I've got the next challenge for you and it suits the big guy in some respects, where power is more important than power/weight, It's called the Hell of the North or Paris Roubaix you do it a day before the pros, check it out I've done it 5 times it's Brutal , I think you'll love it. Cheers.
Everyone tends to laugh when they find out that one of my all time favourite RU-vidrs is literally a 50-year-old British man (I’m a twentysomething Canadian girl LOL) but I do find your approach to trying new things and dedicating yourself to various challenges super inspiring-and the jokes are always top tier. Feels like I have a funny British uncle giving me advice since I don’t have anyone in my real life filling that role, whole family is pretty blasé about moving faster than a brisk walk. Never change man
Hi Mark. I just want to be another person to let you know how much I relate to your journey. I came across your channel a few days ago and basically binged all of your videos. I was raised in an obese household and unfortunately was 160kg by 19 years old (at 6ft4). Over the next 8 years I managed to get myself down to 120kg where I plateau'd for a while. In May 2023 I hit a new wave of motivation and am now at 107kg, with a final goal of being
My mom always came second in ladies tennis her whole life. At 75 she came first … in Canada and 8th in the world. She did it because it was Fun. It’s the journey.
OK - I will finally leave my first YT comment. I have enjoyed watching Mark for some time - but this video cements the attraction. Your genuine approach to both fitness and your story are entertaining, inspiring, and a real breath of fresh air in a social media world that only seems to cause depression and anxiety. I am very happy for you that you climbed that mountain and then found satisfaction in a what you seem to define as a more whole life. Along the way you learned a lot about yourself, shared that with us - and for me (as you always say) this resonates and validates my own path and the work I have yet to do. Take this from a 63 yo Spartan racer, cyclist - former fire fighter, race car driver, park ranger, blah blah blah.... Well done Mark!
Mark, your maturity with regard to fitness is impressive! I have fallen into the "i will be the best in the world" mindset before. Im glad you are choosing to delegate more time to family and happiness. Life is too short (:
I can only agree with the sentament of this video. I used be a professional Athlete, trained multiple sessions a day for many hours, and its simply not fun. I was always injured or on the verge of injury, I was hungry and unhappy. Having stepped back from that level of training and now training at a more relaistic level, I feel stronger, fittter and most importantly, happier!
You dodged a bullet. After 4 years of constant dedication, missing out on much 'normal' life I finally won a Henley medal. I couldn't go any further in the sport due to my age. A couple of months later I looked at the medal, looked back at the missing 4 years, and realised it had not been worth it. This, on speaking to others who had the blue box....was quite common.
Another great (and relatable) video, Mark! I'm 54 and started getting serious about my health, nutrition and fitness (again) just over a year ago. I recently ran my first 5K (in decades) last month. I finished top half of the pack (a little better in my age group) and after the race I commented to a young man that "I'm remarkably average at a lot of things...and I'm ok with that." A couple of weeks later I ran my first 10K (in several decades!) and, again, finished middle of the (much larger) field. I don't consider myself a "runner" (I also lift, sprint, kayak, Crossfit occasionally, shoot archery, etc.) so finishing top of podium is rarely my goal, but I've realized that being "average" in a variety of competitions likely puts me well above average within the general population, especially in overall health. I enjoy your videos and usually get something tangible from watching them. Keep up the great work! Thanks Mark!
I think everyone should see this video as an antidote to the over-influence of the psychotically motivated influencers. Extremes are out of balance almost by definition.
So refreshing to hear honesty. Everything we do needs meaning and purpose. You can find those any where on the mountain. They don't only exist at the summit. Excellent! well done video! I exercise for quality of life. That's my personal purpose. Doing things in my 50's like stairs with no groaning, walking instead of driving, all physical pleasures are increased when you are some level of 'fit'. The meaning I get from exercise is greater. There is a LOT of stuff in life that happens that you have no control over. I will always have control over what I put in my mouth and how much I move or rest. The repetition and goal setting of exercise is a metaphorical expression of what must also happen in my brain. In both mind and body: Change takes time and practice, goals work, incremental increased focused practice works, time spent on organizing and time spent on effort pays off in all aspects of life, there is joy and accomplishment in the sense of strength, organization, and effort. These are the meaning I find in fitness activities. If anyone is having trouble with exercise/diet, I say find your meaning and purpose, find the joy in it, find the worth in it. And realize it's a skillset practice that has an identical pattern with all things mental. If you can't solve your mental goals yet, try practicing at the physical. or vice versa.
I could write a comment as long as a book. I'll spare you. You hit the nail on the head with this video. Congratulations to you for your achievements and to be wise enough to find your happy medium. Bravo man
This is the man/channel I'll be referencing the most in my journey. I find as insiring as other channels can be, its easy to get disheartened. But this realistic, grown up approach refreshing. Rocking the beard btw
Honestly, with this video and your one on binge eating, I think this has become the number one fitness channel on RU-vid IMO.... Great work and a great message. It makes me feel better, since I'm a dad with serious time restrictions.
I thought the EXACT same thing. It is insane how much I relate to Mark’s journey. Binge eater/completely obsessed with training hybrid athlete for a 315 front squat and Sub5 min mile. After 12 weeks of dedication like a pro I hit the squat and did a 5:05 mile in the same day. Immediately went on vacation and gave up on the mile goal. I too “saw the mountain” and didn’t think I could go psycho mode training again to get those 5 seconds off. Not worth it. I got close enough!!! I know I am capable of a Sub5 minute mile, that’s all I wanted to know anyway lol
This channel, for me is the ultimate motivational channel for changing your life. The premise is always just give it a go and see what happens, and most of the time you’ll enjoy doing something in the process. Just try something for a bit, if it doesn’t stick, try something else. It’s all part of the journey.
i feel people forget about one key thing when obsessed with training> Life and living. I started to make a balance and let it ride. The pumpkin passing me in my last Marathon in France let me realize im older slower but i did finish and was happy. nothing but the best for you and Jena and Nixon
Amen Mr. Lewis. A sensible, adult assessment of the pros/cons of your fitness goal and how it fit in to the rest of your life. There's nothing wrong with putting "life" on hold short term to attempt to achieve an objective. But, being 85% "as fit as possible" while enjoying time with your spouse and children and friends should be the goal for most of us.
But... But... But... How can you just walk away? they will say. I love that you look at the range from unfit to super-fit as simply a scale on which you recognize where you are and what it's costing you to be on that rung of the ladder. A good example of your self confidence and situational awareness to stop where you are at. You did what you set out to prove. Thanks for sharing Mark and looking forward to commentary from Nixon. ;-)
So nice to hear this, I lost 5 stone over a year ago but last year I worked hard, but enjoyed more freedom with food and enjoyed life fit’ish trained regularly and watched my eating most of the time. I lost nothing all year but was happy and maintained fitness and weight. At 55 now this will be the aim maintain the level I’ve achieved as long as I can.
In my experience, you’re the most relatable fitness content creator! As always, awesome content! You are appreciated and I hope for your continued success!!!
100% agree with this. When I was younger I started competing nationally / internationally in a sport I loved and as great as those times were I can see how it changed me as a person negatively, forsaking relationships and good times for extra sessions and genuinely leaving a session frustrated if it didn't all go to plan, as well as being very critical of the people I did train with. These days I enjoy different sports and I do have goals, but they're against myself and without a "ride or die" mentality, and I'm a happier, more well-rounded individual for it.
Good move Mark, and to be honest, it's more fun watching you struggle as above average than as a top performing athlete because it's just so funny and relatable!
This video is so thought provoking. I’m currently re evaluating my approach to running after having to consider putting it on the back burner for a year or so and realising that the thought terrifies me, even though it is for a once in a life time opportunity. Most of the fears I’m having aren’t what I expected (losing the enjoyment I get out of it) it’s the fear of not progressing, my body not being as muscly as normal (although I would be more fit and skilled in other ways) and other superficial things. This has helped my journey of changing my mindset from ‘I must be fitter’ to ‘do what brings me most joy’ - which this forthcoming year most certainly will. Thank you for putting such an honest review of high intensity sport out there
wot makes this lark even more impressive is the fact it’s done in england (a place with a climate and population density least suited to any outdoor activity),
Thank you for sharing Mark, love your video's and humour. I'm 59 and been running for 12 yrs and reached a point now where being the best is not the end goal anymore, I just want to enjoy that race and be happy. I can totally relate to your journey. Thank you
I followed you into training seriously 6 months ago for cycling and wow, most people can’t understand how 12 hour weeks on the bike plus lifting starts to dominate your life. Cheers, great video
You have arrived at the point of being happy. This comes with age, well done on your achievements. I race in C in Zwift, tried for several years to get into B cat, by losing more weight. just too much commitment. Nearly 60, happy I'm fitter than most and get top 25% in C races
I used to do crit races. Got up a category and it just got too serious and not worth the time, money and effort. Just training and hitting numbers gave me more satisfaction.
Mark, thanks for re-finding your “channel groove”. The above average jumping into all kinds of events with minimal specific training is what got me to do much of the same. Fun.
I'm not an habitual commenter but Mark is one of the very few RU-vidrs that I now follow (on RU-vid of course, not like a stalker). I never get the feeling that Mark is trying to sell me anything or finance his lifestyle by endorsing expensive products, he's just trying to get the message across that being 'better' (fit, happy and pushing towards attainable goals) is a good thing so long as you understand the law of diminishing gains and that all things need to be in balance. Very refreshing.
Thanks for this so inspiring I’m currently 20 stone and cycling to lose weight 3 years ago I was 23 stone in June I’m doing a 134 mile ride to raise money for prostate cancer , my win will be completing it and raising money for a good cause. So nice to have someone who doesn’t always say you have to be the best, you just need to be the best version of yourself
Love the message on this one mark and really enjoy your perspective on fitness and personal improvement. You are the much needed voice in the sea of unhinged fitness influencers.
Keeping it real is great to see and a refreshing change from the usual fitness channels. I really relate to the message that we can all achieve great things with a little bit of effort and that’s the message I’ve taken from all your videos. Good to see you back to the positive message for everyone.
I completely agree with your take! It’s refreshing to hear common sense of a good balance of fitness and nutrition with life to be in a healthy spot, not obsessed with winning any given sport. Love the variety and enjoy the fitness journey!!
One of your best pieces of content. So relatable. I’ve sucked the life out of so many pursuits by always setting myself harder and harder goals. I’ve ditched all the apps and devices and just do it for the enjoyment and benefits.
One of your best videos, for me! The amount of times that I laughed at the usual clips - the timing of them was perfection (sliding off the bike, the speed walk etc. 😂)! And so well summed up at the end. Entertaining and informative as usual. Nice one, Mark.
Hi Mark, I love your videos. Funny and realistic. I opted for surgery in may and have gone from 205 kg(32. 5 stone) and as of from today am 136kg (21.5 stone). I feel amazing and definitely the best decision I have ever made. Could of never done it by myself. Alot of rugby injuries have gone away and hope to play a bit of tip rugby with my daughters this summer. Your videos are constant inspiration to me. Thank you 👍
In 2022 I shed an bunch of weight and got in a good standard of fitness- '23 i got into weight training and made many mistakes gaining too much bulk and massively disregarding real functional fitness. So starting a fresh, know I can dig in and achieve my goals and become better than average
Injuries are the thing 12 months ago at the age of 49 a set about becoming the best triathlete I could be. Even though I have achieved becoming the best I have ever been I have also been what feels like permanently injured.
Whatever you decide to do next will be amazing and the videos will be fantastic, because sharing the process with your humor, wit and creativity are what really make the channel so much fun. You do you (and the family), have fun, and we’ll keep watching!
Reminds me of my bike racing ‘career’. There’s a point where the juice just isn’t worth the squeeze in amateur sport. Time, money, travel, being hungry, picking up colds.
See, this is a much more heart-warming one than the "I'm inevitably about to do my Parkrun PB; and when I do I'm never running one again; the journey is over" video. Love watching you doing all these different events in a fun and interesting just to do them way.
And this is exactly why I watch Mark Lewis ! So relatable and to the point. Came across Mark on a running video while I was getting back into it. Had the notion I was above average due to some decent fitness as a teenager ( no I couldn’t go back like Marty ) So fitness started kicking in running only. Then seen this thing called zwift and after a week of looking at zwift compatible equipment another mark video came up. Mark does zwift ? Mine blown and went over a lot of old videos. Nearly get a life level, I think it hit peak engrossed when I started calling my partner Jenna and started only responding to Mark .. Back on point Mark started becoming less relatable on newer videos. Still decent and interesting but it wasn’t Mark. Where’s the family loving man who crushes his kids RU-vid influencer dreams for breakfast ? Here he is ! That’s my boy blue ! Now slap up a new alp du zwift video and do a park run. Maybe tip over the son’s kayak if he passes you and Nickson.
You (we) can get more fit but maybe just not *faster* at what you have already done but you can still do an ultra-marathon if you have never done one. It's a different kind of fitness. I'm 69 and I'm still setting PR's on trail run/walks. I can now run up a 1 mile hill that I could not run 25 yards up a year ago and I'm even 20 lbs heavier. Two weeks ago I did a 30 mile hike in 9 hrs . . . last time I did that it took 12 hrs and that was 4.5 years ago
@@ithinkthereforeitalk935 LOL . . . I hope not. I'm now training for a 1,000 mile backpacking trip on the PCT from the California border through Oregon and Washington up the the Canada border. I hope it's only about 50 days because that's about all the time I have for it in one season.
Thank you Mark for this video. I came to this realisation over the last few weeks. Although I didn't get as fit as you I went through my HYROX obsessed year and a half and got fitter than ever before at age 51. But and it's a big but I wasn't happy even though I shaved half an hour off my time. I felt constantly not good enough and needing to push more and exhausted myself. Put that with a horrendous flu like virus that had me floored for 4 weeks I decided for this year to focus on health happiness and wellbeing. I'll still focus on fittness but more rounded and include my mental health which has suffered over the last 6 months. This video just confirmed what I've been feeling and I want to thank you for the time and effort you have put in to very articulately put Into words how I have been feeling. It was brave of you to drop out and I respect you for it. Looking forward to this year seeing how it pans out all the best Mark ❤
Great video Mark. Was an avid watcher for a while and really enjoyed the above average motto, something I try to be myself. I remember noticing your videos were becoming a little to Pro'ey for me 😂 and started to disconnect from the videos. He's got a trainer now, he's upping the exercises, I'm getting left behind again. I think it's important that you've spoken about how much effort it took to get where you went athlete wise and your the only person I've seen who gives the honest workout - normal life balance explanation. Well done on getting as far as you did.
So glad I came across this as I was nearly sucked into the RU-vid intensity of doing better being better making myself feel worthless if I wasn't going above and beyond...but now its like whoa that was a close shave just watch what I need and walk away and keep going with just being active cos I'm still lapping everyone on there couch. Just getting up and lacing up your shoes is an amazing feat in itself.
Thank you for this video, its touched home with me as recently I have been thinking I need to chose one activity rather than Running, Cycling, Swimming, Weight training, Hiking, OCR's in order to become the best that I can be in any one of the above, but I am currently really happy with what I'm currently doing, so I think ill carry on with the small improvements that I'm seeing in my over all performance in the above (performance that great for me from where I was 18 months ago, but not going to hit any podiums any time soon and I'm fine with that fact ) I'm at the low end of the scale with just aiming for a sub 3 hour half marathon next month, but as I started, that is a huge achievement personally.
Thank you for being honest. I feel the same way about everything; I am trying to perform but I'm not about to give up my wife and kids and personal happiness just for the pride of being "on top".
AGAIN, another absolute best video from you Mark. I don't know how you do it, but it's better EVERY time. Love this one, spot on with the attitude we all love from you. Congrats, have fun, Old American Lady.
This video made me subscribe. You’re great, funny, and inspiring. Definitely nice to help keep motivating myself to get in better shape. But this video sealed the deal when you talked about quitting and bringing it back to what you enjoy. That reality check was the most honest and sobering part of fitness videos I’ve come across. Thank you
Love this. Honest reflection. Sometimes it isnt worth the pure pursuit of excellence at the cost of everything else in your life. A humbling real message for people in the new year. Big up, love this channel and this take
Absolutely brilliant, theirs far too many people in the online fitness world pushing the "sacrifice everything to be the best at 1 thing" message which isn't sustainable much less enjoyable for the vast majority of people, if your training and nutrition put you in a position where you can approach most physical events and believe you'll do alright at it and not be crippled afterwards and have the body confidence to shag with the lights on you're far more likely to be happier than the person who will settle for nothing less than perfection in one area
This is what I like about your channel, honesty and seeing what is important, there will always be someone better than you and the mountain top is somewhere you can only visit but not stay at
Right on Mark! Love your ulta videos, the scenery and your commentary, is very enjoyable, and is motivating for me, to keep my goals on track. Thank you, for your videos!
Agreed! It’s the difference between posting something online showing you are beating everyone at something, versus doing a bunch of things you really enjoy, and can probably do a lot of those with friends/family. You will get way more out of the latter.
I dont know how you ended up on my yt feed yesterday but im glad you did. You are motivational but not oreachy. Your added humor to your journey makes your videos bunge worthy. Thank you.
Congratulations on your new found perspective. I too am now over 50 years old and enjoy training semi-seriously to stay “somewhat” competitive but always trying my best to balance family, work, fitness, and happiness. It sounds like you have found your balance - well done!
I think this is a great perspective that we need more of on social media. So much of what people is influencers who are elite athletes and who can afford to spend all their time and energy focused on their athletic performance telling them that they have to do the same in order to be good enough. Helping people to improve is wonderful, but most of us can't and shouldn't expect to be exactly like elite athletes. Instead we should be focused on doing things that are beneficial and enjoyable within reason given all the other things people have going on!
I’m 52 and reasonably fit, not excessive as I used to be but I’ve learnt a few things during that time, cycling is fun and makes you fit, don’t do a diet with food you don’t like or you won’t sustain it, and just live in the moment, try and enjoy life and don’t give a toss what others think 😊
Mark I just want to say that I love your content - you blend humor with real vulnerability in an awesome way. Over the last year I’ve lost about 14kg - combination of cardio and weights and I resonate with pressure of having a partner who 😑 at me tracking my calories. It was good to hear someone else say that! All the best Mark! Catch you in the next video
Hi Mark, I have seen many of your uploads and I have greatly appreciated them. I also appreciate your videos with your wife. I am proud of you both. I think you have finally made a wise decision. I am 65 myself, but I am in the same situation. I have to climb out of a deep valley, but I will achieve my goals. I hope you will continue to post many uploads, because you and your wife are a great inspiration to many.
The first step is to get where you aren't getting injured so that you can enjoy it. My current goal is to condition back to this point, as for the last 14 months I have been dealing with a variety of issues, most I have never experienced. Without the ability to be consistent, there is no joy or improvement. I somehow tore my hamstring 2.5km into a Parkrun, well after I had settled into a comfortable pace. My goal is to slowly progress over the coming months and manage all issues as best as I can.
I don't even know what to make of it! I'll have to rewatch a good 2-3 more times. 1 month away from the big event after so much investment... Absolutely wild! Truly a sense of "it's the journey" being the true emphasis in being above average.
Cheers mate to being honest with yourself. It is hard with all that outside pressure and some people with their blind focus. Wish you the best and middle of the pack is always a nice place to be. There is always someone looking up to you & someone you can chase if you so desire.
The reason I watch your videos because of the above average idea. I give you credit for realizing what is important in your life. Keep enjoying your life on your terms. That is my philosophy. Thanks
I knew I was on my way when I graduated from the lamppost system to the fire hydrant system. I thought of your "above average" mantra when I came in just over 2 hours on my first ever half marathon yesterday. I know full well sometime (probably this spring) I'll get sub 2 hours. I may never get sub 1 hr 30 min, but I'll head in that direction and be proud of my progress. Hurray for (slightly) above average!
14:50. This is the "secret" to happiness in life. Excellence isn't being #1 at something or being good at standards defined by others. It's achieving the aspirations you set for yourself and having the wisdom to abandon them when they are unhealthy or no longer fulfill you. Comparison is the thief of joy. If you aren't enjoying the process along the journey, you're doing it wrong. So glad you recognized this and refused the siren call of ego.
@@derrickmickle5491 you didn't provide any examples, but I feel moreso, if you don't succeed at end goal and get heavily injured you look back in sorrow - otherwise, you'll look back at it swimming in glory and with a smile on your face :)
Amazingly inspiring video. You seem to have ended up about the same as I did after I overdid my cycling: Enjoying an active life and having fun without sacrificing too much of the time with the family. "Balance". Works super well for me. Good luck Mark!
Thanks for the motivation and the laughs, Mark. Few things on RU-vid make me laugh as consistently as your self-deprecating retrospectives on the fast walking session. Great stuff.
Thank you for sharing your inspirng journey. I wish more people would realize that if they are not intentional and don't take time to visualize what they really want, they might spend too much time and energy pursuing wrong goals. We can often see this in the fitness industry. Of course, it's good to challenge your beliefs and test your boundaries. That's the part of the game, but if we are not mindful about it, we can spend years going the wrong direction.
Bloody well done at working this one out..back to above average and looking at being content/happy. Exercise for fun is the answer for me. Doing my best at being good enough to be happy at what I'm doing. A run for the enjoyment of running, a 'hard enough' bike ride with a friend. Great video again. Thanks
Being a guy who is similar in age, I have to say there is a lot to be said about piece of mind. I finished 8th in my age group and although I'm striving to be top 5, being #1 isn't worth the cost for me. I enjoy being above average but just average isn't a bad place to be. Lets go!
It's hard to target results, because it depends A LOT on who your competitors are, something you can't control. If 10 people give it all they have to become top 5, half of them will not make it.
What a wonderfully honest and realistic video (as well as funny). As a guy approaching his fiftieth year (way too fast for my liking) and having had 6 months off any sort of real training, this has really helped me focus on where I want to be in terms of fitness goals. Great content Mark, thank you. 😝🤘
I think they key is to find something you love doing and then doing it as often as you can. Set yourself long term and short term goals that stretch you a bit, and only get obessed by them if you want to.
Thanks for sharing, Mark, and congrats on all you’ve achieved. Not just in terms of fitness, but also in figuring out what matters most to you and the ones you care about out. Keep up the good work!
HUGE congrats Mark, both on your journey and this vid! I've been a big fan of your content for a while now - it's the perfect blend of excellent advice, awesome humour and straight-talking that makes you one of the best in your field. Well done mate
Love your approach to fitness, your insight into the journey and your humility in showing all parts of it. Always love your videos Mark, look forward to them every time I see them!
