How to practice ‘grit’ for endurance sports, from trail and ultra running to cycling and mountaineering
- The ability to push through when all you want to do is give up is important in all long distance sports and a trait that can be learned and improved
Grit is a trait that can be learned and trained, just like you can grow your muscles. And there are a few simple ways to start becoming a gritty person.
Friends like these
They say you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. So, surround yourself with gritty, positive friends. If your group is negative, their attitude will spread to you. Even if the negativity has nothing to do with your sport, it is hard to switch from one mind frame to another, and soon the poor outlook will seep into all areas of your life.
It is easy to find friends with similar interests – Facebook is full of groups for trail runners, cyclists, ocean rowers and mountaineers. If you take part in a sport, there is a group for you. Look for a like-minded meet-up group near you to train and hang out with. If not, organise one yourself and post on the group and people will come. Be careful about meeting up with strangers one on one, though.
