A self supported Xterra like 140.6! 2.4 Lake swim/112 bike ride through the mountains (with some steep climbs 🥵)/26.2 trail run with at least 8k ft in elevation gain 🏔 (just on the run alone😜)🥳🥳! That would be epic! Head lamps/hydration pacs/lots of fuel & drop off bags + water filters. Call it an IronMark 💪🏽.
@@jamiefuhrman403 true. His first full Tri 💪🏽. Destroyed the swim btw. That was epic and have never seen so much emotion out of Mark when he completed the journey 🥹😎. I was mainly thinking of the completely self supported concept where is just you, your thoughts, your planning and your ability to dig yourself out of a dark place when you hit the wall. No cowbells or people cheering/No crew to support you/ nobody else suffering with you and no black shirt at the end. Camera crew is just there to capture the journey. Sorry Mark 🙃 I know.. horrible idea 🤣😂.. but what time? 😜
"maybe inspiring a few of you" - I'll tell you honestly Mark, at 117kg I knew it was do or die for me. GTN Videos but particularly yours on running have had me running almost 30km/week for almost 3 months now and whenever I feel a bit too sore to go out, I rewatch your Norseman trials, or your swift challenge vs Lucy, and off I go. Down to 106kg now and still pushing, still watching GTN videos every day. Couldn't be more grateful for all of the content your pushing out.
So as much as my level is *significantly* lower than Mark's, it's great to see somebody even at his level struggling to balance Triathlon and "Life" and getting frustrated at times! Very realistic portrayal of what it can be like for so many of us just trying to do what we can to get through our races 😅
Just watched your "Top Ten Triathlon Bucket List" video from 5 years ago, and would like you to come over to the states and do the "Escape from Alcatraz" race! Maybe all three of the GTN team can do it together! :o
I have been struggling for a while, I did IM Canada back in 2016, 2018 I travelled to race IM Switzerland, I withdrew, feeling so tired during taper I think I had over trained. 2019 I decided to get a coach and race IM Sweden only to be diagnosed with stage 2 Melanoma hence season over. Covid covered the next couple of years however I kept training. Come 2022 and I decided to race IM Sweden, the week before the race I decided not to travel, I couldn't face it, did I lose the joy of triathlon. I still kept my training up, a few months ago I did a standard distance race to see how I felt, it was ok, but I didn't have that smile as I crossed the finish line. My training is at 70.3 level with a view to catch a late race this year to see if their is still a passion there. I live near Glasgow and have used the velodrome regularly and enjoy it, as the UCI worlds came around, watching the Mountain Bike XCO has given me something else to consider especially Xterra which probably will give me more of an adrenaline rush. Certainly I enjoy training, just mentally not in a good position. Think that's me!
So inspiring to watch a real contender all the way through a race. I'm so used to watching large groups blast past me, it was really good to see an 'out of shape' presenter remind us all we can get back in shape and mix it up with some heavy hitters.
Well done Mark. It would be nice to see what improvements you made, VO2 max, FTP etc. during the training and how that compared with the expected goals it set for you (or for what the A.I. "thought" was possible). I get really bad with training when I don't have an event to train for so I understand your mindset starting this and recognise what a big effort it took.
Impressed you kept this under wraps from the GTN community! Congratulations on a successful challenge. It's reassuring to hear that even pros and avid triathletes struggle at times and I'm glad to see you've rekindled your motivation.
I train on Humango and love it. I live in fear of disappointing Hugo. Love seeing my race readiness metric climb as the program rolls along. Good for the confidence! Congrats on a great comeback!
I’m really glad this video came out. I’ve been out of the game competitively for nearly 3 years now, and haven’t been able to get consistent training in. Thank you Mark! I’m going to try to do something similar, hopefully it goes well
Funny how Mark at his most unfit seems to reach beast mode at the drop of a hat for all the GTN challenges that have popped up 😁. Great stuff - and a great Xterra result!!
For any run/ride/swim, the hardest part is the first step/pedal stroke/arm stroke. I love them all, but that getting myself moving is so hard. Especially after long day at work - that armchair looks so appealing.
Thanks @mark, probably one of the best videos I’ve seen on this channel in some time … it’s personal, got to know you and enjoyed seeing you “suffer” through the same challenges we all face … well done!
@@gtn Well, firstly some context to my suggestions … - 54, male, very athletically inclined till my early thirties, currently regaining fitness, live Prague, CZ - wrapping up my first year of triathlons, completed two local sprint-distance this year, now training for half IM next year - find below some suggestions (w/o clickbait titles) GEAR - upgrading entry level road bike to Tri bike for first IM (on a budget) - buying a used Tri bike, ~$1500 price point TRAINING - winter base training - winter base/cross training - progression of Tri training, e.g., Freshman, Sophomore, Junior years, etc. - Training Peaks (plan) compared to AI training (and w/o indoor trainer or watt meter) - starting a Tri training plan when you’re over 40/50 (go see a doctor first, LOL) RACING - amazing, non-IM, one-off events - why IM so expensive? am I missing out by skipping IM events? - IM point system explained, what events offer most points / highest likelihood of grabbing coveted Kona spot? Cheers all, be well.
Really great video! Actually consider it quite inspiring especially in terms of planning and fitting in training in your busy schedule. Nice to see how this can work. So thanks a lot for that content!
Rad seeing you take on the Xterra Mark, I did a similar attempt of the Championship (Olympic) Xterra in Victoria after 5 years away from triathlons. I was blown away at how hard those short/technical intervals of climbing on the bike drained me. I did not prepare nearly enough, but wanted to set a benchmark for future Xterra's. Continue to be awesome. appreciate the content!
So motivational! I´m doing my first Ironman 70.3 next year in July and I really need som motivation to get started with my training after 3 week of (you know, vacation and stuff :P). And this video got me ready to get going and start working out and nourish my body the right way again! Love your videos and follow a lot of all your tips and challenges :D
Using humango for over 8 months. I liked it better than real coaches phoning it in with training plans/calls. I liked it better then the 80/20 training plans on TP, that I purchased. Weekly replanning on Sundays after my last long run /bike days means I am always improving week on week. I also love the fact that the swim workouts actually sync to my Garmin when ones from Wahoo Systm and TP do not.
Outstanding work, Mark! I haven't even considered entering a Tri, much less a race of any kind, since my last 70.3 in Aug '19. Burn out really got to me after that. But coming from a MTB background, I'm starting to consider coming back to some racing soon ... and doing Xterras also!
How about a series: Take some regular triathletes and have them prep with you guys for a race, since we all struggle with balancing training, motivation, work etc.. For example one regular triathlete for each distance.
Great Vid Mark, 5th in age cat is pretty good going, looks like that lack of swim skin didn't hold you back! Are there any events in the UK similar to the SGRAIL you did with Jan Frodeno? Not necessarily 100km but sprint or standard distance. Most off-road events appear to lean towards MTB specific.
Hey Mark! Welcome to the “regular working folk” trying to fit training into our busy lives. Add in a spouse and some kids, eh? Then, let’s see how Humango likes you moving workouts, skipping, etc. kudos to those other time-starved athletes just trying to do the best we can.
well said, Troy! your comment resonates with us and our users; this is exactly why we created Humango. We all have so many competing priorities that following a training plan should not be the cause of additional stress or anxiety, it should be pure joy and a little bit of pain of course 😜.
im on the months trial now, had quite a few glitches come up but support has been there to help try to figure out whats going on with it. the website is excellent but the app struggles. how do you find it?
@@simonbedwell7497 I had a few smaller issues as well, but support was very reactive and competent. I am now using the complete functional scope of the app, including replanning due to ever changing weekly work schedule. I really appreciate the possibility to adapt on the flight my training to my schedule.
@@jgduke63 i do like that too and its over half the price cheaper than an actual coach! I just need to work out how to get the time allocations set up correctly as i keep getting shorter runs than im used to. which is fine i can just extend but then hugo doesnt like the fact ive done further and longer than prescribed 🤣
@@simonbedwell7497 maybe you set your goal incorrectly? Hugo has set the size and intensity of my sessions right for the goal I entered. Or maybe you used to train more than required for your goals?
@@simonbedwell7497 Same here, Hugo tells me to refocus on zone 2 :-) ... and I know he is right but ... I love the replan function and teh expected fitness level tracking to race day, it is of great motivation. BTW, my coach used to cost me a lot more than twice and talk to me a lot less than Hugo.
Hmmm i had fallen not totally out of training but since COVID my run year /weekly totals had halved and in last 2.5 years only swam 20 times and say 6 times this yr, all within last 2 months. Was going to start short at Olympic today at Blithfield Tri in Stafford shire but got COVID 4 weeks ago and then planta fanitus do to ramping post COVID training so had to give up race today! Will i ever get back to it? PS Mark guess Olympic is going to feel like a 70 3 if like me you had not raced in 3 yr or trained regularly!
I took 3 months off during one of the lockdowns and, although I'd eased off a lot before as well, what with comeback injuries its taken me 18 months to get back to reasonable fitness. I have flushed out most of my chronic injuries I'd accumulated over the previous 10 years at least 🤣
I would, using for over 8 months. I liked it better than real coaches phoning it in with training plans/calls. I liked it better then the 80/20 training plans on TP, that I purchased. Weekly replanning on Sundays after my last long run /bike days means I am always improving week on week.
I have been using it for a few months and loving it. Love the replan function when I miss a workout, love the weekly availability, and adore the function that loads teh work out on my Garmin by itself on the day I need it. Try it out!
What challenge should Mark take on next? Share your ideas below 👇
A self supported Xterra like 140.6! 2.4 Lake swim/112 bike ride through the mountains (with some steep climbs 🥵)/26.2 trail run with at least 8k ft in elevation gain 🏔 (just on the run alone😜)🥳🥳! That would be epic! Head lamps/hydration pacs/lots of fuel & drop off bags + water filters. Call it an IronMark 💪🏽.
@@ngdawgs1 he's done the Norseman!
@@jamiefuhrman403 true. His first full Tri 💪🏽. Destroyed the swim btw. That was epic and have never seen so much emotion out of Mark when he completed the journey 🥹😎. I was mainly thinking of the completely self supported concept where is just you, your thoughts, your planning and your ability to dig yourself out of a dark place when you hit the wall. No cowbells or people cheering/No crew to support you/ nobody else suffering with you and no black shirt at the end. Camera crew is just there to capture the journey.
Sorry Mark 🙃 I know.. horrible idea 🤣😂.. but what time? 😜
@@ngdawgs1 I love it. So sadistic… yet so fun
@@ngdawgs1 "IronMark" 😅 worth doing just for the tattoo!
"maybe inspiring a few of you" - I'll tell you honestly Mark, at 117kg I knew it was do or die for me. GTN Videos but particularly yours on running have had me running almost 30km/week for almost 3 months now and whenever I feel a bit too sore to go out, I rewatch your Norseman trials, or your swift challenge vs Lucy, and off I go. Down to 106kg now and still pushing, still watching GTN videos every day. Couldn't be more grateful for all of the content your pushing out.
killing it buddy, respect
Way to go!
Absolutely amazing Lau. Well done, and keep it up 😊
Good effort dude ✨
Keep pushing! Incredibly inspiring comment, and journey.
Well done Mark! - Thank you for visiting XTERRA and hope we will see you again soon!
Thanks for having us! Maybe we should try and get Mark to Worlds in 2023? 🤔
@@gtn Sounds like a great idea! 😁
So as much as my level is *significantly* lower than Mark's, it's great to see somebody even at his level struggling to balance Triathlon and "Life" and getting frustrated at times! Very realistic portrayal of what it can be like for so many of us just trying to do what we can to get through our races 😅
Can we have a few videos dedicated to mark’s dog? Maybe a ‘day in the life of mark’s dog’
+1
Just watched your "Top Ten Triathlon Bucket List" video from 5 years ago, and would like you to come over to the states and do the "Escape from Alcatraz" race! Maybe all three of the GTN team can do it together! :o
Well done Mark! Now you just need to revisit the 2:30 marathon redemption!
I have been struggling for a while, I did IM Canada back in 2016, 2018 I travelled to race IM Switzerland, I withdrew, feeling so tired during taper I think I had over trained. 2019 I decided to get a coach and race IM Sweden only to be diagnosed with stage 2 Melanoma hence season over. Covid covered the next couple of years however I kept training. Come 2022 and I decided to race IM Sweden, the week before the race I decided not to travel, I couldn't face it, did I lose the joy of triathlon. I still kept my training up, a few months ago I did a standard distance race to see how I felt, it was ok, but I didn't have that smile as I crossed the finish line. My training is at 70.3 level with a view to catch a late race this year to see if their is still a passion there. I live near Glasgow and have used the velodrome regularly and enjoy it, as the UCI worlds came around, watching the Mountain Bike XCO has given me something else to consider especially Xterra which probably will give me more of an adrenaline rush. Certainly I enjoy training, just mentally not in a good position. Think that's me!
So inspiring to watch a real contender all the way through a race. I'm so used to watching large groups blast past me, it was really good to see an 'out of shape' presenter remind us all we can get back in shape and mix it up with some heavy hitters.
At our XTERRA events we really want everyone to know they can compete. No matter how "out of shape" you might feel, you can still rip it. Let's go!
Well done Mark.
It would be nice to see what improvements you made, VO2 max, FTP etc. during the training and how that compared with the expected goals it set for you (or for what the A.I. "thought" was possible).
I get really bad with training when I don't have an event to train for so I understand your mindset starting this and recognise what a big effort it took.
Impressed you kept this under wraps from the GTN community! Congratulations on a successful challenge. It's reassuring to hear that even pros and avid triathletes struggle at times and I'm glad to see you've rekindled your motivation.
I train on Humango and love it. I live in fear of disappointing Hugo. Love seeing my race readiness metric climb as the program rolls along. Good for the confidence! Congrats on a great comeback!
I’m really glad this video came out. I’ve been out of the game competitively for nearly 3 years now, and haven’t been able to get consistent training in. Thank you Mark! I’m going to try to do something similar, hopefully it goes well
Get it!
@@XTERRAplanet give it a year max, I’m coming for you next season
@@marcleber3702 Lets goooo!
Funny how Mark at his most unfit seems to reach beast mode at the drop of a hat for all the GTN challenges that have popped up 😁. Great stuff - and a great Xterra result!!
I'd kill to be as fit as Mark is at his most unfit.
I think what people dont realise, these guys still train but not training for a race if it does make sense. They just love training.
Good job Mark 🥳🥳! Congrats 🍾 🤙🏽! Can’t wait to see James and Heather give it a try next 💪🏽.
Great video recommendation, Mark, thanks. That looked like a tough event, but the trails were amazing. Great result too. 🏅
For any run/ride/swim, the hardest part is the first step/pedal stroke/arm stroke. I love them all, but that getting myself moving is so hard. Especially after long day at work - that armchair looks so appealing.
Thanks @mark, probably one of the best videos I’ve seen on this channel in some time … it’s personal, got to know you and enjoyed seeing you “suffer” through the same challenges we all face … well done!
Hey Carl - thanks for the kind comments! What would you like to see us do next?
@@gtn
Well, firstly some context to my suggestions …
- 54, male, very athletically inclined till my early thirties, currently regaining fitness, live Prague, CZ
- wrapping up my first year of triathlons, completed two local sprint-distance this year, now training for half IM next year
- find below some suggestions (w/o clickbait titles)
GEAR
- upgrading entry level road bike to Tri bike for first IM (on a budget)
- buying a used Tri bike, ~$1500 price point
TRAINING
- winter base training
- winter base/cross training
- progression of Tri training, e.g., Freshman, Sophomore, Junior years, etc.
- Training Peaks (plan) compared to AI training (and w/o indoor trainer or watt meter)
- starting a Tri training plan when you’re over 40/50 (go see a doctor first, LOL)
RACING
- amazing, non-IM, one-off events
- why IM so expensive? am I missing out by skipping IM events?
- IM point system explained, what events offer most points / highest likelihood of grabbing coveted Kona spot?
Cheers all, be well.
That was great, Mark.. well done you!
Really great video! Actually consider it quite inspiring especially in terms of planning and fitting in training in your busy schedule. Nice to see how this can work. So thanks a lot for that content!
Looks like SOOOOOOOO MUCH FUN!!!!! What a great video!! Thank you, Mark!
It was 🙌
Great job, Mark! Hugo is thrilled to have been selected to be your AI Coach. We need to start planning the next challenge. 🤔
Can't wait - we think Hugo can take Mark to the next level! What shall we challenge him to do? 🤔
Ironman + Xterra = Wilderman, Mark? Hugo would be very proud of you :-)
Awesome racing Mark. Got me googling multi terrain races now :)
Fantastic video .. Thanks for sharing your training and motivation. The Xterra race footage is amazing.Go GTN!
Thanks!
Great video!!! Well done to you Mark 👏🏻👏🏻 cool event !!! And WHAT a mount onto bike after transition!!
It's good to know he watches his own videos 😆👉gtn.io/FlyingMountGuide
@@gtn yes I remember..... He's also a flying mount teacher..... was actually very surprised he didn't have shoes pre clipped in 🤔😂
That looked like great fun! Well done Mark, I wish I was as unfit as you 💪 I’ll keep working on raising my level though!
Rad seeing you take on the Xterra Mark, I did a similar attempt of the Championship (Olympic) Xterra in Victoria after 5 years away from triathlons. I was blown away at how hard those short/technical intervals of climbing on the bike drained me. I did not prepare nearly enough, but wanted to set a benchmark for future Xterra's. Continue to be awesome. appreciate the content!
Those technical sections are tricky! Hope to see you at some more XTERRA events in the near future
@@XTERRAplanet You'll definitely catch me at future Xterra. All your hard work with these events are so appreciated, Cheers!
@@RyandeMilliano Means a lot, thank you Ryan! We'll see you soon 🤙
That's s it! My brain is stuck to the idea of doing an Xterra :-) ... thanks Mark!
So motivational! I´m doing my first Ironman 70.3 next year in July and I really need som motivation to get started with my training after 3 week of (you know, vacation and stuff :P). And this video got me ready to get going and start working out and nourish my body the right way again! Love your videos and follow a lot of all your tips and challenges :D
Using humango for over 8 months. I liked it better than real coaches phoning it in with training plans/calls. I liked it better then the 80/20 training plans on TP, that I purchased. Weekly replanning on Sundays after my last long run /bike days means I am always improving week on week. I also love the fact that the swim workouts actually sync to my Garmin when ones from Wahoo Systm and TP do not.
Thank you for sharing your experience, erockem! Great to read you are enjoying the app and the ability to replan with a click of a button.🙌
+1, love the workouts loading on my Garmin by themselves. Wake up, dress, push the start button on my watch and off I go. Simple is better!
This looks like such a great event - I loved the extended coverage of your day there Mark! Great work on a great video 👏
Thanks so much!
What an event! Thank you Mark and GTN for make me discover cross triathlon 😃
Most welcome 🙌
Made me feel better about myself seeing even mark has to walk up some hills 😊
+1 🤣
Outstanding work, Mark! I haven't even considered entering a Tri, much less a race of any kind, since my last 70.3 in Aug '19. Burn out really got to me after that. But coming from a MTB background, I'm starting to consider coming back to some racing soon ... and doing Xterras also!
LET'S GOOOO
@@XTERRAplanet 🤙🤙
Brutal run! Well done Mark!!
Congrats Mark, Xterra CZ was my first ever TRI in 2019 using @GTN content as main coach!
How about a series: Take some regular triathletes and have them prep with you guys for a race, since we all struggle with balancing training, motivation, work etc.. For example one regular triathlete for each distance.
This sounds like a great challenge. Humango is in!
Great Vid Mark, 5th in age cat is pretty good going, looks like that lack of swim skin didn't hold you back! Are there any events in the UK similar to the SGRAIL you did with Jan Frodeno? Not necessarily 100km but sprint or standard distance. Most off-road events appear to lean towards MTB specific.
Inspiring stuff More xterra/off road content please!
Noted!
Great video. A very good tri experience.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great job Mark…. Definitely motivates me to want to try Xterra
We're here for you, whenever you're ready!
Awesome video!
Great vid - I'm insipred to get my bikes road ready again.
Totally love mark !! And all at GTN ♥️♥️♥️♥️💟💟💟💟💟💟💟
There's a off road triathlon in Northern Ireland on 24th September.
Search for Brown Shoes Triathlon Club
FINALLY!! My ultimate goal is to do an XTERRA race- to be in the woods for everything is fantastic!
We'd love to have you! Any particular location in mind?
I live in North Carolina, USA, so I’m considering Flintstone,Maryland.
thanks' a lot Marc 👍👍😊😊
i didnt know theres this kind of Tri (mtb instead of road bike segment)
Should tag those gmbn folks too
Yes!!! We hold events all over the world, all year round!
Awesome Mark!!!!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Is that a Krazy Kangaruh pint glass in your drying tray by the sink? ;)
Haha guilty
Great job Mark. What camera did you use on the bike?
Hey Mark! Welcome to the “regular working folk” trying to fit training into our busy lives. Add in a spouse and some kids, eh? Then, let’s see how Humango likes you moving workouts, skipping, etc. kudos to those other time-starved athletes just trying to do the best we can.
well said, Troy! your comment resonates with us and our users; this is exactly why we created Humango. We all have so many competing priorities that following a training plan should not be the cause of additional stress or anxiety, it should be pure joy and a little bit of pain of course 😜.
Great video. More of them. I do believe that your worst shape fitness wise is Miles better than my best shape ever. I’m jeleaus
Good job
Using Humango myself since spring this year, I am really curious about your feedback on it.
im on the months trial now, had quite a few glitches come up but support has been there to help try to figure out whats going on with it. the website is excellent but the app struggles. how do you find it?
@@simonbedwell7497 I had a few smaller issues as well, but support was very reactive and competent. I am now using the complete functional scope of the app, including replanning due to ever changing weekly work schedule.
I really appreciate the possibility to adapt on the flight my training to my schedule.
@@jgduke63 i do like that too and its over half the price cheaper than an actual coach! I just need to work out how to get the time allocations set up correctly as i keep getting shorter runs than im used to. which is fine i can just extend but then hugo doesnt like the fact ive done further and longer than prescribed 🤣
@@simonbedwell7497 maybe you set your goal incorrectly? Hugo has set the size and intensity of my sessions right for the goal I entered. Or maybe you used to train more than required for your goals?
@@simonbedwell7497 Same here, Hugo tells me to refocus on zone 2 :-) ... and I know he is right but ... I love the replan function and teh expected fitness level tracking to race day, it is of great motivation. BTW, my coach used to cost me a lot more than twice and talk to me a lot less than Hugo.
Hmmm i had fallen not totally out of training but since COVID my run year /weekly totals had halved and in last 2.5 years only swam 20 times and say 6 times this yr, all within last 2 months. Was going to start short at Olympic today at Blithfield Tri in Stafford shire but got COVID 4 weeks ago and then planta fanitus do to ramping post COVID training so had to give up race today! Will i ever get back to it? PS Mark guess Olympic is going to feel like a 70 3 if like me you had not raced in 3 yr or trained regularly!
I took 3 months off during one of the lockdowns and, although I'd eased off a lot before as well, what with comeback injuries its taken me 18 months to get back to reasonable fitness. I have flushed out most of my chronic injuries I'd accumulated over the previous 10 years at least 🤣
Would you recommend using Humango for training?
I would, using for over 8 months. I liked it better than real coaches phoning it in with training plans/calls. I liked it better then the 80/20 training plans on TP, that I purchased. Weekly replanning on Sundays after my last long run /bike days means I am always improving week on week.
I have been using it for a few months and loving it. Love the replan function when I miss a workout, love the weekly availability, and adore the function that loads teh work out on my Garmin by itself on the day I need it. Try it out!
nice work..
Didn't hear anything about the swim training
More "offroad" content please. Xtrerra or other. Paved surfaces are getting less inviting and busier
Gotta be careful when flying LarryAir
They should rename Hugo to Hugh Mango
I thought the key was a triathlon commute.
🤫 👉 gtn.io/MarksBiggestSecret
X-terror is what I heard, lol.
It was a great challenge - fully recommend!
I guess preparation was not perfect
Darling I'm going to Prague for a weekend for a er race. Honest 😬