Going Longer Part 1: Embracing the Unknown
Many people do endurance sport because it tests their resolve. They get value from those tests–information about strengths and clarity on weaknesses. Taking on an event that is longer than anything you’ve done before places you on the stage of the unknown. This can be a scary place, but if you are methodical and intelligent, you can manage that fear and move into your test with some sense of belief you can achieve. You may ponder, “Am I good enough?” When going long, the answers are loud and clear.
The people who choose to step onto that unknown stage and perform know the value in taking risks. Each long day of training or racing sets a new stage, a new opportunity, a new view of self, a higher value. There is significant value to going longer than you’ve gone before, and those who have know this. Those who seek going longer, sense it, and may build their own opportunities to go longer.
“Going Longer” in Perspective
When considering taking your race distance up a notch, you need to embrace this change with eyes wide open. Going longer will not only place demands on your time, it will require you to change up your perspective on your sport in various ways. Over the next several weeks I’ll offer a few critical perspectives to consider when looking at going longer. Stay tuned!
- from: Triathlon Revolution: Training, Technique and Inspiration