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I Ran A 100km Ultramarathon For A BET

The Running Channel

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James is preparing to run his first 100 miler and as part of training he is tackling a 100 kilometre race. He has completed this race in the past, but he is back, and is chasing a new faster time. How will he fare in the heat? Can he beat his previous time? And how is he feeling about tackling 100 miles? Stay tuned to find out…

↓↓ Have you ever run an ultra marathon? What other challenges should James try? Let us know in the comments! ↓↓

What's in this video:
00:00:00 - The Bet Is On
00:02:08 - Utilising Aid Station Alerts to Idiot Proof Ultra Running
00:04:10 - The Half Marathon Journey
00:08:45 - Finding Inspiration in Running
00:10:49 - Share Your Running Stories
00:12:56 - Double Marathon Territory
00:17:26 - The Joy of Running a 100K Race

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20 Comments

@marcsteven9477 2 years ago

Hi James, I took up running when my wife was diagnosed with terminal cancer 3 years ago. This helped my mental health and without this I doubt I would be here today. Taking on more challenging runs I was planned to do the 100km Race to the Stones but in May 24 my wife took a turn for the worse and I ended up staying with her in the hospice till she died on 29th June. I didn't end up doing RTTS but applied to raise money for the Hospice by doing next year's Marathon Des Sables. This has me excited and terrified in equal measures. I am now rebuilding my fitness and my life after 8 weeks out of running post her death. It's hard but running is helping me get back to balance.

@timmymofo2697 2 years ago

I grew up with both my parents permanently in wheelchairs (mum cerebral palsy, dad polio) and therefore we didn't drive places very much, instead we always walked/wheeled. Now I run to make sure I take every step I have been gifted with, and to honour the challenges my parents went through to raise 3 kids. Last week I completed CCC raising money for Cerebral Palsy

@davidburn9472 2 years ago

My story, 48 years old, overweight, didn’t exercise much, terrible diet, drank too much & a heart attack waiting to happen, then it did! During my recovery I started marshalling at parkrun, eventually recovering enough to walk run the 5k now 3 years later I’ve done 2 half marathons & just signed up for my first ULTRA terrifying challenge ahead. Your story & journey has inspired me for the last year or so since I discovered the running channel. Love what you all do & thanks for the motivation & inspiration

@ethanstringer8985 2 years ago

I started running out of pure hatred. I hated my body and wanted to punish myself for my overeating and overall unfit lifestyle. Running felt like the best punishment - I overeat, I run to burn off the same calories. Over time I worked on my relationship with my body image and after a long, long struggle realised how lucky I am. Some people are born with chronic pain, some people may never walk, and some people have never walked. I learned to appreciate my body not for its’ shape or size but for how much it allows me to do - whether that’s running a 2hr 30 half marathon or just waking up and walking to work. There’s so much more to exercise than hatred for your body, you just have to look hard enough for it

@missingmimic 2 years ago

James, as a sometimes "stream of consciousness" running vlogger, i feel validated by your wonderful self talk during your run. Especially about your daughter, how lovely those bright spots are when we start to tire. Congrats on the finish 😊

@jamesbarwick1457 2 years ago

James, You have a wonderful way of vocalising your thoughts. I find videos like this incredibly therapeutic

@torontocitizen6802 2 years ago

I just started running in March at age 60 and will do my first 1/2 marathon in October and full marathon in May ‘25. After that I may go for a 100K trail. I find you guys so inspiring. Thank you!

@nataliamartinkova 2 years ago

James at 15:20: "There is a pride in finishing and a pride in attempting something as truly terrifying as ultra running."

Every year, I make a book of our photos. This year's edition will feature my ultra and your quote is going there, with your permission. Your words speak to the depths of my running soul, James.

@Matt-yw8tj 2 years ago

My story is that in 2019 I ran my first ever parkrun. Took over 43 minutes and I nearly gave up three times.

30kg lost later I’ve gotten my Parkrun time down to 26 minutes and have done an OCR, a half marathon, and am now signed up to a marathon, 24hr endurance race, and on payday will be signing up to a 57 mile ultra. Watched videos from the likes of yourself and Mark Lewis and realised that running is something I don’t necessarily want to get quicker at, but to have new experiences in life with.

@IQzminus2 1 year ago

I like all the presenters on the running channel, but I especially enjoy hearing James thoughts during his videos.
I couldn’t imagine coming up with such great reflections while I’m totally out of it, let alone doing an ultra.

@JoannaNoelle-se3sq 2 years ago

You are right up there with Anna when it comes to making me cry. Congratulations!

@MilesIntoMedals 1 year ago

Smashed it!! My running journey went from parkrun, to 10k, to ultra in the space of 6 months while struggling with mental health and a lot of negativity in my life. Happy to say I’m in a much better place now, and still enjoying the trails🎉

@natasha.ebbrell 2 years ago

I started couch to 5k in January and discovered my love for running. After losing my Grandad last year, I knew I wanted to run a marathon for a charity in his name, which I think is what's helped me stay consistent with running. I'm so excited to have gotten a charity place at LM2025. He would say "we'll cross that bridge when we come to it" to me so much, and it makes me feel very emotional at the idea of crossing tower bridge and thinking of him 💙

I'm working up to my first HM in November, before I start my marathon training block in Jan 😬😁🏃‍♀️

@aveldi 2 years ago

Started running 2020 due to Covid and over weight, managed 5 k and then I was hooked on running and the weight became secondary. On saturday I'm doing my first marathon 😮 And as always I'm moped to tears when watching James 🥹 You are one of my biggest inspirations!

@faemacs 2 years ago

Always hated running, from it being used as a punishment in sports. Come 2021, and i was having a rough time mentally, and my therapist encouraged me to try and run to work out all my nervous energy (alongside meds!) Been hooked ever since and honestly credit running with my decision to go bacl to school and get my PhD! Much love James and congrats!

@UTubeSL 2 years ago

Most cars I've owned won't go for 100km. Awesome achievement (and to Jess)!

@lynnmundy1460 2 years ago

Great run James, I did spot you at the start with your wife and daughter but didn't want to disturb you for a selfie! It was my first ultra and the best thing i 'd ever done genuinely loved it!. Keep up the great content. !

@J.K-t2w 2 years ago (edited)

I just started running Ultras this year, did 4 so far. The best was the West Highland Way in Scotland at the end of march, that took me two days, split in 75km, all on my own. The most pain I ever endured. And I absolutely loved it! Afterwards I ran a 75km ultra event in Germany and decided that I dont enjoy the competition. I just want to run, enjoy the views and the silence around me. So in mid octobre I will be back in Scotland to conquer the Southern Upland Way, 350km within 6-7 days, sleeping in a tent. I am a surgeon and always trying to cope with the stress at work, with seriously annoying people. Ultra running is my happy place. I always enjoy content from James!

@Deadushka99 2 years ago

Well done!
The part where you listening to your daughter’s voice made me choke up a bit.

Almost 47 year old fat bloke, just into my 7th week of couch to 10K, largely thanks to your channel guys. Thank you all for inspiration.
Doing it for my 7 year old son.

@Abyss_end 2 years ago

2 Months ago I was at A&E with the majority of the signs of a heart attack. Needless to say a lifestyle change was needed. I got myself a Garmin and a chest strap and started moving. I have run 3 Parkruns since each time reducing my finish time by roughly 1:30 to 2 minutes. Furthermore my resting HR has dropped from over 100 to 55-65 on average.
This channel, the team's vibes has been a massive inspiration since. My goal at this stage is to do the 20Km 13 Valleys next year, 55 the year after and the 100 the year after.