The 1 Habit That Changed Our Lives | GRAFT According to Mary & Ben of This Messy Happy

When Ben and Mary laced up their trainers in their forties, they never imagined it would lead to a YouTube channel with over 15 million views, a thriving global coaching community, and a brand new career after decades in the classroom. Together, they are the duo behind This Messy Happy - a platform that helps everyday people fall in love with running and discover the life-changing strength it brings.From grief, setbacks, and injuries to personal bests, global marathons, and HYROX competitions, Ben and Mary share their journey with honesty, humour, and the kind of wisdom that makes you want to grab your trainers and get out the door.🎧 Listen as we discuss…(00:00) – From teachers to YouTubers: how This Messy Happy began(01:33) – Mary’s first 10K win, Ben’s early triathlons and discovering running as his “secret weapon”(06:44) – Running as therapy: infertility, eating disorders, and reclaiming strength(18:16) – Why running is the most accessible form of movement(22:26) – Getting started: first 5K, building consistency, and avoiding comparison(31:21) – Progressing to 10Ks, half-marathons, and beyond(35:02) – Running as exploration—why every route can be an adventure(38:04) – Marathons: fake pain, mindset plans, and the “rule of thirds”(44:24) – HYROX: strength, strategy, and why running is 75% of the event(55:15) – Growing up with asthma and becoming a marathon runner anyway(56:03) – Top three tips for anyone wanting to start running(58:14) – Inside the This Messy Happy coaching model: free resources, community, and 1:1 coachingKEY TAKEAWAYSRunning is accessible to all: if you can move, you can run. It’s less about distance and more about consistency.Fall in love with the process, not the product: goals are important, but the joy comes from showing up.Mental resilience is everything: marathons are won in the mind as much as the body. Fake pain fades; the pride of finishing doesn’t.Community makes it easier: accountability, encouragement, and shared experience can transform your training.Call yourself a runner: identity shapes behaviour—once you believe you’re a runner, you’ll make choices that keep you running.GUESTSBen & Mary - Founders of This Messy Happy, a coaching and content platform inspiring thousands of people around the world to start running, keep running, and love running.⁠Follow them on YouTube and InstagramJoin their community!