Obese Jogger to Running Ultra Marathons | 5 TOP TIPS for running heavy

[@MarkLewisfitness]

This race did not go to plan 😁 But where’s the fun in things going to plan? 😂

[@chrisvanbuggenum871]

You are a fucking legend mate.

[@71Darkone]

You are already winning by just doing it..bravo!!!!

[@DEAR7340]

Our local ultra-marathon group has a slogan: Poor decisions make the best stories.

[@RobustArid379]

plus- don't forget you are doing live camera shoot while jogging and vlogging. camera is heavy and you are not really concentrating on running mind flow. if you are not holding your camera you would be maybe sub 2-6 minutes faster.

[@pabloc5087]

@@chrisvanbuggenum871 ⁰⁰

[@AllOnGreen]

Hey man, love you videos, I thought I would share with you that you're actually one of the reason that yesterday, I picked up my running shoes for the first time in over 3 years (since my son was borned), ran for 30 minutes as part of a plan from MyProCoach to do a triathlon in september. I did 4.5KM in 30 min, but who cares, I'm pretty sure I did better than average that night :)

[@yotube9797]

Good for you Mack! Remember to be cautious when following cookiecutter running plans. Some general plans is very optimistic. But good Luck with the Endeavour :)

[@glennrush6471]

Well done mate! Mark also has a great video on Goals and Habits to keep you on the track!

[@MarkLewisfitness]

When I started running 4.5 KM in 30 minutes would have been a dream 😂

[@MrBenjaminoneill]

Go for it pal, my boy is 3 and I’m dusting off the road bike but I might never get 6h training rights so I want to do more running

[@clayveldkamp6739]

Awesome work!

[@joub5]

I recently completed my 1st Triathlon at age 59. I didn't do good at all, especiallyfor the 1st leg Swimming (dead last, literally I was deadlast). But I finished in the middle. Now I'm watching your videos and you are inspiring me with you training to just push on to get better. Thank you. Thank you.

[@CoffeeFiend1]

Still impressive, people half, hell even a third of your age can't do that. At big 60 you also unlock the 'Grizzled As Fuck' perk.

[@slh7808]

Signed up for my first sprint tri in June. I weigh 114kg and targeting 100kg for my wide 6ft 4 🖼. Usually hearing about the gate and more transparent shoe cushioning. Already have some HOKA trail shoes and they made a positive improvement on my second park (hilly) run for 32mins. Nice work on the full triathlon!

[@_R_R_R]

I mean if you are terrible at the swimming part but you finished in the middle, you are a pretty good cycler and runner

[@joub5]

I'm not really great at biking or running either. But much better than swimming. Thank goodness for my wetsuit.

[@pomegranatepip2482]

234 lbs @ 6ft. So Ja, festively plump. Walked 12 Kms on Table Mountain this morning. For the first time I managed to feel good and added a small amount of jogging into the mix. I feel like I am getting somewhere. Thanks for the videos Mark. I get good motivation from them.

[@TheArtist441]

I love this guy’s humility, humour, passion, know how and running adventure stories. Love your channel Mark, you are an inspiration!

[@KX5Kat]

I'm a sprinter, not a distance runner, but injury risk is incredibly high in sprinting, particularly if you're heavier. At 86kg, I'm on the heavier side of a sprinter, but luckily I've been able to avoid serious injuries. My biggest tip for all runners is conditioning the joints and tendons to absorb the shock and plyometrics really helped with that, particularly drop jumps. Also, progress GRADUALLY!

[@tomscott4644]

Thanks. I've done a bunch of marathons and hilly ultramarathons up to 50 miles at 270 lbs (122 kg). I've never finished last. I just keep moving. Relentless forward progress. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@garshtoshteles]

You look so much smaller in all your videos

[@Swagalious689]

Wow 270 pounds 50 miles running thats super impressive.

[@levicjackson]

You are a huge motivator for me. I decided enough was enough when I hit 285 around New Years. I began running and cycling to bring my weight down. Im already at 260 running a 30:00 5k, and just signed up for a half marathon in Nov. When I don't feel like going out, your videos give me the umph I need to get off the couch. Thanks so much.

[@midnightlightthevamp]

I've just started speedwalking/light jogging and I'm working towards losing weight, getting fit, and doing a triathlon next year (I'm a good swimmer, okay cyclist, not great runner, but I'm working on that!). It's a huge goal for me as I'm 170kgs, but I don't even mind if I'm the slowest person there-- I just want to do it! your channel is super inspiring and full of awesome information. Thank you so much!

[@willemvanvuuren3719]

My wife and I actually did our first "run" yesterday - 3,7km (The plan was only a 2km route I searched out, so I guess that's a form of above average for us) - Technically the longest run I've ever done. I've done 5 day-backpacking hikes with a 20+kg backpck over 60km and 3-day hikes up and down the drakensberg before the covidemic, but never before running. Also, I'm not far off from your 2018 photos and measures... but with cues from the newly-wed life and inspirational sources like your channel, I've decided to kick it into gear now

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Awesome to hear. And newly wed life should be a good motivator 😁

[@oz_jones]

You got this mate!

[@bigbaxt]

Love your video's, I'm a big heavy runner, ran Man vs Lakes at 265lbs. Currently at 250lbs and training for Man vs Coast. Keep up the great videos. 👍

[@DarthFetid]

how tall? that is important to know. eg: i weigh 160 kg (352.74lbs) thats fine if i am 274.32 (9ft) but not if i am 173.73cm (5'7").

[@lukeet331]

@@DarthFetid you're an 160kg runner that's mad respect

[@ukqwerty999]

omg, your dry comedy has me in tears, Mark, I need to get fit or just give up and die.. so I'm here.... glad your channel just popped up

[@ws5246]

Great effort Mark and as usual solid advice 👍🏼. I think you get the balance of “move your arse to get fitter but don’t go stupid and also have a life” just about spot on. Keep up the good work

[@maxs6028]

At 125kg I agree with your points about pacing. It's something i'm still learning that I need to leave my ego at the door and stop comparing to others.

[@leovanduyn2699]

I don't run much anymore, well except when I go on holiday with my buddy (insanely fit 65 year old with way too much energy) so I wouldn't have any running advice to offer. I know your probably thinking, "stow it you are ruining my donut time and why did you watch this video". Well I enjoy watching people deal with NHS (negative head space) and come out the other side, I keep those little timbits (wait that's a donut) TIDBITs in mind when I get to the DARK place on my own challenges. The only NHS advice I would offer is sometimes when things go pear shaped I have to disconnect my brain from my data (wahoo, apple watch....) to allow me to remove that 'stress' from the equation. Congrats on the 50k and Good Stuff.

[@stever574]

Your videos are helpful to me. I'm 6'7 and currently 230. I always feel like good running times are beyond me due to my size, but to see you have done it makes me want to keep grinding.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

ANYONE can run (if you have legs!)

[@andrewzach1921]

Thanks for the video Mark, I don’t know why I keep watching. My knees are shot and my hips are bad but you make me want to run. That can’t be good.😊

[@KaraChapman]

Thank you so much for this video! I was formerly 316lbs and am now 215lbs and have started running. The sense of accomplishment I get from it keeps me coming back. You're very inspirational to me.

[@massiminimakes]

Great advice! I'm sitting at ~115kg and want to be in the 85-90 kg mark. Seeing your story and how you're handling it is great motivation. I have the same issue of loving sweets too much. But this gave me motivation to go for a run tonight.

[@matthewrendell1713]

Hey Mark, great honest debrief of your race and the tips provided - much appreciated. It shows that you do put in above average effort into producing videos also! I've dropped from 308lbs to 182lbs and really enjoy my running and cycling. Looking forward to the next video.

[@davidjames5517]

You are a legend. Inspiring even for a 64 yr old like me. Thank you for your excellent channel.

[@AF-qq2le]

Thanks for carrying the flag for us and showing that you dont have to be mega skinny to run! Very inspiring mate. Love the non nonsense approach too!

[@jamessimpson9173]

Love the channel and I'm a fellow heavy runner (16-17st) and have completed 20 ultras from 50k to 100 miles...I have 2 x 100m and 1 x 100k next year....keep up the incredible content

[@nzmarty]

Just signed up for the next 7 weeks of Parkrun near my place. I did a 45km self-sustained Ultra on Wednesday this week and completely fell to pieces - needed this to re-motivate me. Thankyou:)

[@EmptyGlass99]

Just stumbled across your channel and really enjoyed your honesty and lack of pretentiousness.

[@woffindin187809]

Whoop, whoop, wife, cancel the search party, Mark has released another video! That's our evening sorted. Good to see you back Mark and thank you for making videos that motivates my wife and I to get off the settee instead of laying on it working our way through a tube of Pringles (other savoury snacks are available). Great videos and great content, especially for me being both "above average" and around the same weight as you. Thanks again - safe travels. :)

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Ha! Work (my real job 😂) got in the way a bit. Back on it now. And a few videos already in the works 👍🏼

[@tymcbride3477]

@@MarkLewisfitness ❤️

[@captainlogic2679]

You already wrote what I planned too

[@woffindin187809]

@@MarkLewisfitness Good to hear. My work gets in the way of cycling too but I've now taken up "running", if I can call it that, because of you. My wife is a keen runner in any event but your videos are amusing and relevant. I will stop blowing smoke. No need to reply as I suspect you are inundated with messages- thanks again for your message- Eye of Tiger and all that.

[@ef6200]

Great Video. From someone who suffered a lot from nausea during ultras, a tip that works for me for eating / pacing. Eat solids as you power hike up hills or stairs. If you can chew your food and swallow, you are pacing yourself right. If not, slow it down.

[@arhnstaylor4061]

Run reports in this channel are to the point. Love the pragmatic spirit sprinkled with dry humor is priceless. Just great!

[@adrianholmes5477]

Great video Mark, I’m a heavy runner 210pds, 6’3. From 300pds 5 years ago. I find I’m way more competitive on flat runs than hilly runs, regardless of distance.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Yep. Hills are not our friends 😁

[@buildingreno]

@@MarkLewisfitness I live in Muskoka Ontario. It is very lumpy here. My last half marathon had 318m of elevation gain. For a bigger boy that really sucked! However gravity loves me downhill on a bike! So there's that!

[@Polones12]

Done my 1st 1000 M yesterday: you can laugh but it is an acheivement for me. Next target 3 km.

[@71Darkone]

Congrats for finishing the 50km. I’m also 100kg runner addicted to doing marathons but never attempted a 50k. Thanks to your endeavours, it is on my New Years wish list. 😅The 100kg ultra runner is a unique category of athlete…there’s only a few of us around..💪🏿

[@Sundownerrr]

what trainers do you use?

[@cyanomical]

Well said about the Healthy Weight @22:40. Having a good self body image and being fit and healthy are 2 different things.

[@yellowfolder]

Just discovered your channel, loving it, bags of charisma combined with knowledge and relatability

[@mot0s896]

On this point (nearly end of the year) a big thank you 😁 started last year at 108kg than in march I found your youtube channel. Actual at 96kg and on the way to goal weight around 93kg. Zwift did a big part and than started running in the summer, slow and still feeling slow.

[@shropshirecycle]

You have a VERY honest & direct attitude toward running, it's actually very easy relate to everything you've said.😂 Great video, thanks for the inspiration 🙂🙂

[@schmidtfx]

Thanks Mark. So inspirational. Rocky IV Soundtrack got me through my first 20-minute FTP test 💪🏻💪🏻

[@dreambakes6007]

Not a runner, but I subscribed a couple of days ago and devouring your content. Love your sense of humour and the way you approach things!

[@DJHarryteaches]

As a man that has struggled with weight and has picked back up cycling and running, this was just the video I needed to watch!

[@proudtobeblue]

I found your channel this week. Since lock down i have got back into running, currently out for dont know how long due to doing my groin in 5 aside. However that aside, i like the way you present your videos with no frills and just get on with it. I have never been a sportsman by any means and have always searched for an attitude i can get on board with. Always told that if you dont come near the top dont bother. Im now fully on board with your above average mentality and thats what im going with going forward! Thank you! That will help me no end. Keep up the good work Mark!

[@buildingreno]

I'm 6' tall 89kg and I too enjoy endurance sports. I'm not fat (well sorta) I'm a bigger guy...48 suite jacket with 33" pants kinda guy. I did my 1st 70.3 in Aug of this year and finished 37th of 87 in my age group (just above average). I thought the whole race, "if only I was a little guy'; this would be so much easier!". Anyways, I enjoy your content and sense of humor. Please keep creating. From one just above average guy to another...keep running!

[@OliverMay1]

Another great and inspirational video, thanks Mark. I'm also a heavy runner (94kgs currently) and slowly trying to increase my distances. Best is currently 22km at the Tough Runner Swansea Trail Half and it was BRUTAL but I loved it. My target for 2022 is to get to 50km (maybe the Hurtwood 50km would be a good target!?) and your videos and tips like this really do help. Cheers man, hope to see you at an event one day to say thanks in person.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Hurtwood is awesome-and a proper ultra with some serious climbing involved. The trouble with 50 K is it is kind of a baby ultramarathon but with 4000 feet of climbing it makes it a proper accomplishment to achieve. And if you can run 22K, you can run 50k next year…. No question 👍🏼💪

[@OliverMay1]

@@MarkLewisfitness thanks, really appreciate that. I'd like to try a few more halfs first and get to 'above average' - I was well below in Swansea, but it was my first event and we all have to start somewhere right? There was 'only' 1525 feet of climbing but it was very muddy, very wet, and some of it was up sand dunes, I agree fully with you on that being difficult when heavy. Hutwood definitely sounds like a good target for next year :-)

[@seanhogan6893]

My goal is to be heavier and faster than Mark. For the next year I'll be working on being heavier. After I've mastered that then I'll work on being faster.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

@@seanhogan6893 you may be approaching this the wrong way 😂👍🏼

[@paulcurrant8177]

"you've probably got two on them on there at once." Total belly laugh, Mark.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Then my job is done 😂😂🤣

[@furrybum]

I've done 50 mile and 37 mile ultras this year (as well as plenty of others in previous years) at 100kg+. Next year I have a 75 mile and 50 mile race in the same month. Getting the calories in and dragging the extra weight up hill is always a killer!

[@joeprosho]

The calories in is so hard.. I used to eat a packet of biscuits a day when training just to try fill a calorie gap :D, was still shedding weight

[@adamk99]

Loving the content just started running at 43 and 110kg great to get some advice from someone without a typical runners build.

[@andrewcollier3495]

Great channel, your story reflects mine. I am a near 50 year old with extra pounds who is now into running and the gym. Im starting to build up to a 1/2 Marathon so this really inspires me 👍

[@jzzsxm]

Thank you so much. 230lb and training for my ultra

[@MarkLewisfitness]

🙏 🙏

[@vision8579]

I like your sense of humor, it is subtle. I suspect many people do not get it.

[@arthurosborne2445]

Well done Mark,as usual very informative ,entertaining and inspiring. Keep up the good work.

[@skiziskin]

I like your videos. I'm big but not as big as many of the commenters. 6' and 85 kg. I've been a runner all my life, a sprinter from age 8 thorough high school and a trail /ultra runner and ski mountaineer ever since. Now I am 65 years old and my knees are complaining a lot. I stopped running last summer because my left knee blew up. But my ortho says I should still be able to run. Telemark skiing is never a problem but my knees have bad days and good days. The issue I've always had is that I love to run so much and I enjoy just going out and being spontaneous so I have a tendency to overdo things. If I am going to start running again soon--as the snow is melting here in Sapporo, Japan--I'm going to have to change my habits and plan my training more carefully. Thanks for the inspiration and the reminder. I'm emotionally not completely ready to give up running altogether. But anything that interferes with skiing ultimately has to go.

[@Blittsplitt5]

5'9 and 101 kg... Lol

[@sharkATX]

When hearing the split times 1st 25k and 2nd 25k that's pretty much as consistent as it can get especially any fatigue you'd expect from a 50k. Massive respect!

[@Nomis1317]

Hey Mark, awesome video! Thankyou for the down to earth relatable advice mate.

[@scottbeard4064]

Great work Mark, got to say I think I'm most impressed with the speed your body recovers and allows you to keep training, I work as a plasterer and recovery is my biggest challenge! Also well done on becoming my new go to utuber.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Pizza and sleep 😂

[@seligseligabc123]

That’s what ideally (whole food) plant based eating does, I’ve never looked back since 5 yrs ago, all my health stats are top notch, morning aches & knee clicks simply vanished VO2 MAX UP, faster recovery, resting Heart rate down from 48-52 to 36-41 BPM, blood pressure 112 over 67 on average, clearer thinking, consistent ideal weight regardless how much whole plant foods eaten at 10.8 stone at 5ft 11in for mostly running, all since ditching the Cancer triggering rotting flesh & puss filled Cow secretions, chicken egg menstruation, suffocated fish or anything with a mother or has a face! Also as little processed food as poss, our Primate body does best with (whole) plant foods, simply since that is our Human & (pre) Human ‘longest’ Evolution as empirically shown at the natural History museum, though the meat & dairy industry will deny that for the sake of their despicable profits. In truth meat & dairy create cellular inflammation in Human Great Apes & eventually illness in the majority of us by old age, I only wish I learned this peer reviewed science in my 20’s I’d have been faster & stronger from the start of my fitness pursuits, now I am 50 but fitter than I was in my 30’s...Just to add a caveat, I am not sure he’s still plant based now?.A big longterm mistake if he isn’t;-)

[@MarkLewisfitness]

@@seligseligabc123 vegan for good 👍🏼

[@trevorlovelace2618]

Firsty congratulations on the race mark. Well done. I love your vlogs and all the effort you put into the content and editing. I’m a 42 year old 98kg, ex army now fireman. I’ve recently just got back into running often and for distance. Completing several 10k’s in the last 6 months (thanks to your motivational videos) I have now signed up for the 100k Peak District in July. Any help or tips would be very much appreciated Cheers And keep up the good work. Hope all is well with your family and dog.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

100km (and this sounds obvious) it’s just about being able to run when you are tired without everything falling apart. It’s not practical to train anywhere close to that distance for most people so a good idea is to do (now and then) 2 long runs back to back. So A few hours on a Saturday and then go back out on a Sunday before you are recovered and repeat just so you get used to the feeling of running tired. And practice running at the pace you will do for the 100-as a 10 K runner your pace, like mine, will be useless for 100 km. it will feel very alien but try going out and doing 10k at your 100 K pace otherwise you will find it very hard to not go off too fast. And you need to get very used to eating while running. Even when you go out on a 10k, try going out just after you have eaten a small snack. You will have to run while eating in the race so you need to get your body used to the feeling. Last one. Good kit. The thing that ruins a 100km Is often not how good a runner you are because you can just drop in plenty of walks-it is stuff like your backpack rubbing till you bleed or your shoes destroying your feet. If you are comfortable, you can keep moving forward for days on end end but when every step means a toenail hurts, it gets rubbish quick!

[@trevorlovelace2618]

@@MarkLewisfitness Thanks for all the advice Mark. Keep producing your great vlogs. I will let you know how I get on. Have a good Xmas 🍺

[@BILLYRENK]

So glad your channel popped up in my feed!! Love how you present information. Especially for us big guys!!:)

[@geekyboytop]

I really enjoyed the conversation about being heavy and overweight - very nicely done, also donuts :)

[@joemacleod-iredale2888]

As a fellow big boy runner, I wear cushioned Hokas to protect my delicate lower back, they make a big difference to me personally but everyone needs to find their own way.

[@kevinshales1380]

Hi Mark, I've only recently found your channel, wish I had found it sooner, your straight to the point advice and just being average is great. I will be taking part in a 48.1 mile walk (around the island of Jersey) it must be the 9th time I've had a go, but this year I'm at my best weight 67kg and feeling amazing, looking to beat from fastest time which was just under 14hrs. Cheers. Would be great to have you come and complete this challenge 👍

[@austingalb1709]

Fellow Altra user. Hello from Salt Lake City Utah. Glad to hear that you love the Lone Peak 5. I make it a yearly event to summit Lone Peak of the Wasatch Mountains every July. Cheers mate. Great video.

[@pedromacd]

Really useful video, thank you. I'm 95kg, most of it comes from my 6'4" height and athletic build. I have a 50 mile race this year, and understand where you're coming from.

[@coffeemaddan]

Great content. Right on point for me too. Just found you after many months of watching videos of 20yo 10st runners giving their best advice. At 230lb, my lean mass is about 170lb, sp plenty of fat to shed, but I've got a physical job and the dog n myself walk between a marathon and 1.5 marathons a week; so we're not horribly out of shape. Now, while I'm recovering from my first morning run, I'm going to enjoy a coffee and start skimming your back catalog of videos to find further evidence of 'heavy milage' :) Keep up the good work, enjoyed the vid.

[@peterkempf5422]

Thanks Mark. As always, great information that's easy to understand and I love the humour. Keep up the great work.

[@danielkabata1998]

Thanks

[@MarkLewisfitness]

🙏 🙏 🙏 Thank you!

[@davidbaker5725]

Great video, love hearing your thoughts on your mindset and focus at different points of the race.

[@DevonD.B]

Big guy here, I do everything barefoot or in barefoot shoes (midfoot strike, heel kiss as close to 0 cushion as i can find in a shoe) Works great. I've enjoyed watching your channel this week, but i had no idea you were onto the same sort of ideas in terms of footwear.

[@bangorjohn]

Enjoyed the video Mark. 👍

[@hikerJohn]

I've hiked 3000+ miles in Lone Peaks and will keep hiking/running in them. My feet are extra wide with a high arch. My foot is 10.5 but I buy shoes in size 12 (US sizes) for a full one inch space at the toes. I also put an expensive (hard) insole ON TOP of the factory insert for a little extra cushion.

[@Simpler_ASMR]

Awesome video Mark! At least your sub 6h goal is still alive. Sometimes it's fun to not reach your goals to fast. That keeps the tension and motivation alive. I'm 6'6, 198 pounds, skinny and beardless. I wish you could lend me some of your muscles. 😁

[@aki-gn7uq]

Nice running!! Just seen the route and it goes through my old school the Duke of Kent, I know first hand how steep those hills are!! Good effort 💪

[@MarkLewisfitness]

The hills behind there is mad!!!

[@tomserghi3086]

Hi mark. Enjoying the vids. I been running for 10 months and have had to stop for a couple months due to hip injury. I’m 44 and have lost 3 stone. Just hoping I can start again. 😫 Keep up the vids. They inspire me try and start again! 👍🏻

[@cdmarkandu]

Truly truly helpful video Mark!! Thank you so much!!! I'm running my first 50km in September (unofficial race - just for me). Great tips!!! And just what I needed. I am now a subscriber.

[@Los4rmLos]

Just stumbled across your channel. Good stuff! My buddy and I are big runners ourselves and often joke about how alone we are 😆 thanks for the content!

[@johnbibby5033]

Great Vid! I am doing a 23k trail run in the Lakes District in July and currently 250 pounds. This has given me some great tips

[@benpember5117]

Great vid Mark, keep it up.

[@ElonMuckX]

A good way to start back into running, is to find a hill with a easy hike, and then run down the hill. I have a loop i do. I walk up the hill, almost a half mile, then easy jog down the backside that loops around to the base. The run, at a very easy pace, is 4 minutes. Plus it’s nice because the hill has a great view for 30 miles:)

[@racingpigeonworld8879]

Wicked video mate! Been looking forward to seeing this and didn’t disappoint.

[@chloemusgrove5462]

Super helpful for my training and I was dying laughing through it, now subscribed.

[@guciolini123]

Total respect for 6h ultra for Mark. Attention for viewers like me: middle of the stake in a race is not just above average.Series that the average is of can contains people who run races, but also people, who.... don't run at all, so... There is a toll on Garmin devices to predict Vo2max and your over all shape. It can tell you where you are in a bigger sample (I don't reely know what kind of sample is it, but i wouldn't be suprised if it is all the people with those watches).

[@backofthepack4553]

Well done Mark, Dorking is just down the road from me and MTB over the Leith Hill area, it’s rough over there especially in the winter. Totally agree with you about kit, invest in the best stuff you can, I have an Osprey running vest and really love it for those longer medium runs.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Lot of mountain bikers out when we were running. looks an awesome place for it 👍🏼

[@backofthepack4553]

@@MarkLewisfitness some good trails and easy links to the North downs in that area, have pushed my bike up that hill to the Leith Tower many times!

[@SimonBerry]

Great video, nice honest approach to weight and running, and running in general. I am a heavier runner, not as heavy as yourself and carrying a bit post Christmas, but I'll get back down to where I want to be for the first 50K of the year in May, only my second Ultra, first being last July. Like you, although a different course I am aiming to go sub 6, narrowly missed it last time. But the main reason I thought I should comment was that I was watching the video and then 14 minutes or so, bosh I recognise that, a nice sunny Green Park, where funnily I went around at lunch from the office today, opposite direction though :-)

[@markras6355]

i agree. As a heavy runner, zero drop shows with minimal cushioning has been a godsend. fixed all my aches an pains. just needed time to get my feet strong enough to run the distances.

[@richcrompton6891]

Another great video Mark. Honest feedback, encouragement, tips and support. Brilliant. Not sure I’m about to do a 50k any time soon, but if I do, I know how to approach it. I still think I’m better suited to swimming and cycling though. 55 year old knees don’t appreciate my dreadful running technique!

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Just think of it as 10 cheeky park runs 😁

[@richcrompton6891]

@@MarkLewisfitness Lol! The 10 'park runs' in your video were a little more extreme than me trotting around Hereford Racecourse! Losing nearly 30Kg over the past 2 years though, I have to agree - You can be fit and heavy, but it's not easy to be fit, fast, and heavy unless you are doing gravity-driven sports.

[@dacrecrescent]

Great video. Watched a number and now committed on my fitness journey due to you Mark. Even bought a Fenix 6 watch !!

[@tiffanyrobinpeters9256]

Running my first 10k this afternoon. I started running in Altras last fall and they have been a game changer. Thanks for the inspiration !

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Superb to hear! Good luck!

[@imprezaaudi]

I suggest wearing full arm seamless lycra. This will help with arm chafing, help with wicking sweat away from skin surface. My daughter did a half marathon had no chafing at all. She used chamois cream all between her toes, again no rubbing issue too. Awesome running for 200+lb guy.

[@seligseligabc123]

This is a fun experiment to see how you can carry more weight. Just be careful of your joints! You’ll know longterm you don’t get new joints once they F**KED. Aim to run on your forefoot & keep your torso oscillation down to reduce impacts, GARMIN-Pro heart strap is best for running dynamics. Aim to lower your F/P-(form power) meaning energy efficiency for each stride lower is better. From my experience the only way to do that is to shuffle along at a higher cadence & claw the ground more rather than taking long high strides that burn joints out more. Definitely no heel impacts if poss, you have many more years to live & your joints have to last, think long term IMHO. That is what I aim to do myself.:-)..

[@rhettuk]

Great video there. Stumbled on your channel the other day and I'm hooked. Great advice

[@ianbritton7534]

As always the humour is top, self-effacing . Really good point about weight. It makes a big different on ultra's with regard to pacing and time on feet. The whole thermodynamics, calories in and out, is now becoming quite contested - not all calories are same. As an ex-fat bastard I find not eating the best way to control my weight and carb addiction. Beer, Bread and Biscuits my downfall.

[@Erelyes]

Great vid Mark. Your comments about losing weight are right on the money. People have an emotional response sometimes to being told they're overweight. If someone gets offended being told they'd be a quicker runner at 100kg than at 150kg - well, unfortunately Newton's laws care not for your feelings.

[@c0nnerie71]

Love the humour :) I like the idea of above average, i have kids and compagnies, no way can i put that on hold. LOve your vids

[@eldustino100]

Hi fella, videos crack me up 😂 also motivational so keep up the good work 👍👍

[@benwharton4181]

Very honest and entertaining! Love it

[@MrsHuntontheTrails]

I ran a 28:08 Parkrun in 2018. I’ve spent the last 12 weeks losing the ‘COVID-19’ but am still heavier and slower than I wish to be (I’m 57 and had never run a step until 5 years ago). I cannot run at a low heart rate - am hoping regular 10k power walks (9min/k) combined with a couple of runs at threshold per week will lead to a sub 30 before I’m 60 😂. Thanks for all the tips.

[@richardmccoy2351]

Best wishes achieving your goal.

[@markwhitham1169]

Great video and some great tips thanks. It goes to show everyone’s different as I went to a pair of no drop Altras and smashed my Achilles to bits as I was just not ready for the big change in foot wear.

[@JackD87]

Rinsed your videos today. Appreciate the no-nonsense content mate! You’ve convinced me on Hyrox… love my running but I know there’s a limit to my potential as a 95kg ex rugby guy. Hyrox could be the answer one day. Need to hit the running goals first! Thanks again. Have subbed 👍🏼👍🏼

[@mattschm5486]

I’m 6ft 90 kg! I didn’t do an ultra run yet since the ones i was planning to do got canceled. So far my longest run was 40k with 2500m elevation on technical trails. I feel the weight can be hard on long steep uphills. That’s where I usually loose time to similar fast people going uphill and catch them on the flat and downhill sections. I also feel running on trails feels actually better for my joints than a long road run

[@dirtrider6198]

I really like your whole approach Mark. This is a well thought out sincere video that will help many an aspiring Ultra runner. So thanks very much. The zero drop shoes is interesting. I go flat for short fast - up to 16k. But 4mm for long. Starting faster because you know you will slow later was also interesting. I start slowish, increase gradually and then hope to maintain a medium pace. It prolongs the period before any late drop off. But we're all different and have to find out what works for us as individuals, as you have quite rightly stated.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Increasing your pace as the run goes on is actually the more professional way to do it! I just find, because of my size, fatigue setting in over distance becomes unavoidable so I just plan for the inevitable!

[@scottwalburn6193]

Just found your channel. I'm a former 300 lb'er that found fitness. I'm an avid cyclist that likes to lift weights and I'm around 195 right now. Running is the thing I can't crack. My ankles, groin, and legs are just smoked. Longest I've been able to go is about 10k. Either way I enjoy your channel.

[@jayaychare7318]

body glide is the chafe buster of choice. when i ran long it did amazing job without being sticky and greasy. also minimalist shoes all the way.

[@thelongerrun]

As a former 130kg fellow who now runs ultras, cheers! Weight can be a huge factor in wrong out the last bit of performance, but it's not something that prevents anyone from getting out there.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Exactly, just another thing to deal with on the way to the finish!

[@connormorgan-matthews9294]

Found your channel looking for tips for heavy runners (I’m 6”2 and 248lbs at the moment). Have now watched most of them, the half marathon I’ve signed up for seems more doable. And I want to get a dog.