Everyone tends to laugh when they find out that one of my all time favourite TH-camrs 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
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
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!
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.
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
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!
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
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
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.
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.
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!!!
Honestly, with this video and your one on binge eating, I think this has become the number one fitness channel on TH-cam IMO.... Great work and a great message. It makes me feel better, since I'm a dad with serious time restrictions.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
I'm not an habitual commenter but Mark is one of the very few TH-camrs that I now follow (on TH-cam 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.
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.
So glad I came across this as I was nearly sucked into the TH-cam 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.
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.
@@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 :)
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.
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.
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!
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!!
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!
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. ;-)
This video made me subscribe. You’re great, funny, and inspiring. Definitely nice to help keep motivating myself to get in better shape. But this video sealed the deal when you talked about quitting and bringing it back to what you enjoy. That reality check was the most honest and sobering part of fitness videos I’ve come across. Thank you
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.
Good Call! I’m still aiming at your Above Average from last year…I started watching when I got in parkruns and Trail running- you inspired me to add Thames Path to my race list in a few years time, and I’m missing Nixon’s Trail Runs..not even a Dog person!!
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
Thank you Mark for this video. I came to this realisation over the last few weeks. Although I didn't get as fit as you I went through my HYROX obsessed year and a half and got fitter than ever before at age 51. But and it's a big but I wasn't happy even though I shaved half an hour off my time. I felt constantly not good enough and needing to push more and exhausted myself. Put that with a horrendous flu like virus that had me floored for 4 weeks I decided for this year to focus on health happiness and wellbeing. I'll still focus on fittness but more rounded and include my mental health which has suffered over the last 6 months. This video just confirmed what I've been feeling and I want to thank you for the time and effort you have put in to very articulately put Into words how I have been feeling. It was brave of you to drop out and I respect you for it. Looking forward to this year seeing how it pans out all the best Mark ❤
Love this. Honest reflection. Sometimes it isnt worth the pure pursuit of excellence at the cost of everything else in your life. A humbling real message for people in the new year. Big up, love this channel and this take
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 😌 😊😊
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!
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.
Cheers mate to being honest with yourself. It is hard with all that outside pressure and some people with their blind focus. Wish you the best and middle of the pack is always a nice place to be. There is always someone looking up to you & someone you can chase if you so desire.
I love it when you combine a bit of a philosophical / psychological angle with the practical stuff - it's really important to many of us and brings out the best of you in your vids too. Great video. Keep 'em coming.
Thanks for the motivation and the laughs, Mark. Few things on TH-cam make me laugh as consistently as your self-deprecating retrospectives on the fast walking session. Great stuff.
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.
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
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.
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
Love your approach to fitness, your insight into the journey and your humility in showing all parts of it. Always love your videos Mark, look forward to them every time I see them!
Amazingly inspiring video. You seem to have ended up about the same as I did after I overdid my cycling: Enjoying an active life and having fun without sacrificing too much of the time with the family. "Balance". Works super well for me. Good luck Mark!
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
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.
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 👍
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.
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!
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
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
Bloody well done at working this one out..back to above average and looking at being content/happy. Exercise for fun is the answer for me. Doing my best at being good enough to be happy at what I'm doing. A run for the enjoyment of running, a 'hard enough' bike ride with a friend. Great video again. Thanks
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.
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 TH-cam 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.
Thanks for sharing Mark and genuinely interesting. Happiness is an incredibly important measure, and indeed, as we get older, perhaps the most important of all. Good on ya !
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
Brilliant video all around. Seems like the culmination of a life change path, from one extreme to the other and finding happiness on your personal sweet spot!
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! ;)
Congratulations on your new found perspective. I too am now over 50 years old and enjoy training semi-seriously to stay “somewhat” competitive but always trying my best to balance family, work, fitness, and happiness. It sounds like you have found your balance - well done!
So inspiring Mark, honestly these videos are helping me a lot. I’m roughly where you were at the start-ish of your journey and seeing that it can be done and can be enjoyable is really helping with the though days.
I started running in my late thirties. Did a PB 22:16 parkrun on new years day. Hungover on 5 hours sleep😂 Goals for this year are sub 20 5k sub 50 10k, sub 2hr half marathon. Ive been within a few minutes of all of them. Like you im trying to be the best i can without killing myself or sacrificing what i enjoy or have to do too much. And just trying to enjoy the process. 😊
@@paulwhalley6789 i have been a little conservative on the longer distances. Ive been within 90 seconds of my targets for this year so hopefully i might even do a bit better. The sub 20 5k is the challenge.
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.
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!
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.
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. 😝🤘
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)
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
You (we) can get more fit but maybe just not *faster* at what you have already done but you can still do an ultra-marathon if you have never done one. It's a different kind of fitness. I'm 69 and I'm still setting PR's on trail run/walks. I can now run up a 1 mile hill that I could not run 25 yards up a year ago and I'm even 20 lbs heavier. Two weeks ago I did a 30 mile hike in 9 hrs . . . last time I did that it took 12 hrs and that was 4.5 years ago
@@ithinkthereforeitalk935 LOL . . . I hope not. I'm now training for a 1,000 mile backpacking trip on the PCT from the California border through Oregon and Washington up the the Canada border. I hope it's only about 50 days because that's about all the time I have for it in one season.
Think your 25min and 30 min mountain are the wrong way around...
Yeah yeah. Everyone’s an expert with hindsight. 😂
Good, more of the old stuff again. Look forward to you falling off the Kickr aged 50 😏
@@leecopeland2931Flanders is better. Done both.
Depends if surviving your mountain descent counts
@@leecopeland2931 I'd absolutely love to see Mark do this!
Everyone tends to laugh when they find out that one of my all time favourite TH-camrs 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
Millennial Canadian girl here and this is also one of my fav channels!!!! 😊 I find him hilarious and motivational - a unique combination!!
He's one of my favourites, always entertaining and I'm 68, thanks again uncle Mark.
29 y/o American and dittoooo! His wit is top notch!
Hello fellow 🇨🇦 millennial athlete
Get off that chair and go for a jog 💪🇮🇪
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
Amazing transformation GreeGraa. Mark is so relatable isn’t he. Such a balanced attainable approach.
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!
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.
Playing tennis at 75 has got to be so fun.
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
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!
I’m 23 years old and this is some of the best life and fitness advice I’ve seen on TH-cam.
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
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.
Again, Hit the nail on the head perfectly. Being above average is a great place to be.
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
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.
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.
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!
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!!!
Honestly, with this video and your one on binge eating, I think this has become the number one fitness channel on TH-cam IMO.... Great work and a great message. It makes me feel better, since I'm a dad with serious time restrictions.
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
Thank you for keeping it real and showing that achieving happiness is a worthwhile goal!
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
I'm not an habitual commenter but Mark is one of the very few TH-camrs that I now follow (on TH-cam 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.
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.
That was by far one of the best videos I have seen this year . You are an absolute inspiration mate . Keep it up .
So glad I came across this as I was nearly sucked into the TH-cam 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.
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.
well… some people enjoy the victory and ignore the suffering, everybody has their own cup of tea 😅
@@iXpertMan is this healthy? why do so many who follow this route look back and regret that they ignored the suffering?
@@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 :)
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.
yep - I'm looking forward to some time app free!
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.
Think those with “ride of die” mentality are the Alphas, just naturally gifted or crazy enough? 😅
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!
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!!
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!
You need to start falling off that bike/treadmill again!
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. ;-)
Son of a gun…
"How can you just walk away? they will say" - I think you're hearing Phil Collins singing Against all odds.
This video made me subscribe. You’re great, funny, and inspiring. Definitely nice to help keep motivating myself to get in better shape.
But this video sealed the deal when you talked about quitting and bringing it back to what you enjoy. That reality check was the most honest and sobering part of fitness videos I’ve come across. Thank you
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.
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?
Hmmmm. 😂. Good point
Good Call! I’m still aiming at your Above Average from last year…I started watching when I got in parkruns and Trail running- you inspired me to add Thames Path to my race list in a few years time, and I’m missing Nixon’s Trail Runs..not even a Dog person!!
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
Thanks for always keeping it real Mark! A lot of words you say, I've experienced, but never processed it or understood it. Legend!
Thank you Mark for this video. I came to this realisation over the last few weeks. Although I didn't get as fit as you I went through my HYROX obsessed year and a half and got fitter than ever before at age 51. But and it's a big but I wasn't happy even though I shaved half an hour off my time. I felt constantly not good enough and needing to push more and exhausted myself. Put that with a horrendous flu like virus that had me floored for 4 weeks I decided for this year to focus on health happiness and wellbeing. I'll still focus on fittness but more rounded and include my mental health which has suffered over the last 6 months. This video just confirmed what I've been feeling and I want to thank you for the time and effort you have put in to very articulately put Into words how I have been feeling. It was brave of you to drop out and I respect you for it. Looking forward to this year seeing how it pans out all the best Mark ❤
loads of really valid points. love the honesty.
Love this. Honest reflection. Sometimes it isnt worth the pure pursuit of excellence at the cost of everything else in your life. A humbling real message for people in the new year. Big up, love this channel and this take
Those edits are awesome. 😄👍
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 😌 😊😊
Thanks for your content, Mark. Your videos are really motivating me to get fit in my late forties. With balance.
100%
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!
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.
Cheers mate to being honest with yourself. It is hard with all that outside pressure and some people with their blind focus. Wish you the best and middle of the pack is always a nice place to be. There is always someone looking up to you & someone you can chase if you so desire.
I love it when you combine a bit of a philosophical / psychological angle with the practical stuff - it's really important to many of us and brings out the best of you in your vids too. Great video. Keep 'em coming.
Thanks for the motivation and the laughs, Mark. Few things on TH-cam make me laugh as consistently as your self-deprecating retrospectives on the fast walking session. Great stuff.
Love everything about this vid! Happy to see you happy, and doing what you want
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.
old american ladies are my 4th most important target demographic 😂 glad it's working !!
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
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.
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
Just thank you for your honesty on that topic. Great video and one of your best
Love your approach to fitness, your insight into the journey and your humility in showing all parts of it. Always love your videos Mark, look forward to them every time I see them!
Amazingly inspiring video. You seem to have ended up about the same as I did after I overdid my cycling: Enjoying an active life and having fun without sacrificing too much of the time with the family. "Balance". Works super well for me. Good luck Mark!
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
Love this new mindset! I'm biased to cycling so I always love that content, but just enjoying life is the most important part of all this training.
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.
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 👍
We need a training montage of Mark in a white onesie 😂
As long as he doesn't get the anabolics mainlined in too!
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!
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.
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!
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
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
This video is the epitome of why your channel rock! Thanks for sharing.
Bloody well done at working this one out..back to above average and looking at being content/happy. Exercise for fun is the answer for me. Doing my best at being good enough to be happy at what I'm doing. A run for the enjoyment of running, a 'hard enough' bike ride with a friend. Great video again. Thanks
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.
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 TH-cam 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.
Love your work Mark, you're a life changer 👍 🍻
Great video Mark! Any chance of a separate video focussing on those recovery techniques??
Great video amongst so many other contrary messages out there regarding fitness. Was a timely watch, thankyou.
Keep putting them out there.
Thanks for sharing Mark and genuinely interesting. Happiness is an incredibly important measure, and indeed, as we get older, perhaps the most important of all. Good on ya !
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
Brilliant video all around.
Seems like the culmination of a life change path, from one extreme to the other and finding happiness on your personal sweet spot!
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! ;)
Congratulations on your new found perspective. I too am now over 50 years old and enjoy training semi-seriously to stay “somewhat” competitive but always trying my best to balance family, work, fitness, and happiness. It sounds like you have found your balance - well done!
Thoughtful. Reasonable. Practical. Brilliant.
So inspiring Mark, honestly these videos are helping me a lot. I’m roughly where you were at the start-ish of your journey and seeing that it can be done and can be enjoyable is really helping with the though days.
Thank you for all the honesty here. It was gold
Great video, Mark. The transparency and clarity you present is refreshing and endearing.
I started running in my late thirties. Did a PB 22:16 parkrun on new years day. Hungover on 5 hours sleep😂 Goals for this year are sub 20 5k sub 50 10k, sub 2hr half marathon. Ive been within a few minutes of all of them. Like you im trying to be the best i can without killing myself or sacrificing what i enjoy or have to do too much. And just trying to enjoy the process. 😊
Sub 20min 5k is roughly the equivalent to a sub 42 min 10k and a sub 1.32 min half, so the other two won’t be a challenge afterwards.
@@paulwhalley6789 i have been a little conservative on the longer distances. Ive been within 90 seconds of my targets for this year so hopefully i might even do a bit better. The sub 20 5k is the challenge.
Im just here waiting for next next ultra run video and your brilliant commentary.
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.
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!
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.
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. 😝🤘
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)
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
Loved this. Thanks for allowing us all to be along for the ride.
Spot on Mark. Thanks for sharing your wisdom, and making it entertaining along the way!
You (we) can get more fit but maybe just not *faster* at what you have already done but you can still do an ultra-marathon if you have never done one. It's a different kind of fitness. I'm 69 and I'm still setting PR's on trail run/walks. I can now run up a 1 mile hill that I could not run 25 yards up a year ago and I'm even 20 lbs heavier. Two weeks ago I did a 30 mile hike in 9 hrs . . . last time I did that it took 12 hrs and that was 4.5 years ago
@@ithinkthereforeitalk935 LOL . . . I hope not. I'm now training for a 1,000 mile backpacking trip on the PCT from the California border through Oregon and Washington up the the Canada border. I hope it's only about 50 days because that's about all the time I have for it in one season.
@@hikerJohn Good luck with your adventure!
He's done several ultra marathons...well done on yours though. Inspirational.