My Secret Diet And Training Hack 

Hahahaha! Good one😂🎸

I just went for a 4.5 mile trail run yesterday. Near the end, I got passed by a 30-something year old dude like I was standing still. A few hundred yards later I got passed by 2 women that were not in great shape. Before that, I was feeling really good about my run. I only walked when I needed a sip of water and my pace was decent (but still slow). When I got home I told my wife about how demoralized I was by getting passed and she yelled at me for making it a competition. She was 100% right, just like you. 2.5 years ago I broke my femur riding my mountain bike. I could have died or lost my leg, but didn’t. 1.5 years ago, I couldn’t even really run at all, more of a pitiful shuffle. Since then I have slowly tried to get better on every ride, run, row, or weights workout. I’m really happy with how far I’ve come, but sometimes I forget I’m only competing with myself, not others. Thanks for the reminder. I’m a 56 year old guy, so I appreciate your age related tips as well. Keep it up!

That Jen cardio dolphin plug 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Speaking of shooting low, whenever I am not feeling it and I’m struggling to get into the gym I remind myself of my primary goal. I would like to still be putting my own socks on when I’m 80.

Mark. I have severe depression and anxiety. Over the past few years I have put on 20kg of fat. I’m 22 years old and have really struggled with consistency. In the past 4 days I have gotten myself into the gym and done an hour of cardio. I have made food at home and stopped ordering out. When I feel like I’m about to slip back to old patterns I think back to you and how real you keep it. Thank you for being there to guide me as I don’t have parents to help me.

This was super on point. I looked up some basic workout advice and then my RU-vid was suddenly 3/4 full of shirtless dudes. Thanks for making this video, it's often helpful to hear perspective from other folks so you know for sure that it's not just you, a lot of this sounds like common sense but it's very helpful to hear. Often it feels like social media is weaponizing human psychology against its users.

Noone motivates me more on RU-vid than you Mark. I love the simplicity in you approach to fitness and the no nonesense logic.

Hi Mark. I've been following your channel for about a year now. Being a naturally rugby bod type guy in his mid 40's you're outlook on stuff is very inciteful. I'm currently training for the London Marathon. As the first leg of a 2024 stab at the London Classics. After being pretty much sedentary until last March. Today I did the London Winter Run 10K. And for the first time in any event ever I can claim to be above average. 8698th out of 17782 finishers. A 10K PB and first time under an hour. 🎉🥳 Thank you for the motivation. I love your content.

I'm REALLY struggling at the minute. I'm an above average early 50s runner but have been sick with an unidentified health issue for 3 months and cant finish a 10k run, never mind race one. It's absolutely mashing my head in. I'm trying to ease my way back into it without blowing up, and accept it might take time, but my head is screaming at me that I'm better than this......your advice comes at a critical time and is very much needed. Please understand the importance and relevance of your content. What people need is honesty, not discount codes.

Mark just spitting hot, savage truth and humor today!

It's funny how often I give the "advice" of "one step at a time" to friends or colleagues and after watching this I realize I don't fully practice it for my running and guitar learning goals. I tend to fixate on the long term without proper attention on the day-to-day tasks. Thanks for the reminder Mark! I always enjoy your videos.

Dude, you are my favorite RU-vidr. I just love it. That guitar bit was so spot on. Haha

I learned this lesson the hard way. Having run for seven years solely for health reasons, my husband encouraged me to enter a 10 mile race. ‘Why not?’ I thought and downloaded a training plan from a well known and highly successful running app. The problem is I’m 59 and don’t have the elasticity to follow a training plan aimed at people twenty years younger. The result? I’m now nursing my first ever running injury (high hamstring tendonopathy- a bigger to treat) and my fitness has tanked. Listen to your body - not the influencers (or husbands).

I’ve been on a fitness journey for the past two months since I was diagnosed with POTs and I needed this, I’ve been obsessing over how I can only run X minutes without stopping, will i be able to improve my vo2 max, number of minutes in HR zones etc and i need to just focus on getting my movement in every day and knowing progress will come and not to rush my journey getting into shape. next lamppost ❤️

Just saw Jen with your ad spot. Appreciate the hustle😅

Just what I needed to hear. Was training OK last year then Christmas came and I slobbed out big time, felt awful, no motivation to train. Last few weeks I'm back on the train. As you say, it's easy to become demotivated when looking at these perfect specimens flouting there selves. Gotta remember I'm a 45 year old dad with a full time job. Gotta do what you can when you can! Focus on the small improvements which add up over time. Thanks Mark. I also play guitar, same process you got this!!!

100% on point Mark! Love your very dry sense of humour and honesty. The grind is real.

I'm hearing SMART goals Mark. I almost felt the semi delightful shiver of a flip chart breaking out there. Aim low. Love it!

Perfectly said. As always. Thank you

Mark, there is one of the best videos you have made. Love it! The keeping going mentality after the initial push gives way to temptation resonates with me. Your self-deprecating humour is a joy. Keep it going. Big fan.

The amount of info and quick wit in your videos Mark is amazing. Thanks for all you put into them. It is greatly appreciated. From a Canadian fan

I used to be really discouraged whenever I saw someone doing loads better than me at something I was doing. But I realized at some point to not compare myself to anyone, but rather just look at it objectively and think "They did it, so it's possible. And if it's possible, then I can probably do it, too." Maybe it's a little overly optimistic, but there's nothing wrong with having optimism about improvement

Excellent!! well said Mark

Brilliant video. Cheers Mark.

Very helpful video Mark. I have had a few weeks off following an injury and some illness. This message is super helpful for me since I have a marathon in April and the idea of getting back on track seems completely insurmountable. Just gotta get out the door. Hope the ultra goes well, they have always been my favorite vids. Cheers

Hi Mark, perfect video again. I have gone through a bit of the same as you have, overweight and unfit, and started run/walking and losing weight. That was 3 years ago, I'm now 6 weeks away from my first marathon, and a lot of inspiration came from you. Thank you.

Couple of things as we're of a similar age: 1) slow progress is still progress. 2) The solo to Bryan Adams 'Run to You' is the easiest solo I know. Enjoy the speed of both of these...

Love your content!!! Did my first Hyrox yesterday and it was a total blast!

Thanks Mark, I needed to hear that! Even a small amount of progress made today is still progress. Keep taking a small step each day and that progress adds up. I'm in the middle if redecorating a room and I feel a million miles away from it being finished. I need to forget about getting it finished and just focus on making some progress every day.

I'm so grateful for these videos. They help me keep a better perspective and they never get old. Thank you 🤩

Bang on point Mark 👍 Am in the 50s club and so easy not to bother, though like yourself, I prefer to try and be better in myself. Coach myself now and hold myself fully accountable which has made quite a difference. Small steps, are important steps, and should never be underestimated plus always try a take away a positive from a bad experience. Hopefully see you back in the Zwift work as-well soon 🤞

Thank you for introducing me to Lucas' RU-vid channel...he's frickin awesome!

Love your no BS approach Mark 🙌

Man that guitar ref made me chuckle so much, I started playing a guitar 3 years ago… still see same videos and still can’t keep up with Justin’s beginner stuff. Great comparison!!! 👍🏼👍🏼

Really finding so much inspiration from you sir. Really appreciate your advice and approach. Was really hoping that beard was going to become a monster Lemmy tash

One of your funniest videos so far :) thanks. Keep it up!

Mark, it's Monday morning, I'm going to the gym (not excited about it) but I've already laughed a dozen times. Your a must for mental happiness. Thanks mate.

Another awesome video giving us all a reality check!

This channel has been an inspiration to me. I play guitar (intermediate at best). Trust the process. Trust in Justin guitar. He will see you proud. That and andy guitar. Now still training for my first 50k after loosing 75lbs over past 18 months thanks to you and constant inspiration mark. 👍🏻

You are my favorite RU-vid person. You are so funny. I also love how you think about things. Thx.

RU-vid keep recommended these video to me sooo many times that i had to watch it. 😄 I know i gained few kgs but now I have to do something about it. Thanks for motivation as always Lewis. 💪😀

This is on point from beginning to end. I've been thinking about getting back to a healthy "diet" (not a temporary diet, but a diet as in changing what I eat) and I've come to realize (same as you) that it's only part of my life. To help me do better with food, I am working on thinking about it less.

Awesome. Inspiring and motivating. Not exactly your intention and you’re just sharing your story and what is obvious, but it’s certainly easy to look too far down the road to what you want to accomplish and lose sight of just doing the next step. Keep it up. Cheers!

Jen in Merch, Guitar, Great advice... Nailed it! 👌

I remember being all happy for you when you hit 100k. Look at you now! Best YT channel!

I really like your perspective on exercise and fitness

Dude no, many do care about your long term goals and I love to see what you do even though you are winging it and everyone is different etc... etc... I love your sense of humor, doggies and Jenna too!!! You channel is definitely a source of entertainment and motivation for me, your the perfect blend of being real and not too extreme!!!

OMG I just love your content. Sound advice but that is outdone by subtle humour. Just brilliant 😄

This was class as always - I feel like I’ve just been to a comedy gig 😂🎉❤ love it . 👍🏻

Another brilliant video Mark, and just what I needed to hear today! The ‘just got out of bed’ fitness influencer thing is too real 😂

Thank you for this! Very funny and true!

All your videos hit the mark for me, it comes down to this: put your body through hard work with some consistency and you’re heading in the right direction. Comparison is the thief of individual success and contentment.

Waiting for that ultra running content. Love it.

The opening was amazing ! You are you ;) everyone has different goal, lifestyle, mentality ... Therefore copying what others do doesn't work. That's not communicated enough 👌

Mark, from one 50 yr old to another - thank you. Thank you for being honest, real and straight forward. Your message has transformed to exactly what needs to be said - Especially for us older men. It is more import to just focus on ourselves, day by day and not others. It is more important to workout, run, cycle, whatever than do some over the top Navy SEAL workout. We don't have to be be extreme and obsessed to be above average.

Superb message delivered brilliantly. Made me laugh. Thank you.

Practical insights and advice as always

I just wanted to add a tip for goal-setting that I learned way back when I was an subelite-level athlete… always set 3 goals. Your first goal should be a “realistic” goal (e.g., something you can attain pretty well no matter what), your second should be a “stretch” goal (e.g., something challenging but possible with good training), and your third goal should be your “dream” goal (something that you will likely work towards for a long time). Hope this helps someone:)

Mark you are unintentionally hilarious. I laugh out loud many times in your videos. Just love your sense of humor! Love your common sense relatable content too.

Hello Mark - I really like your channel and the no nonesense advice you give. This message really resonated with me, and it came at the right time! I ma steaming towards 60, but inspiredby your 'be above average' goal! Thank you

Thumbs up before watching.

I really want to do my bits to sure you can keep this full time. I need to grab myself some merch

Honestly love your content Mark, lots of love from Canary Islands ❤

We just had another child and I haven’t exercised properly for a month. I think I’ll go on a light jog this arvo just to get a little bit done. Thanks for the inspiration!

Very refreshing content

The camera packed away before bed joke went over a lot of heads I think. Very good!!

Did you upgrade your YT set-up, Mark? Keep crushing it! You make the best running content out there!

hahaha 1 min in and you already got my like xD such honest and direct words man, i love it.

I've had 2.5 years of weight loss and fitness success based off two commitments I made. 1: I will work out in some capacity, even just a single push up, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 2: I will track my calories and protein. They're relatively easy commitments to maintain and everything else I've needed to do has felt very manageable with that foundation to stand on.

Laugh out loud funny, with added rational lessons for living. Great work, Mark!

If you also play guitar and want to boggle your mind with the full video I showed - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-sS1WYIu_gA4.htmlsi=yomX2rNwtVDxE1u2 and thanks to Lucas for letting me use it! 👍

Great comical advice 👍

Dude you have to be one of the funniest people. Hilarious Cardio Dolphin clip. HAHA🤣

The Guitar clip absolute gold😂😂😂

New studio set up looks great. Is that a new mic because your audio sounded extra rich in this one. Love the videos.

Gained a few places in last 100y of this weeks steep up hill finish ,Parkrun .. though of you , thanks for the motivation 1st in age group

I think this is a really healthy way of looking at it. You can have some amazing progress during your first year as a runner for example. But inevitably that gain will slow down. You need to have the zen to just focus on the here and now and the next small step forward you want to achieve.

OMG the Jenn jumpscare @ 2:32 had me cackling! Thanks for your always-pragmatic approach, Mark. You're right, I'm not 6'6", nor 220lb, nor 50, nor a lumberjack. But I can take your "do the thing that works best for you" mindset and apply it to my own life and training.

Epic Cardio Dolphin advert 😂

Exactly👍 the key is to love the process and not pay attention to the results in short term. In 1,5 year I lost 45kg thanks to that and I still love the process (going to the gym and running).

I like the way you put that aim low comment. I used to be a big dude kinda like the bodybuilder look. Lost all my gains. Started running to give my body a break but now I’m just a better runner and flabby. I need to get my muscle back a bit. I just compare myself to who I was and it kills me. Aim low. You got it!

Preach it 🖐️

your so right

I enjoined your little video had me chuckle. Thanks, I'm a runner who probably could be good at it, but like food and beers to much.

Great damn video! I think so many set unrealistic goals, or goals too far out that they forget milestones. Milestones are so important, and enough stacked will get you to your ultimate goal. A prime example, this last weekend I completed my first 50k, 32 miles with 5600 feet of elevation, but I had to break it down or it wasn’t happening. At first it was simple. 50k = 4 loops and you’re done, then it was a middle cross section you just hit 8 times, then it was ok from this point I have X. It took whatever I could use to convince myself I can make that small goal, and then push to the next. If I looked at, it’s only mine 21, I’d have gave up lap 3!

Lovely bit of Justinsguitar there. Love that guy :)

Glad to see you haven't forgotten about the guitar!

:) just a solid simple reminder to all. Feels strange that this cuts through all of the flashy secrets and tips/tricks/hacks that are so common these days. Cheers Mark as always

Can’t look at a red lumberjack shirt without seeing Michael Palin in my head singing the Lumberjack song. Thanks Mark.

Great video, really well chosen selection. How about a budget sub $100 hiking accessory set?

Brilliant👌

When I see it’s just going to be Mark talking for a few minutes I know I will feel better at the end of it

You're an absolute comedy genius - might seem a bit hyperbolic, and admittedly I've had a few beers, but genuinely laughing out loud at your patter.

That guy was incredible on the guitar!🎸 I'd struggle with the triangle. I do like watching elite runners though, even though I'm decent, but still nowhere near their level. Fitness is a strange thing where people either expect to be good or think they will never improve. You'd never think that about speaking Italian.

Seriously made me laugh!

Yep!

I was last night years old when it suddenly dawned on me why you called your merch "Cardio Dolphin". Very fun. I know, I'm slow.

In essence this is the best video ever.

Guitar guy - just WOW😮

Love a bit of Justinguitar! Try Jason Read, Marty Music or James James (used to be known as Privetricker) for a good range of stuff to strum along with. Also I’m sure I’m really late to the party with the reference but Cardio Dolphin is a knowing wink to Gym Shark isn’t it?