I recently found myself running through Zion National Park and completed the epic Zion Trail in one day: a 38-mile, point-to-point route that traverses the entire western portion of the park.
Around mile 36, my legs were shredded and my body was struggling with dehydration and dehydration. appetiteand I wrestled with why I chose to do this for myself and why I found the “type II fun” experience pleasurable.
While ultra running may not be everyone’s cup of tea, there is a continuum in people flirting with fear and worry. This could be in the form of rollercoasters, horror movies, BASE jumping, Toastmasters, or going on a first date.
What can be gained by willingly seeking discomfort, and why do we do it?
The comfort zone is not static
When we repeatedly seek out experiences that push the boundaries of what is comfortable and familiar, we may feel anxious at first, but then a process called habituation begins.
Habituation occurs when we become familiar with a situation, scenario, or activity and naturally become less anxious over time. One of the reasons is that we have built trust in our ability to cope with grief.
There is something powerful about tackling new challenges. Through repeated experience, situations that once felt overwhelming and troubling can become familiar or even easy.
There was a point in my run career then traveling 38 miles across the desert was as unlikely as traveling to the moon. Over the years, I’ve gradually evolved my running skills, starting with dozens of road races (from 5k to marathons) and eventually branching out into ultramarathons and self-supported adventures.
Stepping out of your comfort zone and asking “what’s next?” raises the question.
Struggle Makes Good Stories (and Gives Running Meaning)
My run through Zion was full of challenges: hot daytime temperatures, long distances without water sources, miles upon miles of talcum powder fine sand, and 7,000 feet of climbing.
I also struggled with self-doubt, anxiety, and existential questions.
If it weren’t for these challenges, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to learn, change, and grow either. It seemed like just another run.
I walked out of the desert that night feeling stronger and more confident about myself and continued to reflect on the lessons learned over the days and weeks.
Discomfort brings you down completely to the here and now
Everyday life is full of distractions and multitasking. We spend most of our lives on autopilot as we juggle competing priorities and barely swim in the process.
Discomfort quickly follows us into existence. At mile 36, I didn’t have the mental energy to think about work on Monday, what time I should check in for my flight home, or my grocery list for the week. I was fully aware of how much my legs hurt, yes, but I was fully present with my thoughts, feelings, and the breathtaking scenery around me.
Being in the here and now is something we can access at any time if we make the effort. Experiencing any level of discomfort is a reminder of how bright and vivid it is to be here now.
Who are you when things get tough?
Fear and anxiety draw attention to our deepest insecurities, anxieties, and inner struggles. The challenge also sheds light on the underlying values underlying these insecurities.
Under pressure, we learn things about ourselves that we didn’t, like how strong, durableand we are actually capable. These lessons may not be immediately apparent, but will emerge after experience.
The trust is transferable
I recently went down a rabbit hole watching videos of tandem BASE jumping. It took a few videos before I was completely blown away.
In each according to the video, a person (usually a novice) goes from extreme anxiety and panic to incredible excitement in a matter of seconds. Once they are in a safe place, it looks like they can take over the world.
Whether it’s cliff jumping or traversing an entire National Park in one day, traveling farther than we expect can feel intoxicating. Suddenly, tasks that once seemed daunting no longer seem so difficult, and you wonder, “what else did I make more difficult than it needed to be?” it is natural to ask that question.
Moving forward
As the sun set over the desert, I finished the Zion Trail, covering the last few miles on feet stripped from the elements. The day didn’t go as planned, but it was still worth it. When we consciously choose discomfort, we also choose opportunities for growth, meaning, presence, and vitality.
We must be clear that we do not need to seek suffering unnecessarily, and that anxiety in its worst forms can be hindering and unhelpful. If anxiety, fear, or panic is interfering with your daily activities or causing you severe distress, seek help from a therapist or mental health professional.
What scares you a little and what might be waiting for you on the other side of it?
This post also appears on summerlandpsych.com.
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