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The Power of Resisting Fear in Ultra Endurance Sports

By Leah Goldstein on September 11, 2023 in Inspiration, Training
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The challenge is resisting fear, mastering fear; not the absence of it.

In the world of extreme sports and long-distance endurance challenges, the line between fear and exhilaration can often blur. As you push your physical and mental limits to accomplish your goals, it’s crucial to understand the significance of resistance to fear in your journey.

Fear is a natural response, hardwired into our biology, meant to keep us safe from harm. It’s the warning signal that our brains use to protect us from danger. However, in the world of ultra endurance sports, fear can often manifest as self-doubt, anxiety, and even panic. It’s that nagging voice in the back of your mind that questions your abilities, causing hesitation and potentially hindering your performance.

But here’s the truth: fear can be both your ally and your adversary, depending on how you choose to perceive and handle it. When harnessed correctly, fear becomes the fuel that propels you beyond your limits, the driving force behind your achievements.

Here are a few essential points to keep in mind as you embrace the challenge and begin resisting fear in your ultra endurance pursuits:

  1. Acknowledge Fear as a Companion: Instead of avoiding or suppressing fear, accept it as a natural part of your journey. Recognize that feeling fear is not a sign of weakness but a testament to the magnitude of your goals.
  2. Harness Fear as Motivation: Transform fear into motivation. Let it be the reason you push yourself harder, train smarter, and strive for excellence. When fear whispers that you can’t, let it fuel your determination to prove it wrong. Visualize yourself achieving your goals and acknowledge how it will feel if you don’t.
  3. Break Down Fear into Manageable Steps: Ultra endurance events can be overwhelming. Break down your goals into smaller, manageable steps. Focus on conquering one challenge at a time, and fear will have less room to paralyze you.
  4. Mental Resilience Matters: Just as physical training is essential, so is mental conditioning. Train your mind to remain calm under pressure, to stay focused when fear tries to distract you, and to maintain a positive mindset even in the face of adversity. Train without crutches to distract you and keep your mind busy. Focusing on how it will look and feel when you accomplish your goals will train your mind for success.
  5. Learn from Fear: Every moment of fear is an opportunity for growth. Reflect on your experiences, both the triumphs and the moments when fear seemed insurmountable. Use these lessons to become a stronger, more resilient athlete.
  6. Community and Support: Surround yourself with a supportive community of fellow athletes who understand the challenges you face. Share your fears and experiences, and draw strength from their encouragement.

Remember, the greatest achievements often lie on the other side of fear. Embrace the challenge with open arms, knowing that resistance to fear will be your steadfast companion on your journey towards greatness. When you conquer fear, you not only redefine your limits but inspire others to do the same.

You are capable of incredible feats. Embrace the resistance to fear, and let it be the motivation to push you past your perceived limits.

Wishing you unwavering determination and incredible success in your pursuits.

Leah xo

About the Author

Leah GoldsteinView all posts by Leah Goldstein
Leah Goldstein is a stunning example of living a life without limits. By age 17, she was the World Kickboxing Champion. Shortly thereafter, Leah enlisted in the Israeli Military and became one of the few female instructors of the elite Commando division. Leah then transitioned into a special-forces unit, combating terrorism and violent crimes. The extreme lifestyle of the secret police eventually took its toll, and she found her salvation on a bicycle. Leah Goldstein is a former professional cyclist, a personal trainer and motivational speaker currently residing in British Columbia, Canada. She battled through a 10-year career as a professional cyclist – and eventually to the longest single stage race in the world, Race Across America. Leah retired from thirteen years on the pro road race circuit in the spring of 2010, following an accident in which she broke both of her arms, and is now concentrating on ultra endurance racing. She recently participated in the 30th anniversary of the 2011 Race Across America, known as “the World’s Toughest Bicycle Race,”winning Best Overall Female, Best in Age Group, Queen of the Mountains, Queen of the Prairies, and Rookie of the Year, despite suffering from Shermer’s Neck after Day 4. On the evening June 26th,2021 Leah Goldstein made history. At 52 years old, Leah became the 1st female ever to WIN the overall SOLO division of the gruelling Race Across America in its 39 year history. From crashes to podiums, and fear to triumph – Leah Goldstein’s story gives us a glimpse of what’s truly possible from a life without limits.

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