I was speaking with an athlete recently about their upcoming race season. This athlete has already seen great success, but is now looking to take that final leap toward their best performances yet.
That got us talking about something I think many athletes overlook—not just building fitness, but learning to trust it.
Mountain Biking and Fitness:
Imagine two athletes riding the same mountain bike down the same technical trail. One knows the limits of the bike and leans into its capabilities—confident in the suspension, geometry, and traction. The other holds back, nervous to let go, constantly tapping the brakes. Both are equally equipped, but only one is getting the most out of their ride. Fitness is no different. You can spend months building your endurance, power, and durability—but if you don't trust that fitness when it's time to perform, you're holding yourself back.
More Fitness ≠ Less Discomfort:
Here’s the catch: Higher fitness doesn't make the effort feel easier when you’re pushing your limits. In fact, it usually means it’s going to hurt more—but in a good way. What changes is your ability to tolerate and maintain that higher level of discomfort. You’ve trained for it. You’ve earned it.
If you want to continue running the same paces you always have, sure—it’ll feel easier with your new fitness. But most athletes don't want that. They want to go faster, stronger, longer. And that means embracing the “new hurt.”
Train It. Know It. Trust It:
Yes, you need to build fitness through training. But the next layer—the part that leads to breakthroughs—is learning what that fitness can actually do. Learning to trust it. To take the training wheels off.
That’s where racing gets fun.That’s where you find out what you’re made of.That’s where the real growth happens.
Ready to build your fitness—and learn how to trust it on race day? Let’s talk about your goals and how we can get you there.