From 280lbs To Ultra Marathon Runner
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- čas přidán 5. 11. 2021
- Meet James Dunn, known to most as @morningcoffeerun, who 6 years ago made a bet with himself that he would turn his life around. Fast forward to today and you find him taking on one of Europes most challenging ultra runs, the UTMB de Martigny-Combe à Chamonix. This is his story.
↓ ↓ What’s the biggest challenge you’ve ever taken on? Have you had a moment of clarity and looked to turn your life around?
We’d love to hear your stories or find new challenges for us to take on! Let us know in the comments below! ↓↓
What’s in this video?
00:50 What is MCC
01:15 Kit Check
02:15 Race Day
05:30 The Trails Proper
06:10 James' Story
10:23 Always Forward
13:09 A Confession
15:27 The Highest Point
18:41 All Downhill From Here
20:08 Returning To Civilisation
21:21 Chamonix
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Fire at Will by Tilman Sillescu
Stairway to the Stars by Rex Banner
Neon Skies by 2050
Great Times Ahead by Rex Banner
Surfing Time by Swirling Ship
Horizons by Ian Post
Gravity by Stanley Gurvich
Waterfall by Milan
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Some of my biggest challenges were starting to run at age 33 and then 1) doing g my first Ironman at 40 2) running a marathon race or distance every week for 52 weeks when I was 52 3) running 100 miles 4)running 250 km in 6 days at 59
That’s really impressive. I hope to be able to do that one day, and hope I am that able bodied when I’m your age. I will turn 36 in 5 weeks. Just ran my first marathon 4 weeks ago. Running my second in 2 weeks, and my first 50k the week I turn 36.
James, your story is so similar to mine! Mental breakdown in quarantine last year led me on a 1 mile run and a year later, I’m training for my first half marathon. I love running and it’s changed my life. Thank you TRC for sharing James’ story! I REALLY enjoyed it!!
Thank you for sharing your story and congratulations on suc incredible achievements! Best of luck for the half marathon, do let us know how it goes 😊
A very relatable story..... you go this!
Oh my goodness Brooke, best of luck for your first half. You are on very similar path to me so I look forward to bumping into you in a race in the future! Where is your first half going to be?
@@themorningcoffeerun2296 Hi James! Thanks for your kind words! My first half will be the Jasper Half in Alberta, Canada next April. It's wild to think I'm going to be running 21km next April, but I am stoked for the challenge. Here's to hoping I can make it to the UK for a race sometime soon.
@@runningchannel Thanks, Team TRC! I will update when I run it next April! :D
I always ran on the road. A few years ago I signed up for the London marathon. Didn't get through the ballot (no, I didn't downvote your vid 😄). So I decided to sign up for a very hilly, tough trail run instead because there was no ballot. I wasn't properly trained for that kind of terrain though and consequently suffered all the way to the finish line (and several days after), but I absolutely loved it and have never gone back to road running. So not getting through the ballot is not always a bad thing 😊
James!! I've been so looking forward to your video coming out on The Running Channel. Worth the wait my friend 😀 Amazing job, and what an incredible story. Be proud buddy!
Hope youre doing well and healthy James. Looking forward to another vid. Very much grateful for all the injury prevention vids.
James! Missed you, hope everything is going great with your own journey!
Thanks James that means a lot coming from you! Hopefully these James Dunn(e)s can get a run in together soon!
Thank you, Running Channel, for featuring such great and interesting runners on the channel! Over the last month, I try to watch (at least) one RC video before going to bed every night, and today at a 5K I shaved 4:47 off my previous PB. I have learned so much from you guys! Thank you for all your great content!
Awesome job! I’m on the same journey, gone for 325 to a marathon and training for an ultra.
Amazing story, well done 👏
Well done, James. Warms my heart to see. I have something similar of an experience. I used to weigh +130kg. Injuries and eating is not a good combination. I was literally dying from painkillers and obesity. Was seconds away from killing myself. Then the pains eased enough for me to start running again. A year later I was down to 72kg and ran a marathon again, even made an Ironman. Sadly, I overpushed it so I am horribly, probably chronically, overtrained since years back. And have serious hip issues. But it beats being dead. Still haven't given up though. That's the important mindset. Again, great accomplishment! My hat is off to you, sir.
James, you're an absolute legend and i'm in awe of what you have achieved over the past few years. You're an inspiration to more people than you know. I can't wait to see where you'll run next, hopefully, there will be more videos to come!
Thanks buddy, your tenner is in the post lol
James is the best everrrr! Would be totally cool if he was in more (all) future videos 👀🤩
Thanks for sharing this, James, and well done for finishing it! After watching it I went back and signed up to a half marathon which I’d been dithering over. It was the last place!
Ahh just ran my first ever marathon! Thank you for all the great content!!
Hi James! That was an amazing trail run, it felt like we were with you on the run🍻
Started at 39 years old and 22 stone. Similar journey and just entered two x 100k races for 2024. Bring it on!
Amazing 🙌🏻🙌🏻
I see myself in 2022. From 322lbs down to 207 and counting. Congrats
A legend! Congratulations to YOU! Best of luck!
Amazing - congratulations 👏👏
I love these race-vlogs, beautiful scenery, amazing story, what an achievement, well done, James!
Hi, James! I also have a similar story! But mine goes back to 2003. To summarize my journey which is just like yours, I would say: "From 42 inches to 42 kms". And just 3 weeks ago, I also became a running blogger and this video...your story... they motivate me to also share mine. Good luck to me! lol! Anyway, you really did an amazing job and what a truly inspirational story! Looking forward for more from you!
What an accomplishment, loved hearing your story !
I was a spectator in 2018. You cannot describe the atmosphere or the views. Chills. Congrats!
James’ story is truly inspirational. I could listen to him talk all day!
Love @morningcoffeerun 's story. Needed to see this video to get motivated again after a lull.
Thanks for watching Chris!
Amazing! What a wonderful video. I have absolutely loved watching the UTMB races over the years but never considered one of the shorter ones as an option, now i'm thinking about it, and I'm 50 next year so would like to have some adventures to celebrate. I am with you on being easily led!
James, you are such an inspiration!!! Congratulations and well done for tackling this brutal race and thanks for sharing the experience with us. (I may have UTMB-envy now 🤔😂)
Thanks for watching Mary! Are you tempted to sign up? 😉
Inspiring. "Invent yourself and then re-invent yourself" Fantastic - the message that exercise is transformative - especially for mental health - is something special.
what a hero!! massively inspirational can’t wait to hopefully see a future video!
Thanks James for sharing your story - inspiring!
Smashing bloke! More vids from James please! Thanks for sharing your longer and shorter journey! Look forward to more.
Well done on your amazing journey and transforming your life in such an epic way. You should be soooo proud of yourself!! And it was lovely following your mountain run, thank you so much for sharing 👍😊
What a wonderful journey, both the race and the journey to improved health through running! Thank you for sharing. Videos like this are what inspires me to keep going and to try something out of my comfort zone. And you are so right... a running community is a great support.
Ultra marathons are an awesome challenge, even more so in mountain trail terrain. As for me, on November 15th, I start a formal cycle of training for my 1st marathon which will be March 20, 2022 in Los Angeles. My turnaround moment was when I checked into a mental hospital in the summer of the year 2000 and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I had suffered depression and alternate hypo-manias for over 40 years. Talk therapy and medication changed all that. Exercise has been key to my mental health though it was not always running. In the past year, another watershed moment came when I realized that my self worth is not to be measure by my "market place worth" nor can it be found in personal accomplishments. Oddly, it is this realization that has allowed me to accomplish more. May you be happy, may you be healthy, may you be at peace. :-)
This is a superb video, well done to the film maker and the runner. First class work with great commentary by James,. Excellent piece, and I’ve seen a lot of mountain running videos, believe me!
This is inspirational. I have my first 5k this week. Had a mental health breakdown at the start of this year. Long story short, gained about 30kg since 2020. I was at 125kg in August. I started to take running seriously in September and I am down to 111kg. A 14kg difference. Seeing this video makes me look forward to where I take this!
Best of luck!!
@@Kelly_Ben Thanks, smashed by P.B by 6 minutes!
Well done. Keep up the good work 👍💪
Great video & inspiring story James. You are so brave - the terror on your face when climbing was real & I felt I for you! Loved your sense of humour too - hope you make some more videos😁
Fantastic and very moving video. Thank you and congratulations James!!
You are blimmin’ awesome 👏 Way to go James x
Congratulations! This race looks amazing (as does the video).
Biggest challenge would be losing a bet to James and running my first marathon as a consequence... Queenstown is not that flat but we had a great Fergburger at the end
That burger made the marathon totally worth it! Think we need another bet soon...
James, you inspired me! Amazing job and great story. Congratulations on your achievements over the years.
Thanks James for sharing your story and race. This vidEO is nothing short of epic professionalism.
Absolute BOSS!!!! Killing it James thanks for the inspiration!!!
Well done. Great story. Thanks for sharing..
Ahh!! The dichotomy between beautiful and terrifying on those mountains!! Well done!!
Well done James, what a journey! Enjoyed the video 👏👏👏
Great message. Anyone unsure just needs to watch this to the end.
I started running with the intent on participating in a half marathon. If anything, the thought of competing made me more anxious. Now I run for fun and cardiac health. I run on the days I don’t lift and lift on the days I don’t run.
In love with your guy’s channel! You guys are amazing
Very inspirational video! Thank you for sharing!
What a great video! Loved it! Well done James 🎉
I’m in a similar situation started at almost 22 stone at started couch to 5k with the intention of doing some obstacle races but feel in love with the freedom of running first half marathon this coming weekend 😳I know it’s gonna be hard but don’t care about the time just want to cross the line.
Amazing video and what a lovely person. Not sure I would have got past the ledge section without having a meltdown, well done!
Thanks for sharing your story and congratulations on a great race, it looked beautiful out there.
All the great stories on here have convinced me to make a start and try and find the joy in running. Im 38 and 170kg and starting my couch to 5k on Monday.
Great story - Thanks for sharing and inspiring!
Brilliant, really inspiring!
Best advice you could give anyone is in this video blink and you'll miss it. Just get up and start. Start anywhere and just keep going. Patience and consistency it will blow you away how far you can come. Getting over the mental hurdle of starting is going to be the hardest part. Just get up and start with anything you can and dont stop.
This was a blast to watch! Congrats on your race, and your life transformation. What a stunning place to reaffirm how glorious life can be. Exercise can truly change a person's life, and trail races have introduced me to a whole new level of health, support and encouragement. "Why run 1km when you can run them all?" 😆 Love it!!
Well done James for conquering your fear of height (it looked steeeep!) and inspiring us to take on a challenge!
amazing story, super inspiring and wow what a race vlog!!! Felicitations James :-)
That was incredible!! I’m so inspired to do that event now! 🏃♀️🏃♀️✨✨
Absolutely great story! I follow you on Insta, but didn't realise your backstory. Inspirational!
Brilliant video really enjoyed that. Great to see some inspirational stories like this.
Congratulations James - What a personal achievement to finish - especially navigating that narrow mountain path 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Watching these kinds of videos are dangerous, for both my wallet and my legs 😂
Well done. I feel inspired watching this
What a cool race and incredible story. James you are a superstar!
What an amazing run James. That distance is a long way on the flat without adding elevation to it. Congratulations mate. I do road running with most of my long runs being between 21km and 44km. I like the idea of trail running but I’m scared of getting lost.
Good luck with your future runs.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve ever taken on? Have you had a moment of clarity and looked to turn your life around?
We’d love to hear your stories or find new challenges for us to take on! Let us know in the comments below!
I had a realisation last year eating a bag of munchies..'why was I eating this?'. Fast forward to now, I am nearly 5 stone lighter, nearly completed a garmin coach plan to get my 5k to under 35mins - which I have already hit as a goal, sub 30 5k is the next target! Ultimate goal is to run a marathon in the next couple years.
This story is remarkable. Whilst we can appreciate the amazing journey being told (literately), can we take a moment to sit back and admire not only those views but THAT gender split at the start line, tres bien
Thanks for watching!!
Fantastic to hear once you can run its so easy to get into and enjoying it top lad
I just did a 40km trail race last month and should stick my head over yours and upload it. 100% agree with you on the adventure and think anyone who is interested owes it to themselves to get out and do it!!!
Awesome work! So many stories like this…”it all started with a ……..”….walk in my case. For this kind of “success, it’s always about the journey, never the destination since people like this dont work to achieve one thing, the focus is alway the journey. Well done!!
Superb video! Well done, James! 🙌
Thanks Ben!
Started exercising at 49 yrs old 7 months ago, doing weight training + running.
Down 37 lbs and my weekly long run is up to 8 miles.
Fingers crossed this week i’ll be able to complete week 1 of a 8 month training block for my first ultra. I’ll keep repeating week 1 till i get into it…this could be the week.
Well done, inspiring 👍🏻
Used to run daily but life took a turn got sick then got lazy, soon after my wife and baby where lucky to survive her being born and I'm now my lil girls F/T carer and on Dec 23rd I was 154.6kg. Realised I need to be fitter and stronger for her and my wife and for myself so being the sane and level headed man I am I applied for the dublin marathon and got in 1st try. I'm now 143kg in 3 weeks and 55km done in that time and am looking to be 105kg by July and complete the marathon in Oct.
Loved your story James. Running is my love, always has been. It is the loneliest place, no-one can help you do it and it is where you can put your demons to task and realise that they aren't so big.
What an absolute champion and will all his achievements, I am not surprised James is a highlight on the Running Channel.
Thanks for sharing your story, i too have started running for weight loss and improving my mental health and hope to do an ultra marathon sometime this year.
Full respect to this guy
Awesome running and amazing views
Great story - well done!
Great video. I can relate to this I struggled with my mental health and actually credit running with getting me out of a very very dark place. I'm a long way off this kind of distance but one day!! Also the climbing bit really terrified me just thinking about it great work 👏
Well done James amazing Story I started run in 2018 and never looked back . Great achievement mate 👍👍💪💪
Brilliant video!!! Well Done 👍
You are such an inspiration!rock n roll!
Inspiring! Thanks!!
You are a strong willed person to finish an UTMB. I am myself 220 pounds, and just started running 5 months ago and on verge to complete my first half-marathon. Hopefully one day, i would run an UTMB like you.
Awesome Journey!! Well done
I really enjoy this format
So inspirational, love your attitude James. 😂Boom you did it 🏃🏻♂️🏁
Omg that was amazing… good job and amazing adventure
You’re my hero, James!!!!
Hearty congrats! I was about the same weight and I was sucking wind after a hundred meters. I don't know what motivated me to start, probably just raw fear cause I could hardly get into the back seat of a car. I got up to ten K by the end of the summer. That was 2006. I did two Montreal Halfs, probably took me three hours, per. I'm pushing seventy now, and still do + five K just to control my diabetes and heart health. Great encouragement. Thanks.
Love this guy. My new spirit animal. 👍👍👍👍
Good work, James!
Thanks!
Thank you. This really resonated with me. Very similarly I was very heavy and unhealthy. Started running after recovering from surgery and finally started to get some control over my weight. Then joined a club, parkrun became 10k, became half marathons, became marathons and onwards. I only started running at 41. I'm 50 this year.
Congratulations 👏🎊👏🎊!!!!
well done !! great video :)
I wish I could have been there and ran with you! Amazing views
Love that do break it into park runs. I do that too! Definitely won’t be doing that race I’d have a panic attack on that narrow path
What a guy!! Absolute superhuman
Well done James. I too suffer from mental health and I've lost 42LBS in the last year and have taken up running, It helps for sure. Keep it going and again well done 👍
I have always wanted to run mt blanc ultra u inspire me mate keep it up
Seems crazy how well groomed those trails are for how remote they look.