SHAKESPEARE MARATHON 2022 -

[@RunningGeekGirl]

I know it’s not the time you were aiming for, but I’m blown away by how well you ran! Well done, Rachel!! 🤓

[@racheld1844]

Thanks so much Heather, those last few miles were some of the hardest I’ve ran in a very long time 😊

[@runningwithmarc]

Great video, series, run Rachel.... You probably didn't come away with what you had set out for, but I'm sure you came away with some nice memories, and if you see how many people have been touched by this in the comments, it's so wonderful to see. Keep on running and great training block you had (Excuse me not commenting/watching all, as I have been taking a break from watching KZbin a bit)

[@racheld1844]

Hi Marc, it’s nice to hear from you. Thanks! It was just as much a challenge to film the series as it was to train and I probably got more out of that than the actual race that I’ve done many times before. Filming and editing a whole series was a bit ask of myself but proved to me that I could do it (just). Hope things are good with you and I totally get coming off KZbin for a bit, I sometimes feel the same and I’m sure that break will come at some point for me also. As I’m not involved in Instagram, twitter, Facebook or anything else like that, it’s not too bad in taking up my time 😊

[@DanRuns]

Blimey! What a result! Inspiring to me!

[@racheld1844]

Thanks Dan, inspiring others is beginning to inspire me 😀 Now for you and Ben to keep your training going strong ready for big race day finales 😊

[@justanoldfashionedrunner605]

congratulations for fighting an uphill battle til the end and making the best out of the day, well deserved podium place. I know it and you know it too, your training was spot on until life had other plans....you will be a sub 3:15 marathoner rather sooner than later, but you are already now an inspiration and a role model for so many runners....congratulations for your attitude

[@racheld1844]

Thanks so much for your kind words. There will always be that goal in my head of 3:15, it may happen, it may not, but I’m not ready to give up. I have other distance time goals I may switch to before I return to the marathon but it all goes in the mix of becoming a better runner, so hopefully one day, it will all come together 😊

[@derrickbaldwin9125]

Well done. Thanks for sharing.

[@racheld1844]

Hi Derrick. Thanks so much 🙏

[@TheFODRunner]

Wow, I’ve just watched some serious grit and determination!! What an effort Rachel! You say it went bad but honestly, that was a phenomenal effort, only 6 mins off you’re goal time and 2nd position, absolutely nuts!

[@racheld1844]

Hi Andy, thank you 🙏 I knew I could have done better but unfortunately, as we all know, that even when the numbers add up in training, it’s no guarantee on race day. Luckily there’s always another chance and I’m definitely going for that option 😊

[@TheFODRunner]

@@racheld1844 are you shooting for an autumn marathon? Any in mind?

[@racheld1844]

@@TheFODRunner - I’ve never run an autumn road marathon, but I’m not ruling anything out just yet. I remember you recommending Newport a few years back as a good flat course so that could well be an option if I decided to go again this year 🤔

[@TheFODRunner]

@@racheld1844 yeah Newport is great, abingdon is well worth a look too, that’s a great course, not quite as flat as Newport but better support and a higher standard of runners 👌 I find training through the summer to race in the cool autumn is way better! Well worth a think!

[@beverlycole4836]

"Bid me run, and I will strive for things impossible." Shakespeare. Congrats on your journey!! Well done Rachel!👍

[@racheld1844]

Hi Beverly, thanks so much. The quote I have at the start is one I had on a Shakespeare medal from a few years back. I also have another medal with that quote also. Shakespeare must have known that we’d be running round his town in years to come and made some special quotes to inspire us around the course 😊

[@stevestinger9153]

Your winning more than a marathon race, your winning friendship and inspiration of many people all over. It's a beautiful thing. Can't wait to see what your up to next. Congratulations !!

[@racheld1844]

Hi Steve, thank you so much. It’s probably been as equally tough getting the confidence to film myself as well as getting the training in. I’d say it’s getting a fraction easier but not by much 😀 But getting comments like these makes it worth while 😊

[@stevestinger9153]

@@racheld1844 If you alter your strength training please let me know because I’m doing them with my running plan Thank you so much.

[@racheld1844]

@@stevestinger9153 - my strength routine is pretty much set in stone now. I’ll cut back a little with the frequency but when I build it again, it’ll be exactly the same 😊

[@BenNotley]

So inspiring Rachel! Huge kudos to you for getting out there and giving it your all! It might not have been the result you were after but it's still a incredible achievement! If I could ever get anywhere near that kind of time I would be well chuffed. You did a amazing job. Loved the journey to the start line too. Thanks for keeping us all entertained over the weeks it's really kept me motivated with my own training! 😎🤘🏻

[@racheld1844]

Thanks so much Ben. There’s been a great little community of training series to follow. It’s like we are all on a conveyor belt and now I’ve dropped off it’s you and Dan that are next in line 😀

[@terrycandy1477]

Fantastic attempt, don't be to hard on yourself 26.2 miles is a long way, watched every minute of your training, very inspiring .

[@racheld1844]

Hi Terry, thanks. I think no matter how many marathons you run, there is always the unknown on race day. I sometimes get out of perspective just how far it is. There’s a video someone’s made of the whole route on timelapse and when I’ve watched it I can’t believe how far it looks then I think ‘I ran that’ 😊

[@AMostlyFunctionalJess]

These longer distances take no prisoners! Still an awesome effort grinding through that wall. The mental fortitude required to keep pushing when your legs and head both feel like they're full of lead is phenomenal. A great effort and another learning experience in the bank!

[@racheld1844]

Absolutely agree with everything you said Jess. If things go wrong on a 5k or 10k, you’re put out of your misery pretty quick. Standing on that start line of a marathon, anything can happen, you just never know till it’s that particular moment in a race, how each part will play out. I watched an ultra video called ‘Life in a Day’ (Billy Yang (my favourite video of his is ‘The Why’)) and that to me sums up marathon/ultra running. You get to experience every emotion out there, in one single race 😊

[@Ponty30]

Great effort & congratulations Rachel 🤩

[@racheld1844]

Hi Paul, thanks so much 😀

[@davidjuson5608]

Valiant effort. Well done.

[@racheld1844]

Hi David, thank you 😊

[@shinvictus]

Excellent race, Rachel. You smashed your original goal of 03:30 and only 06:48 shy of the sub 3:15 revised goal. That sub 3:15 is still in those legs; it just wasn't to be on Sunday. You are a tough, disciplined runner and I have no doubt a marathon pb is in awaits you. Thanks for showing the rabbit hole sign and huge congrats on surpassing 500 subscribers. Also, great camera work.

[@racheld1844]

Hi Donald thank you. Yes, that sign was just for you 😀 I’d seen them on the first lap and thought I must catch one of those on the next time round. I went past the first one in a daze then saw the next one and thought, this is my chance. That time goal has stood for quiet some time now but I’m definitely not ready to give up on it just yet 😊

[@essextrails]

You are awesome Rachel. You set yourself a very hard target there and came very close to achieving it. I have so much enjoyed following you through the weeks of training and admired your mental strength. To get 2nd lady running as a vet in that field shows just how well you did. The actual times will always vary depending on the conditions. Measure your success by that 2nd lady place. You are inspiring many people (including me). Recover now and wind back a bit. I am sure you can find many more challenges and adventures.

[@racheld1844]

Thank you Peter. For the last several years I’ve dedicated a winter training plan for a spring marathon and then just cruised off that fitness for the summer and autumn. I still train but it’s more relaxed and fun, but it’s only that way because I built it up so high over winter. I’m looking forward to the warmer days and enjoying being outside more 😊

[@DomH1992]

Well done Rachel 💪🏻 saw you at the end briefly but you looked busy and my legs were in agony. Congrats on the run!

[@racheld1844]

Thanks Dom. Hope your race went as planned? The wind didn’t seem as bad as what I thought it’d be but was still a bit blowy on the exposed areas. Legs at the end of a marathon are not made for standing up. All I wanted to do was sit down 😀

[@DomH1992]

@@racheld1844 sadly not even close, though I did get a PB (3:51) and first time under 4 hours so plenty of positives. I agree the wind wasn’t too bad but I was actually surprised by how hot it felt 🥵 really enjoyed the event though and congrats on a fantastic time, even if it wasn’t quite the time you were after 😊

[@marct880]

Congratulations Rachel! Very inspirational.

[@racheld1844]

Hi Marc, thanks. I think the video inspires me to go out and give it another try 😀

[@MonicaYasunaga]

Well done, Rachel! I wish I had half the mental fortitude and grit you displayed out there. I’m thankful to have found your channel - your running journey is inspiring and I can’t wait to see where it goes next!

[@racheld1844]

Hi Monica, thanks so much. I think I go into every race knowing it’s going to be hard work at some point and try and just focus on staying strong. It’s not always easy to think that way, especially in races like this where things weren’t going to plan. Hope your training is going well 😊

[@Jenster-fe8kn]

What a fantastic effort Rachel, such a brave attempt, try not to be too dissapointed, how about using all that wonderful training and the race itself to be a springboard for another attempt in the autumn. You will have inspired so many including myself to train even harder!! Dust yourself down, review and enjoy the satisfaction of a wonderful achievement. Well done and congratulations👏👏👏 x

[@racheld1844]

Jenny, thank you so much. It’s almost a shock to me when I hear how much I put myself down in those last stages of the race. It was a moment in time that was a real challenge but looking back it’s already a slight blur. If I’d not recorded it I may have slowly forgot how I really felt in that moment. It’s a good lesson to me too, about how to deal with those moments 😊

[@bh4560]

Just amazing! What a talented runner you are Rachel.. keep up the hard work. X

[@racheld1844]

Thanks, I must just like the pain of constantly putting myself through the discomfort of trying to get better 😂

[@bh4560]

@@racheld1844 I can see you getting sub 3 if you keep going like you are. 100 percent.

[@racheld1844]

@@bh4560 if I ever get sub 3:15 I’d probably call it a day on marathon goals. I’d devote my time to getting that sub 24 100 miles….but that’s a whole different ball game 😱

[@RunSensible]

Wow - this video is very good. I love the first 2 mins, then the music and the 3 mile updates. I felt your pain at 13.1mi when you knew it wasn't going to happen. I've been there, 4 times. Then your music changes to suit the mood and you go off camera until mile 20. Your whole demeanour had changed and anybody who does distance running could relate to your frustration and sorrow. Then the ending gave me goosebumps. I think this video is your best work to date. I also think you did great in the race. I, like you, always grind it out. My head gives up sometimes way way way before my body. I know what it feels like to just want to go home. You didn't. You finished second female which every other girl (except the girl ahead of you) would love to claim. Be proud because we all think you're amazing. 💪💪

[@racheld1844]

Thanks for such touching comments Neil, they meant a lot. Experience plays an important part in how you deal with the low points and I had to weigh up the advantages. I wasn’t injured, I’d been in discomfort like this before and carried on, I was nearly finished and not that far behind where I wanted and so the thought of stopping or giving up never entered my mind, there was no excuse to. At that moment I felt like a podium finish meant I had to have raced well, not died towards the end, I wanted to be rewarded for a well run race, not something that had fallen apart. Long distance running is a difficult sport, you never know how it will play out, but learning how to deal with those situations is probably just as important as any physical fitness you’ve build up in training. Thanks again for your lovely comments 😊

[@chrisboothman7738]

Well done Rachel… great journey over last 16 weeks

[@racheld1844]

Hi Chris, thanks for following the training series 😀

[@BeeHappy-xj5ze]

Ah ok great. Yes giving it a go. Looked at it last year but legs said no 😂. Saturn events very reasonable, especially if ever you’re free in the week. See you at BCC 🥳 Happy training 🏃‍♀️

[@alanshrimpton6787]

Well done Rachel! Still a great effort and you shouldn't be disappointed. Don't be so hard on yourself.

[@racheld1844]

Thanks Alan, I’ve already had a good word with myself, along with others and I think I’ve decided to forgive myself 😀 It was a good day.

[@DevRunner]

Congratulations for a great race performance Rachel! I've thoroughly enjoyed the entire training series and it's great to have had the opportunity to run with you on race day! Solid performance! It's so tough when there's no crowd support in the latter miles of a marathon, but you kept pushing! Well done! I'm looking forward to your race review and to whatever is next for you!

[@racheld1844]

Thanks so much for following and commenting throughout the training series Paul. Good and bad races happen to us all and if the desire is still there then there’s always a next time. For me, I enjoy quiet races as I’m probably more happy pushing alone than having a large amount of background noise. The odd cheer really did motivate me but wasn’t too much as to put me off. I guess running most of my miles alone, it’s a place I’m pretty comfortable to be in. Thanks again for joining in the journey Paul 😊

[@DevRunner]

@@racheld1844 Please drop me a private message somewhere. FB Chat or Instagram Chat - whatever works best for you!

[@racheld1844]

@@DevRunner - done 😀

[@DevRunner]

I just messaged you back!

[@LadyRabiaAbdulHakim]

Great run Rachel! My daughter and I ran too - our first marathon and it was hard but we finished. We truly enjoy ur videos and ur commitment is admirable. Stay strong!🙏🏽

[@racheld1844]

Hi, thank you 😊 Congratulations to you and your daughter for running your first marathon together. I bet it was a pretty special day. As many marathons as I’ve done, my first was the one I remember the most. Hope it didn’t put you off and you caught the bug to give another a go? 😀

[@tomb7427]

Hi Rachel, I've really enjoyed watching your videos in the build up to your Shakespeare marathon. I'd like to do it myself one year. You've achieved so much during your training block, and although it wasn't the time you wanted, you still did really well in windy conditions. Well done.

[@racheld1844]

Thanks Tom. I think I’ve given myself a hard route to achieve the best out of myself. It’s not as flat as some and the greenway is like running on compact trail. The draw for me is that I’ve always gone there, it’s local and it’s a relatively small event so I think I’ll always keep going back. Good luck if you decide to give it a go. There’s plenty of time to decide 😀

[@michaelsanderson7328]

Wow well done Rachel! So pleased we could follow you and your journey! Keep pushing!

[@racheld1844]

Thanks Michael, one of the biggest things for me was that I saw the videos through, week in week out. It was almost as important as the marathon result 😊

[@largeeddie]

Huge congratulations on everything you accomplished, Rachel!! Total hero! Great build-up, tremendous race effort, wonderful 2nd place finish, huge growth in your YT channel, and an inspiring video. You did leave out the small matter of 3:15 being a stretch goal from your original target of 3:30, and that you completely obliterated the first one. Enjoy a well-earned recovery and all the best for whatever you decide to do next. Deep thanks for taking along on the ride.

[@racheld1844]

Thanks so much for your lovely comments Eddie, it has been a long journey through the winter months making sure I kept the training and videos up to date. I’ll probably touch on that in the review video. Filming every week was something hard to fit in but just like getting the miles done, I was determined to see it through. The confidence I’ve gained from finishing every video I intended and the warm comments I’ve received have given me a big boost to carry on 😊

[@largeeddie]

@@racheld1844 ❤❤

[@herecomesbod]

Well done Rachel. It was great to get to say hello in the car park before the race! I'm glad to see you ended the video with a smile on your face because you have achieved so much in this training block. You should be very proud.

[@racheld1844]

Thanks 😊 It was great you came to say hello yesterday and nice to meet your briefly. Sorry, I forgot to ask you your name. How did your race go?

[@herecomesbod]

@@racheld1844 I realised straight after that I forgot to say my real name! It's Paul. My race went really well. It was just supposed to be a confidence builder for London but I knocked 17 minutes off my PB and finished in 4:30:06.

[@racheld1844]

@@herecomesbod - I’ll know for next time Paul 😀 Well done on you marathon time, there’s nothing more rewarding for your efforts than running faster than you’ve gone before. Hope it’s given you a great boost knowing you achieved above your target. Good luck with your new training when it starts up again 😊

[@herecomesbod]

@@racheld1844 thank you. It was only my 3rd marathon and I still didn't have confidence I could complete the distance. I do now! Do you have anything planned as your next goal run?

[@racheld1844]

@@herecomesbod - I got my goal time on my very first attempt at the marathon and ran the whole way. I then got a bit cocky and failed miserably at the next few and ended up walking large sections. I always have to tell myself that, no matter how many marathons I do, it’s still a long way! Sometimes I listen to my own advice, sometimes I don’t 😂 I have one race booked for June but nothing else yet, but there’s plenty I have my eye on so will drop these in if they fit with how things are going.

[@edosborne814]

Congratulations Rachel on second lady and a £40 voucher. Loved watching your training videos and marathon prep during the last 16 weeks. This race day video absolutely grabbed me today though. Rest up and maybe target an autumn marathon for another sub 3:15 attempt. Well done.

[@racheld1844]

Hi Ed, thanks so much. I have a few definite races and other things planned and really looking forward to keeping the momentum going. Definitely some rest needed first though, to recharge, but I know there’ll be more to come 😊

[@shoshild]

Great effort all the way to the end. We have all been there pushing to just finish. 😊

[@racheld1844]

Hi Stephen, I think if anyone crosses a marathon finishing line and thinks that the race was kind to them, they could have probably run a bit faster 😂

[@Dmasson14]

Fantastic result Rachel, well done. You smashed your original time of 3:25 so you should be super proud of yourself. Being the second female finisher is an awesome achievement 👏 👏👏

[@racheld1844]

Thanks Darren, if I could have told my January self that I would have run the time I did I would have been blown away on Sunday. I gave myself a tough target and just really pleased it wasn’t over 3:30. I think that would have been the biggest disappointment 😊

[@PoetWithPace]

Absolutely brilliant Rachel! It was fantastic seeing you and Andy yesterday. Might not be the result you wanted, but it’s a tough course and the weather was not kind. Onwards & upwards 🥳🥳

[@racheld1844]

Thanks so much Donato, you played an important part in making that day really special. Most of the time I go to races alone and just head off at the end but it was so nice to have so much support throughout. I still need to watch your video, it’s on the list 😀 Hope the sinuses start clearing and you get back to full speed running again soon 😊

[@PoetWithPace]

@@racheld1844 my pleasure Rachel. whilst you may of been disappointed with not getting your goal time, i could see you were elated to have so many turn up for you and cheer you on. Let me know when you are up for a training run around Worcester or Malverns.....once you have had a nice long deserved rest!

[@racheld1844]

@@PoetWithPace - thanks Donato. With the Malvern Midsummer Marathon coming up, the Malverns will become my new playground. I’ll keep you posted and it would be great to have a run together 😊

[@stevierunner]

That's the one we been waiting for. Really enjoyed watching your race unfold. Pretty similar race for me. Dropping pace in the last 6 miles and finishing in 3.36.48

[@racheld1844]

Congratulations on your time too! Marathons can be pretty cruel distances because you never know what that last section is going to throw at you. I hope you have some good rest and recovery. Any new plans ahead? 😊

[@stevierunner]

@@racheld1844 of course. There be some sports are painful and their labour delight in them sets off. The next block the next marathon. But first to work on that 5k PB.

[@racheld1844]

@@stevierunner good luck with your new goals. My best times at shorter distances have always come after this spring marathon. Your body seems to reward your fitness gains by making those shorter distances faster. Good luck and keep me posted how it goes 👍

[@stevierunner]

@@racheld1844 It will be Newport in October and this latest effort may well get me a GFA place for London in April 2023. Lets wait and see. 8mins inside the GFA time. What's next on the horizon for you.

[@Ub7m]

Unreal running, you ran tough pace for miles n miles - well done 👍😃

[@racheld1844]

Thanks Matthew. If the race had finished at 20 miles I’d have been ok. I just couldn’t keep it going after that 😊

[@rachelhobson5725]

Absolutely fab video - choked up a bit there. Total grit and determination! You are epic !!!

[@racheld1844]

Hi Rachel, thank you. I must admit I could have probably just sat down and cried in that last mile, but that would have just made the end even further 😀

[@ChrisGregs]

I could see your disappointment not hitting your target.. Draw a line, move on, move forward, Your efforts are inspiring me & others and that to me is where your victory is. Thank you

[@racheld1844]

Thanks Chris. I think in the moment the disappointment took over but even 20-30 mins after finishing I was fine. Yeah, not the time that I wanted, but that wasn’t down to not giving it a good go. I think it’s good to see that nothing is guaranteed and we’re all vulnerable to not getting the results we’d hoped for….but there’s always a next time 😊

[@nextaidstation3095]

Amazing!!! I know you didn't get the result you wanted -- but wow, what a run and while carrying a camera! I thought this video was so well done and so inspiring!

[@racheld1844]

Hi Becky, thank you. I was determined to film my run, even if I lost a bit of time. Luckily it wasn’t a few seconds off my A goal. That would have been far worse 😀 Thanks for watching.

[@jamesbenjamins]

Thanks to you, have enjoyed the documentation.

[@racheld1844]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@dancollins3188]

Rachel you were ridiculously harsh on yourself, that was a brilliant run and a brilliant series of videos. You should be very proud. And the good thing about marathons is there's always the next one. Looking forward to following along.

[@racheld1844]

Thanks Dan, I had to stick the wording in over the footage to acknowledge in the calm of after the run, that I had been too harsh. In the difficulty of that moment it was how I felt but even after a short while of finishing I was over it and took it more in my stride. Lots of emotions are running through your mind and rather than keeping them in I decided to say whatever came to mind. Yes, luckily there will always be another one and if I can hit perfect conditions then the goal is back on the cards 😊

[@jamesmoss5404]

Ahhhh Rachel I could see how gutted you were but really a massive huge and inspiring congratulations 🥳 you did sooo sooooooooo well Rachel well done 👏 I know it’s not your Pb which I know your gutted but please remember this is a huge commitment which you stuck too so positively week in and week out. Your time is excellent by any standards I’m really chuffed for you Rachel smile and remember what you achieved well done 👏

[@racheld1844]

Thanks so much James. Even 24 hours later the achievement has sunk in far better that it was at mile 25. I know I can crack this under the right conditions, which unfortunately weren’t yesterday but no injuries and a huge amount fitter than 3 months ago, I’m more than happy with that 😊

[@markg99]

Brilliant effort, Rachel. Well done!

[@racheld1844]

Thanks Mark. I was definitely pleased to see that finish line 😊

[@Runnerrwe]

Great job Rachel. 3:21 is a great time. I love the historical buildings in the beginning of the video.

[@racheld1844]

Thanks Richard. The start was slightly different this year and we’d normally have run down a long pedestrian street that has Shakespeare’s birthplace, but that part was altered this year 😊

[@alanmcdougall8228]

Well done Rachel, that’s a fantastic time still. Sadly these things don’t always go as we’d like them to. I did the full as well yesterday and like you found that second lap really tough going in those conditions.

[@racheld1844]

Thanks Alan. Well done on your race too. I really had to make sure I drank enough from the bottles before I threw them. Normally I’d just have a sip but I knew that wouldn’t have been enough. I think there were some who suffered quite bad on the finish line because it had been too warm for them 😊

[@ricd2821]

Well done, very good time and look forward to hearing a review of how it went... I knew exactly what you meant when you said early on the pace shouldn't feel this hard, happened to me on a marathon before! All the best

[@racheld1844]

Thanks Ric. When I trained for my first marathon 9 years ago I did all my training with just a regular watch that did nothing other than time my runs. I got used to running off feel and got quite good over the years of knowing what feels right, but also knowing when it’s not going to happen. I knew I was working at a level that I couldn’t hold, but I didn’t want to admit defeat that early on so ignored it. Obviously I paid the price by slowing big time towards the end but I was determined to give it a try 🙂

[@ChloeHamard]

What an incredible effort Rachel, I know you didn't feel this way when you were running and I understand the frustration of not doing as well as you know you can do but you still beat your original goal of 3 hour 30! It's been very inspiring to watch your journey up to race day. Seeing your parents and sister must have been a lovely surprise :) I hope you're recovering well!

[@racheld1844]

Thanks so much Chloe. It’s probably a double edge sward with how the day went, yes it’s still a brilliant time and I went way under the original goal but I know that I could have done better. Maybe next time 😀 It was so nice seeing my family out as my parents find it difficult these days. That was a really special moment that I won’t ever forget 😊

[@Ab-qp2yu]

Congratulations, well done 💪👍

[@racheld1844]

Thanks Ali, it was a hard day, but worth it 😊

[@jarososko4498]

Mahoooosive congratulations on your 2nd spot Rachel! Jesus...I will never going to attend this one. Narrow paths, traffic, sharing paths with pedestrian...I think I would be killing along running 😂 Fair play to u when running it n filming + narrating at the same time! Great footage!

[@racheld1844]

Thanks for watching this Jaro. There was a guy on the course on the 2nd lap that looked just like you, same build, height and even running style, I thought no way! (Obviously I knew you weren’t running there as he went past me it made me smile) Yeah, Stratford is a pretty unique course, but there’s something that keeps pulling me back there and to be honest I preferred the 2nd quiet lap to the 1st one that was busy. I think that’s why I’m put off the large city marathons. Maybe one day I’ll be brave enough to try somewhere new 😀

[@andrukthegreat]

Your channel is gonna blow UP I can feel it/ You ran an impressive time. respect to you ! maybe look to get bit better audio cause your Insights are most important. maybe when you get big you get the OSMO pocket cam :) .. great content !

[@racheld1844]

Thanks so much 😀 I run with an Insta360 go 2 and I love the shots I can get with it but like you say, sometimes the audio isn’t the best. I may invest in the future to something a bit better but my favourite part is that it is so light. It’s like it’s not there at all and to run hard and film, the weight is really important to me. All my winter/spring races were ran in very windy conditions so it didn’t help the sound quality. I decided to leave the wind noise in because I wanted to show that even though the sun was shining, it was still a very blustery day 🌬 Thanks for watching 😊

[@garymanders1273]

Well done great race....weather played it's part...went from really cool at the start to within half hour what felt like a raging inferno along the lanes (not a fan of heat) I was a good 5mins off my goal time....Considering weather change which you cant control..and most of training would have been in much cooler temps...looks like you ran well even with the weather disadvantage on the day...Congrats on podium finish...saw you as you were leaving and filming didn't want to interrupt what you were doing and my face was made for radio😀 Well done again

[@racheld1844]

Thanks Gary. Well done on your race too. I saw people within the first mile looking like the heat was already getting to them, with sweat coming off their T-shirts. I think the wind took the edge off for me, so I never felt too uncomfortable in that respect but I know I was probably down on fluids even though I was making sure I had good drinks at the water stops. The challenge when I got home was to make sure I got plenty in to replace what I’d lost 😊 Same again next year?

[@James_Denn]

Hi Rachel,well done yesterday, thanks for sharing your marathon training here ,i have really enjoyed it,,great to see what consistency and hard work can do,no doubt you will have a great Summer of running ahead.best of luck and mind yourself.James.

[@racheld1844]

Hi James, thank you. There’s plenty of things lined up over the summer and lots that I take far less seriously, so I’m looking forward to that. Hope your training is going well? Your race is getting closer 😀

[@James_Denn]

Your welcome, yes great to have most of the road races back and great to be able to get out there and enjoy them,training not going too bad,getting there week by week.,so should have a good run. hopefully you will share some more of your adventures with us in the months ahead.

[@racheld1844]

@@James_Denn - great to hear training has been going well for you James. Yeah, I have plenty more coming up and once I’ve had some rest I’ll be up and on to plenty more videos 😀

[@Bradl0y]

Well done Rachel that’s a great time. The wind was not the best this weekend for running. Like the editing at the beginning of the video you come a long way well done. I’ve got my marathon on bank holiday Monday hope the wind dies.

[@racheld1844]

Hi Brad, thank you. Are you running Milton Keynes? This is the only other road marathon I’ve ever run, except for Stratford and loved it. To finish in the stadium was brilliant. I think the wind may be dying down a little so hopefully you’ll get good conditions 😀

[@Bradl0y]

Yes doing the MK marathon enjoying the taper to much

[@racheld1844]

Haha, I was the same. Enjoy your race 😊

[@pennyrusbridge5725]

Fantastic running Rachel. Congratulations on being 2nd lady 👏

[@racheld1844]

Thanks Penny. Hope you had a good run too? What’s next for you, a bit of time off races or have you got some more booked? 🤔

[@pennyrusbridge5725]

@@racheld1844 wanted sub 4hr ended up with 4hrs 07 minutes so disappointed. Found it tough will try again at Edinburgh flat course

[@racheld1844]

@@pennyrusbridge5725 - it was a lot warmer yesterday than we’ve been used to and the wind was a bit of a challenge as well. You’ve packed in a lot a races recently so you’re done brilliant to keep the times low. Hope you get some good recovery between now and Edinburgh, I’m sure you’ll be great to go again 😊

[@paraylmer9036]

Well done Rachel 🙌

[@racheld1844]

Thanks Paray 😀

[@brummyrunner8408]

What a fantastic effort and achievement! This series has been inspiring. Looking.forward to the next chapter.

[@racheld1844]

Thanks so much. Making the videos has been pretty steep learning curve but hopefully I’ve learnt enough now to keep the momentum going 😊

[@kenavr]

Very well done! 👏 It may not feel this way right now, but even without hitting your A goal you have a lot to be proud of. You demolished the goal you had when you started this training cycle, you reached the podium (though maybe you are used to that 😉) and from the looks of it you have inspired people by putting your journey out on YT.

[@racheld1844]

Thank you 🙏 There is plenty I’m proud of from Sunday and from the whole 16 weeks, but there is a little niggle that I know I could have done better. I think it appears I do well (and I know that I have been running well) but I’m good at finding smaller events which inevitably then puts me higher up on the finishers table. Stick me in London or Manchester and I’m running with a lot of very talented runners and I blend far more into the background 😊

[@SwimBikeRunStu]

Great effort and top running. And kudos for running and filming. Not sure it's something I could do.

[@racheld1844]

Thanks. If I’d have told myself 12 months ago that I’d be making this video, I’d have never believed it. 5k’s are pretty difficult to film because you rely so much on your arms. Luckily a short clip here and there isn’t too bad 😀

[@olivergoodacre]

Well done, heck of an effort. And although you didn’t get your ‘new goal’, you still smashed the one you had only a few weeks ago for this race! Funny seeing the greenway on video, I extended my parkrun on Saturday and ran down it and back for a longer session.

[@racheld1844]

Thanks Oliver. The more I reflect the more I’m pretty pleased with how it went. There were a few runners I spoke to who were local and said they’d done a lot of their training runs on the greenway. They said it was the part they were dreading the most. To me it’s my favourite part. I’d run the whole marathon on it if it meant I didn’t have to run up that hill on the other side of Welford 😂

[@olivergoodacre]

@@racheld1844 yeah the Greenway is probably the only completely traffic-free route out of Stratford where you can get quite a few miles in when training. When I lived in Stratford itself and trained for my one marathon I ran out of the south towards Shipston-on-Stour when doing a long run. One of the main reasons I do Stratford parkrun is it’s flat as a pancake! Have you ever done any of the Tempo Events Winter Series in Ilmington? I think I’d struggle to find a more hilly course!

[@racheld1844]

@@olivergoodacre - the only Tempo Events I’ve run were the Worcester Half marathon and the Worcester full marathon. It’s a pretty unforgiving course and not one I’d chose again unless I wanted to get some stronger legs. I’ve heard on the Illmington series but as I work Sundays I have to pick and chose what and where I run. Luckily I gave myself a day of annual leave for Sundays run, I think I’d earned it 😀

[@andycharles1332]

Great run great time marathons are so tough

[@racheld1844]

Thanks Andy. I think no matter how many marathons you run, you just never know how it’s going to unfold 😊

[@discopot]

Well done Rachael great job

[@racheld1844]

Thanks so much Stuart 😊

[@discopot]

@@racheld1844 it was great everyone seemed to know you, well done

[@racheld1844]

@@discopot - that may have been because my name was on the race number. I’m not normally that popular 😂

[@TheBramptonValleyRunner]

Congratulations that second lap can be hard as it’s so quiet 🏅

[@racheld1844]

I was at my parents in the week and they were watching your 360 video of the Shakespeare marathon. I said I know this guy 😀 That 2nd lap is pretty quiet but I’m ok with that as it helps me concentrate. I know a lot find that bit the hardest 😊

[@TheBramptonValleyRunner]

@@racheld1844 good to hear someone was finding the 360 video interesting 🙂 is that a insta go 2 you were using to film with?

[@racheld1844]

@@TheBramptonValleyRunner - yes, it’s the only one I have so do all my filming on that. It’s brilliant and so tiny it’s hardly there.

[@TirnanHealy]

Amazing run and video, congratulations! This video brought back soo many memories...

[@racheld1844]

Thanks Tirnan, I think there was almost every emotion possible in the space of those few hours. No matter what happens during a race, crossing that line is still my favourite 😊

[@TirnanHealy]

@@racheld1844 100% also how brutal is that path on the last 6 or so miles? That pain experienced in that area burned into my memory permanently I think 😂

[@racheld1844]

@@TirnanHealy - what year did you run it? I was probably there as I’ve done it several times now. I don’t mind the greenway all that much. It’s better than the thought of facing any kind of incline in the last 10k. I know a lot find it hard because it it feels like it just goes on forever 😀

[@TirnanHealy]

@@racheld1844 2019, yeah it just feels never ending. What's your next goal?

[@racheld1844]

@@TirnanHealy I’ve got my eye on a few local 10k’s and half’s but nothing booked yet. I do have a trail marathon on the Malverns in June though so will need my climbing legs on for that 😀

[@grahamsteer2634]

Well done Rachel, have enjoyed all of your videos, thank you. I was a few minutes behind you perhaps would have been quicker if I had followed more of your advice!!!

[@racheld1844]

Hi Graham. Thanks. Well done on your marathon too! Probably a good idea you never followed my advice for Sunday’s run, I failed at following it myself 😀 However if I’d have not slowed so much in the last 10k I would have gladly taken the compliment 😊

[@andrewgoldsby]

Congratulations on a brilliant marathon. Although I’m half the speed you are your videos helped inspire me to finish the Brighton marathon a couple of weeks ago! So nice to see you finish strong and congrats again!

[@racheld1844]

Hi Andy, thank you. Well done on completing Brighton. I’ve always been inspired by watching other running KZbinrs and still am, at all levels. Everyone brings something different to the mix and it’s nice to see how they vary from my own way of training. I thought it was about time I gave it a go and film what I do. I’m probably more proud of that than the marathon 😀

[@andrewgoldsby]

@@racheld1844 The videos have been really really helpful so massive thanks from me and congrats again! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@ian_runs]

A great realist video. That was hard to watch. Reminded my so much of the Milton Keynes Marathon i filmed the other week. 3h21 is still a cracking time. And top stuff with second finishing lady.

[@racheld1844]

Thanks Ian. Well done on MK, I will pop over and take a look at your video. I almost booked this up as I wanted another try but by the time I’d made my mind up it was sold out. I ran MK in 2013 as my first marathon. I loved the finish 😊

[@ian_runs]

@@racheld1844 yes finishing in the stadium is a great way to finish

[@rizmaslen]

Well done Rachel! Fantastic run! Thank you for sharing your training journey!

[@racheld1844]

Hi Riz, thank you. Can’t believe it’s all been and gone. Yesterday flew by in a daze 😊

[@garybowes6284]

Well done Rachel! I’m going to be trying for a 3:15 myself this Sunday at Belfast.

[@racheld1844]

Thanks Gary. Good luck for Sunday. Hope you get your time 😀

[@garybowes6284]

Thanks, I’ll be trying my best but it’s a stretch. I broke my foot end of December so it’ll be a good result whatever.

[@royedwards8713]

Hi Rachel well done a great run and nice video 👌👌👌👌👌

[@racheld1844]

Thanks Roy, it was a hard day but I’ll always have this of a reminder of how it went 😊

[@royedwards8713]

@@racheld1844 hi yes you done really well 😀

[@benfrost9679]

Well done 👏

[@racheld1844]

Hi Ben, thanks 😀

[@Tonyr2]

You know what I did. I couldn't wait until today to see what your time was so looked up the results on the finishers page. 😊😊

[@racheld1844]

That’s exactly what I would have done Tony 😂 Unfortunately there was no tracking or you’d have had a live feed through the race 😀

[@almorrison2040]

That video had it all, the great start, the optimism and then the realisation when things arent going to plan and that nasty mental thing kicks in.... Thanks for sharing that journey and what is still an epic result. After that training block you just know you are fitter and stronger than ever. Celebrate the positives, you smashed 3.30 out the park on a tough course and you got a 2nd place. Park the other stuff in the bin where it belongs. Whats next????

[@racheld1844]

Hi Al, thanks so much. I’ve been blown away with how much support I’ve received for creating these videos and how many people have followed along till the end. In some ways if you know the whole story from week 1, it puts things into better perspective. The disappointment I think comes from knowing I could have done better. When I ran the 20 mile race I felt great on no taper, in the midst of training. Sunday though, is a day that I’ll never forget, just like the first time I ever ran there, 9 years ago, but this time I had the best support 😊

[@CraigRowand]

That's still a fantastic run Rachel. Marathons are tough and it's all about the learning! Is there anything you think you'll do differently next time?

[@racheld1844]

Hi Craig, thank you. There were some factors outside my control on Sunday which I know led to me not getting the time that I’d hoped for. It’s something I’m hoping to share when I give a race summary. On the day itself I know that was probably the best I could have hoped for 😊

[@BeeHappy-xj5ze]

Hi Rachel hope training going well for you both. Hope you’re ok? 🙏Horrid business last vid.. The canal is looming- hurrah! Hope to see you both there. Check out The Wild One. Has your names all over it 🥳

[@racheld1844]

Hi, yes, all good here thanks 😊 I just looked up The Wild One. That looks brilliant, like a mini version of a back yard ultra. Unfortunately we’ve a run planned for this weekend but will definitely think about it for another year. Are you entered? We’re booked on to the canal canter, a lot less hills this time 😁 See you there 🏃🏼‍♀️

[@kirbster1977]

well done.

[@racheld1844]

Thank you 😊

[@ThatRunningGuy]

Well done Rachel for sticking with it. I’m sure you’ll get it on the next one. Still a really great time and congrats on the 2nd place

[@racheld1844]

Thanks Chris, I felt a bit of a fraud for claiming a prize when it felt like the race was going so bad. It’s crazy how your mind thinks when it’s shouting at you to stop and walk. A good rest and some food has changed that though and it’s not as bad as it seemed in the moment 😊

[@tworunningbrooms]

Well done Rachel! Good attempt, you just faded in the second half, but still an excellent time! Have you got plans for another sub 3.15 attempt in the future?

[@racheld1844]

Thanks so much. Yes, I think that goal will always be there but not sure when I’ll give it another try. I normally only do one road marathon a year so I need to see what the choices are 😊

[@Tonyr2]

Nice round figure of 500 subscribers coming up, any plans to mark it Rachel??

[@racheld1844]

Oh definitely, I’ve had the idea for a while so when these legs are feeling fresher I will be out to record it 😀 The 1k idea is there too but that one’s a bit more scary for me 😱

[@Tonyr2]

Really, whatcha going to do when you hit 10k? Do the Tribe "run for love" 260k over 5 days in the Azores??? For the distant future of course, one to consider. (Anna from the Running Channel did it in 2019, well worth viewing all three videos if you haven't already but get tissues for ep2, always gets me "emosh" the suffering she goes through).

[@racheld1844]

@@Tonyr2 - I’ll have been long retired from making videos before I get anywhere near those numbers 😂 I’d love to be a little more adventurous one day but several circumstances keep me closer to home for now. Yeah, I saw all those videos. She did amazing. It was her garden marathon, along with a few others that inspired me to have a go at mine during lock down. It was to replace the Shakespeare Marathon in the first year they cancelled.

[@Tonyr2]

Never say never Rach 😊. She certainly went through the whole range of highs and lows making that series of videos, kudos to her of course for it all.

[@samwoodward2676]

I’m about to aim for sub 3:15 and I’ve only done 500 miles of running😬

[@racheld1844]

It’s still possible. For me, I think this is pretty much pushing me to the top of my limits. I’ll be back on the 3:15 training in the new year to give it yet another go in spring 😀 Good luck with your marathon 👍

[@hongheng9201]

Hello friends nice videos friends great super like videos friends 👍👍👍👍👍👍 10000👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@racheld1844]

Hi, thanks so much 😊