Tried SIX MONTHS Training Like A Pro - Now I’m DONE

[@rulabanula]

Think your 25min and 30 min mountain are the wrong way around...

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Yeah yeah. Everyone’s an expert with hindsight. 😂

[@leecopeland2931]

I've got the next challenge for you and it suits the big guy in some respects, where power is more important than power/weight, It's called the Hell of the North or Paris Roubaix you do it a day before the pros, check it out I've done it 5 times it's Brutal , I think you'll love it. Cheers.

[@mikew6840]

Good, more of the old stuff again. Look forward to you falling off the Kickr aged 50 😏

[@KeatB]

@@leecopeland2931Flanders is better. Done both.

[@DaemonViews]

Depends if surviving your mountain descent counts

[@torivvong]

Everyone tends to laugh when they find out that one of my all time favourite KZbinrs is literally a 50-year-old British man (I’m a twentysomething Canadian girl LOL) but I do find your approach to trying new things and dedicating yourself to various challenges super inspiring-and the jokes are always top tier. Feels like I have a funny British uncle giving me advice since I don’t have anyone in my real life filling that role, whole family is pretty blasé about moving faster than a brisk walk. Never change man

[@meganstrachan8218]

Millennial Canadian girl here and this is also one of my fav channels!!!! 😊 I find him hilarious and motivational - a unique combination!!

[@georgesshed]

He's one of my favourites, always entertaining and I'm 68, thanks again uncle Mark.

[@christinasingleton1657]

29 y/o American and dittoooo! His wit is top notch!

[@pulkpuller]

Hello fellow 🇨🇦 millennial athlete

[@Jay369]

Get off that chair and go for a jog 💪🇮🇪

[@MichaelMiddletonTBH]

Another great (and relatable) video, Mark! I'm 54 and started getting serious about my health, nutrition and fitness (again) just over a year ago. I recently ran my first 5K (in decades) last month. I finished top half of the pack (a little better in my age group) and after the race I commented to a young man that "I'm remarkably average at a lot of things...and I'm ok with that." A couple of weeks later I ran my first 10K (in several decades!) and, again, finished middle of the (much larger) field. I don't consider myself a "runner" (I also lift, sprint, kayak, Crossfit occasionally, shoot archery, etc.) so finishing top of podium is rarely my goal, but I've realized that being "average" in a variety of competitions likely puts me well above average within the general population, especially in overall health. I enjoy your videos and usually get something tangible from watching them. Keep up the great work! Thanks Mark!

[@abbyschwendler1107]

I could write a comment as long as a book. I'll spare you. You hit the nail on the head with this video. Congratulations to you for your achievements and to be wise enough to find your happy medium. Bravo man

[@lizb3750]

This video is so thought provoking. I’m currently re evaluating my approach to running after having to consider putting it on the back burner for a year or so and realising that the thought terrifies me, even though it is for a once in a life time opportunity. Most of the fears I’m having aren’t what I expected (losing the enjoyment I get out of it) it’s the fear of not progressing, my body not being as muscly as normal (although I would be more fit and skilled in other ways) and other superficial things. This has helped my journey of changing my mindset from ‘I must be fitter’ to ‘do what brings me most joy’ - which this forthcoming year most certainly will. Thank you for putting such an honest review of high intensity sport out there

[@ob6856]

i feel people forget about one key thing when obsessed with training> Life and living. I started to make a balance and let it ride. The pumpkin passing me in my last Marathon in France let me realize im older slower but i did finish and was happy. nothing but the best for you and Jena and Nixon

[@florianstuderegger6693]

Thank you for keeping it real and showing that achieving happiness is a worthwhile goal!

[@Ondatra]

I followed you into training seriously 6 months ago for cycling and wow, most people can’t understand how 12 hour weeks on the bike plus lifting starts to dominate your life. Cheers, great video

[@imprezaaudi]

You have arrived at the point of being happy. This comes with age, well done on your achievements. I race in C in Zwift, tried for several years to get into B cat, by losing more weight. just too much commitment. Nearly 60, happy I'm fitter than most and get top 25% in C races

[@4879daniel]

I used to do crit races. Got up a category and it just got too serious and not worth the time, money and effort. Just training and hitting numbers gave me more satisfaction.

[@lumiere930]

Love the message on this one mark and really enjoy your perspective on fitness and personal improvement. You are the much needed voice in the sea of unhinged fitness influencers.

[@fatmanonabike238]

Thanks for this so inspiring I’m currently 20 stone and cycling to lose weight 3 years ago I was 23 stone in June I’m doing a 134 mile ride to raise money for prostate cancer , my win will be completing it and raising money for a good cause. So nice to have someone who doesn’t always say you have to be the best, you just need to be the best version of yourself

[@fitdude]

I completely agree with your take! It’s refreshing to hear common sense of a good balance of fitness and nutrition with life to be in a healthy spot, not obsessed with winning any given sport. Love the variety and enjoy the fitness journey!!

[@foundfoundfound1]

wot makes this lark even more impressive is the fact it’s done in england (a place with a climate and population density least suited to any outdoor activity),

[@D.Miller]

In 2022 I shed an bunch of weight and got in a good standard of fitness- '23 i got into weight training and made many mistakes gaining too much bulk and massively disregarding real functional fitness. So starting a fresh, know I can dig in and achieve my goals and become better than average

[@johnsonmlw]

Thanks for your content, Mark. Your videos are really motivating me to get fit in my late forties. With balance.

[@epicjuk9658]

100%

[@WillPower46]

Injuries are the thing 12 months ago at the age of 49 a set about becoming the best triathlete I could be. Even though I have achieved becoming the best I have ever been I have also been what feels like permanently injured.

[@NotaNazgul]

I like how your stories are so wise and full-circle that the only thing left to comment is how much weight your viewers lost within which time in which country with how much support of their mums. Obviously, the weight units need to be quarter-trees, stones, and three different kinds of pounds. Priceless. I guess the message is supposed to be "i am on a similar journey and you inspire and motivate me and demonstrate what good could happen to me. Thanks". So - thanks Mark! ;)

[@Gator35]

Whatever you decide to do next will be amazing and the videos will be fantastic, because sharing the process with your humor, wit and creativity are what really make the channel so much fun. You do you (and the family), have fun, and we’ll keep watching!

[@matthewjones7916]

loads of really valid points. love the honesty.

[@petergarnier6161]

Hi Mark, loved the video and the channel in general. At 4.57 shouldn't it be the other way round with 25 at the top?

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Hmmmm. 😂. Good point

[@Runningformylife1983]

So glad I came across this as I was nearly sucked into the KZbin intensity of doing better being better making myself feel worthless if I wasn't going above and beyond...but now its like whoa that was a close shave just watch what I need and walk away and keep going with just being active cos I'm still lapping everyone on there couch. Just getting up and lacing up your shoes is an amazing feat in itself.

[@octotrax]

you fucking go amigo - it's a great example to show. good message

[@aaronburrows3904]

Thank you for this video, its touched home with me as recently I have been thinking I need to chose one activity rather than Running, Cycling, Swimming, Weight training, Hiking, OCR's in order to become the best that I can be in any one of the above, but I am currently really happy with what I'm currently doing, so I think ill carry on with the small improvements that I'm seeing in my over all performance in the above (performance that great for me from where I was 18 months ago, but not going to hit any podiums any time soon and I'm fine with that fact ) I'm at the low end of the scale with just aiming for a sub 3 hour half marathon next month, but as I started, that is a huge achievement personally.

[@jonsaxby7683]

Absolutely brilliant, theirs far too many people in the online fitness world pushing the "sacrifice everything to be the best at 1 thing" message which isn't sustainable much less enjoyable for the vast majority of people, if your training and nutrition put you in a position where you can approach most physical events and believe you'll do alright at it and not be crippled afterwards and have the body confidence to shag with the lights on you're far more likely to be happier than the person who will settle for nothing less than perfection in one area

[@mobilepivg]

Hi Mark, I have seen many of your uploads and I have greatly appreciated them. I also appreciate your videos with your wife. I am proud of you both. I think you have finally made a wise decision. I am 65 myself, but I am in the same situation. I have to climb out of a deep valley, but I will achieve my goals. I hope you will continue to post many uploads, because you and your wife are a great inspiration to many.

[@michaelromero89]

I've been waiting 3 years to see you go all-out! The results are finally in, and they are wild. Can't wait to see another 10.

[@michaelromero89]

I don't even know what to make of it! I'll have to rewatch a good 2-3 more times. 1 month away from the big event after so much investment... Absolutely wild! Truly a sense of "it's the journey" being the true emphasis in being above average.

[@kendalldransfield4025]

Thanks for always keeping it real Mark! A lot of words you say, I've experienced, but never processed it or understood it. Legend!

[@MrLeovdmeer]

This looks like the only channel about traing and happines that makes sense and does not go of the rails with unreacheble advice. Stil very funny and very realistic. Thanks man!!

[@larryroberts4257]

Right on Mark! Love your ulta videos, the scenery and your commentary, is very enjoyable, and is motivating for me, to keep my goals on track. Thank you, for your videos!

[@stephenhorn8268]

This video is the epitome of why your channel rock! Thanks for sharing.

[@RobGotlieb]

HUGE congrats Mark, both on your journey and this vid! I've been a big fan of your content for a while now - it's the perfect blend of excellent advice, awesome humour and straight-talking that makes you one of the best in your field. Well done mate

[@micah2501]

Thank you for being honest. I feel the same way about everything; I am trying to perform but I'm not about to give up my wife and kids and personal happiness just for the pride of being "on top".

[@robertfarris7375]

Being a guy who is similar in age, I have to say there is a lot to be said about piece of mind. I finished 8th in my age group and although I'm striving to be top 5, being #1 isn't worth the cost for me. I enjoy being above average but just average isn't a bad place to be. Lets go!

[@irfuel]

It's hard to target results, because it depends A LOT on who your competitors are, something you can't control. If 10 people give it all they have to become top 5, half of them will not make it.

[@mudislandadventures2453]

What a wonderfully honest and realistic video (as well as funny). As a guy approaching his fiftieth year (way too fast for my liking) and having had 6 months off any sort of real training, this has really helped me focus on where I want to be in terms of fitness goals. Great content Mark, thank you. 😝🤘

[@Cocorayko]

Mark, your view on fitness and running are the same as mine. I could not relate more to your case. 43 year old me(will turn 44 this year) has his goals set, but not at the cost of any major disruption in family life or pushing up to the breaking point, breaking some joint or pulling a muscle. Easy, steady incline in performance until I set some of my goals, but being reasonable bot to push too hard. I love your videos and your jokes, keep up the good work!

[@JK-tv1px]

I know exactly what you mean by the primal genetic feeling of superiority. I also veered off before reaching the summit of my journey, little lost for once but I don't mind it so much having been so focused for so long. Thank you for sharing Mark, good luck for 2024

[@jeffw654]

The first step is to get where you aren't getting injured so that you can enjoy it. My current goal is to condition back to this point, as for the last 14 months I have been dealing with a variety of issues, most I have never experienced. Without the ability to be consistent, there is no joy or improvement. I somehow tore my hamstring 2.5km into a Parkrun, well after I had settled into a comfortable pace. My goal is to slowly progress over the coming months and manage all issues as best as I can.

[@Ant-66]

I think they key is to find something you love doing and then doing it as often as you can. Set yourself long term and short term goals that stretch you a bit, and only get obessed by them if you want to.

[@redwardsre6959]

Great video Mark! Any chance of a separate video focussing on those recovery techniques??

[@cybermanne]

Spot on mate! Diminishing returns on investment (training) is a function of how much you've already improved from wherever your baseline is. around 3-4 times per week has been the sweet spot for me. If I've done more in any sport I've usually been obsessing over it. It's way better (imo) to split your time between multiple sports and do 2-3 times per week in each.

[@paulhoughton5266]

Looking forward to all your films this year, enjoy being able to do these things while you can. That is my philosophy and I have best part of 10 years on you.

[@gavinbruce-thegreyrunner5581]

Excellent video Mark and I’ve no doubt the content quality and subscribers will continue to skyrocket. While nowhere near your level I had the same realisation last year- I’m 52, why is my social media feed full of guys in tight black tee shirts with their baseball caps turned around shouting at me all the time? 😂

[@MarkLewisfitness]

They love to shout 😂

[@weisscoaching]

Thank you for sharing your inspirng journey. I wish more people would realize that if they are not intentional and don't take time to visualize what they really want, they might spend too much time and energy pursuing wrong goals. We can often see this in the fitness industry. Of course, it's good to challenge your beliefs and test your boundaries. That's the part of the game, but if we are not mindful about it, we can spend years going the wrong direction.

[@Bogas76]

And that mean … Perfect circle of life and athleticism… Nature calling ..”BALLANCE “… Thankful for your content. 🙏

[@stephentyznik9150]

Super excited by this video. Love your coverage of variety content and events and super excited for what you will be sharing with us in 2024!

[@CoolInOlympia]

Well! Thank goodness you finally arrived at the place we all see! How wonderful it is for you to be able to do all that you do!!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤

[@TubbyBrewster1]

Great video, Mark. The transparency and clarity you present is refreshing and endearing.

[@amrunning1301]

I’m so happy you have ended this journey in this way. Excellent video as always, look forward to more 🎉

[@derrickmickle5491]

14:50. This is the "secret" to happiness in life. Excellence isn't being #1 at something or being good at standards defined by others. It's achieving the aspirations you set for yourself and having the wisdom to abandon them when they are unhealthy or no longer fulfill you. Comparison is the thief of joy. If you aren't enjoying the process along the journey, you're doing it wrong. So glad you recognized this and refused the siren call of ego.

[@iXpertMan]

well… some people enjoy the victory and ignore the suffering, everybody has their own cup of tea 😅

[@derrickmickle5491]

@@iXpertMan is this healthy? why do so many who follow this route look back and regret that they ignored the suffering?

[@iXpertMan]

@@derrickmickle5491 you didn't provide any examples, but I feel moreso, if you don't succeed at end goal and get heavily injured you look back in sorrow - otherwise, you'll look back at it swimming in glory and with a smile on your face :)

[@ralphmartinez1869]

Thanks Mark. Great Vid!! I’m 63 did a few Tri’s, half- Marathon & a bunch of 5k- all done for my own satisfaction, never placed, didn’t DNF tho- just a personal satisfaction that “I did it!”- & that’s good enough for me!! All the best!!

[@simonsaunders]

Great post Mark. As a 53 year old with a mind that thinks his body is still 21 (it isn’t) I appreciate when doing enough, is actually enough ( but then recovering from another low -back pain issue, i would say that!) . Goals are great, but so is life as well!

[@alangesohne6694]

Just thank you for your honesty on that topic. Great video and one of your best

[@blakeparkinson2168]

The honesty the fitness industry needs! No bullshit just honesty 💪🏻

[@peterhunt7680]

This is a superb video. Great to see your take on what it requires to reach the top of the mountain and what sacrifices are required. Agree not everyone needs to reach it, and actually if we all did then the top would just move to another level. Fitness is one aspect of life, but you cannot miss out on social interaction and time with those you love. Great to see you’ve found your balance.

[@TenerifeToDo]

I found this video 30 minutes after stepping out from Lanzarote IronMan for more or less the same reasons. You put them in words better than I could think myself. :) Thank you!

[@alecjcook]

Nice one dude! Good for you, you made the right choice. Looking forward to seeing more trail runs with Nixon :)

[@sxhrgvs]

Very cool Mark. As a fellow 50+ year old I’d be keen to try all-out fitness focus but, as you said, life is in the way. So, like you, I’m settling for somewhere in the middle. For now. For what it’s worth I’d be interested to see in detail what all that looked like. Feels like you put in a ton of work for one 20 min video. Tell us more, if you want to!

[@MrPrimeAgency]

hi, welcome back! This was why i started watching your channel. Honesty and practical advice that fits in with a happy all round life. Varied and fun. (must admit though if you are average in other videos before this, I am quite screwed :) . Thanks for the content and work you do

[@NoName-xj9nm]

"Your kind is headed for extinction" clip killed me. 😂

[@brucedeboer9713]

great sense of humor, gave me several good laughs this morning

[@alistaircave3849]

Solid assessment, nice to hear a genuine, reflective opinion pal. Can be a challenge sifting through the nonsense

[@chestercopperpot3793]

Looking forward to you suffering through your next struggle. Superb efforts.

[@Nick-cd5hq]

Spot on Mark. Thanks for sharing your wisdom, and making it entertaining along the way!

[@DHJakon]

I can relate to so many things here. Competitions, races, challenges, I'm all done with that. Not that I ever got to a high level. Shiny object syndrome was a good distraction. Now I just train for fun and if those shiny distractions (youtube videos) come up, I'll approach them casually.

[@jeremyraikes2465]

Great video amongst so many other contrary messages out there regarding fitness. Was a timely watch, thankyou. Keep putting them out there.

[@Fleshcut]

I find your drive to explore your physical limits admireable!

[@danielkaminski5617]

Not sure if I uncovered my sadistic vein here but honestly - I like the stuff where I can see you struggle and try to imagine how impossible that would be for me (for now) so please keep it up^^

[@iankirton368]

Wow well done Mark, for me thats was your very best KZbin for sometime, just hearing you have a new plan sounds very exciting and cool. I think you have done amazing and wish you and the family lots of great times together on this next phase. Looking forward to the next vids continue with the great work mate 👍

[@Choccytube]

Great video Mark, and a great way of explaining what is important to you and what sacrifices you'd need to make for that extra 1-4%. I myself want to get as fit as I can, feeling as good as I can without injuries, as it takes a lot longer to recover at our age. If it stops becoming fun is it really worth continuing...good call, keep doing what you're doing.

[@jp7357]

Great channel … really enjoying your content and narration

[@radred609]

"Although, she was fine with the 6-pack" 🤣 I found that way funnier than i should have

[@kophotography895]

Good to hear you are back in the real world, not social feeds, enjoy your family time, you have them, many do not. You do notvneed to please the virtual world, you need to look after your world

[@stjohns7884]

I’ll echo a lot of other comments and say that you have made the right call. When the balance between competition / enjoyment / life swings to far one way then it’s time to re-evaluate and get back on the right path. Going to events where the only options are 1st/PB or DNF strikes me as zero fun. Plus remember you failed to beat the oldest man 400m time a few videos ago so you’ve still got things to aim for!!!

[@jamesdrury6627]

What a brilliant experiment and a great summary at the end. Thanks for trying this so we dont have to. I did a trail half marathon on Sat. Finished 27th out of 279. Comfortably above average but no threat to the podium and thats fine with me 😊

[@richsmitho101]

Happiness is enjoying the process and the challenges you have chosen for yourself, rather than aiming for something you think you want. Great decision Mark to understand this rather than keeping pushing, just to realise it didn't make you happy.

[@MaryannCn]

Looking forward to the new stuff! I miss seeing Nixon, really liked the few videos you did on food (vegan, binges, etc), and I had no idea you kayaked. Would love some content on the water sports as those are more my activities than running. I also miss seeing you in the Pain Cave. Diversifying my training so far has been so much more fun. Gym/lifting and cardio for years was eventually just boring.

[@zareeftashfique8168]

Great vid As a guy that just made it to age of 30 I often wondered how people in their 40/50’s balance athletic training I already started getting sore joints This vid put A LOT of things into perspective of what the future could be like for me I am a very self aware person myself and often question the GO GO GO HUSTLE CULTURE at the end of the day I want a family, house, and a dog… not a mansion and 100 women You showed in this vid how to balance all that and stay happy mentally…. YOU MY CRIEND HAVE SECURED YOURSELF A NEW AND ENGAGED SUBSCRIBER 🤠

[@stevenjake]

Absolutely brilliant video. Appreciate the candour as always. Remember too, your haf way up the mountain tgese days is still in the top 5% of the population. Enjoy being above average! 😄

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

Very intelligent approach to adult fitness. Peak a few times for key events every now and again and have fun. Don't mortgage your life for your life, all you end up with is debt.

[@DiggerPrints0814]

Im just here waiting for next next ultra run video and your brilliant commentary.

[@Shopbobby]

Mark, this video makes me so happy, I’ve followed you since 2020 and you have inspired and motivated to strive to be “Above Average” and enjoy variety and participating for the challenge and most importantly fun. Being above average isn’t easy and takes (me) a lot of work and effort but the benefit totally outweighs the cost . The cost of striving to be the best just isn’t worth the extra investment and sacrifice I can fly to business class Paris and have an amazing time staying in an up market hotel (obviously not Hilton lol), I won’t have any better time flying in private jet and staying In George v ! Keep up the good work, channel is an inspiration

[@paulmalotky6441]

Yay! Hopefully this means more Nixon!!

[@creedjenkins6092]

Great video!!! All power to you! Keep doing what you do. Love your content.

[@BigWasserDigital]

I stopped tracking food, moved my training across two different places and make sure I get out for a run every weekend. Had one of my best results at the weekend in a trail race first in Age group. I put this down to actually training less and having better recovery. Also if I eat ok and then make sure I'm fueled for training then it works. I also don't worry about what I look like anymore. That is a distracting to performance. Good time head

[@zwhify]

This video made me accept my being everywhere and nowhere at the same time too: I like running, I like fitness, I like cycling, I love calisthenics. Will I ever be a star in any of those disciplines? No. Will I be a happy person doing so? Yes, I will!

[@Inspire196]

Brilliant! Glad to see you’re comfortable in your skin!

[@danieloldfield8219]

Fantastic content and well timed… I am approaching 50 and thinking about trying to ascend to the summit as I hit that age group. Always a tough balance between our completing priorities of family, fitness, work etc.

[@imbalolpro]

Your honest approach to this and your way to share your journey and struggles made me start mine. And I enjoy it. That's makes me wanna do it more. I might even be above average one day too 😊.

[@aaronp3781]

Perfection is the enemy of progress. Love the message here Mark.

[@usr-bin-gcc]

Getting better at something is always more enjoyable than actually being good at it. We notice changes and ratios much more clearly than absolutes. Once you are at the point of diminishing returns and it is all about winning rather than competing, it will be less enjoyable.

[@timmysamecphd]

Some of the flashbacks have me in stitches 🤣

[@oliverjohn6897]

Love these videos Mark keep it up

[@dbk81]

Brilliant. Being healthy, having fun. That’s the motto.

[@bryanbischof4351]

Much to my annoyance this video is so good I’m resubscribing to you. You earned it.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Thanks. I think 😂

[@crb2061]

Being the best at anything requires sacrifice. The more prestige associated with a particular field, the more people are competing for the top, the more sacrifice is required. I think you demonstrate great wisdom and maturity in realizing that such sacrifice is not for you. I know it is also not for me.

[@rocco.mbb.zoccoli]

What a great story… way to see your potential, nearly achieve it but realize there is more to finite life. Always hilarious and well edited too.

[@FitLawyerK]

Initial I thought, What are you doing man!?! Why wouldn’t you push to the summit but you forget how much you give up to get to the goal, I agree it’s not worth it for most people. PS: if I train like a Trojan, I would have finished to get a target for next time😅

[@cliffclermont]

OAN....you just nailed every key point that I've experienced myself....54YO....If it aint fun in the moment it ain sustainable. Celebrate your great health...cuz then years from now you'll wish you had.

[@SoorAurora]

Welcome back Mark ❤️

[@stuartwalker7345]

Recycling that duck pond footage and a m not and never will be mad 😛🤘🏼😛🤘🏼