I Trained PROPERLY For 60 Days - But Am I Happy?

[@MarkLewisfitness]

I've achieved Above Average performance dissatisfaction 😂 Anyone else got better...felt worse? 🤣🤪

[@connorjoe579]

joe momma

[@DarenC]

I've never had enough drive to explore the "what if". A few goals ticked off - go sub-7 for 2k on the erg (did it once), run a marathon (did it once), ride the Fred Whitton (rode it twice) - but that's about it. A lot of goals I completely failed or gave up on, mind (close a CoC 2 gripper for one). I know my limits - of enthusiasm, if not performance 🤣🤣

[@JK-tv1px]

Yes Mark. Always enjoyed the sweet spot based of my natural ability. Started running seriously and despite actually running 'decent' times I'm less happy than when I was running slower (but I was still fast). I think when you put so much into it, it becomes much more important to your self worth and that's the trap

[@peartreedu]

I'm very results oriented, so it's not hard for me to become fixated by fitness / nutritional goals. I take satisfaction out of achieving those goals and setting the new ones. However... in the back of my mind has always been the thought, "This isn't sustainable. How the hell am I going to do this when I'm 40, 50, etc?" Now, I'm also 50 and I can still do much of what I did when I was 20, but I don't look like I did when I was 20, so that's a bit depressing. Also, sustaining those goals for 20+ years hasn't been possible, due to life disruptions (starting a business, growing that business, travelling, becoming a parent) and loss of motivation. So, is it worth getting in and staying in fantastic shape? It depends on your goals and your life circumstances. For my wedding / honeymoon? You betcha! For busy times of the year? Good shape is good enough for me these days, and I'm learning to accept that I while I still lift decent weights for my body size and do a good amount of cardio / HIIT, I'll never really look like those 20 year olds in the gym who, frustratingly, don't even seem to do anything while they're in there to get those physiques. I'm trying to find the sweet spot where I can get down to a weight that I look great while maintaining some muscle (which isn't easy these days) while still living a life with my wife and kid. I never get that right, and I get angry with myself when I knowingly less myself go, because I know how hard it was to get to that point.

[@crankgreenwatts]

Personally, apart from those years past, in my 40s I was pretty good .. In my teens was GBR level .. Now in 50s am finding it harder; but why? This week 200 miles on Zwift including races but damn ManFlu kicked in 😂 I've had a TRX fitted in the pain cave now so will I use it 🤔 Yes, because a friend sorted it out for me, and that will provide the impetus to do so. I have some goals but life also takes over and with rising bills focus has to change 🤬 I cannot think of not being involved in Sport but darn it does get harder.

[@choochoo9506]

Mark, I'm one of those little old ladies. 61yo. You helped take me from my comfy couch with a 29 BMI and unable to walk the SLIGHT uphill grade to my mailbox with out panting, to a 24.3 BMI jogging a 5K a couple of times a week and daily 'warming up' with a 2 mile jog before my weights. It took 4 months, but it was WORTH it, because of your simple approach, be Above Average..and now, I am. And very happy with it. Thanks, Mark! And good luck with your new/temporary regimen.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Brilliant to hear 🙏 makes this worth doing

[@RogueCylon]

Well done Jen, extending healthy life, rather than dying slowly on the couch. That’s awesome!❤

[@ianross225]

You’re not old! Ok, I’m 64 so I’m bound to say that. Good on you.

[@tridoc99]

That’s great!

[@ellleigh1216]

Every time I think, will he use that fast walking clip again? still makes me laugh

[@MarkLewisfitness]

It’s a tightrope of overuse v still gold 😂

[@connorjoe579]

@@MarkLewisfitness your mum is a tightrope of overuse, jk, love this bald fitness guy

[@firestara4830]

​​​@@connorjoe579You've made the same "Ur mama" joke three times on the same video, get some air Joe

[@DeanPattrick]

​@@MarkLewisfitnessstill comedy gold

[@dangleeballs8382]

@@connorjoe579you're not a nice person, you don't know the man but you make some thinly veiled insult about his Mum. Something I hate about social media, you can't punch someone in the face when they say something that deserves a punch in the face...

[@jakubpolewka1919]

I’ve run my first sub 30m 5k today. I know it’s nothing special, but for me it’s a step forward. Thanks for motivation! :-)

[@richardc316]

Getting a new PB is always amazing. Doesn't matter if it's 15 min or 50 min. Well done 👏, keep it up, and I'm sure there will be another one soon

[@mikalrain]

You'll do 60m 10k before the end of the month! And, yes, it is special. You're doing 10km/h for half an hour - not bad! I go running round a lake near an elite sports centre. This is the area with the highest education-level attainment in the country, which means people of all ages tend to be health-conscious and take the extra time to accomodate for sports. In my observation, most people run at 9km/t ±0.5, even those young, sporty couples in same-model track suits. The only ones faster are pro and semi-pro athletes in their 20s and those crazy obsessed 50-year olds running for their life. Whatever 30+ minute jog you can do at 10km/h is good! Cheers.

[@saintsaens21]

Well done m8.

[@matez8355]

great job man, keep going at it 💪🏃

[@julianpenfold1638]

"Comparison is the thief of joy" - put that on a t-shirt. It's been an interesting journey for me to discover the right balance between working at something to be able to see improvement and becoming obsessed to the point where it's no longer fun. My preference and passion is activities that are more weighted towards developing skills and less about raw fitness and strength - it has always seemed to me that this leads to more enjoyment - but we're all different.

[@julianpenfold1638]

@@irfuel Excellent point; especially true if you learn when younger.

[@FitAfter50]

This video hits a certain spot for me and is why I stopped competitive AG Ironman racing. The end of your race and your thoughts are very relatable to what I would go through after every damn race. It did not matter if I finished 1st or 101st. The immediate thought was how can I get better? I did this for years and FINALLY at 50 I stopped. I stopped seriously training, being cached, dieting, constantly looking to improve, etc. I stopped cold turkey. Couple of months would pass and I tried racing again. Something weird happened, I walked during the run. Not because I was injured, simply because I did not want to put up with the pain of racing again. I was done. Looking back now, I should have maybe stopped after 10 Ironman races. I don't know however. I do know that I like where I am at now. I workout 7 times a week for about an hour. I swim bike and run when I feel like it. I eat sensibly and probably have too much wine. I am in a happy place fitness and health wise. A bit above average but a bit below where you are. Thanks for the great video and good luck going forward. Do it while you can but don't be a dick. Having that one meal with your wife, won't make a difference in your performance but it will make for a happy house hold and that will have a huge impact on your training. Good luck!

[@Emiljon]

It's sorta like an eating disorder, isn't it? Endurance Bigorexia perhaps.

[@FitAfter50]

@@Emiljon it sort of is. Even if you win you can find a way to go faster. Save a minute here and there. I needed my wife to set me straight once in a while. Told me to get over myself. This was regardless or good or bad race or training day. That why I told Mark not to be a dick.

[@murielsamuels4370]

❤

[@tomfunk4134]

Very refreshing having someone being super fit, dedicated - and still down to earth. That‘s an enormous differentiator to 99% other utubers. Kept it up, Mark.

[@paulw677]

“Always hungry” and “comparison is thief of joy” rings loud and clear. Training can be a tightrope at times. Love you videos and your self deprecating humour

[@Cpchurch87]

Hey Mark. Currently using your videos as inspiration. I’m a fit 36 year old, who got completely floored by Covid and spent 2 months needing an inhaler to walk up a flight of stairs. Thankfully I’m all clear now but struggling to get the motivation to get back to where I was. Thanks for the content as always, it’s really helpful

[@richardwells4370]

Just landed on your channel, you seem like a humble Bloke ,, I was really into spinning, swimming , and a bit of planking , all for my slalom waterskiing , then in December my stage 4 cancer struck , oh Shit !!!!, but after 4 rounds of double drip immunotherapy , I eat loads of Doughnuts to get my weight back on it was 82 kg but went down to 66 kg .sort of recovered m back up to 90 lengths front crawl, longer time on the bike and 5 minute planks followed by a 3 minute planks ,I intend to extend this ,, I don’t follow any sports , but love exercise , and know how important it is . Keep it up 👍👍

[@Finely_shredded]

Thank you for the honest feedback on how this journey makes/is making you feel. I really enjoy the honesty and relatability you provide in your videos

[@jamiepike6909]

I won my age group in one of the less known New York Half Marathons, the organiser and other competitors were so happy for me and all I could think was I missed my target by 12 seconds. Thinking back I must have sounded like a whinging jerk. It was a PB, but I was gutted. Having targets you don’t hit take the joy out of everything even when you achieve more than you ever have before.

[@georgeharrold2986]

Hi! Your channel inspired me to partake in my first 50K Ultra (having never done more than about 30K before). And I literally just finished it a few hours ago! I was pretty slow, but so happy that it's done and accomplished. 🥳😄 Just wanted to say thank you! 😊😊

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Awesome - 50 K is probably my favourite distance event

[@alaskahudson]

@georgeharrold2986, I am doing my first 50km race in 13 days. I mostly feel ready. I have done one HM, six months ago and that's my race history. My goal is to finish, much like Mark's partner did a few months back.

[@garrydye2394]

You had me at "I pay for it all myself." I think you are the last youtuber that has not whoored himself out to sponsorhips. Well done.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Yep - I have a standard email that goes out AT LEAST once a day to companies, simply stating "I make videos, not adverts". We turn down tens of thousands of pounds a year - but on the upside, I don't have to see myself trying to sell somebody else's tat, which would cause me to punch myself in the face repeatedly. Swings & roundabouts. 😂

[@JD-gi4nv]

Fitness is a journey without an end. It is dotted with self chosen destination's. Skinny place, fat place, 10k place, weight loss place, CrossFit place, donut place. Your videos show your journey and what can be if we choose a similar path. Very entertaining and motivational.

[@piermariapinter3024]

Hi Mark, your videos are possibly the best ones when it comes to fitness. Your content strikes in a different way, you make it clear: this is what works for you and it may not apply to others, it does not feel that you are trying to sell us fried air or repetitive, boring stuff. Nevertheless, you manage to get us to rethink how we train, and this is spectacular! Good luck with your quest for excellence! (BTW, I have no interest in comparing you with others, “comparison is the thief of joy”, rather just want to say thank you for the content you make.”)

[@craigtaylor9770]

Hi Mark. I've recently come back to the channel after some time away and I'm so glad I did. Love the content, I find it very relatable. I was a very healthy, contented runner until 18 months ago, almost 30 years running, I found it great for mind and body (maybe not knees). back to 18 months ago, a small, strange, feeling in my leg at the end of a PB 10k attempt turned in to a progressive neurological issue and an end to my running career some 9 month later. After another 9 months of not being able to bear watching anyone else running of exercising, I'm now trying to pick myself up... hence coming back to the channel. Now, I'm trying to just to work out what my new normal is and how 'above average' relates to me. I'm not debilitated, but much compromised compared to my peak, but watching your (and Jen's) content has at least inspired me to get back on the horse and see what's possible. keep up the great work.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Welcome back 🙏

[@jerrymwamburi294]

Honestly speaking, slacking a little then going back with vengeance to above average is a vicious cycle that I like. Enjoy the good things that life has to offer( donuts), then suffer shedding that goodness. Pain and plessure.

[@adeelcyril3339]

This channel is Gold!! Nothing like it Mark. Being 49, funny thing is that I can somehow relate. Time for the popcorn. 👌

[@boshiken4914]

Always enjoy your content. I’m in my early 50’s and currently super focused on my running and diet. Gotta use it or lose it…

[@AlexFuturemark]

Dude, I absolutely love your content, keep it up!!! Down 13lbs in 2 months taking a similar approach right now

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Keep it up 🙏

[@belwynne1386]

I like your ability to keep perspective whatever the goal. The example can apply to goals of any kind. Will you be filming more fell runs with Nixon and Jenna? They are favorites, too.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Yep - it gets too hot in the summer but will get some in the diary. Will be something we jump into a lot after I finish this process in Jan and the late winter/early spring is a great time for it.

[@vincent7390]

Absolutely fantastic video. 👌 love your "sweet spot" analogy. I was a competitive amateur bodybuilder some years back (very average). Dieting for comps have probably been the most boring, frustrating and un exciting times of my life. The results were plain to see to people looking at me....but the misery was not. I know aim for the sweet spot on a daily basis, and am much happier for it.

[@TheGoodwill123]

1 month ago I tried "slow running"(MAF/Zone 2), rather surprisingly I liked it. Now I'm able to run longer & more often. I feel happy & are more refreshed after a run. I would never had thought happiness would increase that much by running slow 😅 Thank you for great content & the motivation it brings☺

[@S9999Frank]

Have done the same, seems like an excellent way to get into running with less chance of injury, and less fatigue.

[@Will00110]

Yeah running seems fun I just don’t seem to get fitter fast enough for cross country 😢will do long term 100%

[@chrisboyne5791]

Might give that a go. Just off a 6 month HIIT block and need to put together something to keep me ticking over through winter. I get asthma if I run in cold air but I bet I could slow run.

[@jamesgalbraith5011]

Love your honesty, humility, and humour!!

[@RMILLSMMA]

I remember reading a quote once to the effect of 'that those who we look up too for being incredible at something have probably sacrificed huge other areas of their life to get good at this one thing!' ... and it's true.

[@SweatyyBrit]

Very much enjoyed this honest video, subbed and looking forward to watching more content 👍

[@joshcheez611]

Ran my second 10k race yesterday with a target of 55 minutes (going off Garmin estimates) and shocked myself with a 50:39 finish. I'm really enjoying this stage of my fitness journey as there are constant targets that I can strive for. I can imagine in the future when I have marathons and triathlons behind me it might be harder to find that same satisfaction. Will be curious to see where this journey continues to take you and if there's more for me to learn from it

[@matthewcarpenter6241]

Been subscribed to this channel for a very long time, and the content gets better and better! I have let myself get considerably below average, so time to get as above average as possible for a half marathon next may!

[@danielheltberg6202]

Hey thanks Mark for this video. I’ve been average for a long time and never thought I could be anything more. Recently, I’ve been pushing further and surprising myself. What is incredible, and you hit it on the head, is that as I get better at my sport (ultimate frisbee), the more dissatisfied I am with my own performance. That said, I’m ok with that for now. Best of luck in your above averageness. I hope to see you there in 15 years or so

[@michaelregan427]

Thanks for sharing your results Mark, this conclusion makes a lot of sense. I devoted my life to bodybuilding in my late teens through mid 20s. Relatively no partying, vodka was the only thing I'd go near, only grilled chicken, cheat meals once every 6 weeks. I learned a lot about discipline but was pretty down on myself whenever I was at my leanest. Fast forward to happiest, still hitting the gym at 60-70% intensity with a girlfriend who also likes the gym but enjoys a few cheat meals per week. Much more sustainable and healthier in the long term. Our relationship with fitness should be a positive one, not one that leaves us beating ourselves up constantly. Few years ago I twisted my ankle running and it took 3 months to be able to walk over a half mile again without it swelling up significantly. I was under 4,000 steps per day. You can't (well you probably can) imagine the joy I had the first time I went for a run without pain/swelling.

[@gymtard]

At 41 you are a big inspiration to those over 35 crowd and I appreciate your content for that

[@Bobman808]

Your honesty is very refreshing! Keep up the great vids!

[@clydewilson8108]

Great sane advice thank you ...and the silly walk is nearly priceless

[@radiokilledthe]

This is refreshingly honest, and seriously comforting ..because I’m now 47 and was at ‘my best fitness’ up until 4 yrs ago when due to Covid & then becoming a father I ‘retired’ from competitive boxing. Waving goodbye to ‘peak fitness’ was hard ..not as hard as being a parent btw! ..but nonetheless very hard. I’ve felt a tinge of guilt ever since, with a want to return back to ‘peak fitness’ but realistically knowing I won’t/can’t ..and it’s always dogged me. Until watching this and realising that actually I just need to be happy not having to make weight anymore, ticking over at the local gym, enjoying the odd donut …and being above average. Thanks Mark. Ps, Subscribed …mainly for the dry wit

[@michaelgriffin267]

Mark, great stuff as usual. You mentioned about not partnering with any brands, and I wanted to let you know how fresh and different this makes your content these days.

[@7XDDM]

Hey man you help keep me motivated every time I see your videos. As someone who is physically handicapped, I know that I'll never get to your level, but it's inspiring to continue to hear be the best version of YOU. Keep up the inspirational work.

[@ocbyn]

Love the honesty of this sort of content. I find you very inspiring.

[@Gran_Torino]

You motivated me to get back to consistent exercising, in I recently finished the Oslo Marathon 10k in 38:57 minutes - my first sub 40 10k in over two years. Cheers mate!

[@jeffinthesnow]

Epic humor + Above average fitness = excellent content

[@jaimeblack1477]

Your edits are too funny, on point, and make your videos fly by : )

[@Prllnbk]

Mark, thank you for your honesty and hard work. You are going to finish those 6 months, because that's what above average means. Keep pushing!!

[@OregonPete]

Hi Mark... not to side track this... I had always been a decent golfer among my friends, but certainly not good. Anyway, I took lessons for the first time last winter and have improved significantly... I whole hardheadedly understand that feeling the feeling of finishing a round of golf and scoring better than I ever have and thinking how I still need to improve the way I did that one shot. I am not having any more fun than I was before (I almost always have a blast out there either way), but am playing significantly better... its odd! Keep up the great work on here, you are a great personality!

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Reason I never played golf - I thought I'd get obsessed 😂

[@JibbaJabber]

Who cares about fun. Take even more lessons - they need you at the next Ryder Cup!

[@kathleenbolanos]

I get this for sure. I got super lean over the winter and then ended up burning out and binging myself past where I'd maintained for over a year. I've gotten back to where I'm comfortable and now know just to maintain and not over reach

[@hulkthedane7542]

Both funny, honest and on the point 👍. The "making content" part of it works!

[@jassaljs]

Love your sprinkling of humour in such a serious video!!

[@MarkLewisfitness]

🙏

[@nickyconnolly1380]

Awesome video, thanks mark. I have a pernicious habit of wanting to get to the right end of that bell curve in most things, and it does sap happiness and enjoyment (and has led to burnout a few times). This was a helpful call to moderate that instinct and achieve more in a holistic sense.

[@yannickdevisscher1391]

Hi Mark, when i first started watching your channel i got inspired to run. Your positive vibes and sometimes funny jokes entertained me a lot. I just got home from running my first half marathon in under 2 hours and it would not have been possible without you. I wanted to thank you for this and keep up the great content. Greetings Yannick (from Belgium)

[@MarkLewisfitness]

That is awesome! Although - "sometime" funny???? 😂

[@yannickdevisscher1391]

@@MarkLewisfitnesscouldn’t suck up too much am i right?

[@glennkeppel9836]

Above average funny. @@MarkLewisfitness

[@daniaaal]

@@MarkLewisfitness your humour is above average, Mark 😜

[@Alaskanbrawl]

I’m here for the honesty Mark. Great video.

[@paulelverstone8677]

There is always a lot of relateablity in your vids. I'm 54 and gave up trying my hardest some time ago - now I just try hard enough to be happy. Happiness while trying hard is important because without it, you wouldn't try hard at all. But happily trying hard keeps your motivation and maintains you're on the right side of that bell curve. The rest of it doesn't matter imho. I had my best shot about 25yrs ago and I look on those times fondly - I did alright. Partly from the achievement and partly because I don't have to do that again...

[@FitLawyerK]

Here I am, sitting getting ready for a race in a week, looking for inspiration to achieve more, Let’s Gooo Mark!!!

[@SUF-py4ix]

You need to be having fun no matter what you do. I know I don’t like cold water, I don’t need an ice bath to remind me. I recall a time 34 years ago when I jumped in the sea a bit early in the season even for the Mediterranean. Took my breath away, I struggled to get out for a few minutes. It’s never been repeated

[@kovra777]

Hi Mark, I got to your channel by looking for tips for my first OCR and I gotta say I love your autenticity. If I understood correctly you said you don't do commercial collaboration. Speaking for me solely I wouldn't mind you doing promotional content as long as it's labelled correctly, I wouldn't feel as something negative and surely helps pay the bills. all the best anyway, good luck with your journey!

[@spacewren]

He does patreon I think

[@glennkeppel9836]

Spot on. He should at least be getting something from Hirox.

got my first indoor bike, 100% wouldn't done that without watching your videos... above average is where I wanna get, on the one hand, I have friends who run spartan races, maratons... on the other, I still have over 120kg and I'm slow as snail, but progress is there, that's all that counts for now

[@SimonWilliamsTutor]

I definitely agree with your closing comment about leaving the sweet spot and pushing for the summit. I decided a few months back to lose some weight to see how it affects my race times (after all physics simply doesn't care about how great you feel in a larger body). I've lost 5kg so far and just broken my parkrun PB and gone under 21 mins for the first time ever - and I truly believe now that sub 20 is possible. I'm also very confident of getting my first ever sub-45 10k this weekend too. So, cutting back on all the sweets, biscuits, crisps, chocolate etc hasn't been easy, but it's definitely been worth it!

[@christianf.8973]

The question is , if you feel happier in general. Sure it helped your racing time, but how does it for example infect your social life or do you go through the day with constant hunger? you maybe feel depressed because have to leave the snacks?

[@SimonWilliamsTutor]

@@christianf.8973 The hunger is somewhat annoying at times - but it's really just a question of choosing healthy snacks to tide me over until the next meal time. No real effect on my social life as I don't go out much (a wife and two kids under 10 will put pay to going out drinking for the most part). I just tend to remind myself how much healthier I'm feeling, think back to the moments where I got my recent 5k and 10k PBs (I did 43:47 BTW) and also look ahead to my next treat day - that helps with motivation when I'm feeling hungry!

[@yt-Sem]

Mark, you make the most awesome fitness content! You get across a decent kind of motivation and constantly make me giggle out of relatability! Keep up the above average work! ;)

[@NoName-ql1wk]

Always get so much joy from the snippets of your walking challenge. Looks exactly like me trying to make it to the loo when turtleheading.

[@DicksonMaimouth]

Mark’s timing and delivery always leave me impressed-to say nothing of his level of fitness. Bravo!

[@DicksonMaimouth]

@@dimitar297 what would you like it to be, loverboy?

[@DicksonMaimouth]

@@dimitar297 let’s just say you’ll have a lingering taste of warm meat in your mouth for days to come.

[@AdamCG1985]

Great video as always......just after your "wit" thats all. 😂 Started this running thing 6 months ago, following your journey and now moving to 10km distances. I'm competing against myself but use others as a little motivation. Cheers.

[@bendigeidfranemmanueljones5694]

I did a 3:05 marathon yesterday, which was over an hour faster than last century. But then I trained for this one. It was less effort than the other one, where I was hanging on 'heroically'. This one I was mostly thinking 'that's about the right pace' etc. I spoke to the broom wagon man today and he said a diabetic 'unfit' lady, weaving from early on, kept going for over 8 hrs to finish. That's just so much more impressive isn't it. I didn't try nearly as hard as that.

[@TheHutchRuns]

Great video Mark, always enjoy your videos and take a lot from them

[@jackhayes8478]

Very informative video Mark! Thanks for this :)!

[@1carus1]

Great vid, as always. Appreciate your honesty. I believe the pot of gold is not always at the end of the rainbow so the most important thing is to enjoy the journey. Stay hard.

[@richardsims457]

Love the videos and your sense of humour!!

[@robws007]

Very interesting, your best videos are the self-reflection ones. Thanks for posting.

[@wrusst]

Maybe when you are finished this project maybe do a cheap edition. Where you use cheap trainers and highly accessible exercise to show a low bar into fitness and see what the progress is Vs the super expensive option. Park runs Vs hyrox , decathlon trainers Vs vaporflys , PT app Vs PT, cheap protein sources and diet etc

[@MarkLewisfitness]

thats coming - I'll tell you now....ParkRun over Hyrox anyday for long term well being!

[@kerrynball2734]

I got 650km out of my first $15 k-mart running shoes before I decided that I might be really going to continue on with it. I'm now at about the same distance on their $200 replacement shoes, and really it's not about the shoes. It's about getting out and going.

[@heated6344]

Great video Mark. I’m struggling to be consistent with diet and working out. Your videos are motivating me for sure! Keep up the good work. Good luck with your journey!

[@markkg1973]

Great content spoken with truth, keep up the good work.💪🏻💪🏻

[@19todd87]

Thanks for making your videos funny and approachable. The cutaways are always hilarious, especially that Gandalf one

[@MarkLewisfitness]

thank s- fun is the number 1 aim !

[@robthewaywardwoodworker9956]

Mark, I do love your sense of humour. Thanks for the video. Looking great, mate!

[@briansenez7718]

What you said about not letting yourself enjoy the results of your hard work is 100% true. One year I got a coach and was training super hard, weighing my food and counting calories. All that stuff. Super lean, constantly hungry, 2-3 workouts per day. I finished 3rd in a local sprint distance triathlon but didn't let myself enjoy it at all. Just immediately thought about what I needed to change to improve. The process itself can be very satisfying, I love to see the changes in my body as I get leaner. But it's important to allow yourself to be happy about steps forward. I think this is important to retain long term discipline.

[@alexanderwalter2700]

Great video mate, i found int really interesting and entertaining. I look forward to your next update on this particular project.

[@Jakettaylor]

0:02thanks Mark, given me a bit more motivation to train for my “ 10 marathons in 10 days in Dec”- I’ve done it before and did 10 x 27 Malinke “ultras” then in 2020 in between COVID lockdowns I did 10 x 50Ks in 10 days which was epic and I was going to coast the next one but now I think I’ll try train harder to get 10 x “decent ultras” (more than 50K) in 10 days!! Would love a PT but I’m doing fine as I Am I think as a recreational runner! Always tempted though. Love your videos- you have a very good sense of hubris and you editing references are excellent- we all don’t ever want a Christopher Walker moment!

[@timharmoni1846]

Am I lucky or stupid? That brought a big chuckle. Lots of food for thought for us older 'athletes' in this video. Cheers Mark.

[@Erin60147]

Thanks for the inspirational fitness content and the humor too😊

[@robertsilver1296]

Man, I enjoy your videos. I really hope you achieve 1st place at Hyrox, and I’m really excited to see December and February videos!

[@melissaheaton1789]

Great video. Makes me feel like I should work a little harder at my own stuff…. Video was meaningful and funny at the same time. Loved it

[@morgankendall6891]

As someone who pushes myself quite hard with my training in my running, I can definitely somewhat relate to the issue of never being satisfied. I think partially I am just naturally competitive but I am always disappointed with anything that isn't 1st place (or a PB), even though in most races I am not at the level yet to be guaranteed a decent chance at 1st. I think it's just when you push yourself so hard and you feel like you are doing more than anyone else, not coming back with a 1st place result can feel like a kick in the butt. Having said that, my drive to win things and improve myself is always so high I am willing to make the sacrifices to do it, but understandably not so many are! Good luck with the rest of your journey!

[@zonefreakman]

The dissatisfaction you feel with not getting first place might come from comparing yourself with others. Example is that one race you get 3rd. The next race you train harder and hit faster times for yourself. But this next race now you get 5th because there were a different set of people this time. But your personal time is better.

[@morgankendall6891]

@@zonefreakman Oh I am more than aware that it's because I compare myself with others, my point was I think that comparison issue comes into play when you start excessively going for it and training harder than normal people could and should 😂 Although don't get me wrong, PBs do still make me very very happy. Mainly this issue comes in cross country races and other races where Pbs aren't on the cards

[@mikeh5629]

Love your honesty…. I’ve always said, for me to get my results I have to keep myself on the edge of hunger. To get leaner, It’s all about a caloric deficit.

[@robertclarkson6064]

Thank you 👍👍👍. I look forward to the updates. Stay strong 💪💪💪

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Will do!

[@danny-boyjoshus1058]

Hi Mark, i'd love an in depth episode on how you manage your cravings and calorie deficit, eg, how do you know calories from home cooked meal?

[@glennkeppel9836]

Fantastic vid Mark. I'm very interested in what you're doing and to see what you get out of it. Good luck

[@billstrahan4791]

Just an observation, I think you can achieve this without being hungry all the time. Obviously what you're doing works, but I don't think approaches that require constant application of willpower will stand the test of time. Ideally, if you eat in a way that doesn't create cravings then willpower isn't a constant need, just an occasional moment here and there. Love your videos! I identify with much of it, at 56 I can't touch your aerobic efforts but I do have the strength. I celebrated my 56th birthday with 56 ring muscleups for time. Hoping to beat my time when I turn 57.

[@dotcomboss72]

How long did that 56 take.?

[@billstrahan4791]

@@dotcomboss72 15:37 or 15:36. It was a good one!

[@dotcomboss72]

Very impressive

[@markjohnson4237]

Totally get this. I am a 56 year "advanced" level runner and I just PB-ed my half marathon time at the weekend in a 1:36:18. Came first in age, 10the overall (filed of 144) and was left feeling strangely disappointed in not going sub 1:35. WTF is wrong with me? So anyway, I've just entered another one to get that next milestone dealt with :) Great content, as usual. Thank you.

[@madmike987655]

Another great video. You hit the nail on the head. Sometimes the extra work above what you're already doing (which is far more than most) is not actually worth the sacrifice of money, enjoyment, time and results. I like to enjoy what I do, small sacrifices are fine, but changing everything I do for a few percent better results isn't enjoyable.

[@fire-yh8wx]

Hey Mark, I've been following you for a while and have been inspired by your videos to start running more often and participate to local events Yesterday I ran my first sub 25 min 5k at an event here in the Netherlands! Thank you for your amazing work and keep up the effort!

[@scottporter2513]

This is brilliant! Keep it going Mark. Looking forward to seeing what you achieve. 👏👏

[@creativeponderer9528]

I am very lucky to have discovered your channel yesterday Mark🤩. At 51 and about to embark on life altering missions. I typed in running 100 miles without any training 🤣 because that’s what I was about to attempt 😅 then I saw your 100 km video which probably saved my life. So thanks for that 🙏. Watching a few of your vids and listening to what you are saying is literally like listening to my own mind🤔. It’s nice to know there are more of me out there, probably a foot taller 🤣 but still a member of this human race. Looking forward to learning from your experience. Still going to try a challenge tomorrow morning 5am, 12 hours of running (walking )between Whitley bay lighthouse and Tynemouth priory approx 4.4 miles to see how far I get. Not looking for anything special just knowledge about my current abilities, mental and physical 🤔. If I survive I’ll post the km just to tie up any curiosity. Have a great day!!!

[@marryloo]

Thanks man, so much truth and plenty to relate to. To do or not to do? The saying its the journey that counts, but is it really?

[@sxhrgvs]

Really interesting Mark. It’s something I’ve thought about a lot. What could I achieve with “the perfect” programme, with more time, with more dedication, etc. would be great to see more updates along the way. Good luck.

[@dogwalk3]

so much i want to say, but just thank you for this realistic take. it makes so much fluff or tunnel vision content more visible for what is. i dropped from 275 to 185 and back up to 205. i have different motivations & goals than you, but pretty much parallels with most of your takes & emotions. both inspirational, educational, comical, & relieving. so, yeah. thank you.

[@ianbalfour2980]

Love your content Mark, thanks for the honesty 💪🏻

[@arsebiscuitsandwine]

As to the point at 4:20 ish - I'm a full time dad, with one kid not in daycare, and a partner who works full time - and I also run a business in the gaps around that, so it is very easy indeed to simply claim I don't have the time to stick to my training. I find it very annoying when people play the "if I can fit it in, you can" card, but it's the one in my hand so: I found that four things helped massively. For reference, I'm almost 40, mostly drunk and chain smoking until about 5 years ago, stop-start efforts to gym/run since but only stuck to running semi consistently for the last 3 years. 1: Concrete goals - I scraped myself over the line of a 100 miler this year. I was criminally undertrained, it sucked and I got tendonitis. Lesson learned, and a good reason to get stronger in general and actually train properly. Next year I want to compete, not complete. Simple goal. There's a bunch of possible races between now and then to track improvement over various running distances. 2. 5am is 5am. Every day. Your 5am my vary - I just mean 8 hours after you go to sleep. My kids have an 8pm bedtime, I try to be asleep by 9. Watch alarm on vibrate, phone alarm on loud on the other side of the room set 5 minutes later. Get up or wake the entire house up. Then, I have anywhere between 1.5-2 hours before my partner goes to work, and pretty much everything except a long run fits into that over a 7 day period. Controversially, I don't have a rest day because... 3. Work out what you need to do. I know I can run far, but according to all internet running gurus, I'm doing it with a heart rate that should be killing me. I also know that I put my back out picking up my 1 year old recently. Simplest strength and conditioning for me is kettlebell work. Simplest solution to shit heart rate is Zone 2 work. If that sometimes means an hour walking uphill on a treadmill on my "rest" day then so be it. 4. Put your training in your calendar at the end of every week. When you wake up feeling shit you look at what is written there and do it. It gets easier, and all the boring morning people are right. It's the best time and you feel a lot better. Out of everything, that last point is the big one. Know what you need to do in the small time you have spare.

[@gazsince1966]

Great post 👏

[@allankennedystyle]

Love the content and the wry humor. Very motivating.

[@cheviotperformancecoaching2832]

Just signed up for my first Hyrox in March next year. Will be watching those videos back

[@annabeckman4386]

Wow. You said a lot i agree with; "comparison is the their of joy", but then you said things i don't agree with. Everyone in the fitness game has their opinions of food and work out. Completely understandable, you have to do what works for you. I appreciate you sharing your information with us!

[@bryanjtd]

Thanks for not selling out. Finish this 6 month journey for us!

[@MarkLewisfitness]

🙏 🙏 🙏

[@bydward]

This is great! Incredibly motivating- I hate it 😂 [puts donut down]

[@loribelenzon-anderson8077]

The one thing you have that can’t be bought is MOTIVATION! While you do have the resources that others may not, you put in the work! No one else lifted the weights or did the miles nor ripped the donuts out of your hand. Also, Being coachable is also critical. There is guidance out and it needn’t cost a fortune, but willingness to listen and incorporate good advice are not characteristic of everyone!

[@spacewren]

Very similar to you I dabble in crossfit, running, cycling, swimming and strength (ie whatever I feel like that day or that season), never trained 'optimised'. Recently paid for a strength training program after getting injured (overtrained and strength wasn't there) and yes I made gains more so than I do alone and learned a lot but I didn't enjoy the process - neither of us want to compete at olympic level or become the best I find the making it up as I go alone is so much better for my overall health (remember WHO still defines health as 'Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity' do what makes you happy

[@spacewren]

@@irfuel oh is he anti crossfit haha