@joganrosh5011

10 or 20 years from now you won’t look back and think “gah, wish I’d done a better YouTube video in May 2023”. You would regret not being the best dad and best husband you can be right now. 

And like you say, it’s all a journey and it’s patience. You’re a new dad, and running will take a back seat for a while, maybe a few years even.  I’m 40 and when my kids were little (10 years ago) being able to do long runs was just out of the question. My kids are now 11 and 8, I can get out for longer and my marathon training has skyrocketed; I’m fitter now and faster than I’ve ever been. I’ve got a friend who is 45 and he’s even fitter and faster. 

Don’t beat yourself up. And I’d also say don’t go looking for answers on polls - if you like doing in person vids, do them. Don’t chase what the audience wants, chase what YOU want because that way you’ll be more authentic and more passionate and keep doing it for longer. For what it’s worth I don’t mind the short videos, but there may be folks that want the more in person touch. 

Good luck to you, take it easy, look after yourself and your family. When you’re in the midst of infant-caused sleep deprivation it feels like it will last forever, but speaking from hard experience, it doesn’t.

@ciaranmarkcusack2468

I feel better about taking fitness advice from someone who has a relatable relationship with their fitness goals. Thanks for being honest. Just ran my second marathon yesterday and you've helped a lot.

@ryandillon941

As a runner who has been running longer than you've been alive I have been   unsubscribing those who do the egotrip bit on how good they're becoming. You as a coach helping me sort out my running issues is why I follow you. I support your idea 100%.

@MidLifeRunner

You’re doing great, James! Kids are a more important marathon. Way to keep the priorities straight! I loved to hear about your running goals as well because I like to cheer runners on, on their journey, like holding up a sign at a marathon. I found you doing warm up routines, stretches, strength exercises. You’ve been a big help on my journey. I started at 40 and didn’t know anything. So, thank you 🙏🏼.

@goranwinblad

Thanks for sharing James I can really relate to the challenges of being a new dad, not getting that much sleep and trying to work, and train while being a present dad is not easy. Really believe that it's the right decision being more Infront of the camera making it easier to connect to you and get inspired by your knowledge and style of teaching. Looking forward to your upcoming content!

@jasondyhouse7292

James, I can relate. I had run 6 marathons, then got married, got a house, had kids and didn't run at all for a few years and am now getting back into it now that my kids are teenagers. My goals are to now just be active and healthy as I head to into my 50's. It sounds like your current life situation is probably what most people can relate to more than someone who has time to train 6-7 times a week. Keep up the great content and I look forward to seeing you in videos again!

@DroneRunner1975

Really happy you’ve expressed your feelings. I personally can’t stand 99% of running channels and have stopped watching most, it’s going to be refreshing to see you take a different approach / style.

@follystone

Good to see you back in front of the camera. You’re absolutely right to focus on your priorities. Nobody ever regretted trying to be the best parent they can be. I’m looking forward to seeing where your channel goes. Whether or not you film it, I hope you continue to find fulfilment from your own running. If your goal changes from sub-3 marathon, to pushing the youngster’s buggy round a parkrun once a month, that objective is no less valid.

@markknee4421

James,

Thank you for your candour. Well done for opening up. 

I'm a husband and the father of young twins, and I work full time too. I'm right there with you when you say that's more important than anything else. You're a runner for life, and a YouTube creator for a time, but family must always come first.

I'll be honest, I haven't been as impressed with much of your recent VO B-roll stuff, and I found myself going back to your earlier videos, and getting real benefit from that. I'm glad you're intending to steer your channel back that way. 

You've a lot of subscribers, so you know there's a lot of interest in your content, and I applaud you for evaluating your channel and it's aims and objectives. You don't need to be a "running vlogger" if you don't want to be. There's plenty of those out there already. Your skillset and knowledge is far more valuable than that. 

One of the big problems with social media as I see it is that you build this empire - of content, of followers - and in doing so you deny yourself the grace to be a human. You feel obligated to be always creating, always giving, and that then leads to guilt when "REAL LIFE" happens. We, your subscribers, will just have to deal with it when you can't release a video because you're too damn tired, or you go on holiday, or you just simply don't want to.  You owe us nothing.

@debicollins9184

Thanks so much  for your honesty and I appreciate this channel and you all you do it’s so helpful. I’m a just turned 62 year young female and there are not alot of resources for us out here and you are appreciated thanks xo

@noahatlas5240

Personally, I don't care about your marathon time or how long you can stretch out peak fitness. I care if you're able to stay injury free while running consistently. I've just started your glute routine and running technique exercises on your website and I'm excited to see where it'll take me :) enjoy your baby and your family; running will always be here when you're ready

@NormaSmith-k3d

James you are a star. We both just run our 1st Marathon (Manchester) at the age of 60 & 63 using your beginners Marathon Plan & following your Low Heart rate guidance. We smashed it 🎉 We totally believed in you & you gave us the confidence to do it. We have faith in you, so have faith in yourself 😊

@oscarmathew

As a new dad aged 41 - just found your videos - this is super refreshing and positive.

@lisagautreau5474

Your programs have kept me running for the last many years and I appreciate you. I probably would have quit if it wasn’t for your rehabbing advice. I still use the “hip strengthening for knee rehab” that you created years ago and I look forward to seeing more. Be there for your family, kids grow up so fast, you will not regret the time you give to be with them. Thanks James from your #1 fan 😊

@virtualrunningvideo

Mate, I'm totally behind you. With 2 young kids I had to upload less over the last year or so. Your focus is right. You have to compromise and family comes first. They won't be young for long. I'm sure the channel will do well. Also presents opportunities to talk about how to fit running around life etc. You're doing the right thing. Well done!

@alaw94

I've never thought of you as a "running youtuber" but rather someone with expertise in rehab/strength work for runners.  Your videos have helped me so much with my running and getting rid of my injuries.  Personally, I never liked the scripted videos and much preferred the show and tell style that you used to post.  Those videos are the reason I subscribed in the first place.  And while I was curious about the running goal you set for yourself, it was for you and no one else, so I see no shame in shifting priorities.  Good luck and I look forward to watching future videos.

@nickbarton6022

You’ve definitely got your priorities right bud, and there should be no shame in that whatsoever. You’re 100% a runner and your approaching your challenges just like a runner would.

@simonbird6437

dont worry about it mate. Job number 1, family guy, always!  You seem like a nice guy. Most people here will be supportive.  The ones that aren't, they can nick off.

@okaydoubleu

You don't have to run a sub-three marathon to be worthy of sharing your knowledge. You being brave and forthcoming with your thoughts and feelings make you more relatable as a human being. Thank you for being brutally honest, have a great time being the greatest dad!

@peterclarke9000

Fair play James. You can hear the emotion in this post and it's not easy to go online and say your going in a different direction or have different priorities at this time in your life. Kids are hard and it takes a lot out so best of luck to you. I'm always going beck to your exercise vids for pre and post hab and they are great, best out there so keep them up. Lots of other running journeys to follow but very few with what you can offer