The Joy of Striving to Become Better

MUSINGS FROM A COACH - 5 AUGUST '25

All of us enter and continue participating in endurance sports for various reasons. However, joy serves as the fundamental driving force that keeps us coming back for more.

This joy can manifest in different ways. It could be the satisfaction of feeling fit, adopting a healthier lifestyle, connecting with like-minded individuals, challenging ourselves, and ultimately realizing our capabilities. But one joy that transcends all is the realization of personal improvement.

For many athletes, this improvement is often measured by physical performance. For instance, when we start running, we notice our strength and speed improving. Similarly, committing to a bike program leads to longer rides and improved overall well-being. As we continue learning swimming, we feel more comfortable in the water and witness our technique enhance.

These physical improvements are easily observable and highly motivating. However, as we mature in endurance sports, progress becomes increasingly incremental. The reality of the “ebb and flows” of fitness becomes painfully evident. We encounter plateaus and the frustrating aftermath of fatigue. These challenges can be disheartening for those who have been dedicated to endurance sports for a while.

That’s why I believe it’s crucial to include mental performance in our joy of seeing improvements. As we gain experience, knowledge, and physical adaptations through endurance sports, our minds undergo significant changes. We develop incredible self-awareness, learn to mentally handle challenges during training, refine our skills in preparing for races, and cultivate a sense of self-confidence in our abilities.

We mentally evolve.

For many endurance athletes who have dedicated their third, fourth, or even fifth year or more to this lifestyle, they often focus too much on physical progress and neglect mental growth. To continue improving, we must recognize the importance of mental development.

Reflect on your journey from where you started to where you are now as a person, an athlete, and in your daily life. That’s the joy worth celebrating and identifying. And guess what? There’s still room for further improvement, which means more joy. :)