Endurance sport has a funny way of holding up a mirror. Whether you’re lining up for a sprint triathlon, an Ironman, an ultra marathon, your first ocean swim, or simply trying to run a little further than you ever have before — at some point, every single one of us bumps up against the edge of our comfort zone.

And that’s the point.

Growth doesn’t live in the familiar. It lives in the early alarm for a long ride when you’d rather stay in bed. It lives in the nerves before the swim start as you look out at the ocean. It lives in heading out for 4 four of an ultra when your legs are already negotiating with you. It lives in holding race pace when your brain is begging you to back off. Its braving the elements thrown to us by Mother Nature. Courage in our sport isn’t always dramatic — often it’s quiet. It’s simply showing up and doing the thing that scares you a little. 

The beauty of endurance sport is that the distance doesn’t define the bravery. A first 5km off the bike can feel just as big as finishing 100km. Swimming between two ocean buoys for the first time can take just as much courage as stepping onto an ultra start line. Everyone has their own version of “hard.” Everyone has a personal goal that stretches them. And when you choose to lean in — especially when it feels uncomfortable — you’re building far more than fitness. You’re building resilience, self-belief and the knowledge that you can do difficult things. 

So if something in your training right now feels intimidating as you head towards race day, that’s probably a sign you’re exactly where you need to be. Comfort keeps us the same. Courage moves us forward.

So don't shy away, grasp these challenges with both hands. See you out there — just beyond the comfort zone.