[@winklertribe5268]

James- you are wonderful!!! I love when you take us along in your ultraruns!!

[@Leeroy49]

Great race video :). Who said you can't be quick ;) that was amazing.

[@UTubeSL]

Most cars I've owned won't go for 100km. Awesome achievement (and to Jess)!

[@runningchannel]

James definitely struggled so at least he had that it in common with your cards 😂

[@UTubeSL]

@@runningchannel 😄

[@julietwistguernsey]

James, your videos are always inspiring. I only started running 6 years ago, age 58. It took me that long to finally find exercise that I love. It's never easy, but I do love it, and really miss it if I don't run for whatever reason. I did my first half last year (Royal Parks) but really don't have the desire to run a longer distance than that, so parkruns, 10ks and possibly the occasional half will suffice. I still don't like running in the rain though... Keep up the great work TRC team 👊

[@tishtash2302]

I started couch to 5k in January and discovered my love for running. After losing my Grandad last year, I knew I wanted to run a marathon for a charity in his name, which I think is what's helped me stay consistent with running. I'm so excited to have gotten a charity place at LM2025. He would say "we'll cross that bridge when we come to it" to me so much, and it makes me feel very emotional at the idea of crossing tower bridge and thinking of him 💙 I'm working up to my first HM in November, before I start my marathon training block in Jan 😬😁🏃‍♀️

[@bezauta]

I love James's ultra videos.. They are like a window to his emotional diary. ❤

[@runningchannel]

Thank you that's very kind of you to say!

[@samjdalton]

Possibly the best running video I’ve seen on KZbin 👏 my running journey started in 2011 very overweight and unfit. Ran 3 marathons in 2012, dozens of halves over the years and another marathon on 2015. Big hiatus due to some big heath issues but I am back doing 5k and trying to get my fitness back. Not sure I have an other marathon in me now but who knows!

[@Juice4Y0U]

For me running has saved me mentally for a whole part of my life, I grew up in a rough family situation got PTSD and a very big energy problem because of it since college. But where everything in my life was out of my control, when I achieved my running goals, I could still feel proud, functional, powerful. Unfortunately I got post Covid for over 2 years now and have less energy and strength than ever before, it's been very painful not being able to do sports which has become such a big part of my identity. But slowly and surely there are some minor improvements and you guys among other channels help me keep hope and not loose sight of my future goals, I can almost taste a good run. It will come again and it'll be glorious !

[@jackieponting1109]

Good luck with your ongoing recovery, and enjoying being able to run again

[@Juice4Y0U]

Thank you!​@@jackieponting1109

[@Eleanor_Runner_102]

Hey James! Amazing work, pal, well done. In terms of who inspires me - you do. I watched a running channel video where you ran Comrades (June 2023). I hadn't even run 3k at that point. Thanks to that video, I lined up at RTTS this year and finished in (a surprising) 12 hours. I missed the slugs!! You inspired SO much of that journey. I still feel like I'm a non-runner as I'm so new, but throughout my journey, you and the other Running Channel presenters showed us viewers that of course we are, we ALL are. Speed is irrelevant. The journey and people you meet along the way is everything. Thank you, and SO heartening to see you smash this. Love the aid station alerts - I definitely spent too long! Well done again. Thanks for keeping it real.

[@runningchannel]

So happy to hear that Eleanor! Congratulations on an absolutely amazing time, you smashed it! Have you got any other races lined up?

[@dominicelmer2008]

Great video James, I’m doing RTTS next year so lots of helpful tips have been taken on board.

[@JamesWiddowson-li2kd]

Another super video to go alongside an equally super achievement, so soon after the Paris Olympic marathon too! I managed my first ultra in 2019 then got injured and have limited myself to half marathons since, maybe you’re tempting me to look further again…?! Good luck for your 160km 💪🤞

[@DiggerPrints0814]

The best thing about Ultra's is you have every type of person competing. Looking at the start line you see everyone from elites through to weekend runners all competing together with the main goal to just finish.

[@runningchannel]

It's so true! Such an inclusive community ❤️

[@carolclements1308]

Fantastic job! It’s always so inspiring to watch you going for your goals ❤

[@runningchannel]

Thank you Carol! Which running achievement are you most proud of?

[@faykellett9589]

James, we only ever speak over Instagram but I am so incredibly proud of you & inspired by you. Thank you so much for this video! Id love you to do one on how you set your watch for this race. The very best of luck for October, you have more people routing for you than you realise :)

[@runningchannel]

Thank you so much for all of your lovely support Fay, you don't know how much it means ❤️

[@geoffwnz]

Went from barely runner to Ultra running. Then added endurance mountain biking as well. In the next 7 months I have a 50km run, 100km mtb, 100km run, then a "duathlon" weekend of 100km mtb then running half the same course for 50km the next day. Love the endurance/Ultra space. It's tough, but mostly it's a mental battle. And so satisfying to achieve any finish.

[@runningchannel]

Congratulations that's amazing!!

[@DanKeeley]

This is an epic effort well done! Love the monologue! With winter around the corner, is it time for some content regarding helping people keep up the running? or other things to do in winter?

[@runningchannel]

We can look into creating some like that definitely!

[@jimfrazier1073]

Beast mode once again 💪 As always you inspire my story to continue when I want to quit, thank you Sir💪

[@adamtherunner92]

You’re an inspiration - period especially for your daughter.

[@ceohhowirun]

Love this video James. I always find you so inspiring. What did you have on your hands during this run?

[@EvilSecondTwin]

That was incredible, James! Great work, man! You are one of the very few whose videos I always enjoy.

[@runningchannel]

Thank you! So glad you enjoy them! What challenge should me take on next?

[@EvilSecondTwin]

@@runningchannel A video on EVERYTHING you use for those ultras would be great! I.E., foods, drinks, lotions etc.etc...🤙

[@clairemilsom7241]

I remember watching a video of you before you joined TRC and it made me in that moment put on my trainers and go for a run. I’m only at short distances at the moment but I will do race to the stones one day and I will have you to thank. That video changed my life 🤗

[@runningchannel]

That's so kind of you to say and we're so so glad it's inspired you to run! Race to the stones is an amazing, amazing race and you won't regret it!

[@mikestevenson1334]

James, you are the stamina king! =D Congrats on the PB!

[@Hazzel87]

I love the videos with James. Beginning of this year I had just this fixed idea of running a marathon in my head. And like many ideas, it just was an idea and nothing else. Then I casually started looking at KZbin what is needed to run 42km and the algorithm brought me to the running channel and James. And also because of his optimistic and encouraging personality, I just got to my local running store and bought my first pair of running shoes. Now I am 2 months away from my first half-marathon race and I booked my first full marathon in Seville in 2025 and because of James' words, that you can do great things, I also booked another marathon in Zurich in April 2025. But the most important thing I learned from James: use the doubts and the comments like “You don't do this anyway” or “this is a super stupid idea” as fuel. Meanwhile, I love running, I love the training routine and I love of course also to shop for fancy gear. 😅 But running also helped me mentally be stable and get some time for myself. As a father, this sounds maybe really selfish but it helps me to be a better father.

[@JustAnotherWaiter]

I have a mate like you, even though I used to be him at school, he kept on with it and is now a seriously good runner (2.40 marathon time). I have started running in lockdown and kept with it, and am now training for my first 50km ultra. Clocked 300km mileage last month. Great vid, keep on inspiring!

[@masontriscott4228]

Started running 3 months ago for my mental health, never ran before, completed cheltneham half marathon yesterday in 1 hour 42. Running has changed my life!

[@runningchannel]

Congratulations! We're so glad you've found the love for running that we all have

[@paulcadogan4940]

After only 3 months?! Some people are made for running I guess. I have been running for years and not cracked 2 hours. Kudos!

[@masontriscott4228]

@@paulcadogan4940 thanks!

[@DaveG207]

I used to cycle as a hobby, but then had my bike stolen from outside my flat. A colleague was a keen runner and her positivity inspired me to give it a try….and I discovered I could cycle for miles, but I could barely run to the end of the road. I stuck with it and have run ever since, over 30 years, have made many friends through it, and it’s kept me going through the tougher bits of life. I’m still friends with the colleague who motivated me to start and so grateful to her.

[@stevenconway5456]

Well done James great effort. I finished 20 mins behind you and said hello out on the course ,but its planted the 100 mile seed in my head ,it was an epic day on the Ridgeway ...

[@alexthurlow2624]

An amazing inspirational video, thank you! I’ve only recently started running (28th June 24), when I started I could barely run 3.5k, I started running because I had been struggling with depression for a number of years, I finally chose to speak to someone who encouraged me to do something for myself, as there were a lot of things I wasn’t happy with, One of those things was my weight having weighed in at 118kgs at my heaviest now down to 106kgs and feeling so much better for it, I had put my downward spiral to my weight gain and now feeling the benefits of being healthy, which is also important as my dad is currently struggling with Alzheimer’s having been Diagnosed in 2020 he is a shell of his former self, I hope that becoming more health I can avoid/delay having to let my little boy (6 months old) from having to see his dad become less and less, I’m working towards running (no walking) the duxford 10K in October then all being well the Cambridge half in 2025, where I hope to raise money for Alzheimer’s research.

[@geraner]

I'm impressed James! Well done! Now it's time for me to continue watching the video about the preparation for this Ultra Run. 🙂

[@runningchannel]

Get signed up! You won't regret it 😁

[@janettrigwell8851]

Well done. You got your 100 miles. I will be running to stones next year. My first 100k.

[@pjanryd]

Well done, fore the running and the video/message💯awesomeness

[@ChrisMadrunner]

Howdy James. I took up running in April this year and have been addicted to it since. I hated running so much when I was in school because I dealt with a severe case of Body Dysmorphic Disorder. I always felt ashamed of how I looked and running made me feel exposed and incredibly self conscious,I was also a bit weighty which doesn’t help. I dealt with this for ten years of my life. A couple from my bible study group at church told us about the City2Surf and asked if we wanted to do it as a group. Little did I know the journey that running would bring me on. I am know training for my first ultramarathon at the UTA100 in Katoomba so this video got me a little emotional hearing you story. Thank you James for what you do to inspire so many people as well as everyone else on The Running Channel.

[@sherreeworrell5069]

Well done on the bet and the PB, James. 👏👏 What an inspiration you are. I’ve recently returned to running after almost 5 months recovering from a couple of fractured vertebrae. What watch are you wearing and how did you program both the Climb Pro and the Aid station information? I have a 50k coming up at the end of the year that has quite the vert and the Climb Pro would be very helpful.

[@susannaviles]

Bloody hell, James!!! I can't even do a 5ker at a 9.07/km pace at the moment. You're a flipping legend!!! All the best for the 100 miles.

[@will44bott]

No James, you're an inspiration!! This race was incredible, me and my wife did it this year. Gutted we didn't get to see you

[@runningchannel]

thank you and CONGRATULATIONS!! What a race! 🎉

[@tombarnes2652]

That flashback footage to 5 mins ago made me laugh 😂

[@utechtzs]

I started my running journey 2 months ago at 6'0", 262lbs. My goal was simply to complete a half marathon, so I signed up for races before that to gauge my progress. July 4th - 44min 5k, August 10 - 1:18:19 10k, and 2 days ago I completed my first half marathon @ 2:45:15. The Running Channel has been a huge inspiration thus far. Now that I've committed to a healthier me, the wealth of knowledge on this channel is ridiculous! Maybe it's time to buy a running watch? :) Thank you so much from across the pond!

[@grantus7187]

Started with a 5k and now doing my first half. Got an injury but it keeps me calm and running has quite literally made me appreciate life and part of my own healing journey where im no longer numb 🙏🏻

[@sarahswims]

I had to re-learn how to walk at age 18yrs. I entered a Race For Life with the intention of walking 5km, but got caught up in the race line excitement and 'ran'. Went home and entered a 10km. I've now run 80 half marathons, 6 marathons and 2 ultras. Running for me is something I never thought I would do. I'm not fast and it's not pretty, but I do it because I can 😌

[@Kelly_Ben]

This is incredible, stories like yours are always inspiring and humbling. Thanks for sharing!!

[@MistressOfWhispers]

James has such wonderful energy. Very demure. Very mindful. ❤

[@livewire1957239]

Great video! Please show us how you set the aid station alerts and fuelling reminders!

[@runningchannel]

We will!

[@davemcd2579]

Even though the other presenters are great, I think James has the most heartfelt and genuine patter. I'm nowhere near running an ultra or remotely interested in trying one, but nevertheless, I'm inspired to keep on with my own running journey. Thanks James

[@frazeryoung7882]

This is one of the most inspiring channels for running . I've ran for years on and off done some half and full marathons so thought it would be a good idea to sign up for the Lakeland 50 after watching all of your efforts thanks for the channel keep going

[@J00hnLeh1]

I will attempt my first 100k on Friday, perfect timing for the video! Thank you for the motivation!

[@runningchannel]

Good luck! Which one are you taking on?

[@adamhenley8295]

My story? I was never a runner until 2 years ago having lost close to 20 stone by then. I did couch 2 5k and have taken my parkrun time from 56m to 36m and I ran my first half marathon earlier this year. Am having surgery this week and am hoping to get back training in October ahead of London marathon training in January

[@twigle3015]

So inspiring James, wow what an achievement. Enjoy the free coffee.

[@TotallyToppy]

Well done James! Back in the summer of 2019 I had issues breathing that lasted for a week before it got better. Doctors didn’t seem to care was told to drink water and rest and was told I was too young to have those kinda issues me being stupid I listened to them but early 2021 I had the breathing issues again got tested a lot but they couldn’t figure out why. I started walking 6000 steps each day which slowly build to 14000 steps each day. June 2022 I started running but struggled a lot in the beginning but over time I got to 5k, 10K, 15K and completed my first half marathon 31st December 2023 and running my second half marathon 15th of September this year. Bit unsure which running channel got into my KZbin recommendations first but remember watching Sarahs videos back then. So just wanted to say thank you for your channel because that’s what got me back into running after a 16 year break.

[@blrun129]

Amazing Video, congrats James

[@jamesh284]

Boom congratulations!!! You inspire us all with your running!!

[@runningchannel]

Thank you! Have you got any challenges lined up before the end of the year?

[@jamesh284]

@@runningchannel I have a hilly 10 mile race called The Stickler or the Dorset Three Peaks at the end of October. Normally ends with you having to wade waist deep through a river.

[@gwilymeades]

Sounds like you'll be running the Autumn100. I just signed up for it too, after my own success at RTTS this year! Love your videos

[@runningchannel]

Yes it is!! How are you feeling about it!? Congratulations on running RTTS!

[@gwilymeades]

@@runningchannel I feel good, and ready after the Stones, and did a route recce yesterday. It's a long way though! The training run went well, so it's doable.

[@fifiXcro]

first Paris Olympic marathon, now this...., James you are the inspiration!

[@Juice4Y0U]

Thank you for sharing this inspirational journey ❤

[@runningchannel]

Thank you for watching it ❤️

[@fiapahmp6050]

Damn it, James videos always makes me cry 😂♥️

[@runningchannel]

Sorry! We will get him to work on his sense of humour 😂😂

[@DistantStorm]

Is it a James video if I don't laugh and/or cry a little while watching? Likely not. Lovely, inspiring content as always.

[@mariegreen2203]

Well done! You are an inspiration