Train Your Brain: Getting Comfortable with Discomfort

Train Your Brain

Getting Comfortable with Discomfort

Nita Sweeney

Discomfort has a bad reputation. Most of us prefer to avoid it if we can. But when you listen to high-level athletes talk about training, they have a different relationship to pain than the average person. Elites might not enjoy discomfort, but they know the pain of a good workout leads to the success they seek.

The key is to gradually desensitize the body and mind to the discomfort we face as long-distance runners and walkers. By exposing ourselves to small amounts of discomfort that increase over time, we train both our bodies and minds to tolerate pain. And by making these increases gradually, we also guard against injury.

Marathoner in Training (MIT) is specifically designed to make “gradual desensitization” happen. Here’s how:

• A race-specific training plan: The MIT training plans build over time, gradually pulling us out of our comfort zones.

• “Grit” workouts (aka speed work): We balance tough workouts with less tough workouts. We don’t go 100% every workout, but once in a while, we kick it into high gear.

• Hills: “Mt. FrontRunner” has a purpose. Hill work and especially hill repeats are “speed work” in disguise. They help us embrace discomfort by offering opportunities to challenge our normal flatlander training.

• Fellowship and Friendly Competition: Ever heard the saying “a rising tide lifts all boats?” That’s what’s happening at MIT. Your pace coaches, pace group members, grit workout buddies, and the entire community of MIT helps each of us safely test and push our limits.

• Mindset Instruction: These “Train Your Brain” articles introduce you to and remind you of the power of your mind. As a bonus, if you reach out to me, I’ll be happy to give you an object of meditation for your next workout.

Additionally, you can learn to befriend mental discomfort on your own with simple mindfulness practices. Most of us want to turn away from pain, but that only works for so long.

Gradually learning to embrace mental pain will serve us, especially on race day, when no amount of distraction suffices. We can use everyday irritants such as boredom, frustration, and disagreements as opportunities to notice how we tense up around this type of “pain.” By opening the mind to discomfort, becoming curious about it, and allowing life to be as it is, we train our minds to endure increasing levels of pain.

Again, no one is suggesting you go all masochist here. But learning to tolerate physical and emotional pain will help you reach your goals.

Long-time MIT member Nita Sweeney is an ultramarathoner and the award-winning author of four books including A Daily Dose of Now, Make Every Move a Meditation, and Depression Hates a Moving Target. As a certified mindfulness teacher and coach, Nita helps athletes, professionals, and creatives thrive.