by Kristina Pattison, DPT, OCS, CSCS
Life as an endurance athlete is a collection of experiences, highs and lows, with some epic triumphs and some mournful tribulations. Endurance is like a stool with three legs–physical fitness, mental fortitude, and logistical finesse. We think of physical fitness as the main indicator of potential endurance, but it must be complemented by both mental toughness and a good logistics plan for optimal outcomes.
Physical Fitness
Over time, regular participation in exercise will develop cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and neuromuscular adaptations needed for improved physical performance. Without regularly running–a lot–it is not possible to run an ultra-distance race, let alone do well while trying. Physical fitness is an expression of what one does with their life, and in the case of ultrarunners we run. The process of running consistently builds a need for exercise and comfort with the uncomfortable. In this way, physical fitness and mental fortitude are intrinsically related, but the mental demands of ultra cannot be underestimated.
Read more about fitness concepts: Training Load and Balance
Mental Fortitude
The more physically prepared one is for an event, generally the less mental anguish it will take to complete. (And usually the less distressing the outcome). But still, some athletes do have exceptionally high mental drive and may be exceedingly experienced with pushing through difficult personal challenges. Strong mental drive consists of three characteristics: curiosity, courage, and competitiveness. Curiosity gets people started with exploring their boundaries, for example running a longer distance or exploring different terrain. Courage helps them show up despite self-doubt or fear of failure. And competitiveness keeps athletes coming back in the pursuit of excellence.
When the combination of curiosity, courage and competitiveness leads to small tastes of success, confidence grows. A daily practice of physically training, reflecting, adjusting and reworking helps answer questions and demystify the unknown, building confidence. Physical training therefore helps to build mental fortitude. But no matter how physically and mentally fit an athlete may be, they must still develop experience with planning logistics for endurance events.
Read more: Do You Have the Drive to be an Ultrarunner?
Logistical Finesse
Logistics involves coordinating supplies, people, and facilities to pull off a complex operation. By logistical finesse I mean having skill with planning for and during events. The foundation for this skill is built during a daily training program over a long period of time. Planning where to run or workout each day, what clothes to wear, what gear to carry, coordinating with running partners, and timing nutrition all takes serious logistical finesse. Interestingly, this is one of the most important yet underestimated skills of endurance athletes.
Inappropriate gear for race conditions, ineffective nutrition or pacing strategies, or sickness arising from increased pre-race stress can all end a race early. Those who test their process in training relentlessly, and plan meticulously are going to have the highest likelihood of avoiding surprises on race day.
Read more: Event Planning and Prepping Like a Pro
Developing the three pillars of physical fitness, mental fortitude and logistical finesse together is the best way for any endurance athlete to build confidence and success.
Kristina “KPat” Pattison is a competitive ultrarunner from Missoula, Montana and performance running coach for Flight Phase Endurance Coaching. She works as a doctor of physical therapy with a board certified specialty in orthopedics through American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, and holds a certification as a specialist in strength and conditioning through NSCA. Kristina specializes in the performance and rehabilitation of runners and wildland firefighters. Get in touch!