Running her first half marathon - what did she learn?

[@Brigittastraight]

I'm not crying, YOU'RE crying. I came for the half marathon video and left in tears. I'm so touched. This is such a beautiful video.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ha ha thanks so much! She’s a really great person and I’m so glad I could convey that in a video. Thanks so much for commenting 😊

[@paulj6637]

Hi team. Never watched this despite watching your channel for a long time. This gave me the feels having seen how much both of your lives and goals have changed in such a short time. You both deserve all the happiness in the world.

[@PanosK777]

Came for the half marathon, left deeply touched by how much you guys love each other! I wish you all the best in everything and anything you do in life!

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Holy schmoly that’s a nice comment! Thanks so much, dude. Very kind of you to say. Yeah she’s ok I guess 😂😍

[@PanosK777]

@@ThisMessyHappy Just reminded me of how my wife and I are and it's always wonderful to see that very love around you! Keep on running and living life to the fullest, guys! Lots of respect and runner's solidarity (my term, I guess :-P) from NE London!

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks dude. And you 👍🏻

[@adrienkenzo8381]

Instablaster

[@MichaelFollan]

I know this is an old vlog now but I just wanted to say thank you for posting. The achievement Mary has here was tremendous given everything she and you had been through, together. I understand exactly what that experience is like, thank you for sharing and thanks for all your vlogs, they are inspirational.

[@ellen9752]

I cried all 10:58 minutes of this video (also maybe many minutes after it 🥹). I’ve signed up for a HM next year and am currently in week 4 of training - it’s the last push for me to do something for myself before I embark on IVF after 5 years of infertility and IUI. It’s humbling to see that someone as amazing as Mary also struggled with what I struggle with. She is incredible and thank you so much for sharing her story.

[@busterska2860]

Feel your pain. Beautiful vlog, love you both very much ❤️❤️

[@emmadixey2069]

An inspiration that’s for sure! I love watching your videos.

[@katr2771]

Who is damn cutting onions around here?!

[@hormonalhealthinstitute]

She's a keeper for sure!! Haha excellent video and what I am sure will always be an amazing memory for you guys!! DEFINITELY going to be trying the index finger to thumb trick!!!

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks so much. Yes it was such an amazing day. I was actually quite jealous but that’s by the by ha ha I have London coming up so I can’t be too jealous. That index finger trick I picked up from Paula Radcliffe. She said you have to imagine you’re carrying a Pringle and you’re not allowed to break it. It does calm you down for sure 🤟🏼

[@damononeill2191]

Absolutely beautiful video Ben.. similar situation with my wife and her struggles with multiple bouts of cancer derailing her fitness progress but she never stops moving forward and I am so proud of her, so the sentiments you shared with us about Mary in this video really brought on the feels and resonated with me so strongly. Keep up the amazing work you two and i look forward to future vids as they are an excellent source of inspiration for me while trying to stay grounded throughout mine and my wife's comeback process x

[@HappyPotter24]

Just came back to watch this again after seeing all the trophies Mary's been winning lately. What a journey! Thank you for taking us all along for the ride! Mary is such a huge inspiration to me, and Ben's support and love for Mary is just...the best!!

[@sharonelliott7481]

What a lovely video !! You guys are an amazing couple. So glad I found you it’s been really inspiring to my running so thank you for doing what you do.

[@savannahbrewer6161]

Just started watching the channel, really inspired by Mary and her sweetness. Hoping life treats you both better from this point forward.

[@alexmckinley6698]

This vlog is one of your best. The genuine love you guys have is incredible. I also loved how you captured how a race is often more than just the race itself. It can be so much more and such a transformative experience. Thank you for sharing your journey with us all and inspiring us to be better, kinder, more generous and loving people. You guys are acing your purpose of leaving a legacy and speading joy ♥️

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks Alex, that’s really awesome of you to say 😊 yeah Mary’s ok isn’t she 😉😂 thank you for being on the journey with us too 🤟🏼

[@bernardkenealy3711]

Recently working my way through your videos. Seldom comment but had to. Really heart felt video, could sense your joy, well made. Authentic and genuine 👏🏻 and as for the time... 1'36, that's crazy. Well done Mary

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Wow thanks Bernard. That’s really kind and it honestly means a lot. I’m really appreciative when people take the time to write a nice comment when they don’t have to. That’s why we do this. So thanks 😊

[@susanwiggins6309]

This was so beautiful - made me cry. Your love and pride for Mary shone through.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ah thanks Susan. She’s a keeper isn’t she! 😂😊

[@Balintrebeka]

I found this video of yours just now. Simply beautiful! Made even me emotional.. :). Many happy 11 years for you!!

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks Rebeka 😊 she’s a good one isn’t she?! 😊

[@Balintrebeka]

@@ThisMessyHappy She certainly is!!! :)

[@richardbennett7487]

This is brilliantly emotional and inspiring! I’ve been watching your videos for the last year but haven’t seen this one. ❤

[@gotravelforfun]

Congrats... I just finished my first Half marathon on Sunday..decided to start running in October last year, overweight,smoker, never run in my life..First day I couldn't run 300 m ...five months later I finished my first Half....best feeling ever on finish line... amazing...

[@chriscummings9387]

I’ve been following this channel for a while but first time seeing this. My wife and I feel your pain, we have also been through IVF unsuccessfully so I totally sympathise with everything you said. The struggles you have faced together just makes you both even more inspirational. ❤️

[@krissycarrington4705]

Well done Mary! I was almost in tears several times during this video. So lovely to see the amazing connection and love between you guys.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thank you so much! We love doing it. It’s like our legacy to look back on when we’re old and doddery 😂

[@SamHerbert50]

Love this vlog! Commented 3yrs ago. Watching it again still gives me the happy feels! I’m running this next April - for dementia for my mum and mother in law. Never ran more than 8km since coming back to running this yr due to Covid!! Wish me Luck ❤ ps. Mary, you’re confidence has bloomed over these past few years! It really shows in your recent vlogs 🎉❤

[@rchouloute1]

Well done! I don't know if my tears was for her achievement (half marathon) or her achievement (overcoming the struggles). In any case, bravo to both!! Again, well done!

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks so much. She’s a strong one is this one. Hugely proud of her and how far she’s come. Thanks for the kind words 😊

[@christinaclementson2685]

Totally made me cry!! What a heartbreaking story, tinged with happiness. You are such an amazing support to each other. Sending huge hugs xxxx

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ahh thanks Christina. She’s a good one isn’t she?! 😊

[@christinaclementson2685]

@@ThisMessyHappy You’re a great team 😊😊

[@markparsons7425]

Wow. I forgot were you guys have been 💕. My wife and I love you guys, we are grateful for your relatable content. You have both changed our lives. Thank you.

[@anand54322]

Congrats Mary! You've got a great smile while running. Wish you many more miles ahead :)

[@ThisMessyHappy]

That’s very kind of you to say. I’ll pass that on. Thank you 😊

[@claireefrench]

I've watched so much of your newer content but this is the most wonderful :) So inspiring - Mary has achieved so much since you posted this four years ago!

[@MarkHerrick1]

I picked this video out because of the #NoSmallCreator tag, I am so pleased I did, this video is exactly what the whole No Small Creator movement is about. The video is absolutely amazing, I had tears and smiles. Thank you for sharing this and well done to you both.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Mark, that’s so nice to hear. And thank you for the lovely feedback. I guess we’re all just out here trying to make a difference. You’ve made my day! Thanks so much and welcome along 🤟🏼

[@tanbafootballfc]

Amazing atmosphere/ camaraderie at these events in London. Fantastic time Mary ! That's hard work paying off. Looks like a great day/experience.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

She did so well didn’t she!! She’s very excited about Paddock Wood now 😂

[@maximvanselst7742]

I don't normally respond to videos, however since I'm running my first half-marathon (not an actual race) this Sunday aiming for a sub 1:40 finish it feels like these tips are tailored to me! I couldn't get into a rhythm running this week due to the excitement so I'll be trying the thumb and index finger trick. Wishing you both all the best!

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks Maxim. I really appreciate that. Let me know how your half goes! I’m keen to hear. Keep nice and relaxed and smile all the way, it’s amazing what you’re doing 😊👍🏻

[@JustinMartin-y1z]

I've got my second half marathon this weekend but first not in lockdown. Your video is such great inspiration especially because of the difficult subject. Thank you both for making a difficult subject feel a little bit better and great running.

[@nickgayle8032]

Well done Mary. That's probably my favourite video you've shared. So beautiful and emotional

[@marktickhill8465]

Hi There, recently came across your channel and have been really enjoying the Vlog. They are entertaining and motivational. This one had me chocked with emotion for you both. Such an inspirational video. Best wishes to you both for your future adventures. Love the Happy smiling face Mary. ❤️💪💪👍👍

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks Mark that’s really kind of you to say and thanks for nice comments. It’s a great journey we’ve been on and if it helps anyone with their own journey then we all win. Thanks for being part of it all 😊

[@SamJones046]

This is simply the best. So watchable and such an important story to share. So many people go through this same pain and suffering in silence. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thank you so much. It’s a video I’m really epic of that’s for sure ☺️

[@AndyGreenWildlife]

Wow, that was so emotional, never met Mary but so proud!😂 amazing job, amazing time and well done to you both for getting through the hard times together. 😊

[@MelRunsThings]

Knowing this was aay back in March almost a year ago, just wanted to say Congratulations to Mary. Monumental history & achievement for you, well done! X

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks Melissa, I’ll pass it on to Mary. She’s come so far since then even in such a relatively short period of time. Her first marathon next month!!

[@MelRunsThings]

@@ThisMessyHappy that's brilliant! 🏃‍♀️🤩

[@kellym3367]

This is an amazing and touching journey. I love how you two support each other. That is amazing. Keep up the good work. I found this channel a couple of months ago to get back into running. I am. Inspired each time I watch your videos.

[@DavidBrown-wp5fc]

Honestly, such a great video. Been watching your channel as a recent subscriber and really like you two. Had no idea this struggle you had to overcome. Really touching. Well done both of you, much love.

[@louisepearson4686]

Couple goals, you two are incredible! What a touching video. Wishing you limitless love and happiness 🤍

[@amandagerrie1398]

I just started watching your videos and I think you both are amazing. I love how you both support one another. Anyway watching your videos has help’t me with my running and getting out more so thank you

[@alan3179-n1r]

What a lovely video! Even I was getting emotional even though I'm new to your channel and still getting to 'know' you!

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks Alan. That’s really kind of you to say. And welcome to the channel/madness 😉😊

[@dannygrays]

Great video mate! Yep, that was more than a race. Thank you for creating😊

[@ThisMessyHappy]

An absolute pleasure. Thanks for the kind words, buddy 👍🏻

[@MrBlazeyb]

Fantastic video, funny, emotional and as usual great editing. Loving your videos. Keep it up

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks so much. I really appreciate that and glad you enjoyed it. Let’s just hope we get to race again soon as they’re my favourite videos to make!

[@j.951]

Thank you so much for sharing this. You are both such an inspiration to me.

[@Meggers13]

You two are so inspirational. The love you have for each other is so evident. Keep on keeping on! Your videos all choke me up. Amazing work!

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Meghan that’s so nice of you to say!! Thank you so much 😊 these comments make it totally worth it. Thanks for being part of the journey 👍🏻

[@Meggers13]

I came to your KZbin for some ideas and inspiration and left totally in tears and so glad I came across your channel! I’m running my first ever 1/2 marathon this Sunday! 😳

[@lightbeingform]

This is just beautiful, Mary is an inspiration 🎉 You are the sweetest family ❤

[@geronim042]

Going through all your content right now and must stop here to say : the most inspirational, no bullshit, knowledgeable and sincere info about enjoying training and more is on this channel.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ha ha this is awesome to read. Thanks so much! Funny timing of this message really. I was just sitting here getting frustrated with the amount of coaches coming out right now on London marathon ballot results offering coaching plans for a price and here I am giving it out for free, like it should be. So thanks. The timing of your kind words was very welcome. I’m always going to stay true to what I believe is the right way 👍🏻😊

[@geronim042]

@@ThisMessyHappy honestly you’re giving way more than just plans here :) it’s about how to truly enjoy running, with reason and in a safe way. It’s enjoyable and kept simple, without any weird agenda like selling a brainwashing training method or supershoes-to-help-you-break-that-PB. Really nice, thank you and hope you’re still enjoying it even in these troubled times.

[@simonhodgson4941]

Lovely video, very sweet and heart warming. Also very funny when asking Mary to name the landmarks👍😂😂

[@ThisMessyHappy]

I couldn’t resist 😂 and thank you for the kind words 😊

[@michite7435]

Beautiful. Mary you have an amazing smile and wonderful energy that I can feel through these videos. Incredible 🙏❤️

[@goofy18tilidie]

Not sure how I bumped into this channel whilst searching for videos about half marathon for beginners. You guys are inspiring ! Stay blessed, always fellas. You've helped me become a better runner.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

That’s an amazing comment to receive!! Thanks so much. If we have helped in any little way then that’s amazing because it’s why we do what we do. Really appreciate the comment and the good vibes. Sending them right back at you too 🤟🏼 x

[@Tonynz]

You are absolutely awesome Mary! What a great time!

[@zeshan144]

Wow I wasn’t ready for that lol, amazing video man! Lovely to see :)

[@user-vq9yg1kt1x]

What a great video - thank you (and well done Mary!). Good luck in Seville guys.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

That’s very kind of you to say 😊 thank you. And yes we hope to enjoy Seville! I hope mary enjoys it more than I know I’m going to 😫😂

[@iancorzine]

Great job Mary! I love that thumb to index finger technique -- I will use that!

[@SamHerbert50]

Loved this!! Thankyou for sharing ❤️ People like you guys really give me motivation to keep going, so Thankyou x

[@ThisMessyHappy]

That is so nice of you to say 😊 thank you so much and I’m glad you liked it 👍🏻

[@alanpowell6175]

I'm most proud that she nearly said Tower of Terror :D :D Well done M xxxx

[@ThisMessyHappy]

😂 I also thought for a second she was going for ‘tower of power’ which is a body position in rugby 🤪 ha ha

[@cloudsandlollypops]

Amazing Mary!!! Great run and achievement! Xx

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks so much 😊

[@phacocataractdrlvkraju5]

Sooo heart touching to see one achieve their self betterment, Hard work behind it and fruits of it. Thanks sooo much for sharing your story. God bless you with all the very Best in future. Be inspired and Keep inspiring

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thank you so much, that is so kind 😊

[@justthinking2241]

Thank you for sharing such a beautiful moment in your life together 🥰

[@astarrfitness5565]

hey bro, you and your partner just became my inspiration for running my first half marathon. It's been nearly 3 years since you last posted this and I hope everything is going perfect. I really wish you all the best

[@topoisomerace]

Thanks for sharing. My favourite moment was at 1:55, where you could see the anxious optimism.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks for the kind words. You’re absolutely right. Well summed up, it was anxious optimism!! 👍🏻😊

[@livelovephotograph]

I came for the running but wow such an emotional, full of love video! And that time!! Amazing job.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ha ha thanks Carly. She’s a keeper 😍😂

[@trimad6128]

You guys are great!Well done Mary!

[@tbear4291]

Thanks for sharing your piece of life. I feel thrilled and so happy for you people.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thank you so much. That’s such a lovely thing to say 😊

[@Hana-F]

So sweet how proud you are of her, well done mary ☺❤

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks so much! She’s a bit of a legend in my eyes 😍

[@johnconnolly9853]

Loved that guys. Much love. ❤️

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks buddy. She did so well, eh?! And just to top it off we just watched the Barkley Marathons documentary on Netflix. Get her ready for next years entry 😂

[@natalie-emma]

Lovely video. I am excited to train for a half marathon soon hopefully!

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks so much 😊 which race are you aiming for? Have you got one pencilled in?

[@natalie-emma]

@@ThisMessyHappy Nothing is pencilled in just yet, but aiming for Gothenburg Half Marathon! In May 2020

[@andreafletcher6046]

Awesome Mary! Well done!

[@jackjackson6564]

fantastic Mary well done

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks Jack 😊

[@MuffinTop17]

You’ve made me emotional now 😂 Incredible time, especially for a first timer. Congratulations!

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks Candice! So nice of you to say. She’s really training hard now to try to break that 1:30 barrier! 😀

[@DroneonSteve]

Great vlog and well done Mary 👏

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks Steve. She did amazingly. Very proud of her 😍

[@50Something]

Epic, what preparation!

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks dude 👍🏻

[@jesuscruz836]

Had to subscribe after even just starting this one!

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ha ha thanks so much. Hope you enjoyed it 😊

[@Leeroy49]

Wow she's a minute quicker then I was after my PB to date :) congratulations.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

She’s a good runner ey?! Just consistency. That’s all it is. 👍🏻

[@daynajeffrey1700]

What a beautiful love letter to your wife. Thank you for sharing xoxo

[@nkwenkwezirulumeni4444]

so touching !

[@runwithlong]

LLHM was my first HM and I loved it.

[@sajero2]

Congrats! You should be proud!

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thank you, I’ll pass the message on to Mary. You’re very kind. 😊

[@heatherh3397]

I’m not crying. You’re crying. 🥺 ♥️

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ha ha it’s hayfever... 😂

[@heatherh3397]

@@ThisMessyHappy yes, let’s go with that. 🥲

[@MsSouthernCharmx]

Congratulations Mary!!!!

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks so much, Jess. I’ll pass it on 👍🏻😊

[@alisonuuereb822]

So sweet and the modi Timon I needed to keep up on my training.

[@ciaraboyd1247]

such a beautiful video!

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks Ciara 😊

[@MsBoxtet]

Wow ❤ beautiful video ❤

[@turkeysandwich001]

1:36!!!!! Mary is a beast...hope you guys took her for a well deserved pub lunch :)

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ha ha truest me, she got to eat whatever she wanted after that 😉😂

[@turkeysandwich001]

This Messy Happy, awesome mate. Keep up with the hard work. I am training for my first half as well. Doing dorney lake in couple of weeks. Aiming for 1:55 🤞

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Great work! That must be a nice flat course? You’ve got it in the bag! Let me know how it goes. And if you need any pointers give me a shout 👍🏻

[@northernninjarunner5506]

Well done Mary brilliant run amazing achievement 👊

[@joannavl6212]

Well done Mary! Congrats on finishing your first half-marathon. 😊🤗 Loved this video so inspiring

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks Joanna! I’ll pass your congrats on to Mary. She’s now in training to try to go sub 1:30! 🏃🏼‍♀️💪🏻

[@annifanni23]

You are such a supportive bf! Good job Mary. I hope all works out for you guys :)

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks so much! That’s so kind of you 😊

[@kunalsharma2116]

My good wishes.. Maybe she run a full marathon soon

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thank you. She is actually due to run Seville marathon in February 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@hopedalrymple1886]

Go Mary!!!!

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Woop woop 🙌🏼 thanks Hope 😊

[@mattaman44]

Amazing 🥰

[@pf4186]

What a couple.

[@Mrlawtonst]

What a beautiful video...

[@kunalsharma2116]

Huge respect from India 🇮🇳

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks so much 😊

[@2spoons]

1:36 Wow..... beats my BP of 1:39 OMG awesome leg work!

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Cheers Stephen. She’s done well eh? Aiming for a sub 1:30 eventually. How about you?

[@2spoons]

@@ThisMessyHappy Thanks Ben... I stopped looking for fast half marathons about 2 years ago when friends started hitting 5 minute miles as I turned 50... so ran 3 ultras last year and that made me so happy so now I'm in a smaller group of long distance runners - (but not like the super Ultra runners 100miles +)... lol but who knows I might run 50 miles one day

[@duesouthzy]

nice video...so touched

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks so much 😊

[@samirrerizani7918]

Well done!

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thank you 😊

[@1023Endurance]

did you say 1:36? Thats really good. Damn.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Yes she nailed a 1:36 and is currently at 1:34 but I have a feeling she could be 1:30 soon! She’s getting better all the time 😍😊

[@adamcraig002]

Well done :-)

[@ThisMessyHappy]

She nailed it! So proud 👍🏻

[@alphacharlie65ms]

What kind of things did Mary do, to get over her knee pain?

[@ThisMessyHappy]

The most important thing she did was get a proper run analysis. That way she could see the likely causes of the knee pain rather than try to cure it with more s&c or new trainers. We went to the root cause first. That would be my recommendation 👍🏻

[@davidpollard343]

My daughter is an IVF baby. Don't give up.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks David. I’m afraid that boat has sailed now. But we’re at peace with our new life and adventures 😊

[@davidpollard343]

@@ThisMessyHappy good on you.