Time flys, don't waste it.

Such an honest video, and the most profound thing you said was a seemingly throwaway line - 'With the right people, anywhere can be ok.' Absolutely...

very emotional for me mark, 63, cycling lots and recently widowed, life has just got very difficult and scary

This video really upset me, I'm 30, I moved from the UK to Vancouver last year, about as far away from home as I could get in the hope that I'd discover a taste for life, an excitement and freedom from being somewhere else. But all I'm really learning is that if you're not happy with yourself, then it doesn't really matter where you go, because you're still carting all your troubles around with you. I'm walking about in life trying on different versions of myself, the sober one, the stoic one, the marathon running one, the work obsessed one, the creative one, and nothing really feels quite right. I feel like time is slipping away from me, as people's lives are moving forward, and I'm just jutting in random directions, more unstable, and with less direction than ever. "With the right people, anywhere can be OK" - now more than ever, I'm longing for this, a place where I feel I belong, I'm just not sure where it is

"Didn't get faster but I got better..." There is so much meaning in that simple statement Mark, thank you for probably the best video you have done without meaning to!

When someone who normally jokes about and is sarcastic is sincere and honest like this it makes you realise how deep that person is. A side of you none of us have ever seen, and as someone approaching 40 and currently in a scary situation this video spoke to me.

42 year old me, packs up the family of 4, moves to Norway from the deserts of the southwest States, no job, can’t speak the language and buys a house on a tiny island - bringing the population of the rock up to 24 people. Scary as f***k! Still not sure if it was ballsy or driven by immense self- confidence. 25 years later still here - growing my own food in season, running trails on the nearby island and taking the ferry every day to work or my longer runs on the mainland. Dream fulfilled.

It wasn’t until I turned 50 that I stopped fearing the future and started to embrace the uncertainty of life. I’ve changed my job, started to do ultras and Spartans and stopped listening to the people who kept telling me I’m too old to do these things. I can honestly say that I have never been happier.

"With the right people, anywhere can be okay." You're damn right!

Ok, look, I don't cry at KZfaq videos. But this one got me close. Also 50, also have lived within 10 miles of Reading my whole life. Divorced and 3 great 18+ kids. Great new partner. Dad died, dog died, Mum in a care home. Selling the 3 generation house we built. No ties, and no idea where to go next. This vid was a beautiful reflection on a life mostly well spent in and around Reading. The next phase has to be exciting and scary. With content like this, you can be sure that everyone in the comments section is with you and can't wait to follow your journey. Keep it up Mark.

My parents moved to a property much like that drone shot at the ripe old age of 70.. my mum was sick of living in the city, where she had lived for the past 35 years. They had to for us kids and my dad's work. Finally they could live how they had wanted to for so long. They were happy there for 5 years, living their dream. Then my mum got diagnosed with incurable cancer in November 2022 She died, at the home she spent her whole life waiting for, less than a month later. Don't wait... Just do it and don't worry, you never know how long you have left.

I think this is my favorite video you’ve made. I’m a grandma in the US. I’m sitting here with tears in my eyes mate (I hope that is term of endearment 😊). I look forward to seeing where you land. Many blessings to you, Jen and family.

I didn't expect to have an existential crisis this Saturday morning. Life is short, on the verge of my own life changing decisions that I've been putting off for too long. Best make my own move before the theme park closes.

I'm sure you were apprehensive releasing something like this, a lil different to usual, you smashed it mate. Quite emotive at places. Nailed the editing again as well, bet you're well chuffed

I am a serial re inventor. Grew up an Essex girl (which was epic fun) moved to Oxford to get married and turned into a rural village lady who volunteers, had a son, ran a preschool, moved into an ancient cottage with bats, made a cottage garden in two acres. Then we moved to Singapore and lived the city life for nine years. I adored it. Now we are back with the bats. But going back feels wrong. Time for more adventure. I am 71. I don’t want to settle down. Keep moving and they won’t find you, as a dodgy friend says. A word of advice though. Rural living is pretty damn awful all through the winter. There is f all to do and you live indoors for months. Having lived in a proper city I am converted. Being able to walk to a shopping mall, the MRT which links to glamour, shopping, great food, wonderful nature parks and world class attractions like Gardens by the Bay all accessible inside 30 minutes was so enriching. We still had nature and the sea on our doorstep. I am thinking Thailand next, the minute my husband retires.

That one was from the heart. And one of your best! Cheers mate!

"I didn't always get faster, but I got better here". Great video Mark, enjoy the new adventure!

Thanks Mark. I am crying at 8:45 in the morning. Looking at my life and you really hit hard today.

Great video. Raw emotion and honesty. The theme park analogy is spot on.

Well.. What a beauty of a video Mark! Incredibly sincere.. caught me completely off guard and now I'm crying into my cornflakes

This message is really for everyone, younger and older. Life is short, you need to live. Living is making difficult decisions, scary decisions and not knowing necessarily what is around the corner in 10 years time. But to be honest, none of us know what's around OUR corner in 10 years time. Live in the moment, yes be calculated in your decisions, not reckless, but live.

My husband and I quit our secure teaching jobs in London, tried to sell our house and took our child out of school to have a year out in the south of France. Everyone told us that was scary! It was ducking incredible! Then we bought a 1850s house in North Yorkshire. Found an amazing place with a holiday let for some income on our land! Best thing ever. We now live within the boundary of the dales national park. You can imagine how stunning it is up here. We are hundreds of miles away from our families. People told Is that was scary. It’s amazing and now we see our friends and family more because they all want to actually visit us here!!! We’ve had some dark days when the sale On our house fell through several times while we were in France and when we were in the depths of winter in North Yorkshire renting somewhere waiting to buy our house. Oh and although the holiday let was ready to go our home needs work and it’s been tough to get used to but it’s just incredible up here and the outdoor life is amazing!! BTW my husband just turned 60 and I’m in my 40s. There is no time to waste. Also what kind of life did we want for our daughter!? She doesn’t have time to waste either and she was only 4 when we went to France! I’m not even going to wish you luck because it’s not luck it’s bravery you need to just go for it. It’s not the end of the world if everything goes to shit. Nothing is surmountable. There is always a way you just have to find it!

Do I have regrets, yes but I lived through them. I’ve restored two, one hundred year old homes(old for CA). My current project, not as old , but is remote. I don’t have bats in my off grid place, but I do have a raptor’s nest in the bedroom where the wind storm blew the corner of roof off. I’ll eventually repair it, but in the meantime I enjoy seeing the hawk chicks hatch each year. In case your wondering about rain, the house is in SoCal so not a major issue, the eastern most tip of the Mojave Desert if you’re into geography. BTW, I’ll bring my hammer and masonry tools, I’ll work for tea and scones.

Do it. I'm 62 and I've just moved back to the UK after 20+ years abroad. If life isn't an adventure, it's nothing. Resilience is the key, I've cut grass and cleaned toilets, I've run my own business, my new adventure is just beginning and I'll do whatever I have to to make it work. And FFS don't be average.

I needed this today. Scarily similar position as you once had, I’m 43, 4 kids, separated 6 months, soon to be divorced. Living alone, bleak outlook. I’ve never felt as low in my life. But seeing this has given me a renewed sense of hope for my future. You look happy with life and that’s my goal, I just want to wake up and feel happiness for one day. That’s all I’d take at the moment, just one day. Life is too short, a mere moment. I need to move on past this and go live. Too scared to live and too scared to die. Thanks mate, much needed

I love this, and I agree with every word. I'm about the same age as you, and recently quit my career of 25 years with its comfy salary and company car. I just came to the realization that every day, it was taking a little bit of my soul away and that a change needed to be made. I'm married, with 3 teenaged kids and a mortgage, and was by some distance the main breadwinner in our house, so the decision was both terrifying, but necessary. I'm infinitely happier now, trying to adjust to a new fulfilling career and a new life. I'm still scared for the future, but I have one thing now that I never had before - hope. To anyone in a similar position I would ask this - which would you rather have...the pain of change or the pain of regret? Go for it, whatever it is. The road is hard, but that thing that you strive for is out there for you. Everything you ever wanted is on the other side of fear.

What a moving video, absolutely fantastic Mark, very touching.

That was an extraordinary video. Partly as I also grew up and went to school in and around Reading, and partly as I’m 52 and last year was in the shape of my life….and I found myself watching a man say out loud what I’ve been trying to work out the words that are in my head.

Fellow 50 year old here. I’m not sure of the right word but this connected with me, for sure. Last year I took my son to where I grew up, which was a real moment. You realise how quickly time flies. Go for it. But do avoid the bats. You don’t need that in your life.

“I didn’t get faster, but I got better.” Wow that’s so true for a lot of people who get into fitness when life gets hard. Sometimes you get faster but really it can be a place of healing and working through the hardship

Resonates hard! I'm 46 now and over in Lower Earley. Love the theme park analogy, except I never went on the rides... I held everyone's bags 😢 Time for a change! Good luck with your journey

I found you looking for fitness motivation. I stayed for the hilarity. I joined the Patreon for the realization that I needed to stop comparison and value authentic creators. Today was a reminder of what makes your channel such an awesome resource for me and others. I think in that time I was 353lbs and forcing myself to be healthy… to now being 210lbs and working on trying to run a sub 4 hour marathon. I realize that the reason I’m happier now is that I get to play with my kid without feeling limited by my body. I get to enjoy the world I have without fear of judgement or feeling less than. You didn’t do that for me, but you were definitely a cog in that wheel that has let me get to the point I am at today.

Thanks for another awesome video Mark. Your content has really helped me during recovery from anorexia nervosa, in the same way I know it’s helped countless others who are fighting the scale from the opposite end. When I’m having a tough time sometimes I throw on one of your videos to remind me that if I want to perform well as an ultra runner I need to fuel my body and treat it right - no way around it. I’ve done a lot of damage over the years, now with osteoporosis at 31, but you showed that a past of poor health does not have to mean the end for future athletic endeavours, as long as we work hard at it. It’s a bloody tough fight, but the message is the same for all of us: treat your body right and it will treat you the same.

As someone who also recently reached and passed 50, how great does the idea of having a wilderness property that you can't throw a ball out of sound. i frequently drive past my childhood home, its small and i loved it - because it had green space all round (or used to). Great video Mark.

Love it. I know exactly how you feel.

I think living with regret of not doing things because of uncertainty is more scary. Personally and professionally I have witnessed how time is not a given, your life can change in a blink of an eye. So try new things - that will help expand time, make the ‘would likes’ into actual existence and don’t save the best for special occasions, bring it out everyday! Regarding age- there are people who are 30 but seem to be 80, and then there are 80 year olds still living their best life. Don’t let your age define who you are or what you should be doing. Best of luck Mark with the new house and Kawasaki sponsorship!! Keep riding motorbikes- nothing like the grin inside of the helmet. 😊

This is one of the best video's I have seen on You Tube. Thank you Mark

a very beau miles esque vid, really like it

English bull terrier! What a lovely dog - you don’t see many these days! Anyways, I’m 52, and also at a crossroads. I have lived in the same town for 20 years, and I no longer recognise or like it much. My house, which was a dream house when I bought it, has turned into a mill stone. My marriage hasn’t exactly worked out - although we are still together and are the best of friends, but that’s all we are…..so, I agree, life is short. The last 2-3 years have been hard, and rather miserable, and I think it’s definitely time for a change……but at present I haven’t worked out what that change will be…….yet! Good luck with your new venture!

Wonderful sentiments. Thank you for the video.

This message was for me. I needed to hear it because scary holds me back, and I don't have time for that. Thank you.

This video was just what I needed to see I'm leaving for Australia on a one way ticket I'm 32 and scared but know in my heart I can't live and die in Cardiff. Thanks Mark this video was really awesome.and too see a guy older than me talking about taking new risks is refreshing and profoundly helpful. Best of luck

I just love that analogy of the day at the park. 55 here this month and I have 100lbs to lose and it's time for that last couple rides. Thanks for that one. Simply beautiful.

Great stuff Mark. Look mate, I was 41, had a top job in the US (I'm British) and out of nowhere, we got the chance to move and live in Italy, which had always been the dream. But it was sooooo scary. We're still here and wouldn't change a thing. Go for it. No regrets.

I’m 24. I’ve watched your videos for over a year now and this is one of my favorites you’ve done. One of my favorite quotes is “wherever you go, there you are” and this video exemplifies that perfectly.

I think it’s a fantastic move. I’ve watched so many renovation shows of houses in the country and I’m so envious.

Mark, credit to you for such a great video. All your videos are great BTW, but this was special. I'm surprised how touched I was by someone visiting their previous homes. And your line about Theme Parks nailed it. Thanks again. Life is like a theme park. When you’re young, it’s like 9:00am and the place has just opened, and you do what you want, because you’ve got all day. And then, before you know it, it’s half an hour before the place closes, and you have to really pick what you’re going to do next; because you haven’t got time for many more rides. And when this places closes, it doesn’t reopen.

I can honestly say, I’m in the exact same position at this point in my life. This video made me cry - not the field being built on 😂 - it was the theme park analogy that hit me. Time is flying past, take it and squeeze every bit of life out of it that you can, while you can. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.

Go for it, mate. 54 here, always train, eat and cycle well… this year brought a heart scare and cancerous tumour removal… but I made the scary move a few years ago already. A great woman with me and pure joy ever since. If it ended early… I was ok with it. I hope you find your peace

I emigrated to Australia in my twenties, it was terrifying! I've now come full circle and I am raising my family in Berkshire. I've learned that 'home' is a state of mind and not a geographical location. Best of luck in the move and can't wait to see the wilderness content.

Your emotional energy, 7.20 in is very honest 'I got better here'. marking a turning point or way back, for you. I went through something very similar. Sport dug me out of a hole too.

Wow…this was an amazing video. I am also in my 50s and like you understand that life is short and it goes by fast. My mom is in 80s, but her health started to decline in her late 70s. When you are in your 50s you understand 80 is right around the corner. The nice thing with KZfaq, you are not stuck with where your job is because you are your brand. Looking forward to seeing your next chapter

Hands down, the best video you've done this year. Live now, nobody gets out alive.

You’re a legend mate. Thanks for the genuine laugh out louds. ‘It’s a busy road’

Your best video yet, and you do many great vids. I will turn 60 in less than a year, so this one hit home. I just parted ways with a company that I worked at for 17 years and am now trying to start my own business. My emotions have ranged from exhilaration that I do not have to go back to that office to fear and despair that my venture will be a failure. This video is inspirational and gives me hope. THANK YOU!

❤Not sure why, but this brought tears to my eyes. Hope you get the farm and that it's a blessing to you and your family. Like you said, anywhere with the right people...

I won't bore you with how I relate to this or your channel in general, but thank you. It's a good influence on me.

wow, i'm 19 and this video was special - thanks for a sharing a deeper insight into your life

Moved to the US, solo, at 25. Pretty quickly realized nothing changes back home. Full send, go for it man!

Mark ive watched your videos and enjoyed them being in a similar situation /demographic but this one WOW !! You hit really it on the button my man ! I’m 55 divorced now back living at my mums having previously had my own house at 26 ,then got a house with gf/wife later another more expensive bigger house. Today No wife we split , no house divorce ,had illness first time in my life this last year , and have felt bit sorry for myself / bit lost , so videos like this get me in focus , life is short indeed and there’s no guarantees,all you can do is your best instinct go with your own flow , trust yourself and read Kiplings IF Top man and Top vid!!

Mark,....frank, honest, candid, reflective, encouraging, uplifting, humorous,......that's why we love you and your channel...the best one on KZfaq....keep going as we are all behind you mate 👍

When I turned 40 mu daughter went off to uni; I sat on my sofa and realised it was the first time in my life I was actually living on my own; i was single at the time, so i went and visted my cousin who was living in Kenya with her husband who was serving his last posting before he left the military. On my return i decided to join the TA, or Army Reserves as it was becoming; over the next 9 and a half years I deployed three times on operational tours, met a fantastic lady and from being a non physically fit person to a someone who enjoyed it. Moral of my story: don't sit on your sofa in ten years time thinking what it could have been, yes it can be scary; just do it.

I think this may be your best video. It hit hard. Im 36, i have a great wife and 2 great kids, just bought a lovely house last week, i have a good respectable job (which i hate), and still feel very lost in life. I feel like theres something else out there for me, but no clue what it is. I'll need to start trying to scare myself, and hopefully, i find out. Well done 👏🏻

Your content is so good! Thank you. I’m currently 39 and overweight and a bit lost. You’ve inspired me to get my act together. 👊🏼

This is one of the best things I've ever seen on KZfaq. Poetry. Thank you for sharing.

Great video, and I agree, I'm 53 still racing mountain bikes after 35 years, but time flies, there is not much time for 'one day maybe's', (Until a few years ago if I did this it would be the shortest cycling video on KZfaq, all 3 houses I lived in for over 40 years were within 250 metres of each other!)

Oh Mark!! What a video. By far your best for me. Thanks, really thanks.

Great video Mark. I just turned 49 and have been thinking like this for the last couple of years. When this carnival closes, it does not reopen. Been watching your vids for a few years now. Seems like just yesterday I stumbled across your channel. Jesus.

G'day mate. You have a habbit of kicking me right in the feels. I'm 3 years ish behind you in the fitness journey and miles behind, perhaps never own my own home again behind financially and let's not start on the too young wife bit :D (or the home of our youth being swallowed by urban sprawl bit!) So I've got into hiking and camping and started seeing those bits around me here in South Australia that I'd drive past with kids/ex-wife in the car and promised I'd do one day. So off I went with my $500 car and entry level camping and hiking gear and started living it. Started filming it. Started getting fit so I can see more of it. Great vid.

Amazingly, Honest & Raw. Beautiful Mark. Thanks for opening yourself up for this!!!!

Mark, I've got to be honest, when I saw the title I thought 'mmm I might leave this one". But as I watch all your videos and it popped up again a few days later I just clicked on it. Glad I did as it's such an honest and heartfelt quick story of your life. There is definitely a different side to you here. Great! But don't stop the humour 😁

2yrs ago I moved to Wales having spent my whole life living with 15miles of where I grew up in England. 2weeks ago I quite my job to go travel the world because they wouldn’t give me a sabbatical. Life is too short, don’t talk about doing stuff just do it else you’ll live with regret, and regret is something you can’t fix until they invent time travel.

Mark, you are a father figure and a role model in so many ways. This is exactly what I needed.

Man, did some of that resonate. Four years ago I moved out and my kids didn’t speak to me for two years. But now, with a messy divorce behind me, I’ve reconnected with two amazing sons and have a soul mate (who inconveniently lives in California, but they have better theme parks there). Now it’s time for my last ride. At 54, there are some big decisions to be made, and you’re right: it is scary. But not as scary as sitting in a care home wondering what if one day, maybe…

Do it Mark. I'm 52 this year and am considering a move from Dorset to Portugal. You can buy land there for peanuts, mountains everywhere, but the thought is making my bum twitch. Just imagine waking up and not hearing the M4!

Mark! My husband and I have yet to buy a house… we love our rental by the lake so much. But the time to move to a bigger place with land is calling. I want to plant fruit trees and a nice garden and it takes time. Thanks for this video, I added it to a playlist of reminders for life that I listen to at every seasonal change 🙏

Liked this one, Mark. Absolutely jump into life. At 62, I don't have a single regret because at least I always tried! Besides, you don't know if you'll die tomorrow or 40 years from now. You're 'young' to 40% of the population, and you enjoy GREAT physical fitness and ability. Do it! We'll be here for it, and for you.

I hope this is a compliment: Half cut Australian approaching 30 with 2 kids: Best video yet.

Your best video by a mile. Sometimes it's the message that carries more than any of the content.

Hi Mark I came by your blog purely by chance Its honest and food for thought for a lot of us good luck to you wherever life takes you.

Loved this ... Quite an emotional watch

This is a basic principle of Stoicism. Introduce discomfort into your life. Too much comfort and pleasure creates soft people. Hard times help us build resilience and inner strength. Important for weathering the, inevitably, tough times ahead. See discomfort as an antidote to easy living.

I’m watching this on a 2 hour stationary bike ride while getting back into shape at 33. Great message.

This video sums what i want to be like when im 50. No regrets (youve done hard scary shit, and lived your life), experienced the world, seen stuff.. and the rest. I am 24, and have dreams and goals... biggest and most scary one is starting my own business - getting it off the ground... but it'd also be one of my greatest achievements as ik the time, effort and emotion that has went into it. Being able to build something by myself (parents are not well off, this is all o me), and being like... i did that. wasnt easy, at all... but im fucking glad i tried and didnt give up. Seeing my parents face when i can look after them when theyre retired, travelling the world myself, and being in the position to help others would mean the world to me. Great watch boss

What a brilliant video. As a 50 year old who is kind of stuck in place, it really hit home.

Mark, I loved this video and especially your 'theme park' metaphor. I recently retired after a 42-year career with the same company and now I am trying to figure out 'which ride to pursue' given the limitations I have imposed upon myself. I wish you and your family great success with the new pile and I hope it is less expensive to get the bats out of your attic than it was to remove the squirrels from mine.

Go for it Mark ! I now live in the Country side in Yorkshire (not ridiculously remote) but having just spent a nice weekend in London with the family we are all-so happy to back the hills ! … and i will certainly watch your journey !

Brilliant, inspiring,profound.

This is my favourite vlog of all time . I read where you are. I've been there too and had a heart transplant on top . Thank you Mark for all your inspiration.

Turned 60 a year or so ago and still can’t get my head round it ,all my hope and dreams .my looking forward seem to be in the rear view mirror.particularly my health.I used to Run 34min 10k.s now with my dodgy knee I’m glad I can just about walk without a limp ..so Mark good luck ,after all its not a matter of life or death ,it’s just a house and the Pru,s loss

Great advice. Must have been nostalgic cycling past all your old haunts

At the age of 40 I'm leaving my safe job in suburbia in southern England for a tiny island in the Atlantic in the next few weeks. I did it once before, got scared and came back. It was a terrible mistake. I get that oppressive, overbearing feeling of living on the edge of town that just grows around you. It's forced me out. Good luck!

Rings home with me in a way. At 51 my family and I were meant to move, Covid hit, broke me (financially) and just getting out of it now. Lost our dream house. Rebuilding now, doing Marathon Des Sables next year and in 2/3 years (at God help me, 53,) we will be in the forever home.. Physical challenges helped me get over the mental things..

One of your best videos Mark, both funny and quite emotional at times. Life is too short so do what you can while you can, as you never know what shit might be around the corner!

Congrats old man!! Have an epic journey with not too many regrets!!

One of your best videos for a completely different reason. Loved the reflection and insight. “Didn’t always get faster, but I got better here.” Thanks for sharing Mark!

Wow, your theme park analogy has really got to me. It's funny how something you know can really hit you when framed in a different way. I hope your next move goes well.

Amazing video there, Mark, you really conveyed a mood and message. I moved from England to NZ 10 years ago, I was in a new relationship, gave up a good job, and having never visited here! I know what you must be feeling.. I now have 22acres in the middle of nowhere on the bottom of the world, I run, bike, swim, hike all in my own garden, and it’s liberating.. you won’t look back!

A quite emotional take on things, was hanging on every word, I wish you all well in your next ventures, all done with gusto no doubt 👌

We’re the same age. I had a go on a GPZ900 in 1991 or maybe ‘92 inspired by the movie. Still love those bikes! Your words are profound and echo my own thoughts. Last year I began a journey to become an Ironman Triathlete. Next year, I’m moving to the coast and buying a boat. I don’t know how, but I’ll make it happen.