Don't Be Weak

Endurance, from the root endure, is an old word, from the 14^th century when endure meant “to undergo or suffer,” or “to continue in existance.” It’s interesting then that some folks think that endurance can be developed from short high intensity activities. From an etymological perspective this makes little sense, and possibly even less from a sports science perspective. Physiologically and metabolically, developing endurance does require the protypical long, slow distance effort.

Ideally, one follows a well designed training programme during which endurance both metabolic and physical is slowly built upon. This certainly reduces the suffering that one must tolerate as endurance is built, but, as with any effort to force supercompensation, some discomfort is natural.

We logged another 30 kilometres of paddling on Monday, this time all on the open sea. A light headwind and a sagging swell meant that I got a wee bit sea sick once we’d passed Burrewarra Point, but the queasiness of mild sea sickness is also something that a sea kayaker needs to learn to endure. Mostly I felt cramped for the last few kilometres and noticed that my already not very good paddle stroke quickly deteriorated without intense concentration.

Saturday I ran around the Dam Loop which from my place is just over 15 kilometres – with a decent (for a flat country) amount of elevation gain (440 metres) and an enjoyable forest bathing experience. I stuck to nose breathing pace (aka ventilatory threshold – VT – one) as the two preceding training days had been tough – 30 kilometres paddling, heavy strength. Nose breathing pace felt right and more importantly I would recover more quickly.

How useful is endurance? Consider this news story. Imagine if all the people at the top gondola station had even a modicum of endurance they could have walked back down the (very well maintained and groomed) track and been back in their hotel rooms in time for a nightcap. After all, the track is only 10 kilometres long and is all downhill. My Mum walked further on a rougher track when she was 80.