I often tell my athletes, “Who cares about running?” Even the fastest humans aren’t all that fast compared to vehicles used by people who get worn out walking up a staircase. Running a sub-4 mile or a 9-second 100m dash wouldn’t save you from most large land predators. We humans are fascinated by track records, but it's like determining who's the fastest at moving slow when you really think about it.
If you can’t win big money at marathons or land a sponsorship deal with a major shoe company, what's the point? Maybe I’ll reconsider if there’s a zombie apocalypse, but for now, I’m holding to these statements.
Certainly, personal running achievements by amateur athletes seem insignificant on their own. However, that doesn’t mean running itself is meaningless. In fact, I’d argue there’s tremendous value in being an endurance athlete that those who avoid challenges may never appropriate. This value lies in the brain development that occurs when one willingly faces the pain and discomfort inherent in our sport.
In his International Bestseller, “The 5AM Club,” Robin Sharma writes, “The single best way to build your willpower is to voluntarily put yourself into conditions of discomfort…you have the capacity for world-class self control. The real key is to push your brain to develop new neural pathways and to force your willpower muscles to flex and stretch, intentionally working those natural resources up to their highest level” (Sharma pp. 173-174). This is precisely what pursuing a high-level endurance training program achieves.
Indeed, long-distance running is more about transforming the brain into a world-class processor than simply building muscles and bones. Research indicates running affects brain size, activity, neurogenesis, and other measurable attributes. Depending on how earnestly one pursues excellence in running, it can foster a mindset that is “so strong, courageous and undefeatable, that no matter what obstacles they face and difficulties they experience, they continue on their quest for their glorious goals” (Sharma p. 174).
Endurance training challenges individuals to confront discomfort, thereby building resilience and enhancing self-control. Moreover, the neurological benefits of running are increasingly recognized, demonstrating its capacity to enhance brain function and psychological resilience. The journey of becoming an endurance athlete cultivates a mindset of determination and perseverance that extends far beyond the track or trail. Ultimately, running transforms not only the body but also the mind, equipping individuals with the strength and fortitude to face life’s challenges head-on.
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