From 5km’s to Ultramarathons in 3 Years! You can do it too!

[@kathydriscoll8189]

I didn't start running until I was 48. I am now 55. I have fell in love with running. So inspiring to here your journey.

[@Mylifeinthreeminutes]

This video plays like a love letter to what running can do to change a life, as well as a love letter to Mary herself. Brilliantly put together and a genuinely inspiring story!

[@IRunThings]

I want to be Mary when I grow up. This is so super inspiring. Love also how you filmed and edited this

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ha ha thanks Suzie 😊

[@mikehenry7878]

Always smiling, laughing, complimenting each other. You two are wonderful!

[@JohnBirtchetSharpe]

I put a comment on Tim's channel this morning about you guys, I said this channel is about the spirit of running and watching this confirms my feelings, some other vloggers touch on elements of it (Kofuzi for the soul, Fordy for the community and Seth for the love) but you two, package all that in one, Mary's journey is just an example of that. While not intended you make this Yanky anglophile's day just a little bit better when watching these .. ok enough prose, getting soft in age. thanks for the post :)

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Oh wow. How nice is this to read? Thanks so much, John. It’s really appreciated. Yes I agree with your sentiment too. Kofuzi captures a lot of the spirit of running especially on his reels. They’re hypnotic!! But I really appreciate your kind words. Thanks so much, buddy 😊

[@mikeshepherd7302]

Very inspiring video and beautifully put together. I’m 50 and only started running a year ago partly thanks to your videos. I ran a 22:15 parkrun last week and hope to get to sub-20 minutes. My first run 5km run a year ago was in about 32 minutes. Running my first 10km in 2 months and hoping to do a half marathon at the end of next year. I’m actually in Thailand (Koh Chang at the moment) at the moment for a 3 week holiday and I’m impressed that you run in this heat and humidity.

[@Mr6bennett]

I watched this video and found myself smiling throughout it. You guys are just so charming and inspiring to watch. Thanks for your focusing on sharing your life stories. It helps me wonder about my own story and my growing desire for self improvement in running and other areas of life!

[@ThisMessyHappy]

You’re a good man, Mike. I have to say that the feeling was mutual when watching your Squid Game videos. You have an infectious Lily positive energy! Love it and thanks for being part of the community 😊

[@scrappythebandit]

Mary you are a total inspiration! I've really enjoyed catching up with your journey. I'm running seriously myself after years of dabbling, and I think I might be about your age, so your road to running is so relatable. Seeing progress in myself (running and otherwise) weekly now, so that and watching your progress just lights a fire under me to keep going. Thank you both for this channel, it is truly a gift.

[@RunDivision]

Wow what a vlog, love it, I’m watching it and saying to myself “I love running in Brighton”, “I live near Preston Park” and I was at the Brighton 10k you ran and made it into the vlog. Great information and motivation as always thank you both so much. XX

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ha ha no way! What a small world. That is a great part of the world too 😊

[@dukeholbrook7750]

My favorite running themed channel on KZbin does it again. Authentic.

[@tamarafrom1746]

I love your channel and I really admire you Mary. 💞I get so much motivation from all you do. I have never liked running when I was young but I started it and fell in love with it in my early 30s. Like you I ran only for fitness. Never have I thought I want to atempt more than 10 k. 2 years ago I started to dream about running a marathon some day. Now with 43 I am in the best shape of my life, I ran 4 half marathons this summer and 31 k 2 weeks ago and I have to say the 31 k is just thanks to you and your channel. You both inspire me and motivate me so much. I sometimes feel I am stuck or I do not improve as I still run very slow and cannot do a half in under 2 hours 30. But then when I watch your channel, I am just inspired in running slow and just love the fact, that I learned now to run even slower. 😊 Due to health reasons I cannot have the same consistency I wish I could have, but still I am so thankful I am able to do what I love to do💕 I am really thankful for your channel. I have realized and learned so much, even though I just found you 4 months ago. You are great thank you and keep on doing what you do. ❣

[@user-fv1576]

Impressed . . I’m so often injured. I get fast for my age , then breakdown . Now in the gym as much as running to keep me on the road . ❤

[@rachelwatson2252]

I love watching you guys. What an amazing journey Mary your awesome. One thing you did fail to touch on that I think is important to mention is the talent aspect. Mary clearly has a gift for running. Many runners have very little talent, work amazingly hard for small reward. Thanks for your videos, can't wait for the next one.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks Rachel. That’s so kind. I’d argue against the talent thing though. Honestly, I don’t believe there is such a thing. She just did it from very early on so it looks like talent but it’s actually thousands of hours doing it. Anyone can do it with consistency 😊

[@josiahmatson4457]

I get your point, to get to a certain level of running it does take talent, but to the point of running an ultra, almost anyone can do that if you put in a lot of work, once you go into the elite stage, that's when it shows whos a gifted runner and whos not

[@CHADHEBERT-k2m]

Awesome story....My wife and I run 5 to 6 days a week and the crazy thing I started exercising and Running with my wife to improve my health and even though I was always lean I didn't have the endurance I needed to be as competitive in the Horse Competitions I was doing ....then as I got better at running loved it as much as I do riding and training horses ....it's a way of life for my wife and I....

[@clairhardywynn5620]

Mary ur hysterical Iv never known anyone have so much bother in saying goodbye in my life - It must be a nightmare when ur entertaining nobody must ever go home - I’m like goodbye - promptly slams door 🤣🤣 lovely vid Mary - Im so happy I found u guys and look forward to seeing u every week 💕

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks so much, Clair 😊 she’s ok isn’t she. I don’t know what the mental block is either but I know it cracks me up and makes good videos 😂😂

[@miimki2711]

This channel is getting better and better.... The narrator is awesome.... Mary you rock 🙌

[@CatsAreTheBestPeople-mm1fo]

Your new kit and watch turned up the day before your race... what happened to nothing new on race day?! 😆 Thanks for sharing your story, Mary, it's so inspiring. I loved sports and athletics in school too, but didn't do much consistent running in my 20s and 30s. Have reached 40, and recently rediscovered running, health and fitness. An amazing feeling. 🙏

[@alexismcbride9559]

Only half finished, and I’m really happy to get to know Mary better! Thanks!

[@luannedimaggio7025]

I have seen this before and loved it. Watching it again, Miss Mary still looks like that sweet tiny little lady. Mary you are a doll .😊

[@Stripeyperch]

Great video guys, I didnt start running until I was 43, you are never to old to start and the health benefits are astounding.

[@williamthompson.585]

👏👏👏great video, ahh wee Mary,keep her lit, ❤️

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ha ha thanks buddy 😊

[@Metall-fe2sm]

Ben and Mary, you are so inspirational. Thank you for sharing your running journey Mary. I aspire to be you. I only started running 8 years ago around my 40th Birthday. I could barely run for a bus before then lol. I'm now the fittest i've ever been and my mental health has improved so much. So glad i discovered your channel 🥰

[@tonyuk928]

Mary as I and others have said you are truly inspirational. Also I have to say your laugh is lovingly infectious.😁

[@GrahamWoodger-en6ze]

I'm new to your channel, i find it informative, how you film while racing is so impressive. My peak was mainly through the late 1970s /80s i trained and competed at Crystal Palace in Coca-Cola sponsored races. My middle distance races were my favourite, but i liked trying all distances from 100 through to 10,000m. Fortunate to race with Steve Ovett at Preston Park, he was based there running for Phenix club. I'm approaching 60 in June. Im training for a 10k, which I've not run that distance for over 30 years, so fingers xst. keep the training and racing real. Thanks, Graham. In a cold and wet Lincoln UK.

[@FenboyTim]

Thanks for sharing…love the Alan Partridge quote slipped in 😃

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ha ha I’m all about the AP quotes 😂

[@sandras2479]

Mary you absolutely rock!!!!

[@Jojo-eb1gi]

I love this video, my fave so far. The love between you is beautiful and Mary is an inspiration. I had a long hard journey to motherhood, and whilst I did become a mum, I feel the pain and the struggle. I’ve come to running late in life and I’m not allowing my age (46) to dictate what I might be capable of. What a wonderful woman and inspirational couple, life goals right there. Thank you x

[@Ripton363]

Thanks really interesting now your story Mr Messy Happy to round it off

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ha ha you don’t want mine. Just imagine a scrawny rat boy that used to come last in everything but stayed doing it. Then eventually didn’t come last 😂

[@JamesMartin-gl8gg]

Wonderful Vlog again,so inspiring about your journey Mary. At schoolI was told I was useless at sport,but joined local athletic club after leaving school. Funny how my peers changed their minds about me later. And so the journey continues, thanks to your weekly content Ben & Mary.

[@christinaclementson2685]

Peace out 🤣🤣🤣 Oh Mary please don’t ever stop being you!! Loved this video and just goes to show what we can all achieve. I’m still getting PBs at 50 so you definitely have more in you 🥰🥰🥰

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Woop woop 🙌🏼 thanks Christina 😊

[@EenaChua]

You two are soulmates! Thank you for sharing Mary's inspiring story. It's the middle of 2023 and I am glad I subscribed to your channel and watching your vids. Definitely learning a lot from your journey!

[@knightrhonda7963]

Absolutely brilliant Mary!

[@GillFisherRunningMySpace]

You guys make an awesome pair! Loved watching your journey, Mary it's so encouraging!

[@carlosmparada1]

You guys are a wonderful couple, the love is very easy to see when you speak to one another. Thank you both for all of your videos.

[@s3mpergumby]

You guys are my favorite running channel. Ben, your information is so incredibly helpful, and I love seeing Mary's smile so much. The story of your pain and all the joy in each other I can see you both have in spite of it, is so beautiful. I've just started my own running channel to chronicle my weight loss and journey to my first Marine Corps Marathon, after a decade of strength training. I've never seen myself as a runner, but your channel has helped me fall in love with the process!

[@s3mpergumby]

"I was just so proud my body was achieving things and doing things, where previously I'd felt like it was failing me." Brought tears to my eyes.

[@alan_oz]

Great story Mary, thanks for sharing. Will you be telling us your running history Ben?

[@isabelbohn1238]

Thank you for sharing! You guys are a huge inspiration for me. At 34 I finally reached a place where I'm running consistently, and instead of thinking about all the missed opportunities I'm now looking forward to all the cool stuff I'm going to do from now on!

[@stevestarr9769]

Love you guys!!

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks so much, buddy 😊

[@jameswillis3603]

Got rid of a few channels lately, but you two are brilliant and look forward to each video. Keep it up👍🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

[@knightmare7850]

My gym doesn’t open until 10AM in sundays. And the forest fires around my area is making it hard to run outside. So all morning I found your channel and have been watching these videos and learning so much. I have a completely new found respect and admiration for you guys…especially Mary. I wish I found the live for running earlier in my life. Thank you so much for this channel. 🙏

[@CoolInOlympia]

Thanks! Mary is so inspiring! I would love to see her ballet videos!

[@bhavinipatel1775]

We all love Mary 🥰

[@ThisMessyHappy]

She’s ok isn’t she!? 😂

[@mikekarpaty3871]

Lovely insight into Mary's journey so far. You are both so nice and thanks for all the inspiration you give. Keep it going. All the best from sunny Wales 🌞🌞

[@susanwiggins6309]

Loved this video! Mary you are so inspiring. Hoping there's a video of your journey too Ben.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Nah, people are sick of me 😂

[@jocooke8255]

Loved watching your journey Mary, absolutely brilliant! Best running channel to watch! Peace out ✌️😂

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ahh thanks so much, Joanne 😊

[@GTE_Channel]

This was actually my new goal in life!

[@RosannaFernandez-q9q]

Thank you for your videos and Mary, thank you for sharing your running journey with the world/us!!!! So inspiring.

[@jacquis-j9606]

Your story is amazing Mary and so inspirational. Well done

[@nickgayle8032]

What a great channel. Mary, your journey has been nothing short of inspirational.

[@lisaberg9241]

What a great video, loved learning about Mary's running journey!! Thanks so much for sharing.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thank you Lisa. Really appreciate it 😊

[@SamHerbert50]

Love this! Love watching you run Mary and hearing you speak of your running journey. You inspire me and others every time!! 👏😘 xx

[@condesabeatriz9303]

This was very encouraging! Thanks for sharing your journey. I started running at 40 and had a few years of injuries. I started strength training last year, and I'm about to run my 3rd half marathon today! The last one was 2016. I look for to many more running adventures! 🙂

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Woohoo! Welcome to the journey 😊

[@condesabeatriz9303]

@@ThisMessyHappy thank you!!!

[@Eviemay2]

I've really enjoyed watching the channel and seeing you come into your own and flourishing! Thanks for sharing your journey Mary.💗

[@LexDundee]

Loved that ❤❤ well done Mary 💪🏽💪🏽

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks Lex 😊🤟🏼

[@kimberlysmart6271]

Love watching your journey! 💕

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks so much, Kimberley 😊

[@chrismacaluso781]

Super inspiring story!!! Thank you for taking the time to put it out there for us. And congrats for finding so much happiness, not just in running but in life ❤

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks Chris, that’s very much appreciated 😊

[@VELATRICK]

Earned yourself a subscriber - you both are so genuine 👌🏾 Inspiring in all honesty. I am only 27 years old who has played game based sports throughout my whole life so my body has always been trained towards high explosive and powerful movements and have always struggled to take up running seriously. But this year will be the year I fully commit to the running lifestyle. Goals are written down. My spirit is inspired. Time to get going 👌🏾

[@blusaysthereisnoexpiration1992]

You both are such a great support for each other. I am learning so much

[@clairhardywynn5620]

Oh dear god I’m only 20 seconds in and i can feel myself getting over whelmed - dear god bring on the HRT - ok im ready to resume now 🤣🤣

[@knightmare7850]

This was a great video!!! I am so glad I found this channel ❤

[@helensmethurst7999]

Inspiring video and an amazing journey from Mary. That is what is so great about your videos and stories, they are so relatable. Looking forward to hearing about what’s to come.

[@russamehta]

What an amazing video. Mary is wonderful and inspiring

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ahh thanks so much, Russa 😊

[@dianagrahl1983]

Thank you so much Mary and Ben for sharing your story. I love the video.

[@malloryshowalter]

I love everything about this video!! So inspiring and well put together. Mary is such a resilient person who's consistency is amazing. Go Mary! ❤🎉

[@gokiwi2642]

Very inspiring fun video, interesting watching the steady progress by being consistent, I started running 5k races around 2010 did my first half marathon when I was 48 in 2014 after that did about 20 half marathons, never even thought about doing a full marathon because I enjoyed doing half marathons, but 2020 I decided to do my first marathon came first in my age group 55-59 did it in 03:23:35 so was very happy with that, trained for a marathon last year but it was changed to a virtual marathon, so I did the virtual marathon & got a Pb & came 2nd overall in a time of 03:17:30 but now there are no races on here in New Zealand even though I liked doing the virtual marathon, I would much rather be in a real person race, finding it had to stay motivated with no races on, thanks keep up the good work you two 😀

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks so much! I can’t believe races are still not on over there! That’s such a shame because I can imagine there would be some amazing ones in that part of the world. Such a beautiful country. When do you think racing will be back? Congrats on your achievements. A great argument for supreme consistency 💪🏻😊

[@gokiwi2642]

@@ThisMessyHappy hi the government is talking about lifting the mandate rules end of March April be awesome if they do but have to wait & see 👍

[@ericasample8377]

A lovely video. Very personal and relatable. And what progress! You’re inspiring many 😊

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ahh thanks Erica. That’s so nice of you to say 😊

[@katrinachandler7174]

I've only just discovered your channel, thanks to the @FODrunner and various other runners I follow participating in the Squid games. Loving watching your journey and life in Thailand. Lots of videos to catch up on. Thank you for the great content!

[@ians3983]

Your the gal Mary So inspiring.

[@markmiller2922]

Colour coordinated since day one!!

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ha ha oh my goodness. The looks I get when I wear blue with black 😳😂

[@SeeChadRun]

What a fun story! Mary, you are amazing and inspiring!

[@koendesmet769]

What a great story! We should also find more ways to make Mary laugh out loud 😂

[@lukacelz8346]

her handwriting is like.. perfect :O

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ha ha you have no idea. It’s like her favourite thing in the world. This compliment will mean more than any about her running 😂

[@kaiwen2010]

Thanks for sharing this Mary! I would also like to attempt what u did too! I want to push myself on my new found passion for running Currently trying to run longer and pace myself for 1hr duration for this year end Currently I’m reaching the comfy 40min marker and didn’t push hard. Slowly building up the duration week after week

[@Shevock]

Lovely video.

[@mmalygina]

Mary is such a sweet person!

[@Berberien]

I was 140kg with no activity 1.5y ago. lost 30kg walking in the mountains and went on my first run 8th of may this year. did my secound half marathon yesterday and managed 2:34:20 w 7:19 pace. so still pretty slow pace but massive improvements. did my first half marathon end of may just as a milestone but had to walk/take a break/drink etc, so took 3hr 20 or something. this time I had electrolyte drink and gels so was fine, did start out way too hard tho so had 170 pulse first k. but was able to manage ok so walked a bit while eating gels to lower hr a few times. hopefully next time will be constant running and good starting pace that I can keep the whole run. also finished last k with 6min/k pace :)

[@carolinebray82]

I love watch the end you guys laughing together...makes me laugh too

[@jobanski]

I think Mary should do the “balcony chat” from now on! Maybe say it really fast multiple times! 😂 Man I really could use some acupuncture on my calf muscles. I injured them a year ago and despite my best efforts to fix them it is still an issue.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Calf muscles are a bugger. Stop stretching them, if you are. Because that stops them healing. And would definitely recommend dey needling. Ha ha I’ll try to get Mary to say it loads of times over and over 😂

[@eduard05ilva]

So inspirational :)

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks so much 😊

[@Mercury688]

I completely understand what Mary said about getting new running clothes and a Garmin. I got running clothes and a Garmin and I swear it motivates me every day 🤣

[@Mario-vv9jl]

18:20 for some peace out laughs and some squirrel action! ✌️🐿

[@paulg3540]

❤ love it

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks Paul 😊

[@vacationmode6286]

🥞way to beat the pancake racer! Thanks for your videos!

[@dm3898]

Love it... just not the lizard at 18:20 over Mary's left shoulder!

[@dm3898]

Or squirrel?!

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Little mosquito eater!! Gotta love ‘em 🤟🏼 🦎 😂

[@gm2407]

Not sure about stretching not working. Warming up and down included some stretching and worked for me as pre and post run conditioning. Stopped me feeling cold and sore. Helped my legs get stronger.

[@YehudaSamson]

Inspiring journey 💪🏻 What was her time on her first 10k? (in the new clothes and Garmin) The progress is always so fun to watch.

[@SeeChadRun]

I thought Ben I said about 46 minutes in the video...

[@irawhitlock1084]

Thank you for sharing your story Mary. Ben, have you ever shared yours? I didn't start following until summer 2020 so wasn't sure if you'd shared before then.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Hi Ira, I think I have shared my journey somewhere way back. But might be worth making again. Basically, imagine a little scrawny rat boy who came last in most things but never gave up and then didn’t come last and then did quite well 😂

[@irawhitlock1084]

@@ThisMessyHappy love it! Definitely worth making again imo.

[@trueredred859]

Marys laugh 😂

[@JDMimeTHEFIRST]

I don't know how anyone runs in Florida. It's too hot all year round. I love winter training.

[@mattschm5486]

3 years is probably possible if you are dedicated. Some friends tried it in 1 year though which is not enough time

[@ThisMessyHappy]

That’s bonkers and not sustainable 😊 thanks Matt 🤟🏼

[@mattschm5486]

@@ThisMessyHappy still waiting for my 1st ultra all the ones I signed up for got canceled or i was on a business trip. My longest run so far was a 40k 2400+ Trail. Still hoping i will make one eventually

[@justinfletcher1882]

❤

[@chloebenn5708]

Mary is amazing but I was really hoping she was going to say she hated sport at school 🤣

[@midshipsport]

Iron Lady

[@ZeldaFitz]

As much as I like your videos they are a tad over the top with management course buzz words and phrases. Everything is a journey, be your best self…

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ha ha sadly Zelda that’s not management course buzz words, that’s me! But I’m very proud of the person I am so I can’t see that changing any time soon 😊

[@timeonfeet]

Loved this video guys. Really good to hear your journey Mary and your epic progress with running, great stuff.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks so much. She’s done ok hasn’t she! 😊

[@knightmare7850]

P.S. I am absolutely content with being single for the rest of my life but I would love to have a relationship like this. This os my definition of a perfect match. It almost makes me sick 🫠🤪