Now I thrive when things are hard

MUSINGS FROM A COACH - 18 FEBRUARY '25

Well, for those unaware, I’m not active on social media personally (Team MPI is, though!), but I do follow quite a few individuals on YouTube. One of these “YouTubers” I recently started following is Coach David Roche (https://youtu.be/C0w-orswOjE?feature=shared).

A lifelong competitive runner, Coach Roche made a remarkable breakthrough last year by adopting an entirely new and unconventional training and fueling regimen. Surprisingly, he broke the long-standing Leadville 100 run course record, even though he'd only previously completed a 50-miler. Shortly after, he secured victory in the Javelina Jundred, further solidifying his status as a trailblazer in the sport.

Coach Roche is a genuinely passionate and compassionate individual, and he doesn’t hold back his emotions on his channel. While I may not resonate with his emotional intensity, I’ve discovered many profound “pearls of wisdom” from him that demonstrate his expertise in elite sports.

One such quote from his latest episode resonates deeply with me:

“I used to thrive when things were effortless, and now I thrive when things are hard.”

I find this quote intriguing for several reasons. Many believe that the ultimate goal of endurance sports performance is achieving an elusive “effortless flow” during an event. However, I don’t subscribe to this notion. While elite athletes often describe feeling “in the moment, almost effortlessly…” during an event, I believe this “effortlessness” is a misconception.

In reality, these athletes have undergone rigorous training that has conditioned their minds and bodies for the exceptionally demanding nature of the event. As a result, the extreme effort becomes second nature, and their minds embrace it with a sense of comfort and familiarity, akin to wearing a well-worn leather jacket.

If we understand this phenomenon, Coach Roche’s statement becomes highly meaningful and can serve as a roadmap for many of us to pursue breakthrough performances. By cultivating a mindset that allows us to believe in our ability to excel even when faced with challenges, our potential becomes boundless.

“I used to thrive when things were effortless, and now I thrive when things are hard.”

Why not give this mindset a try?

Gratefully, 

MarkCEO Team MPI