Down to Earth with a not so gentle bump....

There are many things I like about endurance sports. There's something very liberating about self-propelled movement, whether that's on foot, on a bike or in the water. I like the camaraderie that exists. I like the looks people give me as I run past clad in shorts and a vest, whilst they shiver smothered in layers upon layers. The experience of the world is very different when running or cycling. Spending a cold, crisp morning cycling the perfect route with a group of mates around you is an almost unbeatable experience. But most of all, I like that regardless of a persons’ experience, talent or commitment, they can always strive to improve their performances, whether that's in a race or during training.

Several times over the last month or two, I've been reminded of how far I've come since I signed up for my first triathlon. When I started cycling for example, I hadn't even used clipless pedals before, let alone done any significant cycling or training. Now, I would say I am a competent cyclist, one of the stronger members of my cycling club and capable of holding my own in all but the fastest of groups.

However, there are still times when I'm way over my limit, fighting every pedal stroke and the guy next to me is more concerned with trying to engage me in a lovely chat about how nice his weekend was. This is something else I like about endurance sports. You can guarantee, no matter how good you get, no matter how impressive your times or performances, there will always be someone who is better than you, stronger than you, faster than you or even simply having a better day than you. I like that there is always something to aim for and a reason to strive for better training and better racing. Endurance sports have a wonderful ability to congratulate you on your progress, massaging your ego, before swiftly bringing you down to Earth with a not so gentle bump. Even those at the very pinnacle of the sport have had days when they have been humbled.

I don't think there's any place for ego in endurance sports, although there's no doubt it's out there. From club runners to professional, Olympic standard athletes, there are some who believe they are not only superior to others, they are infallible. The line between confidence and arrogance is all too fine and to some people it is also blurred. But endurance sports are able to quite elegantly remind them they are in fact not perfect. A particularly hard race or training session can humble us all. A poor performance can not only humble but humiliate.

Endurance sports are a wonderfully pure pursuit. There is no need to sully it with ridiculously egotistical attitudes and actions. The performances of a person speak far louder than any flamboyant gesture or questionable attitude. The attitude of a person in victory and defeat speaks volume about their credentials.

I mentioned in my first column that I am far more concerned with my own performance in any given race or training session; if I can be satisfied with that, I will be happy. Endurance sports are very special because they allow you to compete without competing. There's no real need for a rival. There's no reliance on team members. Its’ isolation pits yourself against the one person you will always want to beat; yourself.