Endurance – Mental or Physical?

The IMPORTANT thing in life is to have great aim and the perseverance to attain it

 

OCBC cycle Singapore 2012 …… 59km super challenge. It sounded very impressive and indeed for many people it definitely is a tall order to deliver.

Psychologically and physically, many of us were wondering the possibility of completing this feat and the thought of going up the Sheares Bridge twice was demoralizing. Despite of this fearful thought, all of us were nevertheless looking forward to this event.

In this event it has been demonstrated that all of us did possess endurance.  Each differs from another, completing the race in jolly good time within one’s capability. On the whole it was satisfactory and one should be contented with the timing.

Introspecting oneself during the race, one can recall what their main concerns were, viz. the distance or the Sheares Bridge or both?  Can that be overcome?

It is a disturbing mental state where one is concentrated in these two obstacles prior to the race. At the same time, one will find it very difficult and strenuous to ride the distance and to climb the bridge resulting in mental fatigue and stress.

The fundamental message is not whether we are fast or slow but rather, the importance of focusing our mental energy to completing the race without worries or fear. One will be surprised that taking part and completing in any event is bliss. How so?

Mind moves the world.  

Delve deeper into this phrase and analysing its meaning, it is not surprising that everything in this world, great or small, good or bad, is being driven by the mind. A gruelling “Tour de France”, climbing at more than 4000m at some point, cannot be accomplished just by sheer physical strength. The riders are psyched to endure whatever pain and hardship required for the challenge thus strengthening their prowess to complete and achieve their goal.

Similarly, in any event, race or challenge one must have the mental strength to endure and overcome any obstacles in order to complete it without unnecessary fear.

Mind initiates all actions, including challenges, and then supports the physical strength to complete those actions.  If one says, “I can do it”, the possibility of achieving it is almost there. Physical strength is secondary and can be improved by either practising or training. Once the physical strength is developed, it can synchronize with the mental element. The fundamental issue is that the Mind gives the command and the Physical follows through, and that compliments Endurance with vital stimulus to break down all fear barriers to the finishing line.

When we do something together with others – a communal activity – we discover common denominators

barriers are lowered or broken down

we feel relaxed with them, as if we’ve known them for a long time, even though we might never have met them before or been introduced to them.   

Shared experiences form a link between us, and our lives intermesh

Written by Raymond Yow

19^th March 2012