I Stopped Exercising For 4 MONTHS

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Sick, Injured, Being Lazy? Here's how I cope - by not really giving a f**k 😂 ... Sort of!

[@davidstanley6883]

Yes but how's the guitar going? Gigging yet?

[@Justin-rf7md]

I'm half in half and half out on this one. On the one hand, I completely agree with the sentiment of "diversifying one's emotional / identity portfolio". Going all in on any one thing as a source of happiness and self regard is inherently dangerous. And central to many great sports films has been the dilemma: "Not anymore. Now what?". But for many (myself included), fitness is (in addition to being a joyous hobby and source of confidence and physical well being) a way of addressing underlying mental health problems. The long and short of it: If I go longer than a couple weeks without solid exercise... the darkness starts to creep in. All the classic symptoms of crippling depression and anxiety begin to set in and make things worse by lowering my threshold for maladaptive coping strategies. Now, as someone who's spent the latter half of his thirties working full time (in a job he hates) while also working towards finishing an engineering degree (last semester! almost done!), my scheduled has routinely interfered with my using exercise as a way of staving off the demons (so to speak). Now, don't get me wrong, I've pulled it off. But there have been more than a few close calls. And for those of us out there living comparatively "less stable" and "fulfilling" lives (not taking a dig, you deserve all the happiness you've worked for and found), sometimes exercise is all we have. And it can really, REALLY suck when life simply won't let you do it.

[@syeQ]

I found cycling and running at the age of 36 and it has become my source of happiness, a cure for depression+anxiety and a way for me to lose weight. Lost 25 kilos in a year. Then my back got messed up and I also had to get an MRI that showed several problems. It's been 8 months without exercise and it has destroyed me mentally because my source of happiness and positive change in my life was taken away. What scares me the most is never being able to cycle or run again. I just started trying it again the past couple of weeks and my back gets way worse right away and other areas are also giving me issues and my hope gets shut down over and over again from lack of progress and constant setbacks. I just want to cycle or run and be happy but my body is constantly working against me. Unfortunately I cannot just "not care" when for the first time in my life, I had something that changed it for the better. 😢

[@Jane_Friday]

​@@Justin-rf7md very wie words. I will remember this: Diversifying the identity portfolio. Thanks.

[@umbroraban1075]

@@syeQ There is always something you can do - adapt you training program to your injuries. When I have a bad back I do the exercises I can at the gym over and over... The show must go on!

[@mattcollier1263]

Im 44 , just before Christmas i was diagnosed with prostate cancer, found a double fracture in my sacrum , found out i had full blown osteoporosis, i have major back problems, need major surgery at sone point , currently undergoing iv infusions for 3 years , ive kept myself fit my whole life , im watching my dad die with damentia, ive got a really rough road ahead , let me tell you this , train your mind is a big must , i have terrible flare ups in my back where i cant walk at times, i take full advantage of the times when i can do , diet is key , hut i truly believe mindset is everything how you look at life , im raising my son on my own he has learning disabilities, so how i cope he watches so i have to set a example, life is precious, when things happen to us mindset is key , ill beat cancer i have no intention of anything beating me , great video

[@nigeljohnwilson4549]

Go Matt 👏🏻

[@TheGamingLander]

Go you

[@jacklurcher5813]

Bloody hell Matt, that is so much to deal with, and one hell of a mindset to have. I'm just some random bloke watching youtube videos, but all the best mate and hope it all works out for you.

[@craigfoulkes]

Good luck to you Matt. May the road rise with you.

[@mattcollier1263]

@@jacklurcher5813 thanks buddy I really appreciate your kind words, as hard as my life is there's someone going through worse , my wonderful dad taught me always be grateful as there's someone struggling hard in life

[@stuartpage5148]

"I just don't label myself" says Mark wearing a Mark Lewis labelled hoodie 😂 ❤

[@MarkLewisfitness]

It’s the little things that matter 😂

[@alexpeartree2019]

​@@MarkLewisfitnessthat's what I told my ex-wife.

[@stevenkelby2169]

​@@MarkLewisfitnessAnother line from the tinder profile?

[@bopndop2347]

If you're labelling yourself at least make some money off it lol

[@RonaldJacobs-e2i]

It's good to know that everyone goes through these problems. It always drives me nuts when I'm sick and can't work out. Intellectually, of course, I know that I'll get back to it, but in the moment, it's hard to see that I'll ever be better.

[@kayh]

I can second that.

[@jmss7613]

I’m almost 50, only started training in 2020 after years of doing nothing. I’m reasonably fit, nowhere near Mark’s level but it’s part of my routine and I certainly miss it if I let it slip. I was convinced I’d wither away if I stopped for any significant time but after a near fatal accident last October which had me horizontal for the best part of two months I found out that - for me at least - I didn’t dissolve quite as quickly as I’d feared. I guess having a major accident as an excuse help me mentally accept my lack of training but it also helped me see the value of rest and recovery.

[@Mbatista2007]

I also embrace the mentality if i can´t run i will do something else. Nice to see that mentality in somebody else. Congrats on the channel and videos.

[@hahaha123]

Man, this message needs to be heard by everyone.

[@nealodonnell620]

This video is above average. 🤣 Love your work dude. Was telling my hiking buddy today that she is above average just for getting out to walk when she was upset at the fitness she lost from having covid.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

100% - if you hike 100 yards you are better than most lumps!

[@andremodesto]

Covid had nothing to do with her fitness level. People should start taking responsibility for their failures rather than finding excuses.

[@maiomango]

⁠@@andremodesto mate, you are really not that smart

[@andremodesto]

@@maiomango Smart are those people who locked down, took 60 PCR tests, wore masks, and took 6 jabs, just to catch "covid" eight times, and complain about "long" covid. And I'm dumb, who abstained from all that and am currently enjoying a healthy lifestyle, at peak performance at the age of 43 :)

[@theprojectviewer15]

Thanks Mark! You’ve mentioned this before in previous videos. But I do appreciate videos like this because they’ve helped me when I’ve fallen off the wagon

[@MarkLewisfitness]

I got SOOO many people asking the last few weeks how I coped...i thought it worth re-visiting

[@theprojectviewer15]

Definitely! Glad to see you’re recovered and back to training. Back injuries are no joke

[@grantchanin2878]

Taking time to read and reply to your followers. What a great guy you are. TQ for an honest and valuable upload.

[@KrispyNuggetBoutique]

I’ve gone from 420 lbs to 265 in two years and I’m finding your channel really educational on where to continue.

[@pingpong1727]

That's awesome, congrats

[@cassiam2116]

that's awesome, what kind of things have helped you to do it? :)

[@KrispyNuggetBoutique]

@@cassiam2116 Ironically, less than I have tried througout my life before. Stopped trying diets, stopped trying to exercise the shit out of me for 3 weeks, etc. Just getting into the habbit of paying close attention to what I eat (despite eating completely normal TYPES of food) and making sure I exercise regularly, more than intensively. I'd rather have a slow 20 minute jog every day than a 60 min heart attack inducing uphill run once a week, if that makes sense. Similar to Mark, my "poison" was always binge eating, so making sure I don't BUY crappy foods is step number one. If I have chocolate at home, I will be eating chocolate. If I don't, I can't. It all started when I got fired from my last job tbh. It was either sit at home and pitying myself or spending the time making life better. Feel like I made the right choice! And thanks for the comment

[@katesmiles4208]

It's nice to hear a balanced perspective to injury and change. It's good you are starting to feel better too.

[@crisiskrow]

You’re a true inspiration to how I need to start internalizing the things I do and how I define myself.

[@VoodooToad.]

You just summed up my fitness journey. A rollercoaster with lots of ups and downs. Watching your content is like free therapy! Thanks Mark - Keep being real and authentic. There are not many like you.

[@corybourn8947]

Mark, you are an inspiration. It's refreshing to see an older athlete as someone who is 51. Over covid, I got super fat, 213 lbs at 5'8" and it wasn't a good look. Plus my blood pressure was bad and other health markers. Four months later, I'm down 38 lbs and off blood pressure meds and everything is improved. I'm training for the 4 Days March in the Netherlands this summer, and not carrying around an extra 40 lbs for 100 miles is going to be amazing. I'm also hoping to finish my first 50K this year. I just want to thank you for helping inspire me.

[@hanseathl]

I am currently 49 y old, I had a sllipped slice more than 15 years ago, fought myself back to getting fit again, I had severe foot issues and turned to cycling, never let go of windsurfing. Over Covid I finally got back to running, lost 10 kg and had my ups and downs ever since. Currently I am trying to prepare for a half marathon and to keep my fitness level up. Thanks for being you and letting us know how it works for you. Really an inspiration when thing are not and their best, which they hardly ever are. Let's keep being above average and not becoming couch potatoes.

[@messybutmeaningful]

How is your slipped disc? Do you still have flare ups and which exercises have you found gave you benefits?

[@hanseathl]

@@messybutmeaningful compared to where I am comming from I am doing great. I stabilized my back with a lot of core training. I started with Kieser Training and turned to a sling Training with two long ropes over a role adjusted to my ceiling. Today I have a calestanics station in my garden that I should use more regularly 😉

[@RomaFriday]

Excellent speech, touched home. I've hit a low with a glute injury and you're right there are peaks and troffs.

[@MilesVictors]

This is spot on, keeping things in the appropriate perspective. I am still trying to learn this myself, as I currently identify myself as an endurance athlete, but I am so much more than that! Thanks for sharing, Mark!

[@bobgarbett3229]

Thank you Mark, I love the way you describe things always done in such a credible way while always keeping your own integrity intact! Thank you Mark!

[@judgeshred66]

Your ability to shoehorn the walking clip into every video astounds me. Bravo.

[@NG-ps2hh]

Mark, great video. I hadn’t tuned in in a while. I love the honesty in your content and points about it being ok to have ups and downs not an endless upward trajectory . It is so important. Great positive message and always the humour in your videos 😂 Good luck with ongoing back recovery and sporting plans for the year.

[@D.Miller]

It's really nice to have a channel to identify with and is so accessible for anyone starting out or restarting. I constantly feel I'm resetting and trying to find new goals and because of this channel have included getting running and getting kids involved- have a 5k obstacle run in 3 weeks time. Thanks for the inspiration and entertainment

[@SpaceChicken]

Thanks, Mark. Very cool look at identity and how easy it is to become what you love instead of having a proper separation of concerns. I also love how you view stories, a pretty important piece of meaning in life. Cheers!

[@Amen20]

Love this ! How did I missed this channel ? It's becoming my all time favourite.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

🙏 thanks

[@Stu_2112]

Thank you Mark. Your timing is (unwittingly) great. Just coming off the back of 5 months out with respiratory issues and chronic fatigue and this video makes sense of a lot of what i've been going through in my head, trying to cope with following the best racing year of my life at 50 with 5 months of thinking i might not be able to run again. think i'll watch it again, just to reinforce your wisdom in my head.

[@lindagrohmann3022]

I think what you're saying is good to remember for most of us amateur runners/whatever physical activity-doers. While it is frustrating to lose some of your progress when you can't train, it's not the end of the world and other things in your live are probably more important than a PB or uninterrupted training. I'm running my first ultra (53k) in two weeks and my training hasn't gone as planned for the last 4 weeks or so due to mostly work stuff. But I just ran my first marathon today in training anyway, with 5h30 not a brilliant time at all (but there were 850m of elevation gain, to make that time look a tiny bit better😂), could have been faster had my training not fallen off a cliff, but am quite proud now anyways and feel like I'll probably be able to manage the ultra despite not being able to train as I wanted to/should have.

[@garycarr745]

Good message mark, I’m a physio of 25 years who actually previously researched the psychology effect of injury on athletes at all levels. The ‘defining yourself ’ aspect is very dangerous but the good news is, as you said, there is always adaptation of training and alternative forms of exercise that can be undertaken whilst in rehab and recovery mode

[@georgeservian9383]

Very timely for me as I'm coming off a sore knee that kept me sidelined a few weeks. Thanks for the reminder to keep a good perspective.

[@guciolini123]

Yet it is easier to keep a good habit, if a person makes it a part of there identity. It is even in this book "Atomic habits". F. e. In AA it is a part of meeting to say "My name is:....and I'm an alcoholic". This makes it easier to remember not to go near alcohol at any time. I'm a person with bad eating and activity habits. I remember that. It makes me panic any time I go on holiday or get ill and just can't keep my diet and exercise plan, but it is very effective to make me go training or grocery shopping (instead just ordering pizza) on a cloudy and rainy day in November or march. It also makes me plan a holiday, where I can keep diet and exercise and I found that to be more worth remembering holiday then visiting buildings and fountains or lying down on a deckchair in a 5 ⭐ hotel. So in a way falling of program is more painful for me (as someone who identifies with the hobby), but it makes me fall of less often...I think.....I hope so (this is it)- I hope so.

[@adamk99]

Needed to see this today my training has been off the last couple of weeks because life has just got in the way thanks Mark for putting things into perspective.

[@2FluffyBuns]

Great way to think, something I'll make sure I take into my own mindset approach! For me the worry of not training comes from the fact that fitness has had such a positive impact on my life- It's easy to forget sometimes that it's only a small part of what I am!

[@garydaniels4934]

Love this video. Have a similar view and had the same conversation with many an injured runner. "You are not your hobby!"

[@htownblue11]

Congrats on breaking 300K subs Mark! Well deserved. Always appreciate your content and humor.

[@joskamps4711]

thanks for bringing things down to earth and putting them in the right perspective!

[@andrewzach1921]

It's frustrating when i get hurt and i have to watch my progress slide back. Strength goes down, cardio numbers fall and everything is just harder. However i realize it will come back i just have to get back on the grind and do the best i can. Just go a little harder than last time😊. Thanks for the video Mark.

[@deft08]

I disagree Mark. Fitness is a cumulative thing, it takes a long time to build. And so when people are unable to train they (a) see all the hard work they’ve put in over the weeks/months slipping away and (b) suddenly have a bunch of extra time on their hands. Taken together I think it’s only natural for this to be discombobulating, even upsetting. I’m more surprised that someone whose career and hobbies revolve around keeping fit is so chill about losing that fitness. Written down this seems a bit snarkey - not meant that way. I’ve watched pretty much all your content and enjoy the whole tone/vibe of you channel and respect the craftsmanship you put into your videos.

[@TheRmeehan]

I find Mark's take refreshing and I can fully appreciate where you're coming from @deft08 . I suppose life isn't about putting all your eggs in one basket.

[@mandie492]

I don't necessarily think that's what he's saying. What I got from the video was "you are not your hobby. Yes, you can still be upset over the reversal of progress, but you're not a different person because of it"

[@deft08]

@@mandie492 Interesting perspective. Sounds like the message was helpful to you and (I assume) also many others. Was watching whilst feeding the kids and doing a million household chores so quite possible I missed some of the nuance 👍

[@wrusst]

When you put all your eggs in one basket like you seem to be implying. When all you are or all of your identity is fitness or a sport and that's taken away from you even though it's not your fault that's how former athletes and rock stars end up at the end of ropes or turn to drugs . Also your post neglects things like muscle memory which allows you to get your fitness or muscle back at accelated rates .

[@samuelbino7915]

I hear you. I have a very physical relationship with the world, I have a number of health complaints and when I'm unwell and can't access the things I enjoy, gym, cycling, hiking etc I'm completely lost and feel like I have no other purpose, despite having a job a partner and friends etc, none of those things seem to unbalance me in the same way. I've tried learning instruments etc...doesn't work for me.

[@AnthonySegreto]

Appreciate the perspective! Working through a similar back injury midway through my marathon prep.

[@nv1t]

Thank you so much. I put on 40kg, due to being in a bad place and overeating to much and was never able to "turn my life around". It is finaly working now, because i am not comparing myself to what i was able to do. Maybe i can't climb as hard as the old days and run 7:30min/km instead of my PB with 4:30min/km on 5k, but it is not important. It is important i am outside and do things. This mindset is so lost and it is hard to shake it sometimes. To not see yourself failing. You are pretty based.

[@balfegreg1412]

I love how rational you are, good perspective this, find a way to be happy in body and mind regardless of the obstacle 👏 love the content

[@inglesconrichard]

Great advice, love your channel.

[@bopndop2347]

Thank you. This is a reality check that I needed. I keep telling myself that there are many things in life are more important then fitness that which is something I do obsess over.

[@Gixer750pilot]

One thing I take from you falling off the wagon the past few months is , you are now more relatable than ever for me . Similar age and build . I would like to see you back on Zwift again , I’m back into cycling with a new bike. 9’ aiming to lose 8 kg this year . Keep up the good fight Mark, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows ☀️ 🌈 some guy once said . ❤

[@mattybrews]

Mark, your timing could not have been better. I am a student Nurse and most of my time is spent doing lots of meaningful, rewarding, and ultimately unhealthy things: 16+ hour days in clinic, 12+ hour days in class, and hours and hours and hours of studying at the computer. During the good times, I get to run around 20-25 miles per week. During exams and stressful critical periods, exercise is the first thing to go. Getting back into the swing of things and reminding myself that yes, the whole of a human life is more than any of these labels. Cheers.

[@_.alex.-]

Excellent video as always. I’ve had the same attitude for a while, I’m 42. I used to worry a bit more as a younger lad, partly because I have adhd and wanted to do EVERYTHING, all the time. I’ve accepted that when I’m ready, be the pause due to injury or other set back, I’ll crack on. If you are looking for a decent level of fitness (read: not elite), it’s like investing in stocks; there are ups and downs but over time you see the return. As long as you have the desire and make an effort when you can, you’ll be ok.

[@BoomBoom7621]

Haven't run for 2 weeks - bit of a motivation dip and this one just got me to go out and do my local hilly parkrun. Who'd have thought this one would be the motivator! Many thanks

[@morganerigney8949]

Hey Mark, I just ran my first marathon this weekend. I finished it but not in the time I was shooting for. Instead of being proud of my accomplishment, I’ve been disappointed and upset with myself, wondering where my training went wrong. Thank you for this message, I needed to hear it.

[@guwekoeln]

Danke!

[@ethan62]

Thank you for the reminder, Mark. I have just recovered from a sick, which put a stop to my daily running streak. At first, it initially got me down. But now it’s nice to attempt to achieve breaking that daily steak goal again, once I’m feeling better!

[@Siosal01]

As a Forty-Something year old who recently recovered from surgery, I have been exercising for months in an attempt to lower my weight, and improve my health and Parkrun time. However, while discussing my goals with a friend he said "Don't be so focussed on your goals that you forget to enjoy the journey". This resonated with me a lot and I feel, watching this video, that its the journey you remember fondly, and not the goal achievements. Thanks for making it. I'm making more of an attempt to enjoy the journey.

[@gingleb3792]

This video really resonated with me. At 36, and as the father of a two-year-old, I’ve spent the past 4-5 months training for an ultramarathon. My approach has shifted as I’ve gotten older (I know some may say 36 isn’t that old, but I can definitely feel the difference compared to my early twenties). This time around, I’ve embraced a more relaxed mindset. Yes, I run regularly, but at a slower pace. I’ve also incorporated various activities like circuit training and weightlifting. Not aiming for a personal best or the fastest time has been a real game-changer. I’ve come to truly enjoy my long runs through remote areas, taking in the surroundings and not stressing over missed runs due to injuries or life’s interruptions. It feels like a much more fulfilling and balanced way to train. And strangely enough, I’ve been improving my overall fitness while remaining injury-free-touch wood it stays that way!

[@saintcelsi4316]

Thanks, I needed to hear this.

[@seanwordingham9892]

I was so glad to see that you'd hurt your back. I'd wanted for a while to see how you'd do your active recovery with that as my back has been giving me real trouble for months now. I found your previous video really useful and am now sitting on a high stool at my standing desk. Thanks for really going above and beyond in order to help out your KZbin followers!

[@seancahill5523]

great video. I am the heaviest i have ever been, going through a family illness, looking for motivation and inspiration

[@helentaylor5667]

Thanks. Good reminder to keep some perspective 👍🏻

[@erinpropas4771]

very well said! I was running personal best times a year ago but then got diagnosed with Crohn's disease, lost a fifth of my body weight and spent ten days in the hospital. I had to start from the beginning when I did start running again. Am I back to that same level? No. But I am running again and loving it. Maybe I will get back to the level I was before but maybe not. I did survive, however, so being able to run at all gives me great joy!

[@ahnilatedahnilated7703]

I did a 90 mile ride in 21 mph winds yesterday in 5 hrs 22mn moving time. A couple things I took away from it. The negative things I took away from it, sunburn, a sore behind, sore hands and a sore neck. The positive, I can do them again, I am stronger thanks to my Z2 HR training on the smart trainer through the winter and at 56, I can still get out and enjoy a ride. Cutting weight from 250lbs when I started this and I am at 222lbs so far and hoping to get down to around 200lbs. I also don't care about the slight ups and downs in my exercise. I do it for me, not anyone else. :) Good for you Mark! Keep up the videos. :)

[@JJMLJ]

I'm in awe of how you write and come up with your content.... It's like you have a whole team of writers or something. Great content, video and message!!

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Just little old me 😂

[@bailezzey]

More people need this outlook!

[@chiparooo]

Great topic! Good points. Thanks for sharing!

[@brewtank6738]

Your videos are just so refreshing especially in this hyper label social media age. Love the vids. Love from the US.

[@fabianbinder3681]

Thanks for the video, it’s a great message I’ll try to adopt. I was a bit struggling myself (thank god only minor issues) and losing progress/momentum was really starting to bother me. I’ll try to keep my eyes on the things that really matter. 👍🏻

[@alwayslearning4]

Good mindset, Mark. Balance over everything.

[@magnemmar4869]

I feel this. Nov to today, work, going back for a masters, cometely derailed a 5 year streak. This year, work travel will be crushing. Did a 5k today and it was a solid 10 min slower than my PB. Weight up, drinking up, stress up, sex drive way way WAAAAAAY down. I embraced Triathlon, and I'm very good at it. And I feel hollow because I feel like I've failed. I need to consider what you said.

[@bluemeaford]

Bravo Mark 👏🏻 You have elucidated with humour and brevity a concept I would try and teach my patients in counselling. Over many sessions. Many, many, many sessions… Nobody said it better than Popeye; “ I yam what I yam and dats what I yam” (translation: Love yourself).

[@davinconvey6887]

Great video and rings very true. In my friend group we have a professional athlete (early 30s rugby player so injury is constant). What I’ve always found interesting is his response to set backs and not letting things go off the rails mentally whilst the rest of us weekend warriors can have a silly meltdown over a couple of weeks missed. Mindset and widening your perspective really is important.

[@johngriffin3887]

While trying to lose weight to ease my prediabetes and BP, and avoid meds, I still want to enjoy life. I enjoyed your perspective. Defining myself as a diabetic as opposed to a runner is no more acceptable than a runner not a father, grandad, husband, etc. Blessed sense from you!

[@geirholte1222]

I have an injury of sorts in mye side, had it for months. It makes both strength training and running painful/impossible. It is mentally straining, but at least I can go for walks+watch my diet, and plan my future training regime. Wooohoo...

[@15pointbuck29]

I just ran my first sub-30 min 5k during training, and now I'm planning to join a local 5k event by the end of the year. I've always hated running, but your videos have really been inspiring. You've shown so many times that being better than most is a challenge but it doesnt have to be all-consuming yo get to that point. Keep up the great work!!

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Sub 30 💪

[@nealodonnell620]

Well done!

[@blusterwaffle8439]

Sub 30 is still probably one of the most emotive milestones in my fitness Journey. I hope you have the same satisfaction from your achievement - well done 👏

[@JK-tv1px]

Lovely video mark. Feels like you're one of the only fitness creators I watch who is also a grown up individual. Glad you're getting back on the horse or zwift bike 👍

[@MarkLewisfitness]

I’m a lone adult voice 😂

[@TheJoelMccluskey]

Literally have London marathon next week. Had my first baby in October and I also developed runners knee for all of february. Then today I bit into a biscuit and my front tooth fell out 🤣🤣 This video really cheered me up! If I do the race great, if I do it to half my ability due to teeth and babies, fine. I'm sure I'll look back at how my wife and son waved at me as I run past not whether or not I ran a "good time" or an "average time"

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Exactly! Enjoy it!

[@fredallen5999]

I always enjoy your content being down too earth enjoy what you do is my motto!

[@danjohannsson7441]

Mark, this is an excellent video, and perspective to share.

[@him050]

I got into fitness January 2017 as skinny, 6’4, barely 10 stone beanpole. By the time the lockdown hit I had gained 3 stone of mostly muscle and was in great shape. By the end of the lock down, everything I worked so for three years to grow had shrank, apart from my stomach. It took me another 18 months to get back into fitness properly. There was no turmoil or depression, it was just what it was.

[@BigMadAndy]

I started (unintentionally) a running spree in October 2016. I only hold myself to a mile a day, but on top of playing football 3-4 times a week I’ve accumulated lots of injuries, that I’ve just run through and eventually they get better. Now, however, I’ve been dealing with a bad hamstring, something that I’ve never reaaalllyyy had issues with in the past. Coupled with debilitating shin splints in my right shin I’m genuinely considering ending my spree, but I just don’t think I can really bring myself to do it, despite knowing if I stopped I’d be in significantly better condition. All to say, even taking a day off of Football or running for me is tough, I use exercise as a crutch in life.

[@Misty-w5l]

Great video, important message, something I needed to hear right now. Thank you, Mark.

[@muttleysb5830]

I’m 48, have been active for the past 15 of those in the gym, cycling and running ultras etc and been unable run more than 5km since February and I’ve struggled mentally as I’ve always used my fitness as my stress relief so I understand what you’re saying and having to defer races and opted out of events but as I live alone and also work from home, my hobbies are also part of my social life as are my friends so it’s hit equally harder, I’m also seeing my father deteriorating who was always a fit man so I see him and worry that’s me next. As of yet my issues are undiagnosed, physio hasn’t helped, 8 weeks of doing nothing hasn’t helped and X-rays, scans have so far not found anything so the future looks bleak but I’ve started to change my mindset, I’ve jumped on the park runs again and engaged in tourism, I’ve worked out what relieves the pain and have found other things to do that don’t cause me pain.

[@TimGalloway942]

This is a great message. Nice vid, Mark!

[@gavinsdad2342]

Mark, hello from Arizona. Great message. Love your stuff and can relate to you. Thanks for the videos and appreciate the perspective.

[@greenway64]

Everybody's psychology's different & excersis for some is what keeps them where they feel they need to be mentally. It's difficult for some not to be hard on themselves as their inner critic eats away. This mentality of thinking goes quite deeply ie past trauma resulting in lack of self worth. Great video as always, thanks for sharing.

[@RunAllTheMiles]

Personally with the amount of time, energy and enjoyment i put into and get out of running, i definitely call myself a runner, i also cycle and lift but i dont consider myself a cyclist or a weight lifter, when i was younger i definitely considered myself a weight lifter that also played football(badly) as weight lifting was where i put alot of my time and energy, in summary if you put alot of time and energy into something that you dont have to do but get great satisfaction in doing then that invariably becomes a defining character trait.

[@umbroraban1075]

Very interesting channel - keep up the good work! I have been active my entire life but only that last 6-7 years have I been down the gym or running every day of the week. I need it like a drug. Even when I go on holiday with the Mrs I need to book a hotel where there is a gym and also where there is a possibility to go out for a run. Last year I was running around Geneva at 6 in the morning! The problem is that when you have been doing sports at a high level from a very young age inevitably you go downhill starting from around the age of 40 (I am 54m). So for me it is all about keeping me motivated having had a running pace of 4:20 a few years ago to 5:00 today. The older you get the more fluctuations you have. One day you feel like you are dying and the next day it is like you drank some rocket fuel. I am under 10% BF and sometimes I am starving myself. Not a nice feeling. One of my best friends is a heart surgeon and a reference globally. He always tells me that I should calm down the cardio as it will make my arteries go hard. Oh well - soon I will be taking rest days... But not yet...

[@APhoenixWithin]

Fantastic message, came at a perfect moment for me. Thank you!

[@alirickwood1853]

Mark, Thank you so much for this video, really insightful. I can really identify with being a 'runner' and 'gym bunny' which is related to my body image of being a size 8, fit 46 year old. I have a big fear of putting on weight which is related to my exercise regime. Your video has shown me that I can be free from this. If I can't run or exercise, meditate or do yoga. I am enough. Fab video my friend :)

[@strippingwelsh1]

Amen. People just try too hard to be the best and perform and forget about the part where what you do should actually be fun.

[@jamesmungall6669]

Great commentary… but when you can’t do the thing you love not just for days or weeks but for months and years it becomes painful. As you get older you eventually have to let some things go forever and that hurts. It is hard to accept that I probably won’t ever finish another 100 miler and may not even be able to do long meditative runs. As the chronic injuries multiply and recover times stretch into years you find your weight and heart rate harder to maintain and it sucks

[@Munken66]

I have been training karate for many years and one of the basic things you will learn is it is not the goal that is important it is the journy there that is. just said in other words. starting the black belt often is the goal but training is the important thing in karate

[@garethbutton]

Thanks, I do agree. Getting older and now two rounds of spinal surgery later yes. It does suck being told you can’t do something but I’ve been lucky to find a way of doing it still. Yes I may never get the same results so to just agree with you even more taking pleasure in the sport/hobby made all the difference. Going on bike rides with my wife has been great. We stop look at the new lambs or wildlife etc. still out exercising but enjoying the views and chilling. Keep looking after your back and if you can avoid any surgery on it safely do that it’s a tough one. Or at least I found it tough. Keep making the videos.

[@BuffaloBriggzie]

Always good just to be enjoying things just for the enjoyment of it. Recently ran a 30KM trail run and a lot of people were asking about the time and to be honest I can't really tell what time I did. All I'm remembering from this day is that it's a day that I was able to get myself into a better headspace after all the shit I've been through over past few months like my Fiance' leaving me and my uncle passing away it's been hell. So for me. I remember being out in the wet and cold all day and loving the feeling of running through the tree's with mist everywhere and making some new friends along aside seeing some older friends of mine.

[@simonellis2107]

nice balanced viewpoint, good to hear and be reminded, it's too easy to define yourself in these sports

[@jacobskovsbllknudsen5908]

You're somehow subtly inspiring me to become myself more haha! Or rather, making the process of fusing the person I want to be with the person that I can be, more fun. If that makes any sense at all. Now, this is in no defense of defining your identity from what yo do - however, defining yourself from the manner in which you do things and why - does closely relate to what you do. It takes maturity of a certain amount, to truly understand that. And even once you do understand, the process of letting stuff go for your mental health and sense of self worth, is still a beast to battle for many. Especially the newer generations, who were brought up in these last dying and maniacal days of corporate capitalism, believing they could be whatever they want to be if they'd just work hard enough. And if (when) they fail, they fall apart like an inflated economy in 2008, and rebuild themselves with the exact same lies as they fell on, but more cleverly composed, so as to fool themselves better next time. That got kind of cynical, but, the point is, some people gotta stay knocked out for longer periods to really get it into their heads, that you can still crawl while lying down. And those people are growing in numbers right now, I'm afraid.

[@IOSALive]

Mark Lewis, This is great! I liked it and subscribed!

[@AnTalk_blog]

I'm in the same shoes. Suffering from knee pain since last year. Had to cut back on running and cycling. Last month had a gallbladder surgery which put a stop on weight training. All I could do for weeks was walking my dog. It impacted my mood. I really miss the runs even though I'm not racing at all. Since last week started lifting again and have x-ray and MRI on my knees, physio will follow soon. Hope I can return to normal activities before summer.

[@jsb_running]

Thanks Mark - a great video and an important message. Great perspective and inspirational.

[@hulkthedane7542]

...funny, articulate, entertaining... those are good labels. You wear them well, along with personal integrity, a great sense of humor and nice hair! (I am balled, too). 👍☀️

[@Strength_Saint.]

This came at just the right time, ruptured my bicep yesterday 🙄 already feeling better in myself about it after watching this 👍

[@PaulMacD1978]

Bang on this one ... Its been a challenge of mine forever although a lot better at managing illness and injuries now. It's a reason I've mostly ditched Strava now. Enjoy the exercise itself, not the time, comparison with others, adulation etc

[@phil9503]

Love it …. Great video and sums up labellers….. if that’s a thing !!

[@Jane_Friday]

Material for thoughts. I'm one who needs to reflect in this. As a middle aged woman my best years regarding my body are behind me. It is gard to adjust, but not impossible. As someone here wisely wrote, it's not about redefining oneself, it's about deversifying the identity portfolio.

[@steffenw.brandenstein9656]

Soon to be dad here. Used to be heavy into bodybuilding, met wife, introduced me to OCR. Now we do OCR casually together, and hope to get our son into it as well, so it becomes like a family activity. That's what I want to look back on in 30 years.

[@scoobtoober2975]

Love transcends, time, space and dimension. Does running do that you say. Yes, it does. But only if you have the video or picture.

[@OxxidCZ]

Thank you for the message.