Endurance Challenge

Today I complete my October Fitness Challenge, The Tri Lunatic Endurance Challenge.  This challenges was a virtual event that encourages individuals to stay active by participating in a series of endurance events from 5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon, ultra-marathons, triathlons or 33 mile bike ride. Once could pick one or several events. The proceeds of this virtual challenge went to the Wounded Warrior Project.

So the logical question is why did I sign up for this?  Personally, I enjoy the freedom of participating in endurance event because the battle is not against anyone else or the clock. It is against myself-mentally and physically.

During this month I watched several videos and TV shows to include: Kona World Iron Man Championships,  Into Thin Air about Mt.Everest climbers and the Esquire Network's new series, Boundless, about two men participating in extreme endurance events on each of the seven continents.   What I found most intriguing while watching these events is that the true battle is internal.  Yes, physically these athletes were prepared but most battle with something more sinister, the mind!  This is an area of interest of mine since I began studying human behavior.  Besides being a psychiatric/mental health RN, I also have a Masters in Counseling Psychology.  I have always been fascinated by certain individual's ability to overcome obstacles while others just simply CRACK. Literally, there are those who are simply resilient while others simply through up their hands when the going gets tough.  Personally, I see this on a daily basis while working on psychiatric/mental health unit. I have patients tell me.." Life is too hard. I just don't know how to deal with xyz."  Many want a pill or quick fix. Endurance challenges require that we adapt to changing conditions.  Such events remind us to focus on the process not the outcome.  I tell patients,  " It is the challenge that changes us." Many just don't believe me, but there is a growing body of evidence that has shown a direct correlation and increase in mental illness amongst adolescents because they have not had to work hard for rewards.  When things get tough, they bail or resort to destructive behaviors i.e. self-mutilation, drugs/alcohol and/or cheating.  Indeed there has been a societal shift that espouses that we should gain rewards instantly. But what one fails to realize is that it is only through the Process that we learn, change and grow. Ask yourself-How do you handle challenges? Do you just give up when things get difficult? The  real story is in the struggle and steadfastness. 

One compelling documentary I watched  this month was Higher Ground. It was about soldiers who where discharged from Active Military Service due to physical or mental afflictions.  All soldiers trekked to Mt. Everest.  What did I learn ? We all have challenges some are mental some are physical. I contend that the mental afflictions are the most damaging.

During the film, one blind soldier's tenacity and grit provided profound insight to another soldier who was afflicted with PTSD/Major Depression.  While another soldier who had one leg amputated eloquently stated, " I am doing more with one leg than I ever did with two. Don't wait until something bad happens to start living. Do it now!  Go for the long, slow burn rather than the quick result." I agree 100%.


Not sure if I answered the questions of why I like endurance events or not, but this is my personal mantra.

Personal Mantra:  Anything is possible as long as you have breath and belief.
Do NOT bind your goals or your life by time. Focus on the process!

BTW... I completed the 33 mile challenge, 5k challenge, 10k challenge,  half marathon challenge  and 18 miles runs + this month. No you will not see time, speed or pace.  That was not the focus. Only goals were completion,  learning to live in the moment, reduce stress and increase mental and physical wellness.

All in all it was a good month!  Next month ~ new endurance challenges await.

It is all about the journey.....