Your endurance journey needs a fun make-over: The Ultimate Athlete’s Guide

Okay, so you’ve studied your stats, uploaded to Strava, TrainingPeaks, Final Surge, and dug deep into the analytics… but have you ever considered that all this self-analysis might be stealing your sense of fun?

I mean, do we take ourselves too seriously as athletes? Without humor, joy, and soul, is it possible that the numbers we obsess over are actually steering us in the wrong direction?

According to Trail Runner Magazine’s article, “Burnout is Complicated,” stress—whether from external or internal sources—can increase your cortisol levels, which wreak havoc on your arteries and impact your long-term health. The article offers great suggestions like relaxation, recovery, and being present, but noticeably missing from the list? Fun.

In fact, my research across numerous endurance sport articles reveals the same thing—no one’s talking about incorporating fun into training. And that’s… well, no fun at all.

So here’s something to think about as you chase those numbers (just like I do): add a sprinkle of fun and lightheartedness to your weekly workouts.

• Play Nature Bingo on your next ride or run.

• If you’re training with a group, revive a classic like “Red Light, Green Light” using strides and drills.

• Shake up your routine by finishing a route at your favorite local pub (just arrange for a ride home!).

• Skip by fellow runners.

• Make a goofy TikTok or Instagram post of you doing something silly mid-run.

Bring Tiger-Eye-Coaching.com’s Nature Bingo on your next run, and remember to smile!