I Ran A 100km Ultramarathon For A BET

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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[marcsteven]

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.

[timmymofo]

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

[missingmimic]

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 😊

[davidburn]

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

[jamesbarwick]

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

[JoannaNoelle-sesq]

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

[torontocitizen]

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!

[the_different_dad]

James behind my kids and partner. You are in my top three of inspirations. I am currently getting back into it after child number 2. Who is only about 2 months behind your little one. I am also up around 120kg. The paces I see you run and the things I see you do. Show me that if I just keep doing the things that I am doing. I will one day be able to do what you do. Your videos are amazing you are amazing. And a true inspiration.

[ethanstringer]

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

[aveldi]

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!

[faithmacdonald]

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!

[iansoady]

I want to go out and run 100km right now! Always inspired by TRC vids but particularly so by this one. My Ultra journey was interrupted by injury in 2017 and only now is back on course for next spring - but I want to go now. 🙂Thank you James and TRC crew

[JoshButton]

I love how emotional you get about running James. Really good stuff.

I was over 140kg. Looked in the mirror and said something has to change. So I started riding my bike. I dropped 10kg pretty quickly. Then we were locked down to only 5km for exercise. So I turned to running. In my late teens I could really move. But hadn't run properly for over 20 years. I met a bunch of guys online at various points in their journeys. We inspire each other. Next Sunday I lace up for my 4th marathon in 3 years at Sydney. Concerned about how it'll go. I'm currently 9 weeks into a clinical trial for a weight loss drug. So I have to fuel pretty much solely on the day. I'll probably blog about it because I haven't found any similar stories. I already wrote about doing the city2surf a few weeks ago.

Keep moving forward. Love watching your adventures.

[nataliamartinkova]

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.

[J.K-tw]

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!

[kxs]

James and the rest of the Running Channel crew are such _real_ people, watching your efforts always makes me feel the emotions with you, and long to get out there.
Beautiful landscape in this - a contrast to the mountains but quietly gorgeous in its own way.

Love ultra distances - but usually do them in a kayak. Have been ill and away from the boat, so the Running Channel has been one of the little nudges to get me to pick up running again, instead. I did a bit in my youth but hadn't run for so long, plus illness really wiped me out. So it's frustrating thinking back to where I was, but at least from such a low baseline I have plenty of scope to improve...

There's something about doing ultras that can give you trust in your body and mind. Whether you finish, or get timed out, or injured, you know that you can push your limits, and that feels good. And you guys show it so well in these videos. Thank you.

[Leeroy]

Great race video :). Who said you can't be quick ;) that was amazing.

[rachelng]

Fantastic run and video James! You are a huge inspiration to many, not just your daughter, but that bit did make me cry! You'll smash the 100 miles 😊

[paulwilliams]

You are such a modest, thoughtful and determined SOB. TRC is continuing to provide incredible, diverse content that inspires, informs and amuses us all. These moments you share with us are profound.

[primordialburst]

Plain and simple, this video is pure art. Amazing run James; you’re truly an inspiration mate!