The latest documentation of his 16 week training block for Leeds marathon (never done it but I’m assuming he hasn’t chosen the easiest of marathons there). This was week 9/16
Another honest assessment by Andy that he’s really struggling with the blocks at this stage. To the extent he really struggled on the long run. Perhaps should have listened to his wife’s advice to rest rather than parking and do a 10k race the Sunday.
As usual he comes across very well. Relatable, friendly, aware of his weaknesses and that he should be listening to advice and resting even if he doesn’t follow that advice.
He’s not the most experienced runner so it’s been interesting to see him improving over time just by putting the mileage in each marathon block. He also does the rare thing of running his easy runs easy and isn’t embarrassed to drop those into the 6+ min ks if required.
Do worry that he is jumping from one Mara block to another and runs the risk of injury or burnout however, going by the latest video. Wonder if he’d be better served concentrating on that sub 40 10k for a while and cementing the sub 20 5k. Hopefully with guidance from his friend Brett (who seems a talented runner and sensible head) can avoid that. He met many fellow UK YouTubers at one of the 10k recently so hopefully some of the more experienced runners can help him push on too, give advice when needed. I would trust both the Brooms to be good coaches (think they do some coaching ) as well as FOD, Gross etc.. maybe MARM too although his training seems unorthodox. He does a lot of racing, which doesn’t seem to be hampering him as getting quicker and quicker seemingly.
Andy comes across as a genuine nice guy who puts in the hard graft and gets his rewards. He lives running. He's not selling us anything. He's giving advice based on his journey.
MattRuns18 is a UK guy who was close to sub 3 a few years back and fell off the wagon. He's a huge guy and has been on the come back trail for about 8 months or so and recently hit a 1:20 HM. Guy works as a bus driver a d sometimes is out there running at 2.30 am before a shift. Amazing progress
He (Matt) just ran a 16min parkrun and he seems to be more active last few days on Strava.
Could be the start of another training block (hopefully he manages to avoid the boom/bust of recent ones)
He's on the startlist for a 5K on 25th April in Battersea Park, London. We'll get a good gauge of his fitness there, as there isn't a better road course in the UK.
Yeah follow MattRuns18.While other YouTubers seem to be very privileged and either have no job or a job which involves very little actual work allowing them to jet all over the world, he holds down a full time job driving busses often doing split shifts, helps bring up his young family and still fits in an incredible amount of running.
Yeah follow MattRuns18.While other YouTubers seem to be very privileged and either have no job or a job which involves very little actual work allowing them to jet all over the world, he holds down a full time job driving busses often doing split shifts, helps bring up his young family and still fits in an incredible amount of running.
Total respect to him.
Not sure which YouTubers you watch but the majority of the British ones I see all have jobs. The only ones who don’t have a job (or their job is linked to their running or ‘influencing’) are Felton, Parkes & Bester.
Why do you have total respect for someone purely because they work, run and YouTube? Seems a pretty low bar for total respect tbh.
‘Ooo what a man! This guy does something millions of others do and he still finds the time to have a YouTube channel. ‘
He (Matt) just ran a 16min parkrun and he seems to be more active last few days on Strava.
Could be the start of another training block (hopefully he manages to avoid the boom/bust of recent ones)
Part of the issue with Matt is that he only seems to upload videos when things go well. It's the same with his partner. No video until there is something to moan about or a PB.
I wonder is Matt has had runs not captured on Strava because it appears he has gone from zero activity for 3 months straight into an all out 5k, 10 miler a few days later and then a lactate workout! The king of DNS "all in" as usual.
Interesting that Chris "First Runs" Ford follows no one on Strava. I wonder if he has a separate account for his personal use or if he really just doesn't care what anyone else is doing (probably the later from rumours)
I guess the big question is whether Fordy runs is the YouTuber who requested not to be mentioned in the popular’Running YouTuber news series’ that TG did for a while.
Hoping to see the return of the marathon training comparison videos that Tim G does too. Hopefully a London one including Bester, Cole, Felton.
Cole has to be the favourite of the 3 as it stands with Bester overtaking Felton. Bester Id say has the least talent of the three but has the most experience and has a remarkable knack of getting in and around the 2:20 area despite general opinion on here being his training is all wrong.
maybe add an analysis on Fox’s training too. Week 1 - laps of a Japanese room. Week 2 - laps of a Japanese room etc etc
Yeah follow MattRuns18.While other YouTubers seem to be very privileged and either have no job or a job which involves very little actual work allowing them to jet all over the world, he holds down a full time job driving busses often doing split shifts, helps bring up his young family and still fits in an incredible amount of running.
Total respect to him.
Not sure which YouTubers you watch but the majority of the British ones I see all have jobs. The only ones who don’t have a job (or their job is linked to their running or ‘influencing’) are Felton, Parkes & Bester.
Why do you have total respect for someone purely because they work, run and YouTube? Seems a pretty low bar for total respect tbh.
‘Ooo what a man! This guy does something millions of others do and he still finds the time to have a YouTube channel. ‘
I think the respect is there not just for the YouTubing but generally getting out there in all weathers at 2am when you have a job, children and other responsibilities.
A lot of people make excuses why they don't run, plenty of young, single people who work as running "journalists" (The Running Channel I'm looking at you) don't put in the hard graft.
It is relatable to see someone juggle everything. It is not relatable to see someone who gets up when they want, have someone follow them on a bike with filming, have a free treadmill sent to them and then nip off to Kenya whenever they want.
A lot of us want to see that, yes, it is possible to run as hit those times we dream of, even with a full time job and family
This post was edited 45 seconds after it was posted.
I guess the big question is whether Fordy runs is the YouTuber who requested not to be mentioned in the popular’Running YouTuber news series’ that TG did for a while.
Hoping to see the return of the marathon training comparison videos that Tim G does too. Hopefully a London one including Bester, Cole, Felton.
Cole has to be the favourite of the 3 as it stands with Bester overtaking Felton. Bester Id say has the least talent of the three but has the most experience and has a remarkable knack of getting in and around the 2:20 area despite general opinion on here being his training is all wrong.
maybe add an analysis on Fox’s training too. Week 1 - laps of a Japanese room. Week 2 - laps of a Japanese room etc etc
I'm keen on Tim's London/Manchester marathon analysis/predictions.
Manchester marathon is the same day and includes Matt Fox on the elite start list.
At London there's quite a few YTbers, as you've mentioned, and some female ones too.
Cole is massively bookies favourite but (as his odds would be short) I wouldn't be lumping on him. I'd actually chuck a few quid on Felton now out of the 3 of them. I think this is first marathon he truly nails (which I'm sure altitude camp just before will have helped).
This post was edited 1 minute after it was posted.
Not sure which YouTubers you watch but the majority of the British ones I see all have jobs. The only ones who don’t have a job (or their job is linked to their running or ‘influencing’) are Felton, Parkes & Bester.
Why do you have total respect for someone purely because they work, run and YouTube? Seems a pretty low bar for total respect tbh.
‘Ooo what a man! This guy does something millions of others do and he still finds the time to have a YouTube channel. ‘
I think the respect is there not just for the YouTubing but generally getting out there in all weathers at 2am when you have a job, children and other responsibilities.
A lot of people make excuses why they don't run, plenty of young, single people who work as running "journalists" (The Running Channel I'm looking at you) don't put in the hard graft.
It is relatable to see someone juggle everything. It is not relatable to see someone who gets up when they want, have someone follow them on a bike with filming, have a free treadmill sent to them and then nip off to Kenya whenever they want.
A lot of us want to see that, yes, it is possible to run as hit those times we dream of, even with a full time job and family
I agree. As a dad I find I can only really relate truly to are parents. That's why Nick Bester for all bashing I don't mind (I won't lie, I don't love him, but appreciate his grind).
Some of the complaining regarding mileage, I just don't get from some of YTbers.
I guess the big question is whether Fordy runs is the YouTuber who requested not to be mentioned in the popular’Running YouTuber news series’ that TG did for a while.
Hoping to see the return of the marathon training comparison videos that Tim G does too. Hopefully a London one including Bester, Cole, Felton.
Cole has to be the favourite of the 3 as it stands with Bester overtaking Felton. Bester Id say has the least talent of the three but has the most experience and has a remarkable knack of getting in and around the 2:20 area despite general opinion on here being his training is all wrong.
maybe add an analysis on Fox’s training too. Week 1 - laps of a Japanese room. Week 2 - laps of a Japanese room etc etc
I'm keen on Tim's London/Manchester marathon analysis/predictions.
Manchester marathon is the same day and includes Matt Fox on the elite start list.
If Matt's released from prison in time, what are the odds he'll start the race and DNF?
I think the respect is there not just for the YouTubing but generally getting out there in all weathers at 2am when you have a job, children and other responsibilities.
A lot of people make excuses why they don't run, plenty of young, single people who work as running "journalists" (The Running Channel I'm looking at you) don't put in the hard graft.
It is relatable to see someone juggle everything. It is not relatable to see someone who gets up when they want, have someone follow them on a bike with filming, have a free treadmill sent to them and then nip off to Kenya whenever they want.
A lot of us want to see that, yes, it is possible to run as hit those times we dream of, even with a full time job and family
I agree. As a dad I find I can only really relate truly to are parents. That's why Nick Bester for all bashing I don't mind (I won't lie, I don't love him, but appreciate his grind).
Some of the complaining regarding mileage, I just don't get from some of YTbers.
Bester is technically a parent, but he does not have the same responsibilities as "regular" parents. His grind is all about him. It seems like his children are at the bottom of his priority list. Training, racing, social media, Adidas, Youtube, coaching, traveling, children, husband.
I agree. As a dad I find I can only really relate truly to are parents. That's why Nick Bester for all bashing I don't mind (I won't lie, I don't love him, but appreciate his grind).
Some of the complaining regarding mileage, I just don't get from some of YTbers.
Bester is technically a parent, but he does not have the same responsibilities as "regular" parents. His grind is all about him. It seems like his children are at the bottom of his priority list. Training, racing, social media, Adidas, Youtube, coaching, traveling, children, husband.
I think he did about 18 hours of just running last week. On top of that you have recovery and s&c. Does not leave long for his business/coaching where his income comes from - family are a after though I assume
I like that he only uploads a video when he has something worth putting out there. It's refreshing compared to many other running YouTubers who pump out repetitive content for the sake of the algorithm.
Bester is technically a parent, but he does not have the same responsibilities as "regular" parents. His grind is all about him. It seems like his children are at the bottom of his priority list. Training, racing, social media, Adidas, Youtube, coaching, traveling, children, husband.
I think he did about 18 hours of just running last week. On top of that you have recovery and s&c. Does not leave long for his business/coaching where his income comes from - family are a after though I assume
Alot of people claim his coaching is a copy and paste job.
As long as it's less than 20 hours per week (coaching) it's still less than a full time man who has zero hobbies seeing his kids?
I think he did about 18 hours of just running last week. On top of that you have recovery and s&c. Does not leave long for his business/coaching where his income comes from - family are a after though I assume
Alot of people claim his coaching is a copy and paste job.
As long as it's less than 20 hours per week (coaching) it's still less than a full time man who has zero hobbies seeing his kids?
I like Matt's content, it's a shame he doesn't post the boring stuff that gets him back in shape, that's relatable. He maybe doesn't see that and I suppose the pressure of putting lofty goals out in public has a toll when it goes pear shape. Some ppl might have a laugh , but I think the majority of runners get it and wouldn't mind seeing the rebound/ recovery.
I can also relate to the all in approach when there's a goal in sight. There's very few runners who've not done that. Yes he's a coach, and I guarantee you he wouldn't get his ppl to do what he does...it's harder to take you're own advice.
The man has talent though. I'd love to see him being smart about the next block, some real mileage , easy and boring and less intense workouts. SJDM miles , but better workouts later in the block , not downhill tempos then wondering why you couldn't hit paces race day.
Ps . Fordy Runs- how can one lad be so pretentious. I'd nearly start a channel to comment on his public videos just to see him go nuts trying to get me to stop.
Tim Gross is too nice leaving him out of the YouTube reviews, I hope he asked nicely, because if he didn't then I'd ignore it !
I like Matt's content, it's a shame he doesn't post the boring stuff that gets him back in shape, that's relatable. He maybe doesn't see that and I suppose the pressure of putting lofty goals out in public has a toll when it goes pear shape. Some ppl might have a laugh , but I think the majority of runners get it and wouldn't mind seeing the rebound/ recovery.
I can also relate to the all in approach when there's a goal in sight. There's very few runners who've not done that. Yes he's a coach, and I guarantee you he wouldn't get his ppl to do what he does...it's harder to take you're own advice.
The man has talent though. I'd love to see him being smart about the next block, some real mileage , easy and boring and less intense workouts. SJDM miles , but better workouts later in the block , not downhill tempos then wondering why you couldn't hit paces race day.
Ps . Fordy Runs- how can one lad be so pretentious. I'd nearly start a channel to comment on his public videos just to see him go nuts trying to get me to stop.
Tim Gross is too nice leaving him out of the YouTube reviews, I hope he asked nicely, because if he didn't then I'd ignore it !
Fordy did a long video about Ben who he "coached" from something like a 3:45 marathon down to a 2:55. The guys training is awful. Low mileage, terrible workouts, obviously loads of "goal pace" and he has absolutely smashed it. If he got a proper coach he'd be a lot faster. His race week was 5k on the Tuesday and then Berlin marathon on the Sunday. He got 2:55
How to annoy me - spell my surname as 144 double S not Grose!
Anyway to answer a few points I saw. Yes I pay Matt Rees to basically coach me and have for a few years now. I had been largely self coached before then and although jogger like efforts for most here, I do look back with some pride on 1:55.8 800, 3:55.5 1500 PBs (my main focus in my "best" years in the sport - until was about 36 in 2003) and 2:33:53 marathon PB later when had started to slow on the track. All on Power of 10 course.
My main driver for a coach was for somebody to give me a day to day general schedule, provide some new ideas for sessions and have somebody accountable to discuss how things are going. "Coach Sue" does sometimes offer opinions but soon returns to her latest crotchet pattern or Sloe Gin.
Like pretty much all runners, I still however sometimes pick up niggles and viruses. This winter far too much of the latter.
I don't honestly feel anything that has been set was the primary reason for any setback I get. If it was then would be stupid to continue.
As for my own videos, pleased to see some interest in doing some more news and training analysis ones. I will. I just felt I did not want to be only known as that slightly odd tall guy who talks about everybody else as well as for Power of 10/runbritainrankings
I think the YouTuber who did not want me to talk about him any more was always fairly clear. The one who might one day race the race today and not worry about the marathon in six months time.
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