Every runner cherishes those perfect workout days when everything aligns seamlessly. But what about the days when nothing seems to go right? According to Brad Stulberg, author of The Practice of Groundedness and co-author of Peak Performance, those rough workouts might actually be more valuable.
Building resistance
Stulberg, an expert in human performance and well-being, emphasizes the importance of facing challenges head-on. “Stress + rest = growth,” Stulberg says, emphasizing that progress comes not just from the highs but from enduring and recovering from the lows. Bad workouts are a prime example of the stress component—they test your limits, forcing you to adapt and grow stronger. These tough sessions teach you how to persevere through discomfort, building the mental toughness that’s crucial for long-term success in running.
Embracing process over perfection
In a world fixated on instant results, it’s easy to view a good workout as a sign of progress and a bad one as a setback. Stulberg advocates for a different perspective: “The best performers fall in love with the process, not the outcome.” This mindset shift allows runners to see value in every workout, regardless of the immediate results. Bad days are part of the journey and remind us that growth is rarely linear. By embracing the process, you learn to appreciate the small, incremental gains that accumulate over time.
Patience and consistency
One of Stulberg’s core beliefs is that patience and consistency are vital for achieving long-term goals. “Success is often built on mundane tasks that you do over and over,” he says. Bad workouts teach patience, as they force you to slow down, reflect and adjust your approach. These experiences help you build the consistency necessary for sustained improvement. Instead of seeing a tough session as a failure, view it as an opportunity to refine your training and build resilience.
While good workouts can boost your confidence, it’s the tough ones that truly shape you as a runner. They build resilience, teach you to embrace the journey, and reinforce the importance of patience and consistency. So, the next time you face a challenging run, remember Stulberg’s wisdom: in the long run, those tough days are the ones that matter most.
