Seeking Suffering: The Key to Breakthrough Performances

We’re constantly seeking ways to improve our performance and reach our goals as runners. We train hard, push ourselves to the limit, and strive to be the best we can be. But there’s one aspect of training that often gets overlooked, and it’s perhaps the most important of all: seeking suffering.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Seeking suffering? That sounds crazy!” And you’re right, it does sound a bit unusual. After all, why would anyone want to intentionally put themselves through pain and discomfort? But hear me out, because seeking suffering is actually the key to unlocking your full potential as a runner.

The Central Governor Model

To understand why seeking suffering is so important, we need to take a closer look at how our brains work. According to one theory of the brain called the “central governor model,” the brain is set up to protect us from danger. It’s constantly monitoring our body, and if it senses something concerning, it begins a process to protect itself.

In running, this means that when we push ourselves hard, our brain starts to send fatigue messages to our mind. It’s essentially telling us to slow down or stop, even if we’re physically capable of continuing. This is why those first few runs as a new runner can be so tough—not only are we not yet physically trained for them, but our brain is screaming at us to stop.

But here’s the thing: the more we expose ourselves to suffering in training, the more our brain adapts. It starts to realize that running isn’t actually a threat, and it takes more and more effort before it starts sending those fatigue messages. This is where the magic happens.

The Drip Method

So how do we go about seeking suffering in a way that’s safe and effective? The answer is the drip method. This means gradually and steadily exposing ourselves to a little more suffering each time we train. We do this through a combination of speed work, tempo runs, and long runs.

A smart training plan will typically include one to three workouts per week where we intentionally seek out suffering. These workouts might be:

• Speed workouts where we push ourselves to run faster than we’re comfortable with
• Tempo runs where we sustain a challenging pace for an extended period of time
• Long runs where we gradually increase the distance and duration of our runs

By consistently exposing ourselves to suffering in these key workouts, we train our brain to tolerate more and more discomfort. We build mental toughness and resilience, which translates directly to better performance on race day.

Mantra Development

Of course, seeking suffering isn’t easy. There will be times when our brain is screaming at us to stop, and it takes a lot of mental strength to push through. This is where mantra development comes in.

A mantra is essentially a short phrase or set of words that we repeat to ourselves during tough moments in training or racing. It can be something as simple as “Stay strong” or “You can do it,” or it can be a physical cue like shaking out our arms or focusing on our running form.

The key is to find a mantra that resonates with you and helps you stay focused and motivated when the going gets tough. Experiment with different mantras during your key workouts, and see what works best for you.

Building Confidence

Perhaps the biggest benefit of seeking suffering in training is the confidence it builds. When we consistently push ourselves outside of our comfort zone and come out the other side, we start to believe in ourselves more. We realize that we’re capable of handling discomfort and that we have what it takes to achieve our goals.

This confidence is invaluable on race day. When the pain sets in and our brain starts telling us to quit, we can draw on our training and remind ourselves that we’ve been here before. We know we can handle it because we’ve done it countless times in training.

Of course, it’s important to note that seeking suffering doesn’t mean being reckless or pushing ourselves too hard too soon. It’s all about finding the right balance and gradually increasing the challenge over time. If we suffer too much too soon, we risk injury, burnout, and a loss of confidence. But when done correctly, seeking suffering is the ultimate form of brain training.

Embrace the Suffering

So the next time you head out for a run, remember to embrace the suffering. Seek it out in your key workouts, and view it as an opportunity to build mental toughness and resilience. Develop a mantra that works for you, and use it to stay focused and motivated when the going gets tough.

Most importantly, remember that seeking suffering is all about the long game. It’s not about any one workout or race, but rather the cumulative effect of consistently pushing ourselves outside of our comfort zone. It’s about gradually building our tolerance for discomfort so that when race day comes, we’re ready to handle anything that comes our way.

So embrace the suffering, my fellow runners. It may not always be easy, but it’s the key to unlocking your full potential and achieving those breakthrough performances you’ve always dreamed of. Trust in the process, stay focused on your goals, and most importantly, never give up.

Happy running!

For more tips and strategies on how to train smarter and race faster, be sure to check out our McMillan Run Team and personalized coaching options. With the right guidance and support, you can take your running to the next level and achieve your biggest goals.

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