Endurance events and childbirth is the same, here is why!

Seriously what makes a man or woman wake up one day and go “Yes” an ironman is for me! It doesn’t have to be an Ironman event it could be a marathon, half marathon, Sparta anything really… Also why is the biggest age group that takes part in this 30-40 years of age?

Well I think I have the answer, it basically to prove to yourself that you’ve still got it! Regardless of whether you’re doing it to loose weight or simply to tick a bucket list item the answer is the same – You are proving it to yourself.

Completion of said task is also akin to childbirth – now please forgive the analogy dear reader, I am aware I am male but I promise you will see where this is going!

Yes doing an endurance event is like childbirth.

You see you have the great idea to get started lets call that the “sex” part – its exciting, its fun, you may even try new gear! Then it gets real and the training begins in earnest let’s call that getting pregnant! You have 9 months of struggles, sickness, aches and pains in places you never knew could ache. You get up early and have to pee allot! There are numerous doctors visits, maybe event a bunch of physio appointments, you read every article you can associated with your race/birth, you tell everyone what your doing (even though its obvious). You start craving gels, bananas and protein shakes, you cut out anything that could be bad for you….

Then Race day – The Birth – Several hours of pain, sweat, tears, hugs, breathing, clothing changes, vaseline, water, towels, there are ambulances and medical staff on hand and finally the finish – Its arrived oh the elation, the emotion, again more tears, calls to loved ones, comments on the time and condition of participants. The moans of never again! – Then 2 days later lets do another one!

So you see doing an endurance race and giving birth really is the same!

I write the above as I was asking myself why I keep doing these events and simply put the elation of completing the task at hand is way better than the months of training and pain on the day. The sense of achievement helps motivate and the health benefits simply make you feel good.