When you ask any endurance athlete why they do what they do, you are likely to get reasons that are as different as the athletes you ask. Some are motivated by the endless quest for the proverbial “runners high,” some are channeling their pain or anxiety into something constructive, while others began for weight loss and discovered a new joy, and others yet just don’t know when to quit. Ultramarathoners and Iron(wo)men can often agree that they began a journey to find their limits and only found new goals to reach. If you are on a quest to become an endurance athlete or you simply want some motivation from endurance athletes to find a starting point for any physical endeavor, we’ve done the leg work for you by interviewing top athletes and generating a list of four things every pro agrees they couldn’t succeed without. Join us as we share the list that is sure to launch your new passion and overcome the intimidation the mileage may evoke.
1. Grit
Grit is a personality trait that can be developed over time and includes an individual perseverance of effort combined with the passion for a particular and specific long-term goal. As Mahatma Gandhi so eloquently said, “strength does not come from a physical capacity, but from an indomitable will.” It is common knowledge in the endurance world that 90% of the sport is mental and the other half is physical. There is no denying that without grit, you’ve got no chance. But, rest assured, grit isn’t something you are born with or without, but is something that can be harvested, given the right motivation. It’s within us all; it just may have been forced into dormancy, and it’s up to you to uncage it.
2. A Supportive Team
No man is an island, and where there is a successful endurance athlete, you’ll find a supportive team alongside them. Whether it’s a coach offering advice and direction, and continually challenging them, or a family who tolerates the long hours of training and then claps wildly at each finish line, a supportive team is one of the most powerful tools in any athlete’s toolbox.
3. Fuel
Your body is not a machine. You need hydration and nourishment that allows your body to function optimally and will support the endeavors you attempt. Eating junk is just as counterproductive as attempting to limit caloric intake while expending much more energy than the average person. Fuel your body to offer its best attempt to keep up with the challenges you present it.
4. Durable Shoe Inserts
For endurance sports, the single most important piece of equipment is undoubtedly your running shoes. We aren’t here to tell you which ones are the best because it depends more on your gait, the shape of your foot, and your natural stride. What we can tell you is that you should definitely visit a running store and get individual recommendations. While you are there, upgrade your shoe and optimize your endurance with a pair of durable, comfortable, shock-absorbing shoe inserts. Insoles can help disperse pressure and energy and absorb shock and stress so that you can make your dates with the road and keep your commitment to your training schedule.
At Americules, we have used our proprietary polymer formulation to create cut-to-fit shoe inserts that can handle the mileage you put on them while retaining their shape and offering unbeatable comfort and support with a tapered design. If you are looking to try your hand at endurance sport, visit us online to invest in a pair of insoles that are guaranteed to keep up.
