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. 😂

[@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

[@DC-lu5qs]

@@leecopeland2931 I'd absolutely love to see Mark do this!

[@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!!

[@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 💪🇮🇪

[@gabrielmariz9610]

I'm a 25 yo Brazilian and I can relate!

[@spsauber]

OK - I will finally leave my first YT comment. I have enjoyed watching Mark for some time - but this video cements the attraction. Your genuine approach to both fitness and your story are entertaining, inspiring, and a real breath of fresh air in a social media world that only seems to cause depression and anxiety. I am very happy for you that you climbed that mountain and then found satisfaction in a what you seem to define as a more whole life. Along the way you learned a lot about yourself, shared that with us - and for me (as you always say) this resonates and validates my own path and the work I have yet to do. Take this from a 63 yo Spartan racer, cyclist - former fire fighter, race car driver, park ranger, blah blah blah.... Well done Mark!

[@GreeGraa]

Hi Mark. I just want to be another person to let you know how much I relate to your journey. I came across your channel a few days ago and basically binged all of your videos. I was raised in an obese household and unfortunately was 160kg by 19 years old (at 6ft4). Over the next 8 years I managed to get myself down to 120kg where I plateau'd for a while. In May 2023 I hit a new wave of motivation and am now at 107kg, with a final goal of being

[@kellyrodgers9326]

Amazing transformation GreeGraa. Mark is so relatable isn’t he. Such a balanced attainable approach.

[@MrBradogg]

My mom always came second in ladies tennis her whole life. At 75 she came first … in Canada and 8th in the world. She did it because it was Fun. It’s the journey.

[@luckyspurs]

Playing tennis at 75 has got to be so fun.

[@johnlogue8714]

Again, Hit the nail on the head perfectly. Being above average is a great place to be.

[@colmwhateveryoulike3240]

I think everyone should see this video as an antidote to the over-influence of the psychotically motivated influencers. Extremes are out of balance almost by definition.

[@stevewilliams5428]

You dodged a bullet. After 4 years of constant dedication, missing out on much 'normal' life I finally won a Henley medal. I couldn't go any further in the sport due to my age. A couple of months later I looked at the medal, looked back at the missing 4 years, and realised it had not been worth it. This, on speaking to others who had the blue box....was quite common.

[@stockyftw3756]

I’m 23 years old and this is some of the best life and fitness advice I’ve seen on KZbin.

[@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!

[@theguzziman]

Sounds like a dose os wisdom arrived. It’s great fun to push oneself but it’s only one dimension of who any of us are. And being a mostly happy, mostly rounded person who’s above average at athletic endeavours seems like a pretty cool place to be I reckon

[@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

[@D.Miller]

This is the man/channel I'll be referencing the most in my journey. I find as insiring as other channels can be, its easy to get disheartened. But this realistic, grown up approach refreshing. Rocking the beard btw

[@catyshark6323]

Mark, you are so bloody sensible and smart and honestly amongst the best content on fitness tube. And the inclusion of Mr Bump is next level.

[@rexthedog9637]

But... But... But... How can you just walk away? they will say. I love that you look at the range from unfit to super-fit as simply a scale on which you recognize where you are and what it's costing you to be on that rung of the ladder. A good example of your self confidence and situational awareness to stop where you are at. You did what you set out to prove. Thanks for sharing Mark and looking forward to commentary from Nixon. ;-)

[@mattelswood9367]

Son of a gun…

[@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

[@ellleigh1216]

This channel, for me is the ultimate motivational channel for changing your life. The premise is always just give it a go and see what happens, and most of the time you’ll enjoy doing something in the process. Just try something for a bit, if it doesn’t stick, try something else. It’s all part of the journey.

[@JJMLJ]

Honestly, with this video and your one on binge eating, I think this has become the number one fitness channel on KZbin IMO.... Great work and a great message. It makes me feel better, since I'm a dad with serious time restrictions.

[@tylerasmith52]

I thought the EXACT same thing. It is insane how much I relate to Mark’s journey. Binge eater/completely obsessed with training hybrid athlete for a 315 front squat and Sub5 min mile. After 12 weeks of dedication like a pro I hit the squat and did a 5:05 mile in the same day. Immediately went on vacation and gave up on the mile goal. I too “saw the mountain” and didn’t think I could go psycho mode training again to get those 5 seconds off. Not worth it. I got close enough!!! I know I am capable of a Sub5 minute mile, that’s all I wanted to know anyway lol

[@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

[@peterbragg615]

I'm not an habitual commenter but Mark is one of the very few KZbinrs that I now follow (on KZbin of course, not like a stalker). I never get the feeling that Mark is trying to sell me anything or finance his lifestyle by endorsing expensive products, he's just trying to get the message across that being 'better' (fit, happy and pushing towards attainable goals) is a good thing so long as you understand the law of diminishing gains and that all things need to be in balance. Very refreshing.

[@jaeldi]

So refreshing to hear honesty. Everything we do needs meaning and purpose. You can find those any where on the mountain. They don't only exist at the summit. Excellent! well done video! I exercise for quality of life. That's my personal purpose. Doing things in my 50's like stairs with no groaning, walking instead of driving, all physical pleasures are increased when you are some level of 'fit'. The meaning I get from exercise is greater. There is a LOT of stuff in life that happens that you have no control over. I will always have control over what I put in my mouth and how much I move or rest. The repetition and goal setting of exercise is a metaphorical expression of what must also happen in my brain. In both mind and body: Change takes time and practice, goals work, incremental increased focused practice works, time spent on organizing and time spent on effort pays off in all aspects of life, there is joy and accomplishment in the sense of strength, organization, and effort. These are the meaning I find in fitness activities. If anyone is having trouble with exercise/diet, I say find your meaning and purpose, find the joy in it, find the worth in it. And realize it's a skillset practice that has an identical pattern with all things mental. If you can't solve your mental goals yet, try practicing at the physical. or vice versa.

[@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.

[@felsenruh]

Amen Mr. Lewis. A sensible, adult assessment of the pros/cons of your fitness goal and how it fit in to the rest of your life. There's nothing wrong with putting "life" on hold short term to attempt to achieve an objective. But, being 85% "as fit as possible" while enjoying time with your spouse and children and friends should be the goal for most of us.

[@Medliving]

I have been enjoying your content for years now. Your content continues to improve. This was one of my all time favourites, well done. Thanks!

[@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

[@patricoda]

100% agree with this. When I was younger I started competing nationally / internationally in a sport I loved and as great as those times were I can see how it changed me as a person negatively, forsaking relationships and good times for extra sessions and genuinely leaving a session frustrated if it didn't all go to plan, as well as being very critical of the people I did train with. These days I enjoy different sports and I do have goals, but they're against myself and without a "ride or die" mentality, and I'm a happier, more well-rounded individual for it.

[@iXpertMan]

Think those with “ride of die” mentality are the Alphas, just naturally gifted or crazy enough? 😅

[@species5022]

Good move Mark, and to be honest, it's more fun watching you struggle as above average than as a top performing athlete because it's just so funny and relatable!

[@hoot7588]

You need to start falling off that bike/treadmill again!

[@mikediaz1432]

In my experience, you’re the most relatable fitness content creator! As always, awesome content! You are appreciated and I hope for your continued success!!!

[@florianstuderegger6693]

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

[@Timjacks01]

We need a training montage of Mark in a white onesie 😂

[@hoot7588]

As long as he doesn't get the anabolics mainlined in too!

[@Intruuder1]

So nice to hear this, I lost 5 stone over a year ago but last year I worked hard, but enjoyed more freedom with food and enjoyed life fit’ish trained regularly and watched my eating most of the time. I lost nothing all year but was happy and maintained fitness and weight. At 55 now this will be the aim maintain the level I’ve achieved as long as I can.

[@BWater-yq3jx]

Those edits are awesome. 😄👍

[@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

[@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

[@Galahad_Augevit]

Mark, thanks for re-finding your “channel groove”. The above average jumping into all kinds of events with minimal specific training is what got me to do much of the same. Fun.

[@davejemo]

One of your best videos, for me! The amount of times that I laughed at the usual clips - the timing of them was perfection (sliding off the bike, the speed walk etc. 😂)! And so well summed up at the end. Entertaining and informative as usual. Nice one, Mark.

[@GlennonD]

And this is exactly why I watch Mark Lewis ! So relatable and to the point. Came across Mark on a running video while I was getting back into it. Had the notion I was above average due to some decent fitness as a teenager ( no I couldn’t go back like Marty ) So fitness started kicking in running only. Then seen this thing called zwift and after a week of looking at zwift compatible equipment another mark video came up. Mark does zwift ? Mine blown and went over a lot of old videos. Nearly get a life level, I think it hit peak engrossed when I started calling my partner Jenna and started only responding to Mark .. Back on point Mark started becoming less relatable on newer videos. Still decent and interesting but it wasn’t Mark. Where’s the family loving man who crushes his kids KZbin influencer dreams for breakfast ? Here he is ! That’s my boy blue ! Now slap up a new alp du zwift video and do a park run. Maybe tip over the son’s kayak if he passes you and Nickson.

[@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),

[@luckyspurs]

See, this is a much more heart-warming one than the "I'm inevitably about to do my Parkrun PB; and when I do I'm never running one again; the journey is over" video. Love watching you doing all these different events in a fun and interesting just to do them way.

[@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.

[@thedeegan]

That is the real definition of a perfectionist. If you're not able to reach perfection, the best results, you simply give up or don't do it at all.

[@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.

[@richardmoore1364]

Keeping it real is great to see and a refreshing change from the usual fitness channels. I really relate to the message that we can all achieve great things with a little bit of effort and that’s the message I’ve taken from all your videos. Good to see you back to the positive message for everyone.

[@onlygazza]

I’m 52 and reasonably fit, not excessive as I used to be but I’ve learnt a few things during that time, cycling is fun and makes you fit, don’t do a diet with food you don’t like or you won’t sustain it, and just live in the moment, try and enjoy life and don’t give a toss what others think 😊

[@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! ;)

[@LvanderM]

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!!

[@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!!

[@spacewren]

I love this, especially in January where there's an explosion of 'fitness goals', I'm similar to you in that I train what I like and have a sort of ADHD approach to fitness, I think I'm better than average or at least that's what I aim for ha but will never be the best at anything and that's exactly where the fun part lies. I'm glad your wife got you back (I'm sure she prefers the leftover energy to the six pack hahaha)

[@marc_aussie]

Agreed! It’s the difference between posting something online showing you are beating everyone at something, versus doing a bunch of things you really enjoy, and can probably do a lot of those with friends/family. You will get way more out of the latter.

[@garyhart5943]

One of your best pieces of content. So relatable. I’ve sucked the life out of so many pursuits by always setting myself harder and harder goals. I’ve ditched all the apps and devices and just do it for the enjoyment and benefits.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

yep - I'm looking forward to some time app free!

[@luannedimaggio7025]

The reason I watch your videos because of the above average idea. I give you credit for realizing what is important in your life. Keep enjoying your life on your terms. That is my philosophy. Thanks

[@punkt646]

never felt so inspired by someone not reaching his goal. keep up the great work mark. looking forward to your next videos.

[@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.

[@TheBigd1975]

Hi Mark, I love your videos. Funny and realistic. I opted for surgery in may and have gone from 205 kg(32. 5 stone) and as of from today am 136kg (21.5 stone). I feel amazing and definitely the best decision I have ever made. Could of never done it by myself. Alot of rugby injuries have gone away and hope to play a bit of tip rugby with my daughters this summer. Your videos are constant inspiration to me. Thank you 👍

[@andrewherman8157]

I think this is a great perspective that we need more of on social media. So much of what people is influencers who are elite athletes and who can afford to spend all their time and energy focused on their athletic performance telling them that they have to do the same in order to be good enough. Helping people to improve is wonderful, but most of us can't and shouldn't expect to be exactly like elite athletes. Instead we should be focused on doing things that are beneficial and enjoyable within reason given all the other things people have going on!

[@mzabs1871]

I dont know how you ended up on my yt feed yesterday but im glad you did. You are motivational but not oreachy. Your added humor to your journey makes your videos bunge worthy. Thank you.

[@backofthepack4553]

This is what I like about your channel, honesty and seeing what is important, there will always be someone better than you and the mountain top is somewhere you can only visit but not stay at

[@BluSkyWorld]

Thank you for sharing Mark, love your video's and humour. I'm 59 and been running for 12 yrs and reached a point now where being the best is not the end goal anymore, I just want to enjoy that race and be happy. I can totally relate to your journey. Thank you

[@matthewjones7916]

loads of really valid points. love the honesty.

[@johnsonmlw]

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

[@epicjuk9658]

100%

[@stephenhorn8268]

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

[@markbulman]

Nice call... well done for bringing things back to reality, rather than following the YT overhype machine. Reality is that we can choose to achieve almost anything we want in life, but generally, with commitment comes sacrifice, so we can't do everything in all areas. Your decision to analyse and decide what is truly important to you comes from knowing yourself, sorry to say, but often achieved through age. Personally, I think your mantras of 'above average' and 'good enough' are a master stroke toward achieving good things, while not beating yourself up when the cost outweighs the benefit. In summary - love your approach to things (the comedic slant is also welcomed) - well done 👍

[@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!

[@ravensdark99]

That was by far one of the best videos I have seen this year . You are an absolute inspiration mate . Keep it up .

[@joannemarkov]

I knew I was on my way when I graduated from the lamppost system to the fire hydrant system. I thought of your "above average" mantra when I came in just over 2 hours on my first ever half marathon yesterday. I know full well sometime (probably this spring) I'll get sub 2 hours. I may never get sub 1 hr 30 min, but I'll head in that direction and be proud of my progress. Hurray for (slightly) above average!

[@choochoo9506]

AGAIN, another absolute best video from you Mark. I don't know how you do it, but it's better EVERY time. Love this one, spot on with the attitude we all love from you. Congrats, have fun, Old American Lady.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

old american ladies are my 4th most important target demographic 😂 glad it's working !!

[@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

[@markellison4875]

That's the nail well and truly hit. I tell my circle of friends everytime we do something, what's the rush!! they don't get it!! Keep active and enjoy it.

[@cube04]

Thanks Mark! You are a role model and you keep me going up that mountain 🎉💪

[@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

[@alecjcook]

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

[@keepsmiling1484]

What a great video and what a down to earth guy you are. I’m in a similar situation to you where I can, and do, spend an excess of time exercising. I haven’t entered any events as I simply push myself against personal fitness goals, to feel good and stay as healthy as possible. Having said that I am wondering whether I should enter some type of competition to give myself some more focus and test my limits, but afraid that I may lose the flexibility of my time and activity selections, so still pondering. Now pondering even more after watching your vid 🤔Thanks for sharing and great sense of humour 👍

[@DiggerPrints0814]

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

[@SGEnemark]

This video just described my start of falling in sport! I’ve done Ironman’s, 100+ half marathon fastest 1:19 and much more. Everything started as fun and I picked in three period I had fun! I simply crashed and lost all motivation last year and simply just didn’t wanted to train anything anymore. And yes looks like a bag of potatoes now! Your videos has really been part of my way back in finding the motivation and remembering that FUN, is the key! Not the results. Keep it up and thank you for the great content 😌 😊😊

[@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 :)

[@yian43]

Thank you for all the honesty here. It was gold

[@stevenkelby2169]

Love your work Mark, you're a life changer 👍 🍻

[@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.

[@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".

[@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.

[@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.

[@DicksonMaimouth]

Thoughtful. Reasonable. Practical. Brilliant.

[@jeffreycummings4646]

Not many KZbinrs would make such a shift, but so many people are all or nothing and anything in the middle doesn't make sense. But it does if you want to have something that is sustaining. This video put some reality into what my focus should be and I thank you for that. Please let your wife finish her thoughts, as I believe she has some valuable insight and perspective. 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!

[@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.

[@BeyReaper]

It's an age old story, the fun was sucked out of it and it burnt you out. Happened to me with cycling this summer and had to take a short break, as short as 2-3 months is with the occasional weekly bike ride. Now I'm getting back on the horse and it actually isn't that bad or as hard as I thought to get back to where I was, despite my disdain for cold weather. So Mark I don't think you'll have any issue getting back to where you want and this time staying there. The difference for me is that I'm still trying to climb up that mountain. I've yet to see my summit. On that note I would like to see some video of you at your bigger events. I've missed them since you've been doing more of these motivational videos. I can tell they don't really line up with you're current video goals, or you think that there's not much else you could add to event videos of the past, and anything else that would also just be speculative on my part, but I kinda do wanna see you just out there, doing the events you're training for. It would be a nice cap-off to all the videos about your training. It's like sending my mom all the videos I do practicing for a band and not telling her about the gigs I play at. Maybe you could do one video on all the events you've done in the past.

[@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.

[@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!!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤

[@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

[@grantmynott]

Arguably your best video yet… no doubt thousands will relate #TeamHalfWayUpTheMountaun

[@allonsyuk]

Another great video thanks😀. Fitness is such an odd thing. I have stayed fit most of my life. I am now in my 60th year but still run and cycle 4 or 5 times per week. I never now and have never before woken up in the morning 'feeling fit'. The only way I know I'm fit is cos I could easy run 10 miles or cycle 60 miles this afternoon if I wanted to. This is true I believe of us 'fit' mere mortals but also true for elites. I think it was Seb Coe who said once that the world of an elite athlete was one of perpetual tiredness!😳 The hardest part for me of keeping fit while getting older (apart from the aches and pains) is to not getting depressed about the drop in performance. For me this was a steady slow decline from about mid 30's but started to decline way faster in my late 50's. I was a reasonably competitive cyclist in my 20's and early 30's and could do a 50 mile TT in under 2 hours years before all the fancy aero stuff. Although not really my thing, I did a bit of running on the side and could 5K in under 18 minutes. When I turned 50 I was no where near sub 18 minutes anymore but could still finish top 20 at our local parkrun. Sadly I reckon I've lost well over a minute per mile running at any distance just in the last 5 years. My bike FTP was well above 340 in my prime but now less than 250. According to my Garmin watch my VO2 is superior and in top 5 percent for age. Sadly that doesn't equate to me ever beating or even getting close to any of my PB's..🥺. For this reason I no longer compete, apart from the odd parkrun(not a race! 😅) or Zwift race so I now no longer get hung up on times etc. Every time in later years that I tried to follow a training plan to try to improve I found it a chore and stopped enjoying. As soon as I stopped really competing in my early 50's it suddenly became way more fun keeping fit😀. I now just run or cycle to how I feel and it is never a chore. I can enjoy looking at the countryside rather than staring at my watch. GCN channel did a recent video on how your endurance improves as you age which I found interesting. So I'm not as strong or fast but I can plod for miles.😅.

[@TheSpacecraftX]

December is a motivation killer too. I had an injury recovery and then a lot of family stuff so all my effort went into family because it just felt more important than being out in the cold and wet being miserable. I do this because it feels good. If it doesn't feel good, what's the point? I'm back and refreshed in January and never felt better about getting out on my bike or to parkrun. You need to want to do it.

[@tomyoung437]

Great video Mark. Was an avid watcher for a while and really enjoyed the above average motto, something I try to be myself. I remember noticing your videos were becoming a little to Pro'ey for me 😂 and started to disconnect from the videos. He's got a trainer now, he's upping the exercises, I'm getting left behind again. I think it's important that you've spoken about how much effort it took to get where you went athlete wise and your the only person I've seen who gives the honest workout - normal life balance explanation. Well done on getting as far as you did.

[@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!!

[@pennysyogaexperience6959]

Great for you! Sometimes good is good enough and having time with our passions gives us better quality of life. I have to split passion between competitive ballroom dancing ( we dance in champ and pre champ standard), running, yoga and weight training. Our dance coach says stop the running. She things I will get injured. My mind says we need running for sanity and freedom. I like doing two or 3 half marathons a year with my sister. I love to run and love to dance, I don't want to give up one to be better at the other.

[@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!

[@octotrax]

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

[@geraintjones6401]

Thanks for the motivation and the laughs, Mark. Few things on KZbin make me laugh as consistently as your self-deprecating retrospectives on the fast walking session. Great stuff.

[@CGalo13]

Could you make a follow up video on what recovery techniques, day to day, and overall things, worked for you during these big training seasons? And which of these techniques you are still doing, even after relaxing on the high intensity training

[@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.