7 Things No One Tells You Before You Start Endurance Training

Of course there are many unknowns when you take on a new challenge. Whether it's a new hobby or a new sport, there is always a learning curve. Endurance training is no different! Here are 7 things I believe you should know before you start.

• It is often lonely
• Things will go wrong
• Nutrition is key
• The importance of rest
• It is a mental sport
• Everyone’s journey is unique
• Your "why" gets you through
  

It Is Often Lonely

When you commit to training for a marathon or an Ironman, you might not realize how many hours you will spend alone. The early morning runs, solo bike rides, and quiet laps in the pool are typically done alone – with no one to push you or hold you accountable. Let me preface, I believe this is essential to your success as an endurance athlete. Doing hard things, when you don’t want to and when you don’t HAVE to, develops personal discipline in a unique way. It gives you mental fortitude for when things go wrong.

Things Will Go Wrong

Mike Tyson once famously said, “everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.” The same is true of endurance sports. No matter how meticulously you plan your nutrition, training schedule, or race day strategy, something will likely go wrong. Whether it is getting kicked in the face on the swim, dropping your gels unknowingly at the beginning of the run, or dealing with unpredictable weather - adaptability is key. Embracing the challenges and learning to pivot when things don’t go as planned is essential. It’s these moments that will truly test your resilience and determination as an athlete.

Nutrition Is Key

Fueling your body properly is critical for both training and racing.  In general, having a well-balanced diet of carbs, proteins, and fats ensures adequate energy supply and muscle repair. “Carb loading” before big workouts and races helps fill your glycogen stores which are your energy source for long sustained efforts.  Hydration is equally vital; staying well-hydrated can prevent cramps and fatigue. Finding the right nutrition strategy will involve experimentation—what works for one athlete might not work for another.

The Importance of Rest

Rest and recovery are not optional components of training for a marathon or an Ironman, as they allow the body to repair and strengthen itself after intense workouts. During rest periods, muscles rebuild, energy stores are replenished, and the risk of injury decreases. Additionally, recovery time helps prevent burnout, ensuring you can maintain motivation and performance throughout your training cycles. Prioritizing recovery ultimately leads to improved race-day performance and long-term success. A couple of recovery tools that have benefitted me are foam rollers, compression boots, and cold plunging. 

It Is A Mental Sport

Endurance sports are just as mentally taxing as they are physically draining. The mental fortitude required cannot be understated. There is no “if” you hit the wall, it is only “when.” Maybe it is on race day, or maybe it will be throughout training. Either way, every endurance athlete at some point is forced to make a decision –  will I quit or will I keep going? The mental game is crucial to success in the sport and it develops over time with consistent effort and commitment.

Everyone’s Journey Is Unique

When you begin endurance training, you may be tempted to follow a stock plan or imitate what elite athletes are doing. While these strategies can offer guidance, it is important to know that everyone has a different start line and unique needs. The old adage, “run your own race” is as true on race day as it is when it comes to your training plan. Having a training plan that is specifically tailored to your individual goals and circumstances is crucial. Consider working with a coach to develop a personalized plan that maximizes your potential and minimizes the risk of injury.

Your “Why” Gets You Through

Endurance training will break you down. It's tough, and there will be days when quitting feels like the easier option. Understanding your "why"—the deeper motivation driving you to take on this challenge—will be your anchor during difficult times. Whether it’s personal growth, achieving a specific goal, or racing for a cause, your purpose will help you push through the toughest moments. Think about this before you start this journey. If you want to race for something bigger than yourself, consider joining Kingdom Endurance. We are a group of Christian athletes who race for God’s glory and to expand His kingdom!

Bonus: Coaches Save You Time And Money

Consider working with a coach to develop a personalized plan that maximizes your potential and minimizes the risk of injury. A coach can help build a nutrition plan, offer insights to mental toughness, and make the journey seem a lot less lonely. Coaches take the guess work out of training so you save time and can focus on executing your workouts. We offer personalized coaching at Kingdom Endurance that will help you overcome all of these hurdles!

In the coming weeks, I’ll dive deeper into these topics to help you navigate your endurance training journey. If you have questions or want to hear about specific subjects, feel free to reach out!