Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable
Building Strength in the Uncomfortable Moments
There’s something powerful about showing up for yourself when conditions are less than ideal. As runners, we know that the journey to achieving our goals is rarely smooth or predictable. The truth is, growth doesn’t happen in perfect conditions—it happens when we lean into the challenges.
Just last week, during peak training for the Surf City Marathon, I faced one of those moments. Frigid temps, icy winds, and unplowed streets made my medium-long run anything but easy. I had every reason to skip it, but I reminded myself: marathon day doesn’t wait for ideal conditions. Every run, no matter how uncomfortable, is a step closer to being ready for anything race day throws at us.
Why the Tough Runs Matter
It’s easy to stay motivated when the weather is perfect and the miles feel light. But the runs that truly shape us are the ones where everything feels hard. The snow, the rain, the heat, and the headwinds—they’re not just obstacles. They’re opportunities to build resilience, grit, and confidence in ourselves and our training.
For injury-prone runners, these moments are even more critical. When you’re navigating a history of pain or recurring issues, discomfort often brings up a mental battle: Is this normal training fatigue, or am I risking injury? By focusing on controlled discomfort—such as pushing through tough but manageable conditions—you can learn to differentiate between productive challenges and harmful strain. This awareness helps you train smarter and stay injury-free.
The Role of Discomfort in Injury Prevention
For runners prone to injuries like runner’s knee or tight calves, it’s tempting to avoid discomfort altogether. But growth doesn’t mean avoiding hard things—it means learning to adapt and strengthen your body in ways that prevent injuries in the long run. Tackling uncomfortable runs in a thoughtful, intentional way builds physical resilience and mental toughness.
For example:
Strength training for runners: Adding exercises that target weak points (like your hips and core) can help stabilize your body and reduce the risk of injury when running in challenging conditions.
Mobility for runners: Consistent mobility sessions improve range of motion and prevent tightness from turning into more significant issues.
Recovery techniques: Learning when to push and when to rest is crucial for maintaining consistency without setbacks.
These are the tools that allow runners to navigate the fine line between productive discomfort and harmful strain.
When conditions are tough, and you’re tempted to skip a run, it helps to reconnect with your “why.” Why did you start this journey? Why does achieving your goal matter to you?
For me, my why is simple: I want to be stronger, mentally and physically, than I was yesterday. Every step I take in uncomfortable moments—whether it’s snow, rain, or a hectic day—is a reminder that resilience isn’t built on race day. It’s built in the everyday choices we make to show up, even when it’s hard.
How to Embrace the Tough Runs
If you’re feeling the pull to skip a run because the conditions aren’t ideal, remember this: discomfort is where growth happens. Here are a few ways to lean into those tough moments:
Adjust Your Perspective: Instead of seeing bad weather or tough runs as obstacles, see them as opportunities to grow stronger and more resilient.
Listen to Your Body: For injury-prone runners, discomfort should be productive, not harmful. Pay attention to how your body feels and make adjustments if needed.
Focus on the Goal: Remind yourself why you’re training. Visualize how today’s effort contributes to your overall success.
Celebrate Small Wins: Every tough run completed is a victory. Acknowledge the effort it took to push through.
Your Year to Embrace the Tough Stuff
As you step into 2025, I encourage you to lean into the messy, imperfect parts of your training. Every step you take, even when it feels inconvenient or uncomfortable, is progress. It’s a testament to your dedication and a reminder that you are capable of so much more than you think.
For injury-prone runners, this mindset shift is especially valuable. Learning to embrace discomfort while respecting your limits can transform how you train and help you reach your goals without unnecessary setbacks. Using tools like yoga for runners and mobility work can make the journey safer and more sustainable.
This year, let’s commit to showing up for ourselves in every way. Let’s make 2025 the year we grow, not in spite of the challenges, but because of them.
Here’s to the strength we build when things get tough!
What challenges are you facing in your running journey right now? I’d love to hear how you’re embracing the uncomfortable moments— send me a DM on instagram and let’s talk! @TheUltimateRunnerStudio