Run Slow? It's OK To Not Be Good

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Anyone else perfectly happy with just being a bit slow?

[@allenvilleendurance]

I brag about it! Not really, but its life lol

[@72boog]

Oh yes (not that I seem to have much choice in the matter)

[@crankgreenwatts]

5k PB 20:32 and final Parkrun of 2024 was 22:39 .. Am I slow 🤔 Yes, well no am making progress , am getting older at 53 years young, still trying and will keep trying 💪 Stuff others and enjoy life as you only get one chance; it ain't a rehearsal 🙏 Happy New Year Mark 🥳

[@ghashul]

I can either be frustrated that I'm running way slower than I used to, or be happy that I'm able to run again after several different injuries. I'll choose the latter.

[@acidbeat311]

I can't say i'm perfectly happy about it. My 5k pb is 46 minutes but i'm 250 lbs. But I was able to do a long run of 3.5 miles without stopping. Hearing that your 5k time improved from around there down to 20 minutes is inspiring.

[@joelavandantzig9473]

Did a 5k run just before Christmas. Ended 432nd out of 487 females, well below average. BUT felt incredibly proud. Ran a 1min 4sec pr and it was the medal for losing 28kg in 2024. Bring on 2025!

[@AlistairLattimore]

Congrats, the weight loss and the time are a huge accomplishment !

[@marcelspringer4921]

Average isn't running at all. You're doing great.

[@GTE_Channel]

Well done. Running a 5k pb is far above average in my book.

[@wuff42]

Amazing! Congrats to this achivement!

[@chrissaysno]

Sure you only beat 55 in the race, but you beat the many many millions of people who didn’t even bother running 5k that day. Go get it

[@warius33]

That speed walking clip never gets old. Keep doing your thing Mark.

[@MrElectricSkittles]

Gets me every time 🤣

[@kenvyn123]

“Be more dog” is an amazing mantra. Thanks for the pearls of wisdom Mark.

[@Mowsemowse]

This is one of my favorite videos of Marks - Be more dog. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3q1c5praMqDd9Usi=VxCjAzznjcuP_bgh

[@paddingtonbear-uk4wh]

Just found this quote on the running channel I want to see what he means

[@choochoo9506]

Some random guy over in the UK whom I'll never meet has absolutely changed my life. Thanks to you, Mark, I'm STILL running 2 years on, and am up to a 5K cpl times a week, but a short run almost every day. I do weights 3-4X/week, and try to eat healthily, but am not psychotic about it. And I feel great, and look so much "better than average". I could never thank you enough, Mark, Little old lady in the US - 63yo soon. ♥

[@lucastacla]

"Enjoy being bad while you can, it doesn't last" hit me hard. I was starting to feel demotivated with my runs, now I'll try looking at the smaller things again

[@masefield_games]

Same here. Just what I needed to hear.

[@matthew1471]

Something I think to myself when someone drives past me whilst I'm wheezing my way through the 2km mark is "they don't know if I've run 2km or 60km." Therefore, I'm a 60km endurance runner. Not a wheezing, pained 48 year old wreck, just about managing to get through the 2km mark.

[@glenn1534]

Just mumble "Only 98km to go..." to yourself as you're running past people 😅

[@crankgreenwatts]

As long as having a good run, enjoying your space, and smiling what is not to like ?

[@kath2606]

I like your mindset! 🙂

[@plowestv]

@@glenn1534 great comment, I used to actually do this and say "We're cycling to Manchester" for example, when Manchester was still 200km away BUT no one believe me so I gave up :-).

[@matmul4850]

Love that 😅

[@ericahouston4395]

I did my first race yesterday. 47 minutes for a 5k. 😂. But that’s way faster than all the races I did last year (none).

[@msydneyau]

Well done!

[@Dbaifngjska]

That’s a great effort! Keep going!

[@Namoraslife]

That's the spirit! Keep going!

[@Stu_2112]

Well done!!

[@craigevans8912]

Awesome, well done 😃 keep it going 👌

[@paulsansome1628]

I've had to confront this. I'm now 61 with stage 4 prostate cancer and therefore zero testosterone to keep me alive (prostate cancer feeds on testosterone). Muscle wastage is constant, as is weight gain, unless I exercise. However, with zero testosterone, my performance times have dropped off a cliff. But as you say, who cares? Get out and do what you need to do. I know I am slow and will never be fast again. But I can be better (both in health and fitness) than I am now. So that's what I'm doing.

[@bankaihadouken1180]

Water fast 48hours a week no food just water and it will starve the cancer..and dont eat red meat or white rice/white pasta/sugary processed foods, because glucose feeds the cancer and the glutamine frm red meat feeds the cancer aswell..eat wholefoods, fruits, veg, water fasting and exercise- the cancer will reduce to a point it wont impact you anymore.

[@HowlingFantods]

Im sorry to hear about your prostate cancer. My grandfather died of prostate cancer. Any suggestions as to what a younger male could do to help reduce the risk?

[@Stu_2112]

Very powerful words. Best of luck with it all.

[@zundee4182]

God Bless and may God grant you health. Keep going with what you have and where you are

[@darolfishman3470]

Absolutely! Keep digging and moving forward.

[@MultiSimpsonator]

One unexpected side effect running has had on me is that I no longer care about the weather - after a few km I'm lost in my own daft thoughts and just enjoying being out in the woods or the park or wherever. Running slow makes it much more enjoyable regardless. Thanks for a really nice inspirational video!

[@brainslugged7957]

Whenever I drive past someone running, whether they look fit or not, I'm always impressed by their commitment to actually do something - unlike most of the population.

[@glenn1534]

No matter how often that video of you power-walking unexpectedly appears on your videos, it never fails to make me burst out laughing 🤣

[@Eightfathorses]

I've always been slow and I always will be slow. But I was in chemo last year so every run to me is a blessing and I'll be doing my first ultra this year. And all I get around my town is encouragement and praise because as you said most people don't even attempt to run.

[@zundee4182]

Awesome, God bless, keep going and stay strong

[@mightyn8]

Not yet able to run due to being too heavy so don't want to ruin my knees and ankles, but I've been striving to walk more in the past month and have been finding it very nice to slowly ramp up my daily steps. I don't mind that I can't run right now - I'm just hoping I'll be able to walk a bit faster in time, as well as be able to sustain walking for longer. Thank you for being inspiring in an honest way, your videos always make me feel far more inclined to exercise!

[@Real_Matt]

Took me a long time to be able to run. Slow and steady wins the race. My right knee couldn’t handle it for absolutely ages. Build it up slowly. I did incline walks for ages.

[@FireFire_HehHeh]

It will come. Keep plugging away. I came into running after almost a year on my back due to injury. When I first started running both my knees felt like they would disintegrate in turns. I would hobble and shuffle around corners. A little over a year later and one knee is back and the other is nearing 85-90%. You will have setbacks. Get that in your head. You will backslide, but here’s the thing. Even when you are having bad days or weeks, you are still making progress. Just keep going one way or another. Once you are running and it’s too painful to run, then walk those miles. When you’re feeling better run again. Then walk. The walking will become less and the running more. And soon enough you will be doing it. Walking fast when you’re out of shape is as beneficial as running fast when you’re in shape. Look at your progress in 3-6 month terms, not days or weeks. Keep going. Make it fun. Don’t try to adhere to some ideal you see in a video. As long as you are getting out there consistently and getting your heart rate up, it literally doesn’t matter. All the best to you.

[@KevinMahoney-v7p]

In the summer of 1986 I was on a trip with my wife-to-be in Northwest Scotland. I went or a run up and down the local hilly roads, dodging sheep and marvelling at the incredible beauty of the highlands. Just before I turned around for home, an old bugger in broken down care stopped, rolled down his window and asked me a question. Not understanding his thick, Scottish brogue, I asked him to repeat his question. After two or three back-and-forths, with the old Scottish crofter finally yelling his question, perhaps thinking I was deaf, I finally understood that he was offering me a lift. I declined, and told him I was running for my health. With a “you’re mad” and a scowling shake of his head, he rattled off in his car. I am still running, more slowly, and getting less offers of rides. Though there are times recently I might wish for a lift. 😂. Love you stuff. Keep it coming!

[@fastmuell2137]

the speed walking clip is amazing!!! i can't stop laughing every time you us it, the gift that keeps on giving.

[@MindyMikami]

“Socks too pink” 🤣🤣🤣 At 63, after recently losing 85 lbs, my 5K time is 50 minutes and I don’t give AF! Great video!

[@LLenaaaaa]

That's amazing!! Cheers to you, keep it up!! 😊

[@A.P.Garland]

50 minutes! You show off😂. I did 52mins 40secs on my last one.

[@joshk9328]

running circles around the people on the couch!

[@SubtleAsh-TheImmortal]

Fk yeah!!! Showing up is winning a battle in itself rest is only a journey. Kudos To you for motivating me

[@strengthofabear2640]

Legend!

[@RunningCalle]

The part "your joy cannot be stolen by conparision, it can only be given up by you" *chefs kiss*❤. Need that some days, thanks Mark!

[@Rich_1]

That was just what I needed! I've been training for ultramarathons for four years, but had to take a break after having our new a baby. I didn't realize how much I got caught up in posting the "long runs" on Strava. Training for shorter distances is actually really fun now, running a 5K with friends is way more fun than a solo 55K. I love ultrarunning, but this break helped me see I was probably overtraining

[@ingobaby1]

I started “running” about 2 years ago, after I came across your channel and got inspired. Never ran before that and I am still extremely slow, and have to take a lot of walking breaks. But I’m so proud of actually getting out and moving my body a few times a week, and since I’m so slow, it’s awesome to see all the improvements I’ve made. So I just wanted to say thanks!

[@robswan816]

“Be more dog” - love it. I’ve said several times to several people this year that “healthy comparison and competition” is brilliant for inspiration, motivation and entertainment. I think, a bit like being able to not care what other people think, it’s a skill that’s deceptively hard to master.

[@mercedessl8718]

Mark. Thank you you’re my inspiration. I’m now 70 with 243 park runs achieved, umpteen 10k plus 5 half marathons. I’m going to do the Hackney half this year with the aim of 2 hours (or just under like my previous one) and all I can say is I’m grateful. I admire anyone who achieves ….

[@christinemeske5885]

*Anticipates the speed walking clip* “Ah, there it is!” 😊

[@JelloSpine]

Mark, I’ve watched a lot of your videos and I don’t think I’ve ever commented. You inspired me to get up and start running close to two years ago. I was a depressed, disabled vet with spine issues who had hated running my entire life, but thanks to your videos I had learned to embrace it and I truly began to love it. Unfortunately due to my injury coming back hard and losing my father, I found myself back in a hole and in haven’t stepped on a trail in a little over 6 months. Hoping to get back out there soon, just wanted to say thank you for the videos you post.

[@FitLawyerK]

Definitely Mark, the best advice I've received is that no one truly cares about you because everyone is primarily focused on themselves. If they take the time to mock you, they might be the kind of people you don’t want in your life. Thanks Mark for the excellent video

[@Anni127]

I was once doing some speedwork (800m strides) and ran past a girl sitting on a bench, She turned around and said to her friend "Wow, I wish I could run like that!" Girl I was sprinting for 800m, I don't even run like that! Moral of the story is: don't compare yourself to anyone and don't judge anyone on your run/who is running. You never know where they are in their journey!

[@heighRick]

I was the fastest person on my run yesterday, the day before that too, and every other time I ran last year bar one; when I was peer-pressured into a parkrun by my lovely in-laws. The following day I was bested by four-dozen under 12s at a junior parkrun as I ran with my daughters for their first time. We had a great time together and none of us had leggings wedged up our butts. Thanks Mark, helps a lot, and happy new year to you and Jen.

[@AlainBoudard]

I've never been a "competition" guy, for any of the sports I like, mostly because I don't like the wait, the crowd and many other things. But I love doing these activities ! We are alive to move and do things. Running becomes likable when you train enough to have your "dog pace" as you say. Awesome video as usual 👍💪😎

[@garyspencer8598]

Last ran in 2013 when I beat my age (minutes) for a 10k, that was my recent 5k time, but every run it's getting better which is the main thing. Keeping it real Mark

[@RobPrice-z8e]

Thanks

[@JasonRaneses]

One mantra I’ve found helpful is that in the end, you’re only ever competing with yourself - in whatever way or means that resonates, for where you’re at today and where you want to go

[@paulshoover]

Mark - thanks for the message today. Just what i needed. My fitness has declined over the past year, lost some motivation, and today I just ran, rowed, and did some strength. Point being I just went on and did the work. Thanks for the encouragement and entertaining insights in the everyday persons fitness. Keep it up! I'm right there with you moving forward.

[@euan1234]

Of all the amazing content you have put out, I think this particular video hits me hardest and I really really(!) needed to hear these words. Thank you Mark, and hope you have a great 2025! (for context, I haven't been swimming in 1.5yrs, because I basically lost confidence in myself, and keep looking at all the club swimmers in the other lanes and couldn't cope with myself struggling for breath after a single 50m length. I need to get back out there and "be more dog"!)

[@chrisp6044]

Mark, started to run after watching your earlier videos. I'm now 12 weeks in and have dropped my 5k time to sub 21min after starting at 29. Vo2 max from 42 to 48. Can't believe how quickly my fitness is coming back. Started very unconventionally by running 1k as fast as I could and building distance.

[@JibbaJabber]

That's exactly what I did back in the day! Dropped 8kg and got down to 18 min. I then took up park football. And years later, I'm into cycling and am halfway into a 3 month indoor train plan! Tough, but enjoying it. Take it steady and keep it up. And if you get bored, change things up and set another goal 👍

[@rachelvedock6376]

I absolutely love your content! I recently started getting back into shape in November (taking your advice that you don't need to wait for a special day to stop punching yourself in the face 😉). Last week I was running on our treadmill and was getting tired. I only had about 4-5 minutes left and thought "It's just one Kipchoge mile. I got this!" Comparison can absolutely be fun with the right attitude! Thanks again for another great video 😊

[@dinozord]

These are the types of video that made me subscribe. I enjoy a lot of your content but over the last few months you've gotten away from the 'above average' stuff you used to do. I've always related to your normal bloke trying to be a bit better than before content and it's videos, like this one, that inspire me to push on. I've always been out of shape, I do worry unnecessarily about what others might think and do get very self conscious, and sometimes, I just need some bloke I've never met to tell me, via the medium of KZbin, that I'm not alone and I need to get my head out of my arse. Thanks Mark.

[@davelawrence3410]

This is a refreshingly grounded perspective. As a middle-aged guy building new fitness habits, I agree with you: compare to others for inspiration, but look inside for motivation.

[@ConorSmith2059]

I really needed to hear this-especially at this time of year. Even if you’re not into New Year’s resolutions, it’s hard not to compare your current fitness to last year or the year before, and it’s so easy to talk yourself down. I don’t do resolutions, but choosing not to steal my own joy when reflecting on past fitness feels like a good one. Thanks, Marc.

[@anotheruser337]

Good advice to start the new year. Thanks Mark

[@darronpearce1974]

I needed this today.. I’m happy where I am.. I’m plodding around at 6:30 km and enjoying every minute of it.. I still ran Malaga and finished..

[@trentseymore7385]

I feel like Mark Lewis is just saying 'be yourself and enjoy it,' in the most practical way and I love it. My new new years resolution is now 'run like a dog'.

[@darolfishman3470]

I stumbled a cross your video today and I feel invigorated. Did a very consistent 45 minute run today…longest since September. Your message is reassuring and simple…and I love “be more dog”.

[@gazev9691]

This is exactly why I will always watch your videos Mark 👏👏 This is essential viewing for all, regardless of whether you care about fitness or not. Absolutely wonderful stuff.

[@mickheritage7166]

i find these types of videos so much more motivating as you capture the feeling and reality perfect Mark. I stopped worrying about PBs and times years ago, and just enjoy my running now at what ever pace . You still get all the benefits of low resting HR etc, and for me its been a massive help to my mental health, it just clears my mind when i run, and seems to dissolve away any niggles in your head

[@justinkatz146]

Great video, Mark. I love your mentality about fitness as a whole. Your motto of "above average" and the philosophy of "It just takes a bit of effort to be better than most" has gone a long way for me. I'm definitely a slow runner, but I've been enjoying those unsustainable gains lately. A few months ago I was mentally intimidated by running for more than 3 minutes at a time with only 30 seconds to rest in between. Just this week, I completed workouts that involved running for 30 minutes continuously without rest!

[@Verysimpleyetverydifficult]

I’ve got myself somehow up to 107kg. I feel terrible. I mindlessly started running whilst on holiday and I’m horrendously slow. But I’m starting to feel better again… I even feel a bit impatient on my non running days to run again! I’ll get this sorted out….

[@rediscoveringcassandra]

Just did a 5K yesterday. My time? 46:09.8. That was almost 5 minutes faster than last year. It is also 1 1/2 minutes faster than 1 month ago. I’m so proud!!! 😊

[@MrAlexshellard]

Ended up have a t test (with the big 4 values) after looking at your videos. Totals 10 and im 36, from what ive been reading thats canny low haha. Used to train for contact sports, crossfit, even clean armature strong man which is just funny because you can usually tell there. Even been asked if I was taking gear in the past. Had issues with mental health and out training a bad diet, been on and off loads of head pills since my 20s and not once has a GP thought it could be this. Stings thinking how many years I might have wasted in my head with this but thanks for having the balls to put your videos out there, its helped me so I cant believe its not helped a lot of others. As for sports, if I've managed what I have for all these years with one hand tied behind my back, honestly kind of curious to see what happens when its an even playing field, not to mention being a better partner to the Mrs. Thanks man and keep it up. This feels like managing ASD or even being colour blind, which im both. If you know you know, someone calling you out that doesn't, is usually scared your getting an advantage. They dont really care your managing something and might need a nudge to get you on equal terms or just enjoy it. We can all be more dog. :)

[@HereThereBackAgain]

Thanks for the video Mark, needed this. In the last year I went from 100kg to 130kg. Looking to get back and its so frustrating not being able to perform like I know I can. Appreciate you being real and sharing. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@MrSeedi76]

Slightly less than a year ago I was 110 kg myself. Ended up in the hospital (at age 47) directly for new year with a clogged artery in one toe. Sounds harmless but can mean to lose the toe if untreated. So 2 weeks on blood thinners with horrible hospital food (really, the food was the worst part), I started exercising. First on the elliptical. I thought I'd have a heartattack after 5 minutes at first. Worked myself up to 3 km on the elliptical. Then 3 km of running, then 5, then 7, then 10k. And that's what I kept doing. 10k, 6 days a week. I'm now 48, at 79 kg, fitter than I've been in my life. Can easily run 10k in under an hour. It's never too late and the good thing when starting late in life (last time I was "sporty" was in my teens and 20s) is - you get better and faster for quite a while, when others already get slower because they've been running for 30 years already.

[@JibbaJabber]

​@@MrSeedi76Respect✋️

[@Jean-uw7uk]

I’m 71 and quite slow. I’ve recently made peace with it and enjoy running more than ever.🎉

[@Doctor.Kapow.]

im glad i must have randomly subscribed to this channel recently, this philosophy goes deeper than running. This was a really good article.

[@geifler]

From a very competitive triathlete, I lost it all through injury for a few years. Now running again, much slowly and much less performance obsessed. It’s far more fun and rewarding 😊

[@Mystic_Paths]

Rituals create a sense of stability and intention in your day ❤

[@shocks123]

I needed this today. I hope to perfect your approach to not caring what people think.

[@joelle3135]

It took me about 6 months to complete the Couch to 5K last year, repeating weeks multiple times. I now run 2 or 3 times a week for 30 minutes. I doubt it’s actually 5K as I’m quite slow. My husband asked if I was going to move on to the 10k training but I’m happy as I am. I don’t want to go faster or do Park Runs or marathons. My only goal is to try to run a few times a week and not let it slide. 30 minutes is manageable time wise for me, it’s helped me keep off the weight I lost last year and I like to do yoga and Pilates as well so a few times a week is enough for me.

[@AdamAnderson-y2q]

I started a couple of times but only lasted for a few weeks

[@volancydogs]

@@AdamAnderson-y2q I suggest trying some trails at least some of the time. It's way more interesting/fun.

[@plowestv]

Mark, this is spot on :-) All those opinions and other people are irrelevant. They are not part of YOUR (anyone's) journey and we are force fed their output. "Keep moving forward, however slowly"

[@Stu_2112]

The content I need, when I needed it most. Your words burn right into my struggling sport brain.

[@mikesteen-l1i]

The winners at the gym are the ones that walk through the door and not at home thinking about going to the gym,

[@SubtleAsh-TheImmortal]

Beautiful yet profound thought. As Muhammad Ali said the toughest challenge in his regime was not about sparring all day, weightlifting or even running. It was to avoid the women, late night drinks with buddies and to get to the bed by 7pm and rise early for a 5am workout

[@marks-0-0]

I like the saying about "just turning up" 90% of people don't do anything so you're already ahead by turning up

[@charlier7711]

Yes! Happy to run slower, and get out more often; instead of killing the PR and not getting out for a week. Love your videos, great common sense stuff with humor 😊

[@hojo5081]

I used to run a lot. Regularly 10 km in under 45 minutes - but every run was somehow a struggle - until I eventually lost all motivation, and my running shoes gathered dust on the shelf. Now, I’ve started again. But the big difference: I only run in Zone 2 now. And that’s really slow. But I don't mind. Because the amazing thing is: I actually look forward to it. Just listening to an audiobook and running completely stress-free for 45 minutes at a heart rate of 120. No pressure, no struggle. Just for fun.

[@MrDomestosWC]

same... I've been kicking my butt trying to improve my time, not getting even close to top-amateur runners, until I eventually gave up. I wasn't enjoying it. Now, I run when I don't feel like lifting (which I've always loved) and I look forward to listening/watching when on my treadmill, or enjoying being outside when I run outside... I even turn into run/walk if I feel like I've pushed myself too much. Just do it for the joy of it, and whenever I don't feel like it, I just don't do it, I switch to another form (cardio/strength) that I feel positive about. And if I feel like my body is numb and I REALLY don't want to move today, I just take a rest day. I still workout 4-6 times a week.

[@topsysdad1]

I love running/training, I love seeing someone who's obviously just starting and perhaps overweight or in poor fitness, if I pass them driving or walking,inside I'm willing them on in their personal battle/journey

[@Fractures100]

Thank you. You don't know how much I needed to hear this today. Much appreciated.

[@jameslombardo2]

That “athletic” Race Walker clip is the gift that keeps on giving

[@chrissimpson1990]

Mark, I've been watching your content for a while. I just wanted to thank you for being the inspiration that you are to so many of us. You encourage us to be a little bit better than we were before, repeatedly. I can't wait to see what 2025 holds for you and your channel. You're the man!

[@99cya]

how on earth is he motivating? he has turned into an old sock. a good year ago he was fun. now its just sad.

[@chrissimpson1990]

​@99cya Hello! While I respect your opinion on this, you gotta give the guy some credit. From where he came from to where he is now and everywhere inbetween, he's a shining example of how we all have the opportunity to be the best version of ourselves. While you personally may not like the current content etc, you're still on his channel too! Have a nice day 🙂

[@busterska2860]

Mark brilliant. You speak so much truth. Love your motivation you speak. Brought me down to reality and enjoy my running again. Cheers mate

[@him050]

I was disappointed at the lack of the race walking clip when you said about being an elite athlete. I’m very glad that it was swiftly remedied 🤣.

[@cesarmelendez31306]

I am not the fastest or the slowest, but I run for myself, and I really dont care if I'm faster or slower than anyone else.

[@clitaiulian4497]

That’s the spirit. Exactly the way I think. You should run for your health, not for performance. You should only compete against u yourself, if you want some challenge.

[@wanderingsouls2302]

Love the message Mark. And, while I’m loving all of your and Jen’s new content, I’m so happy to see one of your traditional style videos get made again too, right down to the speed walking clip (though I don’t think I saw a duck pond). Happy new year mate, long time fan from Brisbane Australia.

[@jukerdanz]

I have been running for 42 years and loving it. I didn’t know how fast I ran until I was given a smart watch five years ago. Running has been my thing and I love it, but it hasn’t been a competition, with myself or anyone else. I have gotten to be a very fit 69 year old without ever knowing what my personal best is or winning any competitions, it surprises me that adults need to be reassured about how fast they are or are not, whether they are improving or not. Just do it.

[@BrianSmith-ps7lh]

I keep a book of great quotes many of which are from Winston Churchill. I am legitimately adding “Be More Dog”-Mark Lewis to my book. Thanks for the honest and timely video

[@chad.haggerty]

I f’ing love your approach, Mark. I am content being slow but largely because I’m not as slow as I used to be. Most times. I once tried to be more like my dog. I was drunk and my wife was upset that I’d shit in the yard. There’s no pleasing some people.

[@MoveToCalm]

This is definitely me… letting go of what I used to be able to do and just enjoying the process of getting fit again.

[@GrampyT62]

Welcome back to starting again mark. I'll join you next week when all the Xmas junk food has been eaten and don't dare suggest I throw it away. I'm 62, half a dozen mince pies and a slab of Xmas cake won't kill me. Well it might but I'll die happy.

[@adamryan5538]

Thanks Mark, I needed this video today - am going to put my shoes on and get out for my first run in months today. I only need to be better than Adam of last week, and that guy ate, drank and set on the couch all week, I can definitely win this battle. 💪💪

[@nickbarr6186]

Agree completely with your message Mark, great video. Here's a challenge for you/anyone ..... go for a run without a watch/phone once in a while and see how differently you view the run and the world (and stop to talk to people!)

[@Skrellington]

I mean, I like to think of it like this. If I've improved a bit at something, then I'm by definition the best at that I've ever been. And that's always something to get excited about.

[@audgester]

I am injured and haven’t done any races for a while. Can’t wait to get back out there! My first race in 2022 was a 4-miler and I finished 1:10:15. The next year I finished the same race in 40 minutes. It is not about winning- I never will- but the enjoyment of being out there and seeing improvement in my fitness. Looking forward to competing with myself again. Don’t give a crap about what anyone thinks about me, but I do love to encourage others!

[@graememorrison333]

Also Strava. I've given up on it. I just go by feel now. And that feel is 'slow'.

[@K_____]

Strava has become at “look at what I can do” app now. If people didn’t care what others think they would just use the app for their stats alone but each to their own I suppose.

[@meepmeep1313]

@@K_____ It's whatever you want to use it for. I don't use any of the social media functions, it's literally just me and my data and no interactions with anyone. By definition your view of the site is biased as you'll only see the folk who are actively trying to get interactions. Also, the vast majority of interactions are mutually supportive and people motivating each other without any reference to stats, I think the number of people using it to show off their stats is very low - but again they'll appear like a majority because they're trying to be the most visible.

[@tyler5649]

Beginners progress is great! I started running 5k at 40 minutes, got this down to 32 minutes then after 2/3 months down again to 27 minutes. Aiming for under 23 minutes next before a sub 20

[@petermurray42]

Would absolutely love to see the stats for these slow runs / walks you're doing as you get fit again. As a fellow tall heavy guy it's super inspiring!

[@helenwoollven3116]

Such a good way of looking at things, this has given me a boost to get going again. Thanks and happy new year 🎉

[@ak2n218]

Great insight. As a 60+-year-old it's a hard pill to swallow to realize that gains are now minimal and slowing down is eventual. Enjoy every day your able to exercise and be healthy. Relax and enjoy the ride.

[@WheezyJoe]

You do make me chuckle Mark - good work, entertaining and encouraging 👍

[@cityslickerbass]

Great words @MarkLewisfitness and nicely articulated 👏🏻

[@nathanross8459]

what a refreshing perspective on today's pursuit of fitness goals. love the satirical view because at the end of the day people shouldn't take the advice on some 5 second short of "must have" BS.

[@harryruns1]

“Enjoy being bad while you can, it doesn’t last” Love that 👌

[@ianmatt4182]

Loving this Mark. Fantastic message and well said! I turn 50 this month, and a few years ago gave up a very well paid engineering career to instead earn next to no money coaching and guiding people into feeling fit, healthy and happy. I'm no influencer and social media is a mystery to me, I just smile when I see someone's face light up after hitting a personal goal. I find that challenges are quite important to a person's mental health....no matter how big or small. They provide a focus, and a welcome antidote to the pressures of everyday life. On a personal note, I used to sprint for GB, but time is a cruel mistress and the body creaks as I now bimble around a 5K in a steady 22 mins, or wheeze my way around a marathon in 3:30, and so like you I also give zero f**ks what anyone thinks of it, ha ha Keep up the videos mate, and good luck with the guitar!

[@nicholadeanewriter3499]

Happy New Year, Mark and Jen. Great message, as ever. A reminder of how much joy I get from doing lots of burpees nowhere near as well as Iron Wolf and running 5k in about the time it would take my 15 year old son to do 2 of them .... Bless you and all the other folk having fun with fitness! It's play, after all.

[@KindEarthTV]

Thank you. I love watching your videos. Such real life advice and inspiration!

[@MatthewSmith-k6d]

Thanks for this video Mark, it was just what I needed. Just getting back to it after a break, so this was well timed! Keep up the great content.

[@maryjohnson2k15]

As a self identified runner I appreciate this video and needed this reminder. Thank you

[@brettholmes4955]

You my friend are on the money. Thank you and keep doing the great work that you do.

[@SynapticOv]

Thank you mark this was a huge help! My wife pulled me over the other day and said, what about running just to run (I am lucky to have her). I tend to over due the goals or compare my self to others.

[@caerphillykid6644]

Fantastic video Mark, 100% spot on ,wise words 😊

[@henrydodson655]

mega love you mark and jen, once i get my first pay cheque im gonna donate toward the channel. you and guys are just too good. i know exactly who i'll send this too and youre just guys. Hope Ozempic equivalent (forget which) treat you well! Edit: I've actually decided this is your best video ever having got through it! dont get me wrong what all of this stuff - if i dont want is the life and endurance stuff, but i will always click like and watchh through all through this stuff..its a perfect enry level vid. love you mark and jen! got bored of correcring my spell checks drunk happy new year!

[@michaelcultra4496]

Thanks for this Mark. Was feeling a bit down about my fitness. But as long as I'm out there trying who cares!

[@rossbowman112]

Thanks Mark, an excellent perspective to start the year. Just what I needed, keep em coming! Happy New Year to you both. Ross

[@liamredrup]

Love the content, love the intent and generally just really enjoy your videos. Keep them coming Mark!

[@chrisdunn8215]

Every time I see that clip of you doing the power walking Mark, it makes me laugh 😃, I might be slow on my bike but there is always someone slower and there will always be someone faster..that's just life. Keep on going😅

[@Jess-Rabbit]

Really glad you brought up those ridiculous comparison memes that have been going around. I recently qualified for Boston which would make me a pretty good runner by most peoples standards, but I most definitely am not going to sit here and act like I'm just as good than someone who runs a marathon a full hour faster than me. Its strange to me that people can't admit the truth and still be proud of themselves. Just because you aren't that great at whatever you're doing doesn't mean you shouldn't be happy you are trying or enjoying the process. I also play piano and my teacher recently said he had a student who stayed with him for 25 years. She never got that great at piano but she loved it and thats what matters