What Has Endurance Sports Taught You?

Endurance sports weren’t always part of my story. Growing up, I was significantly overweight and even got cut from my high school soccer team. That moment could have defined me—but instead, with the help of a coach who believed in me, I started doing something hard. I began exercising consistently, changed how I approached my health, and over time, everything shifted. I made the team the next year by God's grace!
Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to complete marathons, IRONmans, long hikes, and most recently the IRON40—four Ironman-distance races in four days to raise funds for student aid. And through all of it, I’ve learned that endurance sports shape far more than physical ability.

They teach us about ourselves. We don’t naturally enjoy discomfort, but when we choose to stay in it, our capacity grows. We learn discipline. We learn perseverance. We learn that just taking the next step—especially when it’s hard—is what leads to real growth.

They teach us about others. Some of the best conversations and deepest friendships are built in the middle of shared effort—running, riding, encouraging one another when it would be easier to quit. There’s something powerful about doing hard things together.

And they deepen our awareness of God. Time outside—praying, thinking, listening, reflecting—has a way of resetting our perspective. The heavens declare the glory of God! What is physically exhausting often becomes spiritually and emotionally refreshing. We’re reminded that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves.

There’s also an adventure element to endurance sports, and I’ll share a quote from Bilbo speaking to Frodo. He says: “It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door… You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off.” Bilbo nailed it.

So here’s the takeaway: do something hard. Step out, set a goal that stretches you, and embrace the process. Because when we do, we’re not just building strength—we’re becoming people who endure.

Check out the podcast episode explaining these steps in more detail HERE

Stay awesome, stay on the narrow path, taking steps to thrive for God’s glory.