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

I hope everyone is doing well. If you have been effected by anything in the video or know someone who might need help, then please reach out to friends and family, or some of the organisations below. Things can and will get better..
Mind Mental Health Charity (uk) - www.mind.org.uk
Calm App I'm using - www.calm.com
CBT Information - www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talk...
List of Mental Health Charities - www.nhs.uk/mental-health/nhs-...
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0:00 Talking about mental health
4:31 About todays run
5:24 What have you been up to?
9:22 Lunch
10:20 Fixing the ankle
11:28 Thank you's
#gettingitdone #benparkes #marathon

[@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

[@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.

[@kofuzi]

we love you, Ben. glad to see you here

[@BenParkes]

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

[@kevinscott4938]

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!

[@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!

[@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. 💪

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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 👌🏻

[@yuanyuanintaiwan]

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

[@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 ✌🏼🏃🏻‍♂️

[@NeillyVille]

Great to have you back Ben 👍🏿💪🏿

[@BenParkes]

Great to be back! :-)

[@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

[@Skip_Carter]

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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@dapwhu66]

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

[@oscarkellner9731]

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

[@krisconvery3709]

Good to see you back Ben. Hope you’re well, look after yourself

[@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.

[@alxrenton]

I'm sorry to hear that you've been going through a tough time. I hope you feel better, thank you for explaining yourself so eloquently! Good luck with your training

[@eoindaly2792]

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

[@deanhorton4001]

Big love & Hugs Buddy! We’ve missed you. Keep talking and keep being strong. You’ve got this 💙😘🏃

[@owen389]

Sending you all the love Ben

[@StaffRoelofse]

Awesome seeing you back. Mental health is a real thing. Glad you are getting through it and spreading awareness about it!

[@lateef11]

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

[@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.

[@christophersayers8257]

Hang in there Ben, ignore the haters and keep being you 🏃‍♂️👊

[@XmanIndy]

Great to see you back! You are in our thoughts and prayers!

[@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! :)

[@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.

[@trueredred859]

Well done Ben! Thanks 🙏 for sharing. We’ve all missed you.

[@yiannis_christodoulou]

Thanks for being so open and very helpful

[@mauiswift6391]

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

[@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!

[@stuartgibson3314]

Thanks for sharing Ben.

[@scbrit6483]

Great to see you back Ben.

[@tonycaveirametal]

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

[@johnogaage]

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

[@louises116]

SO refreshing to hear you speak so openly and honestly about mental health. Thank you! Wishing you all the best 🙌🏼 and welcome back

[@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.

[@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

[@arsbrowne]

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

[@ashtonfavreau]

You got this! Keep pushing forward!

[@petrosmalik]

Love this, Ben. Thanks for your openness and vulnerability. Inspiring!

[@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.

[@DAGO58]

Missed you Ben.

[@benjidarken6434]

so sorry you’ve gone through this Ben. you are not alone!

[@SlikerYT]

You are not alone. A lot of courage in sharing. You are an inspiring person

[@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.

[@knownbyFox]

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

[@heavyt5702]

Thank you for being so open about this, so sorry 😞, glad you’re feeling better, take care, mate 👍🏼

[@PdEEEr]

So good to hear some news from you! Take back some good feelings from the community, as you all the time send them to us!

[@imacfubu]

Crossing the finish lines are not too far away!

[@TheVeganRunner]

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

[@graemedownie9163]

Great to have you back and glad you are back on track. Brave of you to speak out about it. You've got lots of support on here 👍

[@PaulWorrallR]

Well done Ben, great to see you back 👍

[@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!

[@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.

[@paultaylor6850]

Giving hugs to you both, well done for being so open, I'm sure that will help so many people in these horrible times. Really looking forward to seeing your training videos for the season ahead and getting it done!.

[@samtiermusic]

I just wanted to say that your videos have really helped me. Thank you.

[@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. 👍🏻

[@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!

[@lewishannah2110]

Welcome back Ben! Glad to hear you're on the mend

[@andrewphillips4597]

Even more of a legend for making and posting this video huge respect keep getting it done sir and best wishes !

[@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!

[@leereevo9400]

Keep smiling mate, good to see you back

[@shemhaque2758]

I love your content! I hope you carry it on for many years : ) Keep it up and stay well mate

[@bederi5808]

Happy to see you again, Ben!

[@7110]

It 's nice that you are back! 👏👏

[@Mark-oi7jm]

Great to have you back Ben 👍

[@peterg2286]

So good to have you back, all the best to you and Sarah.

[@blairmunro8287]

Inspiring that you talk about your mental health. Earlier this year i felt "out my body" too just with everything going on in the world then i started running and you helped me i'm working towards my first marathon in may and i cant thank you and many others enough for your help.

[@martinbickertonguitarist8979]

This is the thing I LOVE about your channel- you are so open about your vulnerability as a person. I can see that this openness gives you, and others around you streangth. Thanks for all that you do!

[@andrew1lee]

Sorry you've been struggling. Glad you're feeling better. You've been such an inspiration for me.

[@donalddarko3676]

The link between physical and psychololgical wellbeing is undeniable.

[@FitDoc]

Take care mate! Prayers

[@vickieherd]

Your honesty with you mental health is to be admired. So pleased to see you back getting it done. X

[@stevelawson49]

Great to see you back Ben. You are truly inspiring.

[@bloatedtonydanza7798]

Dude, I send love vibes to you and to the adventures you are to take. I am going to a rough time as well. I appreciate your vids your laugh and your being. Thanks a lot mate.

[@190Michael190]

lovely to hear from you again Ben! very strong of you being so honest 👏

[@pab270123]

Wishing you well and so glad your back and recovering. Its important to seek the help we need and so glad you're pushing this message. All the best, 👍

[@jakegoddard9893]

Top man, absolute inspiration, got me back into running the last few weeks and completely obsessed with your videos. Hope everything’s okay

[@Msniram]

So amazing that you explain this, because I am going through the same🤩 Stay strong and things will get better.

[@benrandall3196]

Amazing video & mental health is such an important (but never an easy) topic to talk about so thank you for being so open and for continuing to be an inspiration to so many with what you do!

[@MichaelSung]

Thank you for sharing Ben! You’re an inspiration with your transparency. This helps people to understand that this can happen to anyone at anytime and that we need to pay attention all of this.

[@kateroy6890]

Thank you for being so candid about your mental health struggles. Sharing that is such a wonderfully vulnerable and courageous thing to do! I hope your struggle gets easier. I suffer from anxiety and PTSD, and CBT and RODBT(radically open dialectical behaviour therapy) have been absolutely lifechanging! All the best to you!

[@soupyruns9709]

Great to see you back Ben, it’s definitely good to talk 🙏🏻

[@deeps10]

Love your content. Keep it coming