"The ultrarunning world is inundated with phrases like sufferfest, suffer better, and the like. I understand that some sincerely want to "visit a dark place," to explore the depths of suffering when they're running. Others want to collect tales of suffering and share them, whether with themselves or others. They are the conquering hero or the noble adventurer who fell only in the face of insurmountable pain."
"However, I'm here to say suffering is optional - at least from a mindset point of view, which I'll get into in a minute. But, I'll pause here for a moment to express that I think the prevalence of such suffering-based or macho-themed messaging is a detriment to the sport. Yes, it certainly appeals to and resonates with a subset of the community. But, I'd guess it's a turnoff for plenty of potential ultrarunners."
"Adventure An ultramarathon can often be a journey into the unknown before, during, and after, be it mentally, physically, geographically, or experientially. If you're reading this, there's a decent chance that you have a desire to see what's out there. That could be a new location, a new time of day, or a new set of conditions. Let's go see what's over ... there!"
Suffering is not a necessary component of ultrarunning; mindset choices allow runners to avoid seeking pain. The prevalence of suffering-focused and macho messaging can deter potential participants and narrow the sport's appeal. Alternative motivations for ultramarathon participation include adventure, curiosity about physical capabilities, wonder, exploration of new terrain or conditions, and pursuing personal limits without intentional suffering. Runners can prioritize joy, connection, curiosity, and discovery over narratives of battle or conquest. Emphasizing diverse motivations can broaden participation and make ultrarunning more inclusive for people who value experience over proving endurance through pain.
Read at iRunFar
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]