One of the members at my gym was a competitive ultra runner for years.  Everything from 50K to 100 milers – he’s been there and done that.  He actually ran with me during my one and only ultra, a 50K, several years back.

One of his favorite sayings refers to “going to the well.”  In simple terms, it’s the ability to dig deep in the midst of a race (or competition) when the situation calls for it.  For him, it might’ve been battling through stomach issues or muscle cramps in the midst of a 100 mile race.  For most of us, it’s leaning into discomfort in the middle of a workout versus settling into cruise control instead.

And though some of us would like to believe we either have it or not, it’s not that simple.  

In the reference to the Sport of Fitness, with Semifinals now over, there were plenty of examples of athletes “going to the well.”  Even though their body language may not display the suffering they put themselves through, the innate effort was there.  From my perspective, the best example might’ve been the run and clean & jerk workout.

All of which brings me to my point – that suffering, especially in sports, is optional.  It is a choice, a decision that must be willingly made in the face of uncertainty – but it is a big part of what separates those who win and those who don’t.

Here’s the caveat:  training should put you there, but only in small instances.  It should put you in positions where you choose to make the uncomfortable decision to “hurt.”  Like anything else, it should be progressed, slowly – to build confidence and tolerance – almost like any cycle of training would.

And therein lies the challenge – to put yourself, as an athlete, in a position where the end result of “winning” is simply choosing not to lose – and they are different.  It’s a skill that must be practiced with just enough frequency that your body knows how to do it without burning the candle at both ends.  

Learn how to “go to the well” when the situation calls for it, and you’ll see your ability to compete improve.

If you are looking for ways to continually train a strong mindset, make sure you email help@conquerathlete.com to see how our coaching staff can guide you with sound programming and the leadership.

-Coach Jerod Gordon