I resonated with the "empty classroom" story. I was 287 pounds for years. Unfit, unwell, and super unhappy. I just decided to go for a walk an it changed my whole life. I could barely do half a mile. Fast forward a few months I was at maybe 4 miles and the rain was setting in. Everyone else cleared the track or the streets it seemed. It felt really good to be out there, alone, in the rain, dark, and cold. Felt like I wanted it more. Now I'm 167 pounds and regularly run between 10-12 miles per day.
You're my guy now. We're the same age, with wife, kids, running a business and struggling like a mofo to get healthy again. I relate to everything you say here on this channel. I am 25 lbs down and another 25 to go. Now the struggle is to get to a level where I do not obsess about calories, so your video on temptation, association, accountability hit home hard. I am determined to get to a point where this is a habit/lifestyle that I don't have to think about as much, either-wise I am going to fall back to 50lbs overweight again, and or more. My metabolism has slowed so much that losing a pound now takes much more effort than it did 6 months ago. $%& its hard.
Stick with it....just becomes your new life after a while. Don't forget it probably took many years to get where you weren't happy so it's not overnight to get back again........ But it will happen!
I can’t thank you enough. Your videos get me through the tough workouts. I really was only planning on doing two miles on the treadmill but I saw this video was about 30 minutes long and you were doing 4 mile runs so I got through the 4 miles as well. I was searching through past runs a few days ago and I came across a run I had done with my son before he passed away last year. I didn’t know he had created a Strava profile and logged every run we did together. It was incredible to be able to go back and see each one of the runs we did. My son was a competitive rock climber but running was just not a thing he liked to do. He would do it simply because I wanted him to run with me. It was great to relive those runs but it also was difficult to allow myself to remember what is now gone from my life. Please keep making videos. There are lots of us out here who need inspiration and motivation just to get out of bed in the morning. Your videos give us that hope. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Well done, I especially appreciate that you listened to your dog. When he was tired you let him home that is awesome. Great video, now I am thinking to do this challenge in the summer.
The dog is tricky because he would literally run until he was dead - at which point I would get in lots of trouble 😂 so I have to watch him carefully and as soon as his performance drops he gets forced to rest.
I watched this video last night. Really enjoyed it. When running in the rain today I said to my husband, “we are in our empty classroom”! Felt brilliant! Thanks for that one. I’m going to use it a lot!
14:42 to 16:07 would make an incredible separate video as a 'short'...... More motivating than you probably realise as it was just something in the middle of a video. Thank you for everything Mark and Jen, my first Hyrox will be largely thanks to you.
Mate, genuinely, that school analogy was so profound. I watched this video last night and I’ve not been able to stop thinking about how this perfectly summarises my attitude towards training, but also how much I want to distill that into my kids
Mark, thank you for this channel. I’m 37 and started to run and eat well a few weeks ago because I’m overweight and I have mental health issues sometimes. Seeing you and how your body, mind and cardio fitness has improved over the years is really motivating for me and when I need a bit of motivation I will stick on one of your videos. I see your medals on the wall and think it’d be great to have something to look at as achievements for myself and nobody else. Good luck to you in everything you do.
Me and my 17yr old son did this last year. Was tough. We added 1 more run on the Sunday to clock 52miles total (we started on the Friday). Seemed like a cool thing to end on a double marathon. Awesome channel.
@@MarkLewisfitness oh believe me that was my preference but I didn’t want to let the young man down. Won’t lie, it was more of a walk than a run that last one! 😂
Well done mate .. you keep me motivated!! Did my first half marathon on Sunday... after 4 years no running. Did it in 1.43 after 7 weeks of training from the couch .. your videos have helped .. so thanks
@@MarkLewisfitness hahah no way!! Yeah.. that really was tough especially as someone who doesn’t do speed work to just go all out for half an hour is harddd (speed work pending though) 😅👊 Keep being above average!! 👏
This channel is definitely above average. Can’t lie.. mainly watch it for the Nixon content. I don’t run, ride or wear a medium t-shirt, but I row and my lifting is above average. Good stuff.
Omg! I was sooo waiting for this! Woohoo! Congrats to you, Nixon, and Lincoln. 🎉 It was my first year doing it and I'm in Canada, -8 to - 12 Celsius, and tons of snow! And brother, run 6 to 9 no joke, 2 bruised toes, nails will probably fall off too. But I'm glad I did it. And as usual, you don't disappoint as I'm laughing now. Thank you for being YOU! ❤
"when nobody else can be bothered".. this really hit me. I think I need to prioritize my shit and be out more. Moving. Something. You are an absolute unit of inspiration. Thanks for making the content you do.
Loved the "empty classroom" part. It very much feels like that a lot of the time doesn't it? The constant effort and commitment to not slip back to old and unhealthy ways.
Good video and humour Mark 🙂 What you said about classrooms reminded me of this, “Today I will do what others won't, so tomorrow I can do what others can't.” - Jerry Rice. Great words to live by! Keep up the great vids 👍
I ran this also! The hardest time for me was Sunday morning when I woke up a little late for my 2am and 6am runs, for reference I am in the central time zone in the US. I put in the miles, but did end up walking one session. I really think the sleep deprivation was harder than putting in the work. I averaged 9-9:30 miles. Still sore 2 days after finishing.
Great effort Mark. Can't believe little Nixon smashed through that many runs, BEAST! Also the cat section, hilarious - little dogs pulling like freight trains :D
oh man the empty classroom bit is the most inspirational speech I have heard in a long time. thank you. I am currently running the challenge of doing 20k steps a day. not running, cause my knees don't do well with high impact, but just walking. Also with my dog. If I'd try this out my best bet right now would probably be cycling cause just walking it would probably take too long XD
Well done mate, great effort and the empty classroom speech was on point. Did my first run in 10 years after your 5k run video popped up in my recommendations. That was Monday. Ran again yesterday after a squat session and I plan on going today. Got a park run booked in with my brother on Saturday. Cheers for the kick in the arse
I did it last year (got the T-shirt etc) , could not do it this year as I am having to work the weekends over March. I found the Sunday 00:00 and 04:00 the toughest stints but, chilling out at 9-9:30 min miles, meant I was back and showered in an hour, have a hule shake (or something more solid depending on the time of day) , rest if I need it (lots of catnapping) and pushed the last 4 miles when it was over! Well done, relatively speaking there are not many of us that have done it. I managed to raise over 600 quid for my charity of choice if I remember .. a rewarding challenge. It's not a spartan Ultra or anything like that but it does tap into something unique .. got a bit of a buzz the last two runs. A bit warmer this year last year it was about 0 most of the weekend. On a side note, it really benefitted my vo2max score on the Garmin very strange as the runs are not long and not very fast but it shot up by 2 over the duration of the event.
Great video Mark! The only downside of doing this in Canadian winter was running into freezing rain half way through my 11th run and trying to figure out if I was going to have to crawl the last mile and half.
Anybody else do 4x4x48? Tough, not tough, bonkers? All of of those? 😂. Also - if you check out the new website please bear in mind it has only just launched so will have lots more added over the coming days-especially all the gear I use and events I take part in. It will get officially launched in about 10 days time as it is only mentioned on this video until then........ So you are basically getting a sneak preview :)
I ran it too! The first 11 make you tired. The 12th makes you stronger. Your running companions are adorable though. Great runners for such small dogs!
I was thinking about it but I couldn't find a friend to do it with and decided that a 10k time trial would fit my training plan and progress better. Got a new 10k PB so I'm happy with my weekend planning
I did one a month ago during a mental health recovery, and as practice for a backyard ultra. If you want another challenge Mark sign up for a backyard :)
This brought back some memories, did this somewhere at some point in a lockdown. The really weird looks from coppers at 4am, sunrises over the sea, and generally feeling like I was beating the world / being beaten by the world at the same time. Way harder and way easier than it sounds. If that makes sense???
Getting your dogs ready for a run has a different meaning in your household by the looks of things !! (For those that don’t know it was a Hush Puppy Shoe slogan or saying).
@@MarkLewisfitness I'm the same age as you... I understand the stiffness of all your joints and muscles following a heavy workout 😂😂👍 I wish I could afford a set of those leg jackets, they seem to be an effective recovery option
I completed this this year, I could only convince my dog to come out twice. He loves running but he does not like the dark. I enjoyed the challenge. I learned a lot about myself...and about adrenaline! I walked 2 legs as I couldn`t physically run but got the distance. I don´t think I would do a 4x4x48 again in a hurry but a 4x4x24 I can see myself doing a few times a year. I love your empty classroom analogy. I will remember that. Thanks for sharing x
I have signed up for a 60km adventure race in June . I had Never run before Christmas this year and struggled with 2km at the start! I’m running 45/50k a week now and putting in the work. I loved that empty classroom story and can totally relate. It gave me a little goosebumps and made me realise I’m really looking forward to the race even tho I’m finding the training load hard with life and work etc. thanks💪🏻 love your content
I did the 4x4x48 last weekend. Had no issues with fuelling, blisters or the running. What I found hard was the sleep deprivation. IF you are lucky enough to nod off, when I woke up for the early hour run it was horrendous. Literally just one foot in front of the other for the entire 4 miles. The runs did get easier. Probably found the 2nd run hardest. Thursday now and just about feeling normal again.
I've got my first half marathon on Sunday (march 13th). I went from not running for around 10 years to running a 10k race back in October last year after doing 3 weeks training, since then I've knocked nearly 13 minutes off my 10k time (1h13 to 1h). I'm sat in my running stuff putting off a 5k and your empty classroom motivation has massively made me get up and jump on the treadmill to get this 5k done. 👌
Been watching you for a couple of months now since I started my own running journey after turning 30. The empty classroom mindset has stuck with me and on my 6am Sunday morning run yesterday with no one else around it showed true. Thanks for the work mate. Keep it up
Watching this at 6am just before a 100 mile mtb ride and loved your classroom observation, funny how you find clarity in those moments, usually at some stupid time of the morning. You’ve geed me up for my ride. Well done on the challenge👏
Fantastic film Mark and the only challenge you have done that i can claim to have done too. Lastly ear i ran the 50 mile Goggins. You are right, time flies between runs, sleep and meals need planning. I found really varying the terrain helped, even a short drive to the moors one time so that every run was a different experience. Well done and great films, really fun and motivating. Keep them coming
That was very cool! Great work! I didn't know about it, but will schedule that, I'm always up for a challenge! And loved the empty classroom analogy, that was a real motivation boost, really well said. Lots of fun in all your videos, enjoying whenever you post a new one. Thanks and cheers!
Sir thank you for the practical advice and straightforward approach to your videos. I have watched several now and I have been enjoying them. I also did the 4x4x48 and I really enjoyed it as it is my first venture into ultra territory. In the last 9 months, I have re-learned my love for fitness and running. Happy to find other like-minded souls plodding along a similar path. Keep up the hard work!!
LOVING YOUR EMPTY CLASS ROOM.. inspired by your approach, and been for a walk up the hill. running not an option yet. from a end of the road quarter of a mile, to one walk to the top of the hill is one mile. and for the two return. pumped. thanks for the kick up the butt.
Congratulations it’s a tough one. Being a fisherman who’s used to sleep deprivation I still found that to be the toughest part. Everesting on Zwift next?
When I’m fully recovered (been out with tendinopathy nearly a year) I’d love to try this. Cracking effort from Nixon, putting in an absolute shift. I’d also buy an “above average” shirt since you mentioned merch!
Definitely one of your best Mark. Fantastic effort, brilliant production and music and thank you for taking the time to explain in depth your thoughts and feeling between the runs. Awesome!
Only stumbled across your channel last week. I love your videos! I’ve also stumbled into running (I stopped when I left school in 1994. Started again about 2 months ago aged 45), cycling and swimming, and last week signed up for a sprint triathlon at the end of this month. My family secretly think I’m losing it😂. Done 4 park runs (can only do them out of school term time as I work on Saturday mornings - no empty classroom for me - it’s full classrooms on Zoom!), which started at 32 mins. Got my pb two weeks ago 23:56 This time last year I was 3.5 stones heavier than my twin brother. Today I weighed in the same as him. He hasn’t put on weight. I feel as happy as I have for a very long time and taking great inspiration from your fun, down to earth videos. Thank you (P.S. Zwift looks like too much pain for me - but great fun watching you suffer instead 😂)
Great video mate very clean and well produced. You are a phenomenal speaker too. Things I have done in past 3 weeks because of you. Ran first park run in 5?? Years. 26 mins. Dropped 4kg - now down to 100 (6’1”). Got back on my road bike. Did a 70k mountain bike last week. Started going to the gym. Bought a ‘because I was Inverted’ Top Gun T-shirt. And a I’ve spread the word about your amazing channel down here in NZ. Will be watching yr ironman journey closely - I’ve done 5 fulls in a past life and they are hard.
Dude, another brilliant video. Your Sunday morning 4am run, so true. That is your competion and your classroom. Inspirational stuff. I'm at the start of my own journey of being more active/weight loss/being above average. Your videos and humour help so much. Thank you
Still watching. Empty classrooms speech was very inspirational. Made me just want to put my shoes on and go somewhere. Got a little chill. Might try a wee 4am run sometime soon 😍 Also the “F you McDonald’s” 🤣
I stayed there in 2016 on my solo motorcycle tour around Namibia. I remember eating in a restaurant shaped like a boat 😂. Beautiful country, I shall return!
@@MarkLewisfitness yip, that must be The Tug restaurant. We have a great running group here, we recently completed a Backyard Ultra near Brandberg (you may have passed there). So give a shout if you ever return 🤙🏻
@@HennieLacock that was it-the tug! I can remember having three separate deserts 😂 and then staying in a hotel on stilts over the beach. The next day I headed north out of town, and then turned right into the desert again. 😁 funnily enough, a very short Namibian movie in clip in my video that just went up tonight.! I am also often wearing my “sand” baseball cap in videos - bought that over there!
@@MarkLewisfitness Hotel may have been The Jetty? Where you have turned into the desert, another 50 miles on is where we did the Backyard Ultra. Also where we may do the Goggins 4 x 4 x 48. You certainly need to be above above average to take on the desert. 💪🏻 Cheers and thanks for your videos, about time someone puts some proper humour into their videos 🤙🏻
The quality of your videos just gets better and better, and congrats on the website launch! I ran the 4x4x48 this year again, but I want to tackle a 100km later in the year so I figured I’d increase the distance to 8.5km per run so I could get a taste over the 48 hours, it was interesting. If I ever hear “empty classroom” from anyone in regards to putting in work I promise to make sure they know who coined it! All the best.
I did this a couple years ago. It was great. My goals were to run every step, and Avg under a 10 min mile. Reached both. Last year I did a 1x1x24. Even miles were just running, odd miles I ran with a 30lb log.
Nixon makes for a great companion on your runs. How did you get him so enthusiastic about running ? Would love to have you make a video just on him consisting of some some pointers that others might take way to groom their dogs in a similar manner!
He is just a natural runner-his brother Jefferson hates running. I do have a video somewhere on running with your dog. And me and Nixon are in Wales for a mountain race at the end of this month so that will be up soon!
Been watching you since the beginning. This is your best video yet. Humble and funny. This is where you shine. Well done Mark, you deserve all the success in the world.
Great job!! I'd consider this on the bike instead of running (indoor trainer once I get real tired so I don't crash). What do you think would be an equivalent distance on the bike every 4 hours?
@@MarkLewisfitness Thx. I guess it also depends on how hard you ride not just distance. I think for me even an easy peddle for 40 min every 4 hrs would still be a real challenge. Another idea for you which I think would be interesting is to ride 100 miles (I'm in U.S., sorry not sorry😎) virtually on Zwift or other virtual riding app. Or more extreme try to ride for 24 hrs on these apps...
What a great challenge. I might take it up. Im 55yrs old and very slow, well slower then most. I think the most important part , other then meal prep is resting, resting, resting.
It’s funny - all through Covid my youngest has been complaining that he has to work from home when the schools were shut and his mates did not bother. I have spent the last two years telling him-good! Because when you go for a job in a few years time you are going to be competing against people that never showed up to put in the work! You want everyone else to suck 😂
Long time watcher, first time commenter! Love your content it has been really useful for motivation lately. Thank you for doing this challenge in support of these charities, I hope everyone who watches can spare even a small amount, it really makes a difference.
I’m so glad I discovered your channel a couple weeks ago 🙏🏼 I’ve never thought someone would be able to relate to some things re: nutrition & overeating!
Yeaaaaaahhhhhh!!!!!! Empty classrooms!!! Dude you have a new fan. Me! Loving these videos great job to you your wife, hard working kids, and doggies!!! Love it!
Loved this! Nixon loving 4am life! I'm taking on this challenge next weekend with my dog as well. Like you say everyone deals with it differently so let's see how the sleep issue goes! All the best.
New subscriber! I’m more of an out of shape weight lifter with various injuries. I am in the process of reconfiguring my workouts for new fitness goals. One of my chronic injuries limits my ability to run but your vids are inspiring to go riding on the road bike and fan bike at home! Happy to come across this channel!
Nixon with his stubbies running 40 miles proud of both of y’all. Good on ya man
Wasnt it supposed to be 48 miles
And poor Nixon got so tired he skipped one session.
It’s both cute and hilarious at the same time.
I resonated with the "empty classroom" story. I was 287 pounds for years. Unfit, unwell, and super unhappy. I just decided to go for a walk an it changed my whole life. I could barely do half a mile. Fast forward a few months I was at maybe 4 miles and the rain was setting in. Everyone else cleared the track or the streets it seemed. It felt really good to be out there, alone, in the rain, dark, and cold. Felt like I wanted it more. Now I'm 167 pounds and regularly run between 10-12 miles per day.
Really cool
That is amazing!
Yeah you are smashing it! Keep going! Keep achieving! The hardest part is over!
Very inspiring!
Hope it’s still going well 👍
Did my 1st run in 30 years yesteday - and I blame you. Had no intention of running until finding your channel a couple of weeks ago
That's how it starts...
Same here! Can't walk down the stairs now! Lol!
@@richcrompton6891 me too
Stay Hard!!
Have you done another one since??
Running with my dog is what makes me happy. Seeing Lincoln enjoy himself this much made me a little emotional 😅
Need done a few 5ks since nice and slow. He loves it!
That 4am “empty classroom” wisdom was a gem! Thanks for that and another very enjoyable video
He was definitely channeling Goggins there.
"Getting it done when nobody else can be bothered". That's 100% the mantra to live by. Good on you.
Is it? Why not just enjoy your life?
You're my guy now. We're the same age, with wife, kids, running a business and struggling like a mofo to get healthy again. I relate to everything you say here on this channel. I am 25 lbs down and another 25 to go. Now the struggle is to get to a level where I do not obsess about calories, so your video on temptation, association, accountability hit home hard. I am determined to get to a point where this is a habit/lifestyle that I don't have to think about as much, either-wise I am going to fall back to 50lbs overweight again, and or more. My metabolism has slowed so much that losing a pound now takes much more effort than it did 6 months ago. $%& its hard.
Stick with it....just becomes your new life after a while. Don't forget it probably took many years to get where you weren't happy so it's not overnight to get back again........ But it will happen!
omg yall have the same wife and kids???
@@marioandwes sharing is caring 😂
Like Mark says, keep at it - compounding 1% changes and all.
@@MarkLewisfitness Thanks Mark. I will do so.
I can’t thank you enough. Your videos get me through the tough workouts. I really was only planning on doing two miles on the treadmill but I saw this video was about 30 minutes long and you were doing 4 mile runs so I got through the 4 miles as well.
I was searching through past runs a few days ago and I came across a run I had done with my son before he passed away last year. I didn’t know he had created a Strava profile and logged every run we did together.
It was incredible to be able to go back and see each one of the runs we did. My son was a competitive rock climber but running was just not a thing he liked to do. He would do it simply because I wanted him to run with me.
It was great to relive those runs but it also was difficult to allow myself to remember what is now gone from my life.
Please keep making videos. There are lots of us out here who need inspiration and motivation just to get out of bed in the morning. Your videos give us that hope. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Sorry for your loss. And thank you for your feed back. It literally is what fuels me to get another video underway 🙏
Well done, I especially appreciate that you listened to your dog. When he was tired you let him home that is awesome. Great video, now I am thinking to do this challenge in the summer.
The dog is tricky because he would literally run until he was dead - at which point I would get in lots of trouble 😂 so I have to watch him carefully and as soon as his performance drops he gets forced to rest.
@@MarkLewisfitness I get that. I have a dog that absolutely love playing with a tennisball, if we don't stop she won't stop.
I watched this video last night. Really enjoyed it. When running in the rain today I said to my husband, “we are in our empty classroom”! Felt brilliant! Thanks for that one. I’m going to use it a lot!
Empty Classroom!!!! What an incredible metaphor! "Getting it done when nobody else can be bothered" Thanks Mark!
14:42 to 16:07 would make an incredible separate video as a 'short'...... More motivating than you probably realise as it was just something in the middle of a video.
Thank you for everything Mark and Jen, my first Hyrox will be largely thanks to you.
Thanks for the idea!
Mate, genuinely, that school analogy was so profound. I watched this video last night and I’ve not been able to stop thinking about how this perfectly summarises my attitude towards training, but also how much I want to distill that into my kids
Mark, thank you for this channel. I’m 37 and started to run and eat well a few weeks ago because I’m overweight and I have mental health issues sometimes. Seeing you and how your body, mind and cardio fitness has improved over the years is really motivating for me and when I need a bit of motivation I will stick on one of your videos. I see your medals on the wall and think it’d be great to have something to look at as achievements for myself and nobody else. Good luck to you in everything you do.
Me and my 17yr old son did this last year. Was tough. We added 1 more run on the Sunday to clock 52miles total (we started on the Friday). Seemed like a cool thing to end on a double marathon. Awesome channel.
I did consider the double marathon - but then I went to bed 😂
@@MarkLewisfitness oh believe me that was my preference but I didn’t want to let the young man down. Won’t lie, it was more of a walk than a run that last one! 😂
Same here. Did it 3 years ago with 13 sessions to get 52 miles instead of 48 ( most of it was walking ). Plan to repeat the challenge in June.
Well done mate .. you keep me motivated!! Did my first half marathon on Sunday... after 4 years no running. Did it in 1.43 after 7 weeks of training from the couch .. your videos have helped .. so thanks
That’s a cracking time-well done
Well done mate..great time for anyone. What type of course was it?
@@MarkLewisfitness thank you. Its appreciated
@@JustinPDean just a normal road course.. last 2 miles was hell !!
Watch your videos but never comment, really enjoying all your content!!
ps. did this challenge last year, such a rewarding experience!
Hey - small world, just watched you doing a track session with Fergus! Look painful 😂
@@MarkLewisfitness hahah no way!! Yeah.. that really was tough especially as someone who doesn’t do speed work to just go all out for half an hour is harddd (speed work pending though) 😅👊
Keep being above average!! 👏
This channel is definitely above average. Can’t lie.. mainly watch it for the Nixon content. I don’t run, ride or wear a medium t-shirt, but I row and my lifting is above average. Good stuff.
Omg! I was sooo waiting for this! Woohoo! Congrats to you, Nixon, and Lincoln. 🎉 It was my first year doing it and I'm in Canada, -8 to - 12 Celsius, and tons of snow! And brother, run 6 to 9 no joke, 2 bruised toes, nails will probably fall off too. But I'm glad I did it. And as usual, you don't disappoint as I'm laughing now. Thank you for being YOU! ❤
I thought it was pretty cold here in the night but those temperatures are mad - ✊ big respect 👍🏼
"when nobody else can be bothered".. this really hit me. I think I need to prioritize my shit and be out more. Moving. Something. You are an absolute unit of inspiration. Thanks for making the content you do.
Loved the "empty classroom" part. It very much feels like that a lot of the time doesn't it? The constant effort and commitment to not slip back to old and unhealthy ways.
Absolutely loved that commentary. I was pointing at the screen and screaming “That’s it! That’s why we do it!” My wife just rolled her eyes. 😂
@@t.c.9838Only those who do it will understand. 💪🏻
The empty classroom was Daley Thompson training twice on Christmas Day because he knew his rivals would only train once, if at all.
@@DaveKahn now that's a name I've not heard in years, I remember those Lucozade adverts. 😂
The empty classroom minute at minute 15 was was one of the best minutes you have put and what I try to tell my son. Thank you.
Good video and humour Mark 🙂
What you said about classrooms reminded me of this, “Today I will do what others won't, so tomorrow I can do what others can't.” - Jerry Rice. Great words to live by!
Keep up the great vids 👍
I ran this also! The hardest time for me was Sunday morning when I woke up a little late for my 2am and 6am runs, for reference I am in the central time zone in the US. I put in the miles, but did end up walking one session. I really think the sleep deprivation was harder than putting in the work. I averaged 9-9:30 miles. Still sore 2 days after finishing.
Great effort Mark.
Can't believe little Nixon smashed through that many runs, BEAST!
Also the cat section, hilarious - little dogs pulling like freight trains :D
Loved the chaos of you guys leaving with all the dogs!
Way to go. Your last run was literally twice as fast as my regular 4 mile runs. Very impressed!
oh man the empty classroom bit is the most inspirational speech I have heard in a long time. thank you. I am currently running the challenge of doing 20k steps a day. not running, cause my knees don't do well with high impact, but just walking. Also with my dog. If I'd try this out my best bet right now would probably be cycling cause just walking it would probably take too long XD
Mark, another brilliant video. They have inspired me to change my life! 3 stone down since the new year, parkrun time down to 25 from 34. Thank you !!
Massive improvements!!!! Those park runs get tough once you go under 25 😁
Loved seeing you and your dog complete this! We just completed ours as well. We're surprised how little soreness we are also feeling!
Well done mate, great effort and the empty classroom speech was on point. Did my first run in 10 years after your 5k run video popped up in my recommendations. That was Monday. Ran again yesterday after a squat session and I plan on going today. Got a park run booked in with my brother on Saturday. Cheers for the kick in the arse
Love this channel so much, I think you’re becoming my favourite - so consistent and always high quality. Awesome👍
I did it last year (got the T-shirt etc) , could not do it this year as I am having to work the weekends over March. I found the Sunday 00:00 and 04:00 the toughest stints but, chilling out at 9-9:30 min miles, meant I was back and showered in an hour, have a hule shake (or something more solid depending on the time of day) , rest if I need it (lots of catnapping) and pushed the last 4 miles when it was over! Well done, relatively speaking there are not many of us that have done it. I managed to raise over 600 quid for my charity of choice if I remember .. a rewarding challenge. It's not a spartan Ultra or anything like that but it does tap into something unique .. got a bit of a buzz the last two runs. A bit warmer this year last year it was about 0 most of the weekend. On a side note, it really benefitted my vo2max score on the Garmin very strange as the runs are not long and not very fast but it shot up by 2 over the duration of the event.
Great video Mark! The only downside of doing this in Canadian winter was running into freezing rain half way through my 11th run and trying to figure out if I was going to have to crawl the last mile and half.
This is now become my favourite you tube channel. No BS just a normal guy getting fit, challenging himself, & having a laugh along the way!
Anybody else do 4x4x48? Tough, not tough, bonkers? All of of those? 😂. Also - if you check out the new website please bear in mind it has only just launched so will have lots more added over the coming days-especially all the gear I use and events I take part in. It will get officially launched in about 10 days time as it is only mentioned on this video until then........ So you are basically getting a sneak preview :)
I ran it too! The first 11 make you tired. The 12th makes you stronger.
Your running companions are adorable though. Great runners for such small dogs!
Ran it as well, the fist half is cool the second half was hell 😅. No blisters on my end but muscle fatigue kicked in quite early
I was thinking about it but I couldn't find a friend to do it with and decided that a 10k time trial would fit my training plan and progress better.
Got a new 10k PB so I'm happy with my weekend planning
I did one a month ago during a mental health recovery, and as practice for a backyard ultra. If you want another challenge Mark sign up for a backyard :)
This brought back some memories, did this somewhere at some point in a lockdown. The really weird looks from coppers at 4am, sunrises over the sea, and generally feeling like I was beating the world / being beaten by the world at the same time.
Way harder and way easier than it sounds. If that makes sense???
Getting your dogs ready for a run has a different meaning in your household by the looks of things !! (For those that don’t know it was a Hush Puppy Shoe slogan or saying).
Great effort. I particularly enjoyed the Lincoln run.. That little fella was fantastic 😁👏👏 kudos to Nixon too.
Nixon today (wed) was the first morning that he jumped out of bed looking good. He's been really stiff for two days 😂 just like me!
@@MarkLewisfitness I'm the same age as you... I understand the stiffness of all your joints and muscles following a heavy workout 😂😂👍 I wish I could afford a set of those leg jackets, they seem to be an effective recovery option
I completed this this year, I could only convince my dog to come out twice. He loves running but he does not like the dark. I enjoyed the challenge. I learned a lot about myself...and about adrenaline! I walked 2 legs as I couldn`t physically run but got the distance. I don´t think I would do a 4x4x48 again in a hurry but a 4x4x24 I can see myself doing a few times a year. I love your empty classroom analogy. I will remember that. Thanks for sharing x
I have signed up for a 60km adventure race in June . I had Never run before Christmas this year and struggled with 2km at the start! I’m running 45/50k a week now and putting in the work. I loved that empty classroom story and can totally relate. It gave me a little goosebumps and made me realise I’m really looking forward to the race even tho I’m finding the training load hard with life and work etc. thanks💪🏻 love your content
I loved the empty classroom analogy. You eared yourself a like there Mr Lewis, and I don't give them out a lot.
Then it's extra special to get one 😂 Thanks 🙏
Awesome! Great video. I really loved the "empty classroom" spiel. That sums up what goes through my mind in the early hours on long runs.
That was epic. Well done to you all. I really enjoy your videos, you have a really good way of coming across. Down to earth and very motivating.
I did the 4x4x48 last weekend. Had no issues with fuelling, blisters or the running. What I found hard was the sleep deprivation. IF you are lucky enough to nod off, when I woke up for the early hour run it was horrendous. Literally just one foot in front of the other for the entire 4 miles. The runs did get easier. Probably found the 2nd run hardest. Thursday now and just about feeling normal again.
I've got my first half marathon on Sunday (march 13th). I went from not running for around 10 years to running a 10k race back in October last year after doing 3 weeks training, since then I've knocked nearly 13 minutes off my 10k time (1h13 to 1h).
I'm sat in my running stuff putting off a 5k and your empty classroom motivation has massively made me get up and jump on the treadmill to get this 5k done. 👌
Been watching you for a couple of months now since I started my own running journey after turning 30. The empty classroom mindset has stuck with me and on my 6am Sunday morning run yesterday with no one else around it showed true. Thanks for the work mate. Keep it up
Fair play on the motivation speech mid run! Loved the empty classroom analogy. And you made it look easy pal well done.
Watching this at 6am just before a 100 mile mtb ride and loved your classroom observation, funny how you find clarity in those moments, usually at some stupid time of the morning. You’ve geed me up for my ride. Well done on the challenge👏
Half the stuff I talk about in videos comes to me when I'm running around on my own 😃
Fantastic film Mark and the only challenge you have done that i can claim to have done too. Lastly ear i ran the 50 mile Goggins. You are right, time flies between runs, sleep and meals need planning. I found really varying the terrain helped, even a short drive to the moors one time so that every run was a different experience. Well done and great films, really fun and motivating. Keep them coming
That was very cool! Great work! I didn't know about it, but will schedule that, I'm always up for a challenge! And loved the empty classroom analogy, that was a real motivation boost, really well said. Lots of fun in all your videos, enjoying whenever you post a new one. Thanks and cheers!
Sir thank you for the practical advice and straightforward approach to your videos. I have watched several now and I have been enjoying them. I also did the 4x4x48 and I really enjoyed it as it is my first venture into ultra territory. In the last 9 months, I have re-learned my love for fitness and running. Happy to find other like-minded souls plodding along a similar path. Keep up the hard work!!
i love nixon. what a champ getting up at 4 am and just running with you. No question. haha
"Runsies? Always, dawg."
LOVING YOUR EMPTY CLASS ROOM.. inspired by your approach, and been for a walk up the hill. running not an option yet. from a end of the road quarter of a mile, to one walk to the top of the hill is one mile. and for the two return. pumped. thanks for the kick up the butt.
Congratulations it’s a tough one. Being a fisherman who’s used to sleep deprivation I still found that to be the toughest part. Everesting on Zwift next?
Great video and inspiring thanks Mark 👍
When I’m fully recovered (been out with tendinopathy nearly a year) I’d love to try this. Cracking effort from Nixon, putting in an absolute shift. I’d also buy an “above average” shirt since you mentioned merch!
seeing you run with your dogs really made me smile, thanks for the video.
Definitely one of your best Mark. Fantastic effort, brilliant production and music and thank you for taking the time to explain in depth your thoughts and feeling between the runs. Awesome!
Only stumbled across your channel last week. I love your videos! I’ve also stumbled into running (I stopped when I left school in 1994. Started again about 2 months ago aged 45), cycling and swimming, and last week signed up for a sprint triathlon at the end of this month. My family secretly think I’m losing it😂. Done 4 park runs (can only do them out of school term time as I work on Saturday mornings - no empty classroom for me - it’s full classrooms on Zoom!), which started at 32 mins. Got my pb two weeks ago 23:56
This time last year I was 3.5 stones heavier than my twin brother.
Today I weighed in the same as him.
He hasn’t put on weight.
I feel as happy as I have for a very long time and taking great inspiration from your fun, down to earth videos. Thank you
(P.S. Zwift looks like too much pain for me - but great fun watching you suffer instead 😂)
Great job Mark, I could literally see you hit your runners high 👍
That final run I was buzzing!
Great video mate very clean and well produced. You are a phenomenal speaker too. Things I have done in past 3 weeks because of you. Ran first park run in 5?? Years. 26 mins. Dropped 4kg - now down to 100 (6’1”). Got back on my road bike. Did a 70k mountain bike last week. Started going to the gym. Bought a ‘because I was Inverted’ Top Gun T-shirt. And a I’ve spread the word about your amazing channel down here in NZ. Will be watching yr ironman journey closely - I’ve done 5 fulls in a past life and they are hard.
Wow man that second 4 am run monologue was something!
I was just about to comment the same! If I ever need more motivation to train for my Hyrox I‘m going back to this video!
Dude, another brilliant video. Your Sunday morning 4am run, so true. That is your competion and your classroom. Inspirational stuff. I'm at the start of my own journey of being more active/weight loss/being above average. Your videos and humour help so much. Thank you
Still watching. Empty classrooms speech was very inspirational. Made me just want to put my shoes on and go somewhere. Got a little chill. Might try a wee 4am run sometime soon 😍
Also the “F you McDonald’s” 🤣
Really enjoyed this. Might even say McLovin' it.
Lincoln looks so happy to get in on the action. Haha well done!
18:40 minutes into the video - love that you have a photo of Spitzkoppe (in Namibia) on the wall, I live not far from there in Swakopmund.
I stayed there in 2016 on my solo motorcycle tour around Namibia. I remember eating in a restaurant shaped like a boat 😂. Beautiful country, I shall return!
@@MarkLewisfitness yip, that must be The Tug restaurant. We have a great running group here, we recently completed a Backyard Ultra near Brandberg (you may have passed there). So give a shout if you ever return 🤙🏻
@@HennieLacock that was it-the tug! I can remember having three separate deserts 😂 and then staying in a hotel on stilts over the beach. The next day I headed north out of town, and then turned right into the desert again. 😁 funnily enough, a very short Namibian movie in clip in my video that just went up tonight.! I am also often wearing my “sand” baseball cap in videos - bought that over there!
@@MarkLewisfitness Hotel may have been The Jetty? Where you have turned into the desert, another 50 miles on is where we did the Backyard Ultra. Also where we may do the Goggins 4 x 4 x 48. You certainly need to be above above average to take on the desert. 💪🏻 Cheers and thanks for your videos, about time someone puts some proper humour into their videos 🤙🏻
Kudos to you, your wife and all your dogs on an amazing 48hrs. You could give poor Jefferson some respect next time! lol
Nixon looks such a wonderful, happy little runner.
And the dogs going like a fucking train 😂😂😂 fantastically funny 👍
The quality of your videos just gets better and better, and congrats on the website launch! I ran the 4x4x48 this year again, but I want to tackle a 100km later in the year so I figured I’d increase the distance to 8.5km per run so I could get a taste over the 48 hours, it was interesting. If I ever hear “empty classroom” from anyone in regards to putting in work I promise to make sure they know who coined it! All the best.
I did this a couple years ago. It was great. My goals were to run every step, and Avg under a 10 min mile. Reached both.
Last year I did a 1x1x24. Even miles were just running, odd miles I ran with a 30lb log.
Great video! I am a 45 year old runner trying hard to always get better. Your videos are inspiring. Thanks for sharing your journey!
Your dog running a 8’ mile pace is amazing
Awesome job. Nixon is a trooper, too! What a marvelous little companion!
N❤️I❤️X❤️O❤️N
He is my favorite dog on UA-cam!!!
Way to go, what a good boy 👏
End of March we are running a Welsh mountain race 😁🐶. Video up soon after! Can’t wait 😁
So many great moments in this video. Love the run with Lincoln and the empty classroom metaphor! Nixon is a beast.
Nixon makes for a great companion on your runs. How did you get him so enthusiastic about running ? Would love to have you make a video just on him consisting of some some pointers that others might take way to groom their dogs in a similar manner!
He is just a natural runner-his brother Jefferson hates running. I do have a video somewhere on running with your dog. And me and Nixon are in Wales for a mountain race at the end of this month so that will be up soon!
Been watching you since the beginning. This is your best video yet. Humble and funny. This is where you shine. Well done Mark, you deserve all the success in the world.
I now imagine you have a shelving unit in the garage full of shoes, and another one next to it full of small dogs
Just re-watching this, and the 'empty classrooms' bit really got me. That's what I love about this channel.
Great job!! I'd consider this on the bike instead of running (indoor trainer once I get real tired so I don't crash). What do you think would be an equivalent distance on the bike every 4 hours?
The general rule of thumb seems to be 40 minutes - next year I might do 40 minutes of all sorts of different exercises every four hours
@@MarkLewisfitness Thx. I guess it also depends on how hard you ride not just distance. I think for me even an easy peddle for 40 min every 4 hrs would still be a real challenge.
Another idea for you which I think would be interesting is to ride 100 miles (I'm in U.S., sorry not sorry😎) virtually on Zwift or other virtual riding app. Or more extreme try to ride for 24 hrs on these apps...
What a great challenge. I might take it up. Im 55yrs old and very slow, well slower then most. I think the most important part , other then meal prep is resting, resting, resting.
Awesome work, should make a short of your empty classroom thinking. A few people I know that need to hear that.
It’s funny - all through Covid my youngest has been complaining that he has to work from home when the schools were shut and his mates did not bother. I have spent the last two years telling him-good! Because when you go for a job in a few years time you are going to be competing against people that never showed up to put in the work! You want everyone else to suck 😂
38 seconds into the video, and I knew it was going to be another good one. Good job, an excellent video once again!
Слава Україні!
Long time watcher, first time commenter! Love your content it has been really useful for motivation lately. Thank you for doing this challenge in support of these charities, I hope everyone who watches can spare even a small amount, it really makes a difference.
The channel is doing great lately so it's nice to be able to give back a bit.
Congratulations! Makes me realise how much I miss having a dog in my life.
I’m so glad I discovered your channel a couple weeks ago 🙏🏼 I’ve never thought someone would be able to relate to some things re: nutrition & overeating!
OMG Lincoln just filled me with joy! He was so excited!!!
He now does a regular 3km couple of times a week. He’s hooked!
12:13 made me chuckle to think you and Nixon discussed your pace and whether to tweak it. great stuff.
Yeaaaaaahhhhhh!!!!!! Empty classrooms!!! Dude you have a new fan. Me! Loving these videos great job to you your wife, hard working kids, and doggies!!! Love it!
Loved this! Nixon loving 4am life! I'm taking on this challenge next weekend with my dog as well. Like you say everyone deals with it differently so let's see how the sleep issue goes! All the best.
I feel Nixon represents the Goggins in all of us. Lincoln is the child like enthusiasm we all have and Jefferson is our true self!
The story at 14:40, fantastic 👌🏼 went out running in the rain last night, didn’t pass anyone, empty classrooms.
Brilliant - loving the empty classroom analogy pure class - thank you
New subscriber! I’m more of an out of shape weight lifter with various injuries. I am in the process of reconfiguring my workouts for new fitness goals. One of my chronic injuries limits my ability to run but your vids are inspiring to go riding on the road bike and fan bike at home! Happy to come across this channel!
Enjoyed that a lot! A lot more humor, at least as strong and none of the blabla this other guy has. Beast!
Top video thanks 👍🏻. My daughter watched with me and she was so happy to see Lincoln step up. We’re big Lincoln fans.
Cameo by Lincoln was just the best.
love your sense of humor. effortless and unassuming