Feeling Burned Out? Finding Balance Between Athletic Performance and Living a Fulfilling Life

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My name is Richard Gleave 2017 , and I've taken on and finished numerous distances , all the way up through 220 miles , and I am unashamedly a member of the back of the pack , just like you guys . Now , I was recently reading an article I think it was in Ultra Runner magazine and it really resonated with me , since I struggle quite a bit with the concept .

So I did a little additional research and today I'm going to tackle a topic with you that I think we can all recognize this optimization craze . So when chasing performance clashes with living life , what do I mean by that ? Well , in the world of ultra running , optimization often becomes something of a holy grail .

We're out there , tweaking our training regimes , refining our diets and obsessing over the latest gear and technology , all in pursuit of shaving off minutes , seconds and sometimes hours , pushing farther and performing better . But here's the question that often gets sidelined , I think At what cost does this relentless pursuit come ?

Are we paying too high a price for optimal performance ? Many of us might have felt the strain . Maybe it's physical , like a nagging injury that won't go away , or sheer exhaustion that no amount of sleep can seemingly cure , or sheer exhaustion that no amount of sleep can seemingly cure .

Maybe it's mental , that feeling of burnout where motivation wanes and the joy that , once fueled your run begins to flicker out . And let's not forget the social cost either , if you're having to miss family gatherings , leave parties early , strained relationships , just less time in general for living and enjoying life .

So how do you find that sweet spot , the balance where you can still pursue your athletic goals without sacrificing the essence of a well-lived life ? That's what we're going to talk about today . We're going to explore some strategies to maintain this balance and ensure that , while we're achieving personal bests , we aren't losing ourselves in the process .

This episode is going to be for you if you've ever questioned how far to push , how much to give or how to ensure that your passion for running complements rather than consumes your life .

Whether you're an elite athlete I in the next 100 miler or a weekend warrior , back of the packer like me , who loves hitting the trails , today's discussion is about crafting a running practice that enriches your life rather than extracting from it .

So stay tuned as we unravel those questions , maybe more , providing you with insights , advice and , hopefully , some suggestions that will not only inspire but also equip you to run smarter , not just harder . Let's find out how to keep the flame of passion for ultra running alive without burning ourselves out .

Join me on this journey to learn how to endure , enjoy and excel . Are you ready ? Well , let's get started . Discover raw , inspiring stories from runners who've been right where you are . This is the Choose to Endure Ultra Running Podcast , with your host he's English , not Australian Richard Gleave . So what is this optimization we seek ?

What are the things that we're constantly looking to optimize ? Well , there's a few of them . Typically , it refers to the extensive preparation and meticulous adjustment of ultra-distance events involving varied terrain and environmental conditions .

So , from a training perspective , we know as ultra runners , we tailor training to develop endurance , strength and resilience , and this most likely involves a mix of high mileage weeks , speed work back to back , long runs and sometimes significant vertical gain too .

Our training plans are often periodized to peak for key races , balancing intense workouts with adequate recovery to prevent overtraining . As far as nutritional strategies go , optimization here focuses on maximizing energy intake efficiently to sustain prolonged physical activity . Prolonged physical activity .

So we as runners plan our meals to include a mix of carbs , proteins and fats or at least we should strategically consuming food and drink during races and paying close attention to hydration , a key component for maintaining performance and health during long events . Making sure you get the right gear is pivotal too .

Depending on the terrain trail , mountain or road runners choose footwear for optimal grip and comfort , alongside clothing and hydration packs that are going to suit weather conditions and personal needs . And then from the mental aspect , mental toughness and psychological endurance are also pretty crucial .

Runners use visualization , positive self-talk and stress reduction practices such as meditation to prepare for the mental challenges of running an ultra . So those are the things that we , generally speaking , look to optimize . But what is the cost of chasing this optimization ?

Well , from the physical side , at the core of ultra endurance sports lies the risk of physical overuse injury . The relentless pursuit of more miles , more elevation , faster pace , especially if you do it too fast , can lead to stress , fractures , tendinitis and chronic fatigue syndrome .

The physiological strain imposed by repeated long-distance efforts can also compromise your immune function , making us , as athletes , a lot more susceptible to illness and thus further disrupting your training schedule .

Psychologically , the pressure to constantly perform at a perceived higher level , whatever that means to you , can lead to burnout , a state of emotional , physical and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress . We as runners may experience a loss of motivation , decreased satisfaction from achievements and even depression .

The drive to optimize every variable can create an obsessive mindset where personal identity becomes too tightly intertwined with athletic success . Intertwined with athletic success . On a social level , the time commitment required for ultra training can lead to significant sacrifices in personal relationships . As athletes , we often find ourselves missing social events .

Having to leave social events early , family gatherings and quality time with loved ones also tend to take a hit . This isolation can strain relationships , leading to feelings of guilt and conflict . And then there are economic considerations too .

I think the financial impact of pursuing performance in ultra running shouldn't be overlooked the cost of registration fees , travel to events , specialized diets and gear can add up really quickly and for a lot of people this financial burden is a significant source of stress , particularly for those who have no professional sponsorship to fall back on .

So , noting what we're chasing in optimization and some of the pitfalls therein , how do we go about actually finding balance ? Well , achieving a balanced lifestyle while dedicating yourself still to ultra running seems to demand some level of strategic planning that's going to ensure well-being is prioritized alongside your rigorous training schedule .

Here's how I think we can introduce effective strategies for finding that equilibrium . First off , it's crucial to incorporate variety and rest in your training regimen to manage the physical load effectively . So think about engaging in cross-training activities like swimming , cycling or yoga to enhance cardiovascular fitness while minimizing impact stress on the body .

These activities not only prevent common running injuries , but also promote overall fitness . Equally important are planned rest days and lighter recovery periods that allow for both physical repair and mental relief . Giving your body and mind the time to recuperate is essential for sustained performance . Secondly , schedule time off .

Just as professional sports leagues have off-seasons , ultra runners should also schedule time off from running . This doesn't just mean a day here and there , but potentially weeks , or even a month , to allow the body and mind to fully recover from the cumulative stress of training and racing .

This off-season can be used to engage in different types of physical activity that maintain fitness without the wear and tear of running , or focus on something completely different and unrelated . Mental health is as critical as physical health .

We had an episode with Shannon Mick not long ago that talked about this , and it's important to consider mental health as part of your ultra planning . Develop practices that nurture your mental well-being , such as mindful meditation , journaling or finding and engaging in hobbies that relax and fulfill you outside of running .

These activities can provide a necessary mental break from the rigors of training and help maintain a broader identity beyond just being an athlete . It's important to keep a rich social life too , as it can be easy for training to dominate your schedule . This is what I struggle with .

Make regular plans that aren't related to running with friends and family and ensure you're not always , you know , the one that's too busy . Setting boundaries around training times can help ensure that running does not monopolize all personal time , thus maintaining your relationships and helping with social well-being .

And sometimes balancing a training regime with personal happiness and well-being might require professional input . If you have the opportunity , consider engaging with an ultra coach , sports psychologist , nutritionists or life coaches , who can offer tailored advice and strategies , even if it's short term .

These professionals provide not only tools to manage stress and optimize training schedules , but also support systems to maintain overall well-being and address any psychological hurdles . By integrating these strategies , we , as ultra runners , can strive still for peak performance without sacrificing our mental health and personal happiness .

Each element physical rest , mental health , social life and professional support can play a crucial role in creating this balanced , holistic approach to training and living . This comprehensive strategy ensures that we , as athletes , can enjoy a fulfilling life both on and off the trails , can enjoy a fulfilling life both on and off the trails .

So as we wrap up today's episode on finding balance in the demanding world of ultra running , it's pretty essential to reflect on the intricate dance between pushing your limits and preserving your well-being , in order to sustain a healthy relationship with running and not let it dominate and squash our joy .

So I ask of you this Reflect on your current training and life balance . Are there areas where you might be overextending yourself ? Could your social life or mental health use more of your attention ? Making adjustments in these areas doesn't mean dialing back your ambitions .

Making adjustments in these areas doesn't mean dialing back your ambitions , but rather ensuring is not merely to survive the rigors of training , but to enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle that complements your athletic endeavors .

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Until next time , remember to run long , run strong , keep choosing to endure , but balance your passion for running with the demands of daily life . Your future self will thank you for the care you invest in yourself . No-transcript . No-transcript .