Sometimes the best running adventures are the ones you never planned. Just ask Ben Bunting, founder of beForm Nutrition, who found himself lacing up his trainers for an impromptu 10K along one of Yorkshire's most scenic waterways.
A Spontaneous Decision
When the opportunity arose to join Grim Up North Running's 'Kirkstall Rock Up 'n Run' event along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, Ben didn't hesitate.
Starting from the historic Kirkstall area, this flat, canal-side route promised everything a runner could want: stunning scenery, perfect conditions, and the promise of a well-earned beer and medal at the finish line.
"It was one of those beautiful warm days where you just can't resist getting out there," Ben reflects. "The Leeds-Liverpool Canal through Kirkstall is absolutely gorgeous – there's something magical about running alongside the water with the Yorkshire countryside stretching out around you."
The Perfect Testing Ground
For the founder of a sports nutrition company, spontaneous races offer the perfect real-world testing environment for his products.
Ben's race-day strategy was refreshingly simple: beHydrate to keep muscle cramps at bay during the warm conditions, and beEnergy for that crucial combination of nitric oxide boost and caffeine kick.
"When you're running in warm weather, especially on a last-minute decision without your usual preparation routine, hydration becomes absolutely critical," Ben explains. "The beHydrate formula is designed specifically for these situations – it's not just about replacing what you lose, but preventing those dreaded cramps that can derail your race."
The flat canal towpath might seem like an easy 10K, but experienced runners know that seemingly straightforward courses can present their own challenges.
The consistent pace required on flat terrain, combined with the warm Yorkshire sun, makes a proper fueling strategy essential.
Fuel for Performance
Ben's pre-race beEnergy served a dual purpose; the nitric oxide boost helped optimise blood flow and oxygen delivery to working muscles, while the carefully calibrated caffeine content provided mental sharpness without the jitters that can come from over-caffeinating before a run.
"There's a real art to getting your nutrition right for these spontaneous events," Ben notes. "You don't have the luxury of your usual pre-race routine, so your supplements need to be reliable and fast-acting. That's exactly what we've designed beEnergy to deliver."
Scenic Success
The Kirkstall Rock Up 'n Run proved to be everything promised; a celebration of running in one of Leeds' most beautiful settings. The canal path provided consistent, runnable terrain while offering stunning views of the historic Kirkstall Abbey ruins and the gentle Yorkshire countryside rolling away from the waterway.
"Running along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal is like having a front-row seat to Yorkshire's industrial heritage and natural beauty," Ben describes. "You're literally following in the footsteps, or wake, of centuries of history, but doing it at your own pace with the sun on your back."
The Perfect Finish
True to the event's promise, Ben crossed the finish line to find exactly what every runner dreams of: a cold beer and a finisher's medal. It's these simple pleasures that make grassroots running events like Grim Up North Running's offerings so special.
"There's something beautifully pure about these local events," Ben reflects. "No fancy expo, no corporate fanfare, just good people organising a great route with a proper celebration at the end. That beer tasted like victory."
Real-World Validation
For someone who spends his days formulating sports nutrition products, experiences like the Kirkstall Rock Up 'n Run provide invaluable real-world feedback.
The combination of warm weather, spontaneous entry, and scenic distraction created the perfect storm for testing how beForm's products perform when it really matters.
"Every race teaches you something," Ben concludes. "This one reinforced that having reliable, effective nutrition products can turn a last-minute adventure into a genuinely enjoyable experience. When your hydration and energy systems are working properly, you're free to enjoy the journey – and what a journey the Leeds-Liverpool Canal provides."
The success of Ben's impromptu canal-side adventure serves as a reminder that sometimes the best runs are the ones you never planned, especially when you're properly fueled for whatever the towpath throws at you.
Ready to fuel your next spontaneous running adventure? Discover how beHydrate and beEnergy can keep you performing at your best, whether you're planning months ahead or deciding on race morning. Because the best runs shouldn't be limited by your preparation time.
