What I have learned throughout my years of racing in marathons and triathlons has impacted me in profound ways. The impact it has on me extends way beyond the physical. It’s an amazing and transformative journey that takes place throughout the training and I’ve listed here my top reasons for continuing my journey as an endurance athlete.
1. Better Mental Fortitude / Confidence
There is something to be said for surprising yourself and surpassing your perceived limitations. The great thing about endurance training is that you get back what you put in. When you train, you learn your body can do things you never believed possible. You also learn to push past pain and exhaustion to a whole new level of power. When I completed my first marathon, I felt I was invincible. That feeling spills into other areas of life. You learn that hard work and dedication pay off. So, you continue to push against all of life’s limits, not just the physical or fitness barriers.
2. Healthier Body
Endurance sports create a stronger, healthier body. Muscles, cardiovascular system, bones, joints, and lungs all learn to adapt to the new task of sustaining a strong pace for hours. Endurance athletes also enjoy faster metabolisms due to more lean muscle mass, so we can indulge our sweet tooth more without the guilt. Sustained exercise also reduces the risk of most debilitating diseases. Heart disease and cancer run in my immediate family, so this was one of the primary reasons I began running.
Also, I believe in practicing what I preach! As a personal trainer, I think I owe it to my clients that you can balance family life, a full-time job, and continue to set goals for yourself and make progress in all aspects of life. It inspires them to get out of their comfort zone.
3. Clearer Thinking
While ramping up the mileage too fast or overtraining can cause mental and physical fatigue, exercise done properly has been shown by researchers to actually help with cognitive function. It was also found to be a preventative to Alzheimer’s in older people. For anyone who has done endurance sports, the best thinking time may be on the road or in the water. Exercise improves circulation throughout the body, and the brain benefits from this.
4. Better Self Image
When I don’t exercise, I struggle with my weight and self-image. When I train and participate in endurance races, a very nice side effect is that my clothes fit better. This improves my confidence and interactions with others. I don’t worry too much about how many calories I’m consuming each day when I am training. Also, it helps me make healthier choices when I eat so I have a better workout and sustain a strong immune system.
5. Amazing Friendships
Endurance sports draw a quality crowd. You meet the type of people who encourage you to pull out the inward athlete and readily share knowledge to help you get there. When we train together we share the highs and lows of a tough workout, the blood, sweat, and tears, pushing ourselves past physical limitations. You become raw and real, and that forms the best foundation for strong relationships. Also, no matter where you travel, when fellow athletes meet you, you often find yourself joining them in a workout. It’s a passionate commonality that connects us.
6. Better Peace of Mind
Runners often joke that running is cheaper than therapy. There is truth to that. Many psychologists believe exercise works at the same level or better than antidepressants. It must be all those endorphin surges! Running is also a great stress relief from the every-day emotional impacts of life.
7. Better Sleep & More Energy
Endurance training helps with better sleep. On days I don’t train, I often have trouble sleeping. However, when I’m on a daily training schedule, running, biking, and swimming hard in all that fresh air and sunshine, I sleep like a baby. I also start my morning refreshed and energized. If you can train your body to propel you forward for hours on end through all types of terrain and weather, getting through the day is easy. Your body becomes efficient, and you get more done, in less time, with more energy.
8. Fountain of Youth
Exercise increases production of HGH or Human Growth Hormone. HGH has been tied to many benefits, specifically anti-aging. All exercise increases HGH, but anaerobic exercise is especially helpful. Most endurance athletes also hit the weight room to remain competitive and keep their core strong to reduce injury.
9. The Accomplishment
Race day, for me, represents a celebration of a pretty rockin’ trip that has changed me as a person. On this day I reflect on my journey; the commitment, dedication, perseverance of the training, the friends I made along the way, and the support I received from my family and friends. I am always happy that I took that first step and have a greater self-belief to achieve success.
10. Better Quality and Quantity of Life
No one can deny that regular exercise increases the quality and quantity of life. You reduce the risk of systemic disease and increase life expectancy when you begin endurance training. You enjoy better health, improved self-image, clearer thinking, increased energy, mental toughness, better relationships, better sleep, stay younger longer, are happier, and enjoy amazing relationships. This translates into a better over-all existence on this planet.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to ditch the T.V. marathons for some real marathon training! Chose a race, find a club, hit the road, gym, or pool to enjoy these benefits today.
“Life is a journey, not a destination”. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Paula Smith, ACE CPT