Why the Doctor says I can’t Run | Running Africa #15

[@Jh9801]

I know the story is about Russ. But I can't give enough credit to Stan. I know they joke about his pep talks, but when real problems come, that dude has a very kind, and diligent way of assessing the situations, looking out for Russ and helping him through it. How he manages to fit in editing an episode every 3 days, while being so actively involved in everything day to day is mind blowing. Thanks for being a top bloke Stan.

[@Goudhaantje1993]

''You're either the man who ran across Africa or you're not''. That grounded Russ right away. Brilliant, level-headed guy. Also, this story is every bit about them. They may not be the protagonist, but the whole mission is not possible without them.

[@mt.lavendermusic]

Big big facts Russ has a great team behind him!

[@GeoffreyHellington]

We all stan Stan

[@cameramanstan]

This means a lot, thank you ❤️

[@Daniel-Davies-Gonstead-Student]

​@@cameramanstan👊

[@EJproductionsxD]

I am not concerned about Russ since he is such a powerhouse no matter what, but I do think a more nutritious diet and fewer energy drinks could do wonders for his health and help avoid situations like these.

[@conorburke7551]

Yeah you'd have to imagine the supposed kidney stones is due to all the caffeine

[@Daniel-Davies-Gonstead-Student]

Oh shit, I haven't even seen the video yet but just been scrolling the comments and the amount of them that are about his diet and kidney stones is alarming... I made a comment in reply to someone else so imma copy-paste it here: Yah man, I made a comment a few videos ago congratulating Nessy (sorry not sure of spelling) on getting some lettuce on Russ's plate... It's no fucking wonder he's having the digestion issues running on Doritos... I'm not exactly sure if I expected better but I hope they (Russ) realises that while it's absolutely possible to run Africa on Doritos, he will feel far better if he's consistently eating decent food. And I do understand the logistics of keeping food, fruit and veg in particular, good while on road, but it's relatively important. That said, I'll be damned if I see Russ eating an apple at lunch...

[@BT37GU]

I’ve been commenting this since the beginning😭 sad it takes this to happen for other people to start agreeing…

[@waterwaveybaby]

I like the new intro really shows the true scale of how insane this challenge is

[@RhinoCorporations]

Kidney stones are quite commonly caused by energy drinks and considering half the clips of you resting you have a tin of monster in your hand, that's most likely why lol lay off the tins wishing you boys the best of luck absolutely inspired by this series!

[@Pureblood712]

I was watching that from the beginning all that sugar water.

[@Goudhaantje1993]

A basic rule of biology that people often forget: sugar dehydrates you.

[@this_Jamie]

So glad someone has said this. The energy drinks will end this mission, needs to stop drinking them for sure.

[@welshwoody217]

Needs to put some decent food down his neck too!

[@nikolasimonovski2053]

I was just gonna comment that, energy drinks increase the chance of kidney stones, surely it would be better for him to drink isotonic drinks

[@contemporarygent]

Lots of people on Strava are concerned about Russ' diet between his runs. Might be worth looking at as a cause of the kidney stones. A man can only get so far on crackers and energy drinks! Hope it clears up soon!

[@JohnyG29]

What's a strava?

[@chrisungoed8793]

@@JohnyG29 running app

[@typografy]

Yeah when I was a teenager I had kidney stones once because of my crap diet, cut out too much salty sugary crap and drank more water , been right since.

[@amandalewin2872]

You guys need to ween Russ off the Energy drinks and find him an apple or two. :)

[@marshayame]

Medically concerned rest days are inevitable and part of the game. Stay safe and hoping you stay healthy both physically and mentally for the months to come!

[@Daniel-Davies-Gonstead-Student]

Medically concerned? I think you mean *health concerned* but yes, I agree. Not that he'd, likely, be having the issues he's having if he was eating decent...

[@Karibiane]

45 days without rest is insane. I was hoping for one since I started watching, that was the most stressful part. All top athletes take rest days and there is good reason to. With a bit more nutritious meals, more water and a few rest days every now and then I am sure you will smash this challenge. Happy to see you taking care of yourself.

[@JTB_FM]

sorry to here that yous got robbed yesterday. your mentality monsters to still be going after such a traumatic experience

[@MagoLP]

What happened? Where did he post that?

[@adamaston1460]

Twitter

[@Nooticus]

@@adamaston1460 It's unfortunately exactly what I expected to happen in Angola. When this insane series started, my guess is that they'd have to give up somewhere in Angola because of the danger there. I so want them to complete this, but practically, I'm still not sure if it's doable...

[@benvandessel]

@@Nooticus Why would you say that? I spent 1 months going north to south in Angola. Not a single moment was I in any danger. The people there are extremely welcoming.

[@JTB_FM]

@@Nooticus I thought they'd be fine until DRC then the trouble might of began, fingers crossed they'll all be ok

[@kimchi_b]

There's a massive opportunity for an electrolyte company to get involved in this by supplying Russ and keeping him healthy.

[@CasperA]

Only on this channel you will hear 'sweet' as a reponse to having kidney stones.

[@lexiehua1457]

😂😂😂

[@mchammer5026]

this might have been my favourite episode yet. not because you were forced to take a rest day, but because we got to see so much of the struggle you're going through. also, stan is an absolute fucking legend, love that guy.

[@cameramanstan]

You're an absolute fucking legend, MC Hammer

[@EJproductionsxD]

Honestly the talks between Russ and Stan are my favourite part of the series. It makes you feel as if you're part of the team

[@marcledsham2942]

Should the big man be focusing a bit more on nutrition?

[@henryh7243]

Crisps and biscuits can only get you so far

[@hamish4659]

I've never seen someone eat worse food. Are they clueless?

[@Daniel-Davies-Gonstead-Student]

Yah man, I made a comment a few videos ago congratulating Nessy (sorry not sure of spelling) on getting some lettuce on Russ's plate... It's no fucking wonder he's having the digestion issues running on Doritos... I'm not exactly sure if I expected better but I hope they (Russ) realises that while it's absolutely possible to run Africa on Doritos, he will feel far better if he's consistently eating decent food. And I do understand the logistics of keeping food, fruit and veg in particular, good while on road, but it's relatively important. That said, I'll be damned if I see Russ eating an apple at lunch...

[@detonario]

He doesn't even drink water.

[@hamish4659]

@@Daniel-Davies-Gonstead-Student why does he need vegetables? What will they give him that will help him with running?

[@Mowglius]

Yo Russ, I’ve had and survived rhabdo, it was a pretty terrifying thing to go through, I literally had moments when I thought I might not get through it I had no idea what it was until it happened to me and to me it seems way too unknown considering how easy it is to get it and how damaging it can be if you end up with it all I can say is well done…..you made the right choice to hold back for a day or two, short term pain for long term gain! What you are doing is incredible and inspirational, keep up the unbelievable work!

[@phillyphan595]

I feel like alternating distances by the day could help immensely as sort of built-in "active recovery" days, by working in more low distance days to give the legs more time to truly recover and come back stronger for the next longer days ahead!

[@MagicBaking]

Glad to see sensible Russ in this video, glad the results were good and hope you’re back feeling great and smashing the road asap

[@travelbug802]

"It turns out giraffes are actually well massive" was such an Ali G statement. I cant get over how spot on it was 3:47

[@TheNails3]

omg I had the exact same thought, totally oldskool Ali G XD

[@ad001]

“It turns out that giraffes are actually well massive” 😂

[@iikenZoii]

Can’t help but think that nutrition, correct hydration and rest is a massive part here. Just winging is fun but a tad irresponsible imo. Rooting for you lads.

[@willlewis7670]

anyone else actually look forward to these now or jus me?

[@froghornleghorn]

The new intro is epic fellas. I'm following this on every episode but I think this means you're more likely to capture new viewers more easily. Also, nice to know that Russ isn't dying.

[@landsgevaer]

Don't jeopardize the project by focussing on an aesthetic: - running Africa is the project; - doing it without any rest day is the aesthetic. Maybe how many days it took in total is a cool secondary statistic at the end of this; the number of days with zero miles definitively isn't, if you ask me.

[@JakeTPE]

Glad you are not going to die, Russ! Those shots of wildlife on the safari were epic. Worth the rest day, mate.

[@danielmango1806]

Mr. Geezer, I do hope you read the overwhelming positivity in this comment section. As your mate said, @14:40 “People don’t care about how you got there” or to that overall effect. We want you healthy, thriving, safe, and completing this mission. Whether it takes 505 days or 506 days, or 600 days…we don’t fucking care. Stay safe

[@alastairs3727]

mate, total legend, rest days will make the difference to doing the most insane feat of human endeavour and not making it........ chin up and massive respect to your mates as well for being so suppportive. You're an inspiration fella as are your mates

[@GoWithDannyMo]

Hope you guys aren’t too rattled after yesterday’s events. We’re all behind you boys, keep stomping 👏

[@danwilliams7354]

I’m binge watching these from the start so I’ve got a lot of catching up to do but just want to say the quality of this content is phenomenal. The intros have really gone up a notch recently - absolute pro level. You couldn’t get better on ‘normal’ telly - in fact where on normal telly are you going to get so much quality poo and piss banter. Amazing stuff man keep going

[@piotrbdz]

The most inspiring thing about the series is how he can run so long with a diet made of crackers, premade sandwiches and energy drinks

[@JohnyG29]

Just goes to show what a load of bollocks the "healthy food" fad is.

[@Blandge]

Maybe if he had a better diet, he wouldn't have needed a rest day.

[@Daniel-Davies-Gonstead-Student]

​@@Blandge100% And he'd feel better every single day otherwise.

[@BH-ix7nq]

​@@Blandgesupport the cause. Put some money in the guy's hand so he can eat better, rather than commenting

[@Blandge]

@@BH-ix7nq I don't support him that much lol

[@jenx_au]

Hey man, not sure if you'll read this but I dealt with a Recurrent Rhabdo condition through my younger years. Its different as mine was genetic but the advice I was given was to eat loads of carbs and sugars to supplement the depletion of muscles. Your body is turning to muscle fibres as a source of energy as there isn't enough fat to turn into energy. It would feel like your muscles have turned to jelly and be painful to stand on (if calf's are the muscles giving you the most grief). Praying for ya man as you're an absolute machine and deserve to finish this challenge, loads of carbs, sugars and loads of water youve got this!

[@calebbarba7466]

The greatest running videos I’ve ever seen

[@ChokyoDK]

This series becomes better with each episode. 100k soon!

[@cappaculla]

"giraffes are well massive" David Attenborough's job is safe 😁

[@Hill_Walker]

Seeing a rhino on a one day safari is insanely lucky!

[@xenos3116]

I did a weeks worth of safaris last year, didn’t see a single one, it was the one thing I wanted to see, but it was alright, we saw everything else

[@iainforward9]

too much energy drinks give me kidney stones, stick to sweets and water with electrolites added for quick pick me ups. was recomened this channel by Geowizard and now binge watching whole thing. great crew and russ is a beast lol

[@eddiesonic4747]

eating and drinking healthier couldn't hurt. seriously :(

[@novideostoday]

What? He needs to eat lots of carbs and sugar. This isn't a comfy office job. He's running outside... all day... i the African heat. No place to "eat healthy".

[@orenpisanty4977]

Proud of you for making the right choice of taking those 2 days off. Keep on smashing it !! I would love to see you take more rest days in the future to do some side quest like you did. you deserve it !

[@cogspace]

Massive respect for being smart with your health Russ, and super relieved about the negative Rhabdo test. Can't imagine what a nightmare these few days were. Here's wishing for smoother stomping on the kilometers to come.

[@Casperr123]

They call you the hardest geezer for a very good reason. I'd be shitting myself, if I was going through what you are right now and yet you still have enormous amount of will power and dedication. Awesome that you are being smart about it now. Please please change your diet and add rest days and you will make it safe and healthy. If you dont change diet and rest, you'll still make it but it will hurt much more.

[@kennethcarow442]

This reminds me so much of following Ross Edgley's swim around Great Britain. Would love to see hin come out and run with you for a day I'm sure he would love it

[@NusquamTamenVerum]

He beat Ross Edgeley's carathon record a few years ago. He jokingly called Ross a bedwetter during it, would love to see them running together.

[@DanielFinton]

God man Russ is such an inspiration. Has such high expectations of himself. Dude is pissing blood and is FURIOUS with himself.

[@quackcharge]

very good that you took the rest days. also please keep that mindset - it's literally hundreds of marathons and not a sprint. just make it through, that's the only thing that counts. very glad to hear your results were good. also please consider laying off the energy drinks they're shit for your health. 🙌 best of luck further mate you got this

[@prometheus_beard]

Thanks for the reply on the last video guys. Glad Russ is making good choices. I can't speak for others but I love him for trying this, it's a proper adventure and if he makes it, will go down in history, but it's not worth dying over. Good it isn't rhabdo anyway, he's just slapping his feet like ham haha (If he has kidney stones, drinking apple juice softens them up) How far behind are we at each episode please? Good luck all!

[@aaronhughes3222]

Roughly 15-20 days behind

[@prometheus_beard]

@@aaronhughes3222 Nice one.

[@graham8854]

Have you considered protein recovery drinks to add in your diet. I can recommend Tailwind. I use both the fuel and recovery drinks. Loads of flavours and no upset tummy's. Perhaps they could post some out to you. Glad the tests came back with good news 🏃

[@knollmt]

Stay safe. You are a total legend 🙌

[@syrus3k]

What a fucking brilliant episode. The relief in Russ' eyes that he wasn't dying was incredible.

[@iggyalmiron]

The 'Bang Bang' catchphrase almost took on a new meaning!

[@djzipster147]

It's literally a marathon not a sprint. Gotta look after yourself to secure the longevity of the trip. Don't feel guilty for taking a rest mate, your body needs it so it can keep stompin!

[@tobygoodman9134]

1 rest day after 45 days of running ultra marathons is INSANE!!!! Russ is beyond a savage. Goggins has truly found his equal.

[@TheNails3]

3:48 "It turns out that giraffes are actually well massive" sounded so much like oldskool Ali G XD

[@DJNaija]

No suprises the hardest geezer has fortitude !!

[@michaelgermer909]

Never heard of somebody being like: “If it’s just kidney stones, sweet..”

[@luke-ti3fu]

Stay strong lads, been through the mill and back but will only add to the taste of victory coming all your way 👏 and think of the fucking story you'll have to tell.

[@ravanaRTT]

A rest day honestly hardly makes this less of an achievement! Rest up and crack on brother 🙏

[@ethanedwards2847]

Stay strong boys !!!! Nothing can stop you !!

[@joshlee7836]

Can’t imagine how hard this is. Keep going !!! You can do it

[@ryanoconnor5612]

Keep stomping mate, smashing it 👏👏

[@Morijr-pj2cw]

I was like damm he can no longer say no rest days. Then he said 45 days in and I was like holy fuck that's still unreal.

[@sampemberton5710]

Not just hardest geezer, but smartest geezer too

[@Dosser]

Russ I hope you are well mate , massive congratulations but remember to congratulate yourself along the way and take in the beautiful continent. Stay well and best of luck!!!

[@brycedunlap]

Russ and Team, just wanted to say how much I appreciate you lads. I've recently just got back to stompin road and got my first non-stop 21k this last Saturday. Thanks helping me get after the 1's and 2's and bang em out. Stay healthy! Good luck fam! Cheers from Seattle!

[@oscarejdonovan]

Mate as someone with a kidney stone at the moment, its best to try and flush it out as early as possible, or its just gonna grow and get worse and worse - you need to stop and drink lots of filtered water, try with apple cider vinegar if you can find some or drink with lemons squeezed in your water long term until you pass it to reduce the likelyhood of it growing

[@oscarejdonovan]

Passing a fully grown one is hell on earth btw, get it sorted asap

[@Blandge]

@BeforeWeDieFilms How does one get one sorted? Not being facetious, I'm sincerely asking. Is it surgery, or what?

[@oscarejdonovan]

@@Blandge either you're able to pass it naturally or it'll slowly grow to an unpassable size, the surgery they do involves pushing long metal tools into your bell end, up through your bladder to your kidney then a week of the worst pain of your life while you piss out the bloody crumbs they made of your stone during surgery. Trying to pass it as soon as it's formed and small saves you hell in the long run

[@McLoganator]

Bro, I am so happy to hear that you're not suffering from rabdo. Holy crap, talk about a bullet dodged.

[@ChokyoDK]

Gutted to read on Twitter that you got robbed in Angola. Keep your head up Russ. Light work baby!!

[@stephohartigan]

Top notch lads around you mate, great team. Keep fucking going when your ready you fucking legends!

[@kingkangageo]

Replace the energy drinks with fresh fruits! 🍏🍌🍑🍍🍋

[@Reverend-JT]

Lads. so sorry to hear of your recent issues. Glad you're all ok.

[@davidelms6137]

Love everything about these videos you guys do an amazing job. Would love to see some of the more mundane stuff, like showing everything Russ eats in one day, or breaking down the schedule for a typical day - how long rest between runs in the day etc., how you guys are managing your cash/budget out there even. i think people would find it interesting! give us the deets!!!

[@theaidanator]

You need to plug the patreon more in these vids! Some cracking bonus content on there and loads of new subscribers who don’t know it exists

[@kimchi_b]

I didn't know there was extra content and I've been watching from when they prepped!

[@fulltiltfrankie5388]

I know you’re the hardest geezer, but surely you need to rest, even if it’s a little and get a more nutritional diet other than cake and energy drinks 😂. Take it easy my man 🤙

[@stanley_nakariakov]

absolutely banging vids, editing is next level, story is next level 🙏🏼 i'm not sure if it's just me but narrating russ is much quieter than the rest of the video eg 8:42 compared to the dialogue after (same on the other vids), is there a way to fix this for future? cheers boys, keep smashing it 💘

[@mrbig9903]

Nutrition has a lot to do with it to be fair can’t be living of energy drinks just a no go really. Love the series tho keep it up

[@EuropesNinja]

Great episode. So sad to hear that Nessy is leaving, he's the goat

[@jrgen7903]

I had rhabdo earlier this year. My Ck levels were at around 90 thousand at one point. My legs were so stiff to the point where I couldn't bend them, and too much movement was very painful. Fortunately I was admitted to the hospital in time for my kidneys to survive lmao.

[@jacopobelbo1399]

the thing i keep thinking is this guy/team needs a nutritionist ... the crap he eats i'm surprised he hasn't collapsed already. this sort of undertaking takes vast amounts of energy and keeping your body in good nick and that requires a very exacting diet and liquid intake. it's insane they don't have a medical/nutrition person as part of team giving this guy daily tests and adjusting his diet and liquid intake in response to those tests.

[@aaronkeane2336]

They're on a bit of a budget if you hadn't noticed and the van is already full too.

[@DustyCustard]

@@aaronkeane2336 A Nutritionist can be remote, the boys in the van can sort the administering.

[@jacopobelbo1399]

@@aaronkeane2336 i didn't say it would be easy or convenient or cheap ... but i do think it is extremely important to have someone with that knowledge and expertise on an undertaking like this. even if they aren't a professional there have to be laypeople or student level people with this kind of knowledge who would make a vast difference to keep this guy in tip top shape from a nutrition and health stand point.

[@davewalker5387]

Glad the health news was good. Hope you're feeling better soon. Awesome stuff team???

[@SpartanWithXs]

Youre an inspiration Russ!

[@McCFit]

"Giraffes are well massive" fav line

[@canzom]

Great advice from the boys, look after yourself Russ!!

[@jonnyashley6013]

Even with not much running this is still super entertaining

[@MxCraven]

Good rest day mate. Have some time to enjoy Africa while you get better, and then get back on road stomping.

[@LughiBW]

Big up yourself russ, fucking mental what your doing!! 🤝👏💪

[@Dev1nci]

13:36 Good words 💪🏻

[@4k0y0t3]

Gents, sorry to hear about the robbery. Keep an eye on Russ. I know his CK levels were low but everything else still points to rhabdo. Make sure he gets all the nutrients and water he needs even if you have to force it. Keep away from the lettuce and anything pre cut (tomatoes). Better to get it whole and wash it before eating. Keep up the 1s and 2s. We’re all rooting for you!

[@Blandge]

Bro spoilers wtf.

[@iSniper]

​@@Blandgeit's funny how this series is so good people consider Russ getting robbed as a spoiler

[@Blandge]

@@iSniper Dunno about all that. Just don't give away the plot to future episodes

[@CraigSimmonds]

@@Blandge 'the plot' 😂

[@smtsjhr]

Dear Russ, I can't find the right word... but when I look at your face into your eyes i see you with "clairvoyance" ... its kinda profoundly spiritual ... like you have your mind set on a transcendant goal and you can see it! Even I feel convinced YOU can do this!

[@michaelgermer909]

Rest days are part of the game!

[@nabeeljeram5820]

Hi, a student of mine asked me watch your show. Firstly what you are doing is amazing, I hope to see you complete your journey. I heard of your illness and that you have protein in your urine. I also saw that you are using Nutritech protein. This brand does not have a good reputation amongst gym goers. Dischem (south african store) only stocks certified and tested gym supplements. Nutritech is not one of them. Just a thought. I assume you are guzzling down protein shakes? Maybe staying off the shake for while could help you and then eventually use another product. All the best to you,

[@OneElkCrew]

resting for some days won't fail your challenge. Rest, heal and then run again. No problem

[@emissaryofelohim1431]

When someone says, "If I've only got kidney stones, sweet!" you've got to note the intensity.

[@adamhughes2155]

I’ve never commented on a yt video before but you deserve the exposure mate! Your gonna smash it!! Fuckin go ed lad

[@conormaloney455]

this is very uncomfortable to watch this man killing himself and his team almost egging him on to do so… nutritionist is definitely needed and some real doctor’s advice probably too

[@vardito10]

glad you took a break at least man. No one worth their salt gives a salty fuck how many miles you do we just think you're awesome Russ

[@Clarke_Al]

Pass that kidney stone, and far less monster energy and you’ll be right as rain. Josh Patterson (formerly of Made In Chelsea) did 76 marathons in a row and you’re easily on his level if not fitter as a runner. He wore the same trainers as you so all that stomping shouldn’t necessarily be the issue. Take care team.

[@Afed390]

Got some good and proper mates with you Russ mush

[@DustyCustard]

Put a call out for a remote nutricianist to help, for free - someone will be proud to become part of this amazing challenge.

[@Daniel-Davies-Gonstead-Student]

2:50 - Harry, I know you mean well but you're pretty wrong here. Getting Russ to eat some fibre, drink just water, and eat healthy fats and carbs is what you can do. This comes down to, when you go to wherever it is that source your food from, making intelligent decisions (maybe getting a dietician or the like to help you guys make those decisions).

[@FMxEagle]

this videoseries should be called 'We sit and talk the entire length of Africa'

[@Flychageo]

Hardest Geezer: :"I learned that Giraffes and Elephants were well big." Me: "ok, I thought they were"

[@JoeHeppenstall-y1r]

Unreal choice of walkout music btw

[@dddkkk24-n6d]

If it's not too exhausting: could you add more of the music Russ listens to when he runs - that would be interesting. And all the best for everyones health