What happened over these past 4 weeks.. LET'S TALK

[@BenParkes]

What has everyone been up to over the past month??

[@johnrichardson1920]

Mostly training for an ultra in hat forward conditions. I am glad skin is waterproof!

[@calumfield5908]

Just started on the 10k sub50mins plan! Coming to the end of week 1 👍 Great resource, loving the variety!

[@davesharratt917]

For the past month? Waiting to hear from you! Glad to hear you are improving. I guess mental health needs the same rest days and attention as physical health, and when everything mounts up we seek out the help we need, including from professionals if it's at that level. It's ok not to be ok.

[@feli2388]

I went on my first run after 6 months off thanks to my ankle 😁. Take the time you need and keep your head up, Ben!

[@derschubertsjan]

Been injured since October snd just started running again 3 weeks ago. Training for the Berlin marathon... good to see u again. Keep your head up high. Wishing you nothing but the best. Cheers from Berlin Germany

[@christianoconnell5234]

You being so open about mental health helps other people who aren't so open more than you might know. Thank you.

[@VagabondShoes]

Yup, definitely using his platform as a force for good 🚀

[@jimlaidlaw8925]

A very true reply Christian

[@kofuzi]

we love you, Ben. glad to see you here

[@BenParkes]

Thank you Mike! Wishing you a great run this weekend for your 8k!!

[@tobyk8125]

The t-shirt is perfect for today. Your viewers are "in it for the long run" with you, mate

[@tobyk8125]

Appreciate your openness. It means a lot to anyone who's ever been in a similar place to know they're not alone.

[@kevrunsascott]

Literally been one of the most positive and inspirational running channels out there, I can't understand why anyone would troll and send negative messages. I just don't get it!

[@gsw007]

Great comment, spot on.

[@dawncollyer4479]

Agreed, was shocked, don’t understand it either !

[@xXKingPadzXx]

Taking their insecurites out on the people willing to put themselves out there and inspire others. Classic "I'm not happy so you shouldn't be either" kinda vibes...

[@snazzycracker2]

Because they are morons and no doubt the trolls and haters that sadly are part of the problem that can affect people like Ben.

[@joaoguerreiro7375]

Totally agree with you.

[@tomchaplin4124]

Look after yourself Ben. Take strength from the number of people you inspire; 80k+ subscribers can’t be wrong!

[@BenParkes]

Thank you Tom.. appreciate the message!

[@CookingwithChefDai]

9 dislikes!!! Shame on you. This channel is all about positivity and a common goal. Ben and Sarah, we’ve got your backs, just as you have ours!!!! ❤️

[@jamesd2491]

Shame on you for drawing attention to them!

[@BobBob-uv9fq]

@@jamesd2491 shame on you for drawing attention to him drawing attention to them

[@morganaverynz]

It might be people who don't particularly dislike this video or channel but random passers-by who don't want youtube to recommend this type of video to them. That's the main reason I very rarely 'dislike' anything, to send a signal to the algorithm.

[@zac1672]

Why bring attention to haters? Just compliment them Ben and Sarah, that’s it

[@paulmarchant623]

I don't normally write comments, but must say I've always enjoyed your videos and so pleased to hear you're felling better. Keep going Ben, you're doing a great job.

[@sarahcarter5254]

Likewise I don’t normally comment and I agree with Paul. I spent the first 50 years of my life saying “I don’t run”. Now I look forward to the tips, insight and encouragement that you and Sarah provide in a humble, down to earth and non judgemental way. Thanks for getting me started and helping me along my journey with this fabulous sport. Awesome job!

[@susanheneghan5879]

Ben I admire your honesty. Hope ur keeping well. Keep us posted on your progress. Remember we're all with you on this journey. You're not alone.

[@hamishmaclean1409]

You're a legend for talking openly like that, I know from personal experience how talking is the last thing you feel like doing when you feel like that. But this really gives encouragement to others suffering to open up and normalises discussion of these important issues. 💪

[@TheWelshRunner]

Great to see you back and glad to hear you are doing a bit better with your mental health now. I think many of us can relate to a lot of things you said, so thanks for sharing and outlining some of the great services available. I hope the CBT continues to help. Great to see you’re still ticking along with your running too. See you in Wrexham 👍👊.

[@BenParkes]

See you in Wrexham Matt and hopefully for that Collab soon as well. Awesome to see how your training is progressing and hoping you'll finally get that marathon time you deserve!

[@JayEllis]

Hi, Ben, and Sarah as well 👋 This is going to be a long one, grab a cup of tea haha! :) So, I've been binge watching your videos for a month-ish, and after this one, I had to comment. I won't go into my own mental health here, but I can relate, I really can. I'm an average 'Joe', as you say in your videos sometimes. 46 years old, nearly 47, four kids, the usual life. Now, I wouldn't ever call myself a fit person. I was a smoker for many years, then I quit, then I vaped, then I hit the cigarettes again, however, I'm back to quitting. Back at Christmas, 2020, I caught Covid. Strangely enough, I was asymptomatic. Not a single symptom. I had something nasty a month earlier with my chest so maybe that was the Covid but the tests didn't pick it up. We only had the PCR if you remember, not the lateral flow. Then, on Christmas Day, I knew something was wrong. To cut a long story short, six months of long Covid began. It never touched my lungs, but attacked everything else. Hell. Absolute hell. It took me apart. I listed off all the symptoms at one point and it was in the 70s! The doctors were stumped because all tests they ran or suggested came back negative. Fast forward to summer 2021, and I started to feel normal again. I decided to change my health outlook. Weights was the first stop. The long Covid had taken 2 stone off me in a couple of weeks after it began, and it was impossible to get it back because one of my symptoms was the inability to eat! I walk everywhere, and I enjoy it, and I also love smartwatches, so while on KZbin watching reviews for Garmin tech, I came across UTMB, ultras, and then your channel and Sarah's. Great coincidence! Haha! I'm not a runner. Well, I can, but I can't. It doesn't stop me from being a fan. I love the ideals of people achieving any goal, physical or mental. All the ultra videos, all the running, all the barriers being broken ... it's an inspiration. I might not be able to run well, as I said before, but being out there, moving, using the exercise to improve mind and body. I have decided to train for a marathon. I'm going to walk it, and it probably won't even be an official one. I'll be walking around the streets near me, however many times I need to, until my watch beeps. I'm an author, (no, not bestselling, you won't have heard of me haha!) so I like the idea of documenting the entire experience. From day one to the finish line. All the training, all the highs and lows. As I said, the running, trail running, 'everything' community is inspirational in my opinion. You and Sarah will DEFINITELY be mentioned in the book. You may have crossed hundreds of finish lines, trained for hours, pushed yourself to limits you thought impossible, but one of your greatest achievements was this video. Okay, that sounds strange. I hope you understand why I am trying to say? Asking for help and reaching out are so important. I have done it many times. I could carry on writing here for hours, but I'll leave it there. I just wanted to show my support, thank you for the inspiration, and assure you that if you keep going, the mind and body will 'click' again. Long Covid 'reset' and 'rewired' me in many ways, some positive. It took me to dark places, so I had no choice but to move forward, it was the only direction. Right, back to binge watching, and thinking about my marathon idea. Also, I'm proud of myself for not finding the opportunity, and resisting the urge, to say, 'Getting it done!' through this whole post! ;)

[@AJ-lt7cy]

Screw the trolls man, your videos are inspiring. I’ve watched you from the beginning of my running journey around 2.5 years ago and was super proud to be sharing the Chiltern Wonderland 50 mile course with you in September. I’m sure you’ll be back better and stronger in no time 💪

[@BenParkes]

oooh, that was a tough race!! Hope all is good Ashton and we can share some trails again soon!

[@AJ-lt7cy]

@@BenParkes It was very tough 😂 Made the mistake of entering again for this year aswell haha. All is good man, yeah definitely looking forward to some trail running this summer!

[@JamesDunne]

Thanks for being so open about your struggles, Ben. I know it will help a lot of those who watch the video. Great to hear you're doing better now. You do so much for the running community, you have to make sure you also look after yourself mate. I've learned that the hard way! I've just sent you a DM on Instagram.

[@TheFODRunner]

Very happy to see you back on here ben! Good man for speaking out, you are 💯 right, it’s ok not to be ok 👌 you’re in it for the long run! 👏

[@BenParkes]

Thank you! Hope to see you and Matt very soon. Well done with all your recent success with running and KZbin as well, awesome to see!

[@TheFODRunner]

@@BenParkes that would be awesome, would be great to get a run in, you boys are way quicker than me so I’m happy with an easy run 😂😂 appreciate it mate thank you

[@VagabondShoes]

You're an absolute champ, Ben. Sarah, too. Opening up about your difficult last month will certainly help many others out here who are struggling as well. Glad you're on the mend!

[@Pedro-tt4ub]

I’m a 16 stone ex rugby player (not a normal runner) and have signed up to my first marathon - dude your channel has given me so much positivity and knowledge - do not underestimate how much positivity you are providing to people. Those who troll are purely jealous of your achievements - mental reset and break from social media is good thing, sending love dude 👌🏻

[@6Patrick.Bateman9]

It takes a lot of strength to talk about mental health, I'm glad to hear you're feeling more positive. Ignore the haters, jealousy is a strange thing. You've done so much for the running community mate and we're all grateful to have your videos 🙏

[@BenParkes]

Thank you Jack! Ignoring the haters when you're in a good place is possible.. but when life gets tough in some areas it can really grind you down and question everything. Getting better though and for sure stronger heading into the future. Appreciate the message, thank you!

[@stevenwatson7523]

Welcome back, Ben! The running community has missed you a lot, but I’m sure every single one of us would agree that we’d want you to be in the best place possible, both mentally and physically before making another video on KZbin or uploading another run on Strava! You’ve been through so much over the last year or so with the ankle break and we could all see how much it affected you. Stay strong and stay positive - we’ll all help you through it ✌🏼🏃🏻‍♂️

[@BearFamilyAdventures]

Praying for you all, I have struggled with anxiety, OCD, and depression for a long time. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all you do, you have help me so much with my issues, always makes me feel better watching your content. If you ever need anything just reach out you ha e so many people that care for you in this world. Jesus Christ loves you so much he died for us all on the cross. God Bless you all, and your families. Again thank you so much, make my day so much better to watch your content Mate.

[@philipeick-vocalmusic]

I was worrying about you and honestly missing your videos and stuff! Hope you take it at your own pace and wish you all the best!

[@leenew1982]

Sorry to hear you've been having these issues Ben. We live in an increasingly stressful and mentally demanding world. It's good to unplug social media from time to time to connect with reality. Glad to see you are back and getting there. In the last month I got diagnosed with testicular cancer, had surgery, and got the all clear. Having 1 round of Chemo next week to reduce my risk of recurrence. Its been a whirlwind time! Loving the tee shirt, so going to go & buy one and a cap. Long overdue. Love the channel. Keep well, stay strong, and be kind to yourself.

[@yuanyuanintaiwan]

Take care! Taking a break is a good thing, we'll be waiting for your next exciting videos!

[@matthewdowse1707]

Massive props for sharing and being honest about your mental health struggles, that takes real strength. I had some counselling a few years back after a family bereavement, and it was the best thing I ever did. Sometimes we just need help processing things that have happened. Taking a break from social media is a great idea too. I’ve been suffering with bursitis in my heel since November last year, which has now stopped me running for a bit. Seeing everyone posting runs on Strava was horrible. Like Charlie Engle says though, life isn’t about what happens to you, but how you deal with what happens to you. Keep on keeping on.

[@And-rc9yy]

The ankle injury really hit you for six, I remember the video you did and I thought at the time you were taking it very hard. I hope you continue to recover.

[@danjonesguitarist]

Hi Ben, I just want to say that I found this video very moving. The difficulties you've experienced were clear for all to see. I think you've done a great service by speaking so openly and honestly about mental health issues. We all know that us athletes like to be tough. The old cliché that human vulnerability means weakness is still out there, regardless of how many times it's been exposed as damaging nonsense. I'm a keen runner and your videos have helped me HUGELY! I'm also a professional guitarist and, believe it or not, the consistent, joyful and disciplined approach you've demonstrated have really motivated me in my practice. I'm about to run the Edinburgh Virtual Marathon in May. I'm approaching 52 years of age and I feel certain I'm going to break 3 hours 30 for the first time! Well done to you and Sarah - please keep up the lovely energy and give yourself time and space to relax. Best wishes from Perthshire, Dan.

[@awesomfog345]

Mate, I’ve been dealing with exactly the same recently. You’re not alone, the chest pain, the health anxiety. All of it. Glad to see you’re doing better now.

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks for being so open in this video Ben. I’m an ex-Brit in Australia and only recently found and subscribed to your channel. I really enjoy all your videos, and you’re helping me be a better runner. So for what it’s worth, please keep making the great content and try your best to ignore the trolls (we ALL have to put up with them) and remember 99.9% of your viewers love and support what you do. All the best, stef

[@lateef11]

You are a champ. Screw trolls. You inspire thousands of people all around the world. Take care.

[@TRUc972]

Aww no. I’m so sorry to hear you have been suffering like this. It can happen to any of us at anytime. It happened to me a few years back. CBT and mediation helped me massively. I’m out the other side now, but I still have days when I feel crap mentally. When those days come around I tell myself two things. 1. It’s ok to have a crap day 2. I won’t feel like this forever. I just get through that day, put a line under it and move on knowing another one will come along at some point. When it does, I accept it, get through it and move on. Sending you best wishes 👍

[@NeillyVille]

Great to have you back Ben 👍🏿💪🏿

[@BenParkes]

Great to be back! :-)

[@waynehearne5498]

Ignore the trolls they are idiots. You seem like a decent bloke and your passion for running is infectious and your videos of advice has helped a lot and your slogan #Gettingitdone. Keep up the channel and don’t let the trolls beat you.

[@arsbrowne]

Well done Ben ! So many men don't talk about how they are feeling . #gettingitdone

[@timek21v]

Recently found your channel, and I love your energy and positivity. Take care of yourself! Wishing you all the best! Running a marathon in a week; your channel has been such a great resource throughout my training.

[@johnogaage]

Very strong to be so open about mental health, Ben. 💪We wish you all the best.❤️ Glad to hear you already getting better 🙏

[@bhavinipatel1775]

Glad you are recovering. It is an extra hard time these days especially as we have no other escapes in lockdowns. Keep going and one day it will feel better.

[@rosalescubs]

Was having a somewhat bad week didn’t get accepted into a school of my choice, body aching from work. Your video brought me a smile I’m glad you’re okay 😊

[@BenParkes]

I didn't get into my University of choice back in 2003.. still, had an amazing time where I went and life has been very good since! :-) All the best for your next stage of life!

[@ALLAROUNDDREAMS]

So happy to see you back ! Stay strong, stay safe ! 💪🏅😀

[@jamesdewdney8031]

If someone inspires one person to improve themselves, they're doing well. You're inspiring at least 80,000 by doing what you're doing. How many more will you inspire? When I go for my runs, I'm always proud to wear my Ben Parkes T shirts.

[@interested75]

"Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air." RWE Combining what you clearly love - running and exercise and assisting / coaching / helping people as part of 'work' and the need to constantly be 'on', 'live', 'online' and upbeat whilst dealing with your own injuries (ankle, calf), athletic challenges is going to take a toll Ben. It takes strength to openly admit that and acknowledge it. Dealing with the inevitable trolling that comes with a truly successful online presence is another weight nobody needs but great to see you back, hear you're running and 'getting it done'. Less is more sometimes, happy mind, happy athlete and great to hear you're looking forward to the challenges ahead ! You're not fighting alone.

[@oscarkellner9731]

Great to have you back sir! Greetings from Sweden 🇸🇪

[@peterhesketh8326]

So glad you are feeling better. 18 months ago you inspired me to take up running again after a 20 year break . When a run gets difficult i think of ur phrase getting it done which helps get me through. Take care there are so many people cheering you on.

[@johnsnowdon1211]

Thank you for being so open about your anxiety. You're so right that talking about this stuff is vital to break the stigma around mental health problems and seeking support. Love & compassion to you.

[@Warriors_and_Wanderers]

Ben. You are a legend! I have anxiety too and it’s good to hear you talking about it and getting help! Good to see you’re taking steps to be on the mend!

[@tonycaveirametal]

Greetings from Portugal 🇵🇹, you’re inspiring all of us, you’re a human not a machine 😀

[@EmperorJamie]

Dude, I had the exact same issue last summer with chest pains and heart pain... really scary but turned out that nothing was physically wrong with me after all the tests, and was all mental. You're not alone in struggling with mental health issues 👊🏻. Stay positive... and when you struggle to stay positive, trust that there is always someone you can talk to 👍🏻.

[@eoindaly1916]

Great to see you back , best of luck from Ireland 🇮🇪☘️ 💪

[@atgreenw1989]

God I needed this video today. Seeing how positive you are in this video is so uplifting for me. Knowing that in 18 months time you are smashing the miles and still creating amazing motivational content is wonderful. Keep doing what you are doing guys 🙌👍

[@ross9807]

Glad you’re back Ben! Can’t wait to see more of you. No pressure on uploads or anything, your health comes first! Keep it going Ben

[@TomFroese]

Amazing how much a few negative comments can darken the many positive ones. You are a shining light in the running and KZbin worlds. Your videos have always been a huge source of motivation and encouragement. Wishing you brighter days ahead, Ben!

[@karenvanhaaften6188]

Thank you for being brave enough to talk about your mental health struggles on your channel! And well done finding tools that are giving you some relief. Please don't feel rushed to dive back into KZbin either - we miss your content but we'd rather have you back feeling your best when you're ready:) Things will get better!

[@keithleon6538]

You are an absolute legend Ben. I think you've done a great and wonderful thing talking about your mental health. I really wish you all the joy. I use Headspace, it's a great app. Good luck with the CBT. Maybe take it easier with the running, be kind to yourself mate.

[@TomHigham14]

Ah Ben, you absolutely lovely human. Thank you for sharing this. Ed Budd shared something similar recently, and Mario Fraioli too, as well as Chris Pritchard on the cycling side of things. Brave, mature and wise of you to share this - it'll be hard to quantify, and no offence to any of your wonderful running content that I've been watching for yrs, but this video will help more people than any other you've put out there I think. Chin up mate, you and Sarah are inspiring people, in lots of ways. Oh and if you need any trolls addressing, I'm sure a few of us here would be happy to take them to task in a sort of 'doormen' kind of way. 😂(only half joking) There are some sad and hurt people out there - and hurt people hurt people. Don't let them drag you down. And take it easy, please!

[@EMLRecordings]

Welcome back dude. missed you whilst you was away, I think when we invest so much in our running that when things go wrong with it, it's really hard to see that there IS more to life than just the running. always a good idea to have something else to fall back on making music, writing, generally doing something creative. I'm dealing with a Dad who can't currently use his leg and a mum with dementia, being out of work since July last year...and the pandemic, which sounds like a lot, BUT there are people out there who would LOVE to 'just' have my problems. If you need to take time of social media again buddy, don't be afraid to do it...sometimes we have to take several steps back to take a giant leap forward :-) Stay happy fella :-)

[@cityslickerbass]

Good on you Ben for being so open and honest. I think we’d all be surprised about how many people do and have experienced what you are going through. You definitely are not alone although it probably feels like it. You’ve been hugely resilient over the past 12 months so give yourself a break and be kind to yourself. 👍🏻

[@justcotchin1539]

Ben ur a massive legend for putting this vid out, it cannot be reiterated enough how important it is to speak openly and honestly about mental health - we live just round the corner in Brockley and have used your strava and KZbin throughout lockdown to discover new routes in the area (out to Woolwich and up to Victoria park via the pedestrian tunnel!). Running those routes has given us a sense of freedom and provided some of the very best memories of the last 12 months - all thanks to you, cheers man

[@javierquintero9640]

I’m glad your feeling better. You’re one of my favorite people on KZbin because of how positive your channel is. I can’t believe anyone would have anything mean to say about you. Please don’t let the negative people impact you, they don’t deserve your attention.

[@DarrenDrageruns]

Welcome back your videos have encouraged me to try and start running again. However heel issue doesn't help but I keep getting it done. Great seeing someone so honest and open with their mental health issues. Keep it up. 👍

[@tonesonee]

You're a legend mate. Not too many out there who speak the truth like that so fair play to you for keeping it real.

[@dapwhu66]

Well done you Ben Parkes for being so open about your health. We have missed you and wish you a speedy recovery.

[@knownbyFox]

Watching still, but wishing you well Ben, definitely put yourself first always x

[@darrengofton7564]

I had EXACTLY the same last year Ben. My partner had a terrible year and I ended up having PTSD towards the end of the year. I went to A&E twice with the same symptoms you had. I was sure it was something serious as I didn’t believe the physical pain and discomfort I was feeling could be caused by simply going through a tough time. But I was wrong. You will get through it and be better for it. You can reach out to me on Insta if you ever wanna talk mate. Great to see you back 👍🏼

[@mauiswift6391]

Glad to hear Ben, yes, life can get hard but happy you have pulled through! You are not alone !

[@markwoodhill8889]

Thankyou so much for being open, honest and vulnerable - keep up the great work.

[@albertogarciasanchez4999]

Sending you positive vibes Ben! You've helped many of us be better versions of ourselves through running and your natural enthusiasm and I'm sure this video will also help others going through similar situations.

[@leoniekeogan1751]

I'm SO IMPRESSED with you Ben for being so open and honest. This is why I started running. About to have a second panic attack on a Wednesday night 6 years ago. Didn't know what to do but knew I needed to fight or flight. So I literally got up put on a pair of old, Aldi trainers and ran. And haven't stopped. My anxiety is completely gone and I'll never stop running if I can help it.

[@JA19]

Always refreshing and humbling when people level with their audience and speak with them so honestly, and just hammers home how we can feel vulnerable for so many different reasons. All the best to you Ben, from a fan in the stomping ground of Victoria park!

[@BenParkes]

Thank you! See you in Victoria Park again soon!

[@trevilley]

Thanks Ben and Sarah for a great channel. As a Psychologist and someone who suffers depression I thank you for your honesty about mental health. It's so important to have these convos and also encourage others to take up exercise and benefits of running. Ps just placed a merch order 😀🇬🇧

[@TheVeganRunner]

The last 12 months have been really hard - you’ve achieved amazing things Ben - we’re behind you 👍💪

[@rajr4532]

Ben you’re a super star mate, you’re not alone man. I too had had these pains, had blood work ( troponin) scans, the works like you and all good thank goodness. I have been breathing, mindfulness and staying positive. Keep your head up and all the best.

[@priscilladitoma6381]

So happy you are back! i miss you and your videos which are such an inspiration for me, even tho i would never be able to run like you, you inspired me to do better and to improve myself and my running. I am dealing with an half marathon training and i am at week 7 at the moment. I want to improve my time for the HM :D Sorry to hear that you've been so bad! Thank you for this video, talking about mental health is always very hard, you are amazing! :)

[@tednruth453]

We are all with you Ben 💕 big hugs x Hadn't been thinking about racing at all, but checked out the Cumbrian Run website the other day (half marathon based in Carlisle, September ish 😆)

[@edfairs8700]

Such strength to talk about this kind of thing online Ben, especially with all those trolls. Putting yourself out there online is tough but it’s so nice and inspiring to see your authenticity. Don’t listen to those trolls...remember Theodore Roosevelt’s man in the arena: “it’s not the critic that counts, but the man in the arena”

[@BenParkes]

What a lovely quote. Thank you Ed for the lovely message. Hope all is well with you!

[@nicktrueman]

I think it speaks volumes about the strength of the community you've built up that so many people have been concerned for you and are now so pleased to see you back in action - myself included! What did you miss? Your marathon plan got me the sub-4 I've been chasing for six long years 😁 To coin a phrase, I got it done. Can't thank you enough 👍

[@alperozt]

Dude, it’s really easy to get affected by the negativity since all that is so in your face. I hope you realize that there are a lot more “quiet” people whom you affect in a positive way and inspire with your positivity. Take care!

[@grahammethold]

Thanks for your post. My experience when mental health issues strike is: be kind to yourself - do your best to accept whatever hits you each day and make the best of it - look for the positive - don’t become impatient if you don’t find answers straight away - it’s a bit of a journey and you have to try a few things that may not help at all! - keep exercising and eating well - above all, know that you are a good person and focus’s on the 99% of positive comments you receive - discard the rest because their comments really don’t matter

[@PaulCoatesTrailRunning]

Ben. As always, love the way you are so open and honest. My running club, Fareham has 4 mental health ambassadors, who are always there for us. These things can only improve if we talk about them more and you are such an ambassador. It was so great to see you out running in the rain with Sarah. Made me smile. Thank you

[@grahamstenson8571]

All the very best Ben, I find your videos very informative and fantastically positive.

[@GokuRunnerV0]

Mental health is a priority in this era. Happy to see you are back, thanks for,sharing and enjoy running!

[@garethmaccauley3507]

I lost both my parents in 7 months. Father most recent due to covid last April. I found running a great help to process things and remind me of the good times. Me and my thoughts while running in the countryside. It’s important we speak out instead of in during these hard times and hopefully the longer and brighter days ahead will help. The more do it like the more it will help others. On week 4 of your 5km level 4 plan for a time trial at end. God knows when we will race again in Ireland.

[@logginsirl]

FairPlay Ben for speaking about this. Wish you the best bud, and just remember “the sun always shines above a cloud” 👍

[@ingridaartunbe8957]

I LOVE how you address mental health in such a wonderful natural way! You are such a huge inspiration in all aspects. I wish you a continued recovery. ❤️

[@Hally_Editz]

Really missed your videos Ben. Keep up the good work and ignore the trolls

[@davidcompton741]

THANK YOU. Running is not on my brain at all atm. I will give you a TOP TIP of you feel your brain rushing around on " I can't" DON'T change it to I can (yet) first find something so easy like washing your face, even turning off the alarm to be the thing you say then if you feel negative or any pressure you can start to get more positive energy too as you then say " I did... " Plus be kind to yourself and NOT goal orientated think of it like when you started a run didn't get the time but there were things on the way that were good and it's not to be viewed as a consolation prize. I'm still wearing the "getting it done" cap my only branded merch ever which helps me on a down day. Best wishes and thank you :D

[@brynoffa2270]

Welcome back Ben. If we gave even 10% of the attention we give to our more obvious physical health (such as calf strains) to our mental health we would all be a lot better off. Love the channel and your content.

[@joaomagalhaesmac]

Top Lad Mate.... Good Luck and keep up the work... TOP MAN

[@nigeltaylor6755]

I feel your pain as I too broke my ankle recently while out running. It’s been a month now and I’m desperate to get back out there, not just for the physical benefits but of course the mental well-being as well. Take care Ben, you’re an inspiration! We’ll get through this 💪

[@joeharding5303]

Massive respect to you Ben for being so open about how you've been feeling. Any negative comments you receive are pure jealousy of what you have achieved. It's much easier for them to try and bring someone down to their level than to build themselves up to yours. Take it one day at a time and rest assured 99.9% of the running community are right behind you.

[@Rosherrim]

I don’t often write comments but wanted to say how much I enjoy your videos - I only started running during lockdown and yours and Sarah’s channels have been an amazing source of guidance and inspiration! Thank you for speaking out about your mental health - it feels so important right now. Wishing you all the best!

[@patrickd8135]

Thank so you much for showing your vulnerability and sharing this message on such a public forum. You are NOT alone.

[@ShamirDasgupta]

Glad to see you back Ben. Remember you are among friends here. Lean on us anytime you need to.

[@jacobclark1412]

You are not alone in this. I am a regular runner & had 3 full months off between November & January as my anxiety was through the roof. Really good of you to talk it all through. Good on you mate!

[@mindthegav]

Mate... so happy to see you back on our screens. Your message is so vitally important. Down here in Australia life is very normal in comparison to our UK friends but regardless we all must look out for one another...look after yourself mate 👍💯

[@alexmj1990]

Good on you Ben. Great bloke. Will always stay subscribed even if you take time outs in future. Imagine the vast majority would do the same.

[@dionblundell9733]

Dude you rock. Well done on asking for help.

[@fastfoodie24]

Glad to see you back. I am finally on the road to recovery from a femur stress fracture. Finally walk/running! Woot.

[@AugherAndy]

Hi Ben, this video is great. I am ok, the pandemic lockdown has had a massive effect on me recently. Find running tough mentally. My mental health has gone out of control, as I have extremely bad Anxiety so can relate to you.. Just thank you for sharing! As much as running can help, it also stresses me looking at others stravas and training etc so I have taken mine as private and try not to scroll.. Also less social media in general. Ugh i hope you are ok ben, we can do this

[@andrewgilbertson5356]

Great to see you back. Hope you can stay positive . These are strange times for all of us. One would wish people would understand that negativity can really hurt others.

[@richardkeenlyside1917]

Great conent as always.. Really enjoy your videos... Ignore the trolls they are not worth the air time, running provides positivity and is an amazing healer in terms of mental health... Your channel, website and brand is amazing you have a great platform to build upon... Inspirational to the running community

[@johanlarsson23]

Very happy to see you feeling better again Ben!! Getting it done!! You have to look forward now for your marathon running race coming up soon! The running will help you get throught this together with support of all your 80000 subscribers on this channel!!