Hey Mark, Have just come across your channel I too am a "big athlete " 6'4 100kg trail runner at 48 years young so good to find a channel that I can relate too You have motivated me to work harder and smarter (which I know but don't do) Have got a calf strain at the moment due to thinking I don't need extra rest after a hard trail run then run a tempo run with 1 day in between (Once again I know) Got a 55k trail in 7 weeks time with the big goal doing my first 100 miler in Feb 2023 in aid of my 50th birthday Love the content keep it up

I'm a bike racer. Mtn bike and road. What I know is; Training for either requires a constant measure of racing. Not many people can maintain the commitment needed to go really fast /race pace unless they are actually racing. It's really that simple. Race as often as you can and you will understand what race pace is and your training will change to match. Racing is really really fast. So fast. Like almost crashing often fast. It's different from training. Or just ride around at race pace on your local trails and have your neighbors hate you. ;-) Also, That looked really fun. Like laughing out loud fun.

I like that you didnt make a big deal about transition and took your time.

Mate, this commentary had me laughing out loud in parts, the brutal honesty is hilarious, great video 👍😂😂

You need to buy stronger elastic laces: they come in different grades. Don't dismiss them out of hand because the ones you had were too weak. Cheers.

9:05 The next time you pass someone keep a close eye on your effort. I think you'll find that everyone, without putting much thought into it, sees a person in front, decides to pass, ramps up their effort and passes with conviction. To you it seems like the people passing you are much faster because you haven't had the last few seconds to accelerate like they have. A few seconds down the path I bet their speed was much closer to yours than the pass made it seem. Edit: Haha. I continued watching and the same guy that passed you quickly at 9:07 is the one you caught at the transition. 11:20 See! He just made it seem like he was faster because he had that mental advantage of seeing you as a target and ramping up his effort for the pass.

yeah - mtn biking without the "flow" will beat you up a lot... all about the skills - and bike set up - ie more traction will help you. Great motivation to learn new skills.

Nice one Mark! Have you done much XC mountain biking like that before? 29er's take a bit of getting used to in those sort of twisty conditions but it's all about the flow, smooth is fast! If time allows, get a slow sighting lap in first, followed by a 75% effort lap to get warmed up for the race itself. If you are looking for a handy storage device for tools on the bike, check out the One Up Component EDC. Will ensure your tools are always on the bike and secure and never forgotten!

You could have named the woods as your ‘habitat’, but I suppose the garage will compete with that name. Very encouraging to follow your journey !

Great video. Love your honesty 👍

love the humor

Well done bro, beautiful sound

👍 Mark. Check out your transition times as well, and how to transition into cycle shoes quicker - transitions can win, or lose you, shed loads of time! All the best for your next one...😊

Great effort - really enjoyed watching that!

Southern xc series is good practice for xc duathlon (I was there the day before) and it's the same course. In xcd I found it difficult to get through the mental barrier of thinking I still have the run after this. Flat out on the xc broke this. It's a good shake down for the Procaliber which I have as well. Run tubeless if you are not then you are much less Likely to puncture.

Well done Mark 👍

Nice one Mark... Better than most (reckon those laces cost you a few places)... In my quest for new tools... He's one you may like in order to improve your times (or at least not make you feel alone running (or cycling) alone... Ghost Pacer on Kickstarter... This is one I'm definitely looking forward to... Good luck on the paddle

11.38 a medway velo rider.. my local club 👌

Yeah, Garmin with the stop and lap function. I haven't done that one before! Geez! It's my nose growing again! 😂 Happens to do of us Bro! 👍🏾 Trick seems to be more usage... At least that's what I keep telling myself. 😉

Mark, did you do other MTB events afterwards?

Well done Mark, good effort! 👍

Are you planning on re-invading Normandy....?

You may have an FTP of 320watts, but you're 95-100kg. For example: i weigh 70kg and my peak ftp is 345-350watts and my 5minute is 440watts. Anyone who has 280-290+ watt ftp and is lighter than you will pas you without an issue. Btw I'd be interested in a 5minute max power video;) it'd be entertaining for sure

Is there anywhere you can look for events like this :)

X1 or X3?

you got a nice gear bro. ready to race. stay safe. maybe you could spend some time watching my vids. thanks

I to am disappointed In your lack of tools😢