02/08/2026
Whilst this video is sort of tongue in cheek, there is a more serious side to this!
This literally used to be me!
For a couple of years, endurance training became all I had in my life, I fully identified with that role... and no I wasn't a pro..
In triathlon/endurance training, a lot of individuals jokingly speak about being addicted to the sport ... and whilst clinically there isn't such a thing as exercise addiction (not in the DSM) it is being researched and talked about.
Now, not everyone who trains hard in endurance sports automatically falls into this category, but I let family occasions and friend get togethers slip because I had to train. I didn't go on holiday unless I could find a pool and a bike to hire even if I was only away for a few days.
Worst of all, I struggled to pull back on the training when it started affecting my physical health. I told myself that I was just mentally weak when I couldn't push my body any harder....
Excessively identifying as an endurance athlete and it being my only way to cope with life stressors and mental health issues led me down this path.
I've come a long way since then, counseling, lots of learning and reflections, a sport psychology degree later I now support/mentor other athletes some of whom have gone down this path as well.
A lot more balance for me again nowadays and finding the joy in training