I did not a Spartan, but a different OCR. Loved the experienced from "regular" running. Would love to do Hyrox. Next Hyrox event here in Hamburg I'm away on vacation, so I may look for an alternative, combining with a weekend trip.
In theory. I’d favour the OCR, as I love the outdoors, and favoured fell racing over any other form of racing. However at 65 and reasonably fit, the Hyrox should be more practical. Will try one next year with a younger team member, before using that as a springboard for an individual effort. Started boxing sparring again. Body only of course. But that’s suggestive of a return to half decent fitness post stem-cell transplant January 2021.
At about 61 Kilos- wet- and a pretty shanked up left hand after a broken wrist, you've convinced me to stay in my lane. Running! No seriously, it's great to get out of comfort zones and try new things. I'm moving from left-right-left-right on the pavement to left-right-hop-left-right-left-right on the trail. And I'm loving it. Which end of the day is what matters.
I did the Beast down In Utah 2 weeks ago 😂 Always a very fun experience! Thanks for the video! Keep them coming! Insane that you are at 123K a month later after passing the 100k!
Unrelated to the question, but just did the zugspitz ultratrail - would love to see you go out next year and give it a go and see how you stack up. 108km and 5200 meters elevation climb. Really tough but I know you would crush it.
@@MarkLewisfitness I'm not convinced this is a bad idea yet, just throw in a healthy amount of Charlie Sheen smash cuts and let the tiger blood and Adonis DNA do the rest lol
@@MarkLewisfitness guilty, Mark. But I am absolutely crushing it out here and am in the best shape of my life at 33. Never would have stepped into the realm of marathon/ endurance events before finding your channel and getting bit by that bug🤘
I'm a trail runner, never done an Obstacle race and I don't intend to. I just watched this because I enjoy Mark having a rant and a random movie clip 🤣
I'm signed up for Hyrox in Manchester end of January. I have lost 23.3KG over the last few months and wanted something to train for. Your channel has helped me realise it's not Gym bro or fat. I have a pretty unhealthy relationship with exercise due to being in the army for 12 years (left 14 years ago). My brain is all " pain is weakness leaving the body". I am getting better and feel the Hyrox a couple of times a year gives me a great baseline. Keep the content coming. I will keep watching!!
You are the reason me and my wife are preparing for hyrox. I heard about hyrox from you and since my wife is into fitness and I'm into running we decided to combine and do hyrox in December. Now I'm learning to do burpees and she had started to run. It's quite fun! It's also interesting because she complains about her legs and I complain about everything else 😁. But it's great fun together and that's all that matters.
I was forced to do a obstical run 12km by my father in law. Didn't want to do. Did it finished only the running part was hard. End point I am now running 3 times a week to get fit for the next one. And find myself really enjoying running. And can't wait for the next obstical run!
I ran my first Spartan (Super - Utah U.S.A.) this year. It was a ton of fun. I loved the obstacles even though I couldn't complete all of them, and I'm far from any glimmer of winning. But. My goal was to complete it and to have fun doing it. Which is exactly what I accomplished. I love meeting new people and giving/receiving help on those obstacles.
Good evening Mark! One minute in, and you nailed the perfect definition of being fit and fitness - using as many of our physical abilties as possible. Love this vid already! Have a great weekend!
parkrun is awesome! nothing to be ashamed of there. I've gone from parkrun to running most days, to starting swimming again, to combining cycling (which i already did.) now dreaming of triathlons. every fitness journey starts somewhere! Be proud of what you're doing, and think about a next step :)
Hi Mark - It's not really related to this video but I just wanted to leave a comment to say thanks. I'm 28 and always been into my fitness - lifting weights, rock climbing and running sporadically. But I discovered your channel last year and it's what inspired me to really push all three and take them to the next level. I've formed strong training habits in all 3 sports and now I feel stronger and fitter than ever. I'm training for my first half marathon in September and can't wait to see what I can achieve (hoping for a 1:45, and then will start training for a marathon!). Hyrox and other multi-discipline events still scare me, but who knows, maybe I'll get there one day. I honestly don't think I would have done it without your channel inspiring me, so thank you!
“The Clecter”. That made me chuckle. Let’s hope Primark get those tight muscle fit t shirts back in soon. My green and purple ones are looking washed out !!!
I found you because of your Spartan content. Stayed for the Saharan humour. I’ve taken plenty of good advice from this channel over the last year or so. One thing I very much miss is Nixon’s appearances. More doggo content please Mark!
6'4 over 300 here did my first spartan did open and it was very casual, people were encouraging/helping looking out for each other and i missed several obstacles, like a dummy hit my shin early on finished then got stitches after the race- despite the downfalls i finished and loved it. Going to do at least 1 or 2 more this year. May try Hyrox thanks. love the videos
This was excellent - thank u. My wife and I are planning our first HM in July and then entering the Tough Mudder in October. I'm 52 and she's 46. Wanted to do something different this year and beyond... All the best from Australia.
I get what you mean about medals, i used to be so excited to get one when i first started running. Theres so many events to choose from where i live that id even base my decision on which event to do on which had the coolest looking medal/T-shirt, now i just put them i the bin. Even when ive been lucky to get an age group trophy, i'll keep it in my room for a couple of months but eventually bin it. On to the next one.
Just did my 1st Parkrun here in College Park, Maryland US. I didn't know we had them here in the States-Thanks. I'm 52 and looking to try the Hyrox (I've done Spartan before and had fun)
Great video as usual. I’m competing in my first OCR tomorrow because you’ve motivated me with your videos, advice and better than average attitude! Thanks again mate!
Update : terrain race was a lot of fun! Much more difficult than I anticipated! Very humbling indeed. But, I took note of my weaknesses, and will plan and train smarter and harder for the next one! Thanks again for the push, Mark! Appreciate you
Hi Mark, I've recently subscribed to your channel and wanted to comment to simply say you're making fantastic and inspiring content. Watching your progress makes me want to get out and get fit again. As a complete non-runner I've been back on the treadmill recently trying to get up to 5k, then who knows what next. Perhaps I'll book myself onto a Hyrox! Keep up the good work!
Just booked Hyrox Manchester 2023 thanks to your channel , got 5 months to get in shape for this event, Burpee and lunges are going to be difficult for me so need to get some serious practice in.
Lol great video, my wife watched and laughed too and she normally throws her eyes to heaven when I watch youtube. Its your humourous self depricating approach despite being uber competitive! That data and those pictures are totally enough for HYROX. First one in London, flights and hotel booked.. lots of training to do but the variety is super fun
I’ve done both mark and I truly have more fun at OCR. HYROX was an awesome challenge and a great way for me to stay in shape during the colder months but I definitely have more fun swinging and climbing and jumping. I’m better at that stuff which probably has a lot to do with it. Had a chance to do HYROX NYC again in October but decided to go for the Spartan Ultra in New Jersey instead. Great video man! I just love a good physical challenge and strive to do my best at everything I compete in
Great coverage of these two marvellous activities. Also worth watching if not only for Mark’s near miss with the spear, and his reaction to that. We’ve more in common than I first realised lol. I think it’s great that Jen has started following in Marks tracks. I do hope Jen goes on to race an ultra alongside Mark. I genuinely feel that anything 50k and above will cater to her true potential. Another excellent video! Thank you..
Given that I orienteer, which is kinda like Spartan but without the monkey bars and the arrows telling you which way you need to run, I'd take Hyrox over Spartan any day. I love the idea that you're basically doing sets round gym equipment to a plan and they're all stuff you can do with very little ability but which you can do really well if you work hard. Great video Mark, you and Jen are helping me keep motivated.
Never done Spartan, but after a few January ToughGuy events, realised success is being honest, sticking to the course and battling through. Not skipping obstacles and claiming you finished. Accept if you fail something, learn, get up have another go next time....
I First heard about TG when BFBS reported that some Guys from the Bielefeld barracks prepare to run. "If some foolish brits can do it, i can do it." Then forgot about it for some 25 years. My First try was DNF. But in 2017, when they claimed to do the Last TG, i finally finished. Yes, it makes you humble. When I did my first TG, it was freezing. Compared to this all the mud masters, strong man runs etc. were Kindergarten.
Hi Mark, as someone who is going through their own fitness journey (aged 51 - ran 12kms on Saturday) I would definitely sign up to your patreon if you decided you could run 100 miles in under 24 hours. Binged watched your channel all weekend, thanks for being you mate.
Your channel came up in my feed a few days back and I have to say I really like what you have to say and the way you deliver it. It's also refreshing that, like me, you're in the UK and of a similar age. As it seems most of my "fitness TH-camrs are from the USA or Cananda . As someone that has been a bit fat (94kgs @ 177cm) most of their adult life until I was 40 and decided enough was enough. I started with 5/2 fasting to loose weigh, after seeing the documentary on the BBC. After that it was jogging and more calorie resrticting to get to 71 kgs. Then I started weight training in the gym and generally hover around the 74-75kg mark. The only cardio I did was walking (9min kgs), but after seeing your content I jumped on the stationary bike at the gym the other day and mananged 24km in an hour at around 105 watts. No idea what it means, but it's a start. You've definitely sparked something that I hope I continue with regarding get fitter and including some other forms of cardio than walking into my weekly routine. Who knows? I may even see you at a Spartan or Hyrox event at some point in the future.
Fab video as always. Just FYI I didn't get a notification for this even though the notifications are on. Only because I searched as hadn't seen a video for a while! Hope Jens training is going well!
Did my first ever Spartan this year - as a regular runner, and occasional gym goer, I didn't have any trouble with things like the hoist, atlas stones, inverted wall, when compared to others! I knew I had the fitness base from running, but all those deadlifts, lat pull downs, chins, bent over rows definitely helped.
I LOVE the hyrox concept. Although I’ve dropped my weekly running from 70ish miles per week to 45/55 to accommodate the added strength work. Hope my strengths don’t suffer too much with this change!!!
Did the Spartan Super last weekend too. Great event and always find the atmosphere so supportive and fun. That rolling mud followed by the slip wall was... well, slippy!
When you flashed up the map of the Spartan course, I started having twitchy ptsd flashbacks.... thats Martson Lodge, where I did my first Mountain Bike 24hr race........ solo...... on a road bike...... for ------- reasons
Uhh, not sure I agree that Hyrox is approachable for beginners. The sled push and pull will be physically impossible for those starting their fitness journey. Spartan sprints are basically a 5k with a muddy splash; much better for beginners.
I’m not sure the sled push is any harder than monkey balls, rope climb, etc that all appear on a Spartan sprint. The only way I sprint is easier if you accept that you will be failing a large chunk of it.
Can’t believe at 25:12 when you mentioned getting a medal at your local race that you didn’t put up the one of you at the duck pond….lost gloating moment :)
Never thought about doing Spartan but am trying to persuade my 41 yr old female PT client (I am 61 yrs old) to do Hyrox. She is fit enough and strong enought but it's whether she wants to do it or not. The downside for me is that I currently don't do much running but she does run more often than me. Great info.
Gym bro that is doing his first OCR next month thanks to this channel. Looking at hyrox dual with the gf in October. Really bad distance runner so it is going to suck but ok at 5 km. But I can always snap runners trying to get past. Probably not allowed. Not allowed to hurt children or people with child strength. Maybe they make an exception if you do it while yelling "this is Sparta"
Great video Mark. Hyrox is something I’m looking at doing, I’m a sub 18 park runner, so only have child like strength and weigh less than 70kg. So the sled push and pull I think will be my biggest weaknesses, but I’ll never know unless I sign up.
Just go for it - with that run speed you will make up for any shortcomings elsewhere. You will probably be looking at average laps around four minutes and for many people, even fast people, that is 60 seconds quicker than most.
I guess I can say this video is great ? Awesome? Fan-bloody-tastic? Well, being from South Africa, nothing says it better than saying, “This video was ‘lekke’!!” Thank Mark, great fun!!
One criterion you didn't mention is having unique experiences. One of the best things about trail ultras, for example, is that some of them are in these amazing settings. It seems that by design, every Hyrox event has a sameness to it. What about Spartan? Are any of the events in places with great views or otherwise special elements of the setting?
Love the video Mark 👌Had a quick look at your website and couldn't see where you bought your medal wall display hooks. Where can I pick some up please? Keep up the good work 😉👍🏻
You forgot to add as one of your categories: The Crossfitter! Negative of both races: there isnt a requirement to do pull ups - so you cant show off to everyone that your butterfly / kipping pull ups. Hyrox. Advantages: Its like Crossfit anyway, but without the hard bits. The running is in 1k chunks, so manageable. Its full of Crossfit people, so you get to ask other what their 1RM C&J and max effort HSPUs are. Disadvantages: Its full of Crossfit people! =D; all the gear youve bought will be useless here. Spartan: Advantages: Majority of the obstacles will be very doable. Doing a muscle up at the monkey bars will look amazing and people will think you're a god. Disadvantages: Can be a long way to run, and its never flat; No one there will care what your back squat is. In all seriousness though there's two other things worth adding into the mix that favour each event. Spartan: Its outdoors - nothing can beat the feeling of charging through a forest Hyrox: Its cheaper.
So as someone who has lost 30kg with another 8 or 9 still to go and now resembles a runner with a bit of a pot belly as opposed to a very overweight guy I think I'd take the spartan over hyrox. I've got my first parkrun this Saturday and entered 2 10k's later this year. Also looking to get into some adult swimming lessons soon as well. Bodyweight training wise I still struggle with press ups can do 1 set of 10 and then another of about 6 or 7. Trying to improve slowly on them. Pull ups I need to get a bar soon. Slowly slowly catchee monkey as they say.
That joke about caring more about your Garmin stats more than your loved ones made me crack up. I wonder if that means it's hitting a bit too close to home 😂
Hyrox???? I had never heard about it until I came across this channel. I looks a bit like a crossfit competition with the skill elements and the variability taken out to make it easier. Easier to organise and sell en masse, and easier to participate in injury free no matter skill level and fitness background. Is that a fair characterisation?
Mark - you call it Hyrox....35 yrs ago (or more!!) we used to call it circuit training. 1 lap running whilst you training partner did press ups then rotate. Then switch events which included burpees, squat thrusts, sit ups, star jumps etc. etc. Is it really that different?
Ist's the same with gravel-bikes🚵 and stuff. New fancy names. I am glad that pull-ups are still pull-ups, so i can compare to numbers from the last millienum.
They cancelled my event due to Covid and because I couldn’t make the new date they kept all the money. The way I am and treated people over Covid should have had them in court - in fact they have them in court but the judges in the US ruled in their favour!
I'm doing my first Hyrox in October. Haven't really started training yet but I did try 4 of the events last night. Turns out that I'd misloaded the sled, 50kg shy of the actual weight. I don't consider my self weak but can see how I'll be able to move the full weight. I'm hoping that it's down to the surface at the gym I use - I notice that the sled slides on a little further when Mark stops pushing so I'm hoping it will be easier. I just can see how a lighter, weaker person could move the full weight 🤷♂️. I'm slightly concerned 😟
i did it! my new alphaflys gave me a blister on my heel just walking to the start line but i did the run and felt surprisingly ok. i can’t imagine a marathon and i’ve entered one oct 2nd
When you get to the machine it will be zeroed-but don’t worry, the marshals are superb and as soon as it hits 1000 you are good to go. They keep a close eye on everybody and you will not get with him 150 m of finishing before somebody is stood on your shoulder watching.
No. Ironman moved my event due to covid and when I couldn’t make the new date have no refund. So I lost hundreds. They treated people like crap over the covid issue so I’d never go near them.
@@MarkLewisfitness that’s good to hear! I really hope Ironman hasn’t put you off triathlons entirely, would be really excited to watch you train & race.
It's been a couple of years since I did my last Trifecta (2019 was my last one). They don't make you do burpees for the failure of an obstacle anymore?
@@MarkLewisfitness ah cool, as it should be really. No real change. The first ever one I did was in 2016 and was open, people just carried on as a few of us did burpee's which irritated my OCD tendencies immensely. switched to age group after that (which also starts earlier so unless you are in an ultra ) a person will be done by noon and be able to eat (always starving after a spartan).
Ironman moved my event due to covid and when I couldn’t make the new date have no refund. So I lost hundreds. They treated people like crap over the covid issue so I’d never go near them.
Have you done Spartan and Hyrox? Which is your fav?
I did not a Spartan, but a different OCR. Loved the experienced from "regular" running. Would love to do Hyrox. Next Hyrox event here in Hamburg I'm away on vacation, so I may look for an alternative, combining with a weekend trip.
In theory. I’d favour the OCR, as I love the outdoors, and favoured fell racing over any other form of racing.
However at 65 and reasonably fit, the Hyrox should be more practical. Will try one next year with a younger team member, before using that as a springboard for an individual effort.
Started boxing sparring again. Body only of course. But that’s suggestive of a return to half decent fitness post stem-cell transplant January 2021.
At about 61 Kilos- wet- and a pretty shanked up left hand after a broken wrist, you've convinced me to stay in my lane. Running! No seriously, it's great to get out of comfort zones and try new things. I'm moving from left-right-left-right on the pavement to left-right-hop-left-right-left-right on the trail. And I'm loving it. Which end of the day is what matters.
I did the Beast down In Utah 2 weeks ago 😂 Always a very fun experience! Thanks for the video! Keep them coming! Insane that you are at 123K a month later after passing the 100k!
Unrelated to the question, but just did the zugspitz ultratrail - would love to see you go out next year and give it a go and see how you stack up. 108km and 5200 meters elevation climb. Really tough but I know you would crush it.
It's settled, after we see Jen's fitness journey unfold, we need to see Mark's mom do a Hyrox.
That’s not a pretty thumbnail picture 😂
@@MarkLewisfitness I'm not convinced this is a bad idea yet, just throw in a healthy amount of Charlie Sheen smash cuts and let the tiger blood and Adonis DNA do the rest lol
@@christianf4995 you have watched too many of my videos 😂😂😂
@@MarkLewisfitness guilty, Mark. But I am absolutely crushing it out here and am in the best shape of my life at 33. Never would have stepped into the realm of marathon/ endurance events before finding your channel and getting bit by that bug🤘
I'm a trail runner, never done an Obstacle race and I don't intend to. I just watched this because I enjoy Mark having a rant and a random movie clip 🤣
I'm signed up for Hyrox in Manchester end of January. I have lost 23.3KG over the last few months and wanted something to train for. Your channel has helped me realise it's not Gym bro or fat. I have a pretty unhealthy relationship with exercise due to being in the army for 12 years (left 14 years ago). My brain is all " pain is weakness leaving the body". I am getting better and feel the Hyrox a couple of times a year gives me a great baseline. Keep the content coming. I will keep watching!!
That’s a great use of Hyrox. Like a bi annual test!
You are the reason me and my wife are preparing for hyrox. I heard about hyrox from you and since my wife is into fitness and I'm into running we decided to combine and do hyrox in December. Now I'm learning to do burpees and she had started to run. It's quite fun!
It's also interesting because she complains about her legs and I complain about everything else 😁.
But it's great fun together and that's all that matters.
Awesome to hear-sounds exactly like me and Jen. We both always have something to moan about being sore 😂
Honestly the story, delivery and comedy in your videos along with all the informative info is literally second to none. Top job😃
🙏
I was forced to do a obstical run 12km by my father in law. Didn't want to do. Did it finished only the running part was hard. End point I am now running 3 times a week to get fit for the next one. And find myself really enjoying running. And can't wait for the next obstical run!
I ran my first Spartan (Super - Utah U.S.A.) this year. It was a ton of fun. I loved the obstacles even though I couldn't complete all of them, and I'm far from any glimmer of winning. But. My goal was to complete it and to have fun doing it. Which is exactly what I accomplished. I love meeting new people and giving/receiving help on those obstacles.
I don’t know why I like your channel so much, I don’t watch any other fitness TH-camrs, but you really entertain me
Good evening Mark! One minute in, and you nailed the perfect definition of being fit and fitness - using as many of our physical abilties as possible. Love this vid already! Have a great weekend!
Thanks 🙏
Unless you are thinking of CrossFit.
Hurting yourself is also a physical thing but doesn't count.
I'm still on parkruns but I can live vicariously through you and Jen :)
I still love a park run!
parkrun is awesome! nothing to be ashamed of there.
I've gone from parkrun to running most days, to starting swimming again, to combining cycling (which i already did.) now dreaming of triathlons.
every fitness journey starts somewhere! Be proud of what you're doing, and think about a next step :)
Hi Mark - It's not really related to this video but I just wanted to leave a comment to say thanks. I'm 28 and always been into my fitness - lifting weights, rock climbing and running sporadically. But I discovered your channel last year and it's what inspired me to really push all three and take them to the next level. I've formed strong training habits in all 3 sports and now I feel stronger and fitter than ever. I'm training for my first half marathon in September and can't wait to see what I can achieve (hoping for a 1:45, and then will start training for a marathon!). Hyrox and other multi-discipline events still scare me, but who knows, maybe I'll get there one day. I honestly don't think I would have done it without your channel inspiring me, so thank you!
1:45 is a nice time if you hit it! Good luck 💪
“The Clecter”. That made me chuckle.
Let’s hope Primark get those tight muscle fit t shirts back in soon. My green and purple ones are looking washed out !!!
I'm still on baby steps. Ran my first half marathon. Thanks for keeping me motivated!
Watched this video this morning, a few hours later I’ve signed up to both my first OCR and my first Hyrox as both seem great!
I found you because of your Spartan content. Stayed for the Saharan humour. I’ve taken plenty of good advice from this channel over the last year or so. One thing I very much miss is Nixon’s appearances. More doggo content please Mark!
But hot 🥵 for him 😂. He pops back up around September 👍🏼
@@MarkLewisfitness understandable. I basically had heat stroke from yesterday’s park run too. I’ll be marking the days on my calendar for his return!
Well done Mark, thoroughly enjoyed it. Some great insight for both events. Now I’m tempted!
6'4 over 300 here did my first spartan did open and it was very casual, people were encouraging/helping looking out for each other and i missed several obstacles, like a dummy hit my shin early on finished then got stitches after the race- despite the downfalls i finished and loved it. Going to do at least 1 or 2 more this year. May try Hyrox thanks. love the videos
Get in age group!!!! Come last if you need to…. But go home a racer 💪💪
This was excellent - thank u. My wife and I are planning our first HM in July and then entering the Tough Mudder in October. I'm 52 and she's 46. Wanted to do something different this year and beyond...
All the best from Australia.
G’day 😁
@@MarkLewisfitness G'Day back at ya.
I get what you mean about medals, i used to be so excited to get one when i first started running. Theres so many events to choose from where i live that id even base my decision on which event to do on which had the coolest looking medal/T-shirt, now i just put them i the bin. Even when ive been lucky to get an age group trophy, i'll keep it in my room for a couple of months but eventually bin it. On to the next one.
Just did my 1st Parkrun here in College Park, Maryland US. I didn't know we had them here in the States-Thanks. I'm 52 and looking to try the Hyrox (I've done Spartan before and had fun)
i too am from college park, wild seeing someone else here
@@travisbarnes6132 If you see me at the Parkrun say "Hi" 🙋🏽♂️
Great video as usual. I’m competing in my first OCR tomorrow because you’ve motivated me with your videos, advice and better than average attitude! Thanks again mate!
Good luck!
@@MarkLewisfitness thank you!
Gonna be a good day! My wife came outside blasting the Rocky theme totally unaware that’s the jam to motivate!
@@richardkranium5557 she’s a keeper 👍🏼
Update : terrain race was a lot of fun! Much more difficult than I anticipated! Very humbling indeed. But, I took note of my weaknesses, and will plan and train smarter and harder for the next one! Thanks again for the push, Mark! Appreciate you
Hi Mark, I've recently subscribed to your channel and wanted to comment to simply say you're making fantastic and inspiring content. Watching your progress makes me want to get out and get fit again. As a complete non-runner I've been back on the treadmill recently trying to get up to 5k, then who knows what next. Perhaps I'll book myself onto a Hyrox! Keep up the good work!
Great to hear it’s motivating 🙏
Just booked Hyrox Manchester 2023 thanks to your channel , got 5 months to get in shape for this event, Burpee and lunges are going to be difficult for me so need to get some serious practice in.
Signed up for hyrox in Dallas, TX in November. Nervous, but excited.
Just make sure you wear your cowboy hat 😁
Lol great video, my wife watched and laughed too and she normally throws her eyes to heaven when I watch youtube. Its your humourous self depricating approach despite being uber competitive! That data and those pictures are totally enough for HYROX. First one in London, flights and hotel booked.. lots of training to do but the variety is super fun
You’ll love it. Good luck
I’ve done both mark and I truly have more fun at OCR. HYROX was an awesome challenge and a great way for me to stay in shape during the colder months but I definitely have more fun swinging and climbing and jumping. I’m better at that stuff which probably has a lot to do with it. Had a chance to do HYROX NYC again in October but decided to go for the Spartan Ultra in New Jersey instead. Great video man! I just love a good physical challenge and strive to do my best at everything I compete in
That spear throw and the resignation in your voice cracks me up every time!
My first miss in my last 12 Spartans 😩
Great coverage of these two marvellous activities. Also worth watching if not only for Mark’s near miss with the spear, and his reaction to that. We’ve more in common than I first realised lol.
I think it’s great that Jen has started following in Marks tracks.
I do hope Jen goes on to race an ultra alongside Mark. I genuinely feel that anything 50k and above will cater to her true potential.
Another excellent video! Thank you..
I’m hoping we’ll do a 50k next year. The Hurtwood 50k is a fav of mine. This Dec may be too soon but next year 🤞
@@MarkLewisfitness Great stuff!
Given that I orienteer, which is kinda like Spartan but without the monkey bars and the arrows telling you which way you need to run, I'd take Hyrox over Spartan any day. I love the idea that you're basically doing sets round gym equipment to a plan and they're all stuff you can do with very little ability but which you can do really well if you work hard. Great video Mark, you and Jen are helping me keep motivated.
Never done Spartan, but after a few January ToughGuy events, realised success is being honest, sticking to the course and battling through. Not skipping obstacles and claiming you finished. Accept if you fail something, learn, get up have another go next time....
I did one of the first ever tough guys around early 90’s !!! Lot of fun!
I First heard about TG when BFBS reported that some Guys from the Bielefeld barracks prepare to run. "If some foolish brits can do it, i can do it." Then forgot about it for some 25 years. My First try was DNF. But in 2017, when they claimed to do the Last TG, i finally finished. Yes, it makes you humble. When I did my first TG, it was freezing. Compared to this all the mud masters, strong man runs etc. were Kindergarten.
i really wished they had those HYROX event in Canada it would be pretty awesome to give it a shot!
I was surprised that they have a Hyrox gym in Finland, but not sure how it's doing or when the next race is. Last one was May this year.
Hi Mark, as someone who is going through their own fitness journey (aged 51 - ran 12kms on Saturday) I would definitely sign up to your patreon if you decided you could run 100 miles in under 24 hours. Binged watched your channel all weekend, thanks for being you mate.
Your channel came up in my feed a few days back and I have to say I really like what you have to say and the way you deliver it.
It's also refreshing that, like me, you're in the UK and of a similar age. As it seems most of my "fitness TH-camrs are from the USA or Cananda .
As someone that has been a bit fat (94kgs @ 177cm) most of their adult life until I was 40 and decided enough was enough. I started with 5/2 fasting to loose weigh, after seeing the documentary on the BBC.
After that it was jogging and more calorie resrticting to get to 71 kgs.
Then I started weight training in the gym and generally hover around the 74-75kg mark.
The only cardio I did was walking (9min kgs), but after seeing your content I jumped on the stationary bike at the gym the other day and mananged 24km in an hour at around 105 watts.
No idea what it means, but it's a start. You've definitely sparked something that I hope I continue with regarding get fitter and including some other forms of cardio than walking into my weekly routine. Who knows? I may even see you at a Spartan or Hyrox event at some point in the future.
Fab video as always. Just FYI I didn't get a notification for this even though the notifications are on. Only because I searched as hadn't seen a video for a while! Hope Jens training is going well!
Curse you. I just signed up to a Spartan impulsively. I have never raced before but have 25 parkrun shirt (first 10k race in 6 weeks). Terrified.
Did my first ever Spartan this year - as a regular runner, and occasional gym goer, I didn't have any trouble with things like the hoist, atlas stones, inverted wall, when compared to others! I knew I had the fitness base from running, but all those deadlifts, lat pull downs, chins, bent over rows definitely helped.
I LOVE the hyrox concept. Although I’ve dropped my weekly running from 70ish miles per week to 45/55 to accommodate the added strength work.
Hope my strengths don’t suffer too much with this change!!!
Yep. My distance running has fallen right off. I have eight weeks till my 100 K ultra and right now 10k is a slog 😂
@@MarkLewisfitness rather you than me for an ultra! Good luck
Your take on gymbros is refreshing and most amusing 😂
Luckily, none of them are watching - they are all too busy shaving their armpits and making TikTok videos 😂
Did the Spartan Super last weekend too. Great event and always find the atmosphere so supportive and fun. That rolling mud followed by the slip wall was... well, slippy!
Slip wall was grim. Lot of age group men doing Burpee‘s there! Jen did superb to get over it!
Great info and advice mate for anyone thinking about doing those events. STAY HARD!
When you flashed up the map of the Spartan course, I started having twitchy ptsd flashbacks.... thats Martson Lodge, where I did my first Mountain Bike 24hr race........ solo...... on a road bike...... for ------- reasons
Uhh, not sure I agree that Hyrox is approachable for beginners. The sled push and pull will be physically impossible for those starting their fitness journey. Spartan sprints are basically a 5k with a muddy splash; much better for beginners.
I’m not sure the sled push is any harder than monkey balls, rope climb, etc that all appear on a Spartan sprint. The only way I sprint is easier if you accept that you will be failing a large chunk of it.
When I ddi the spartan sprint years ago, the only obstacle I failed was the spear throw. Since then, I learned how to throw axes and spears.
Ready for those zombies 😁
only ninety seconds in and this might be the funniest Lewis material i have seen yet; well written so far!
Can’t believe at 25:12 when you mentioned getting a medal at your local race that you didn’t put up the one of you at the duck pond….lost gloating moment :)
Gotta milk that hyrox rope pull pic ahah
I reckon there’s a few more thumbnails left in it yet 😂
@@MarkLewisfitness For sure!
Definitely a material to hang it onto the wall. Preferably hyrox event wall with the royalties.
Thank you Mark. Great video 🙏🏻
great content mark, really enjoyed it
Excellent vid. Valuable points.
Never thought about doing Spartan but am trying to persuade my 41 yr old female PT client (I am 61 yrs old) to do Hyrox. She is fit enough and strong enought but it's whether she wants to do it or not. The downside for me is that I currently don't do much running but she does run more often than me. Great info.
Gym bro that is doing his first OCR next month thanks to this channel.
Looking at hyrox dual with the gf in October.
Really bad distance runner so it is going to suck but ok at 5 km.
But I can always snap runners trying to get past.
Probably not allowed. Not allowed to hurt children or people with child strength. Maybe they make an exception if you do it while yelling "this is Sparta"
Hyrox frown on killing runners 😂
@@MarkLewisfitness just a little touch?
What happens in the woods ...
Awesome content as always 👏🏾
Great video Mark. Hyrox is something I’m looking at doing, I’m a sub 18 park runner, so only have child like strength and weigh less than 70kg. So the sled push and pull I think will be my biggest weaknesses, but I’ll never know unless I sign up.
Just go for it - with that run speed you will make up for any shortcomings elsewhere. You will probably be looking at average laps around four minutes and for many people, even fast people, that is 60 seconds quicker than most.
Too much red wine, very entertaining but now want to do Spyrox
I wish Hyrox was held in Asia as well. It looks like it's just a Europe and US thing right now. :(
Handy that Hyrox is a winter series when Spartan is finished (OK small overlap)
I guess I can say this video is great ? Awesome? Fan-bloody-tastic?
Well, being from South Africa, nothing says it better than saying, “This video was ‘lekke’!!” Thank Mark, great fun!!
Thanks 🙏 I love SA! My favourite place to visit and ride bikes….. there and up to Namibia 👍🏼
One criterion you didn't mention is having unique experiences. One of the best things about trail ultras, for example, is that some of them are in these amazing settings. It seems that by design, every Hyrox event has a sameness to it. What about Spartan? Are any of the events in places with great views or otherwise special elements of the setting?
Love the video Mark 👌Had a quick look at your website and couldn't see where you bought your medal wall display hooks. Where can I pick some up please? Keep up the good work 😉👍🏻
B&Q - its just a dowel with two white adhesive backed plastic hooks. My mam has one in the downstairs toilet her medals hang on.
Ha! They are from ikea 😂 search kungsfors
@@MarkLewisfitness cheers 👍🏻
You forgot to add as one of your categories: The Crossfitter!
Negative of both races: there isnt a requirement to do pull ups - so you cant show off to everyone that your butterfly / kipping pull ups.
Hyrox. Advantages: Its like Crossfit anyway, but without the hard bits. The running is in 1k chunks, so manageable. Its full of Crossfit people, so you get to ask other what their 1RM C&J and max effort HSPUs are.
Disadvantages: Its full of Crossfit people! =D; all the gear youve bought will be useless here.
Spartan: Advantages: Majority of the obstacles will be very doable. Doing a muscle up at the monkey bars will look amazing and people will think you're a god.
Disadvantages: Can be a long way to run, and its never flat; No one there will care what your back squat is.
In all seriousness though there's two other things worth adding into the mix that favour each event.
Spartan: Its outdoors - nothing can beat the feeling of charging through a forest
Hyrox: Its cheaper.
Great English sarcasm, 2nd to none..great video✌️are you coming to hyrox in NJ in Oct?
95% yes - I have been given a free slot by USA hyrox, I just need to work out the logistics of getting there
Get on a plane to Newark, and pray😉 if I wasn't running a HM the next day...I'd be tempted to try it...hope to see you both there 😛
Mate, that bag rope pull was so difficult as a 66kg guy. I'm strong but just couldn't stay on the ground haha.
When do we see Jen in her recent competition? It's going to be great to see her competitive spirit emerge. Bye for now, Alex
As a crossfitter wanting to transition into running based fitness events - I felt that kipping fail in my soul ... ouch!
To make you feel better, I nailed the spear throw but it still managed to fall out
I hit my last 10 spears! This was a freak event 😂
So as someone who has lost 30kg with another 8 or 9 still to go and now resembles a runner with a bit of a pot belly as opposed to a very overweight guy I think I'd take the spartan over hyrox. I've got my first parkrun this Saturday and entered 2 10k's later this year. Also looking to get into some adult swimming lessons soon as well. Bodyweight training wise I still struggle with press ups can do 1 set of 10 and then another of about 6 or 7. Trying to improve slowly on them. Pull ups I need to get a bar soon. Slowly slowly catchee monkey as they say.
love to do a hyrox but they haven't came to Ireland yet
The sponsor transition would make Adam Ragusea proud.
Silky smooth 😂
That joke about caring more about your Garmin stats more than your loved ones made me crack up. I wonder if that means it's hitting a bit too close to home 😂
Hyrox???? I had never heard about it until I came across this channel. I looks a bit like a crossfit competition with the skill elements and the variability taken out to make it easier. Easier to organise and sell en masse, and easier to participate in injury free no matter skill level and fitness background. Is that a fair characterisation?
Good summary
OCR for me…..but that’s because I love playing in mud 😁 I’m thinking donut medals as they way forward though 😋
I don’t get the mud - I have done a few nuclear races and just don’t understand the obsession with rolling around in it 😂😂
@@MarkLewisfitness haven't you ever heard of womens mud wrestling?
@@ianaugustus5648 only as a spectator sport 😂
Mark - you call it Hyrox....35 yrs ago (or more!!) we used to call it circuit training. 1 lap running whilst you training partner
did press ups then rotate. Then switch events which included burpees, squat thrusts, sit ups, star jumps etc. etc. Is it really that different?
Ist's the same with gravel-bikes🚵 and stuff. New fancy names. I am glad that pull-ups are still pull-ups, so i can compare to numbers from the last millienum.
Great video. What happened to the iron man plan btw?
They cancelled my event due to Covid and because I couldn’t make the new date they kept all the money. The way I am and treated people over Covid should have had them in court - in fact they have them in court but the judges in the US ruled in their favour!
Yyyeeeeeeeeeeesssssssss
NEW UPLOAD!!!!!!!!
I'm doing my first Hyrox in October. Haven't really started training yet but I did try 4 of the events last night. Turns out that I'd misloaded the sled, 50kg shy of the actual weight. I don't consider my self weak but can see how I'll be able to move the full weight. I'm hoping that it's down to the surface at the gym I use - I notice that the sled slides on a little further when Mark stops pushing so I'm hoping it will be easier. I just can see how a lighter, weaker person could move the full weight 🤷♂️. I'm slightly concerned 😟
A) The sled slides on a bit because I push it real hard 😂 B) you’ll be fine, you may not be quick, but the sled will move 👍🏼
Just hearing the word endurance is killing my gainz (with a zee)
There’s a negative correlation 😂
Wait. 10:45 he landed on the barbell?
Huh you didn't get a medal? Strange because I got one at Hyrox Maastricht.
“You might not understand outdoors”
I was watching your erg footage and would just like to say that your arm should not be running into you knees on the recovery. Anyway good video.
Yeah, I have little idea what I’m doing. I just pull it hard 😂
Fell in love with this channel awesome to be first comment
America doesn’t have Hyrox which id prefer doing over spartan races
@@toughguy8228 there are some events-just not as many as in the UK. In fact, I competed in New York last year.
Mark have you tried the SPARTAN DEKA Series yet? DEKA STRONG, DEKA MILE, DEKA FIT
No, but funnily enough Jenna was asking about exactly that today. Might have to look into it.
I miss fighting tigers. The pandemic got in the way and haven’t got back to it
No time like the present!
i’m running my first 10km tomorrow. i’m really worried, the most i’ve run/walked is 5km
Go crush it 💪
i did it! my new alphaflys gave me a blister on my heel just walking to the start line but i did the run and felt surprisingly ok. i can’t imagine a marathon and i’ve entered one oct 2nd
Couple of Hyrox questions as I will do my first in November. does the row and ski erg count down from 1000m or start at 0m and count up?
When you get to the machine it will be zeroed-but don’t worry, the marshals are superb and as soon as it hits 1000 you are good to go. They keep a close eye on everybody and you will not get with him 150 m of finishing before somebody is stood on your shoulder watching.
I have one question is Crossfit the same as Sparton & Hyrox? In other words is it a fitness race?
A very simplified summary would be that CrossFit has a lot less running and its own specific exercises.
Will you be doing an Ironman next year?
No. Ironman moved my event due to covid and when I couldn’t make the new date have no refund. So I lost hundreds. They treated people like crap over the covid issue so I’d never go near them.
@@MarkLewisfitness that’s a real shame they did that, what about any of the outlaw races within the Uk? They are meant to be amazing.
@@MrTJSE yep. A high possibility
@@MarkLewisfitness that’s good to hear! I really hope Ironman hasn’t put you off triathlons entirely, would be really excited to watch you train & race.
It's been a couple of years since I did my last Trifecta (2019 was my last one). They don't make you do burpees for the failure of an obstacle anymore?
Only in elite and age group
@@MarkLewisfitness ah cool, as it should be really. No real change. The first ever one I did was in 2016 and was open, people just carried on as a few of us did burpee's which irritated my OCD tendencies immensely. switched to age group after that (which also starts earlier so unless you are in an ultra ) a person will be done by noon and be able to eat (always starving after a spartan).
Waiting on an Ironman
Ironman moved my event due to covid and when I couldn’t make the new date have no refund. So I lost hundreds. They treated people like crap over the covid issue so I’d never go near them.
Where is Nixon?
Sitting in the shade 😂