Tag: Endurance

Trekking Towards Rome: Reflections on the Via Francigena Pilgrimage

by Fitness Excel, posted in Uncategorized

The Via Francigena, also known as the Camino to Rome, is an ancient walking trail that takes pilgrims on an epic journey, The route can be split into sections. Part of my route starts in the hilltop town of San Miniato, famous for its artistic, cultural, and historical sights, and finishes in the UNESCO World Heritage historic centre of Siena.

As you stroll through the unforgettable Tuscan countryside you gain an insight into the unique history of the region’s Via Francigena, flora and fauna, and each Tuscan town that you pass through. This section of the Via Francigena, is in the heart of Tuscany, as you walk across beautiful rolling hills and woodland, stopping in gorgeous villages where you will enjoy a well-deserved rest. There are many beautiful sights on this section to see, including the tiny walled hilltop town of Monteriggioni and two impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the breathtaking town of San Gimignano with its medieval towers and magnificent Siena.

Undertaking any pilgrim route requires resilience, my first day of walking 17 miles in intense heat was a real test for physical endurance, but wearing the right gear is essential as well as having a good mind set. Mental resilience, Pilgrimage offers time for mindfulness and reflection which can help you keep focused on your journey. Emotional resilience is being able to adapt and change according to the weather or change in plan, connecting with other pilgrims, sharing experience, emotional support and camaraderie can help you stay strong. There are times when it can get challenging but finding the perserverance to push through when feeling tired or discouraged can help you continue on the path.

Psychology of Marathon Running

by Fitness Excel, posted in bone health, Endurance, fitness instruction, flow, health, Marathon Training, mental health, outdoors learning, Performance, Pilates, Resilience, running, strength training, Uncategorized

SOFTV3-201904271131160132989

Participants competing in long endurance events such as the Marathon has steadily risen over the years.  Data taken of both demographic and socio-economic groups from various studies has seen a rise in running becoming a popular sport.

The Marathon runner embarks on this challenge for many reasons and they must adapt their lifestyle and training far beyond the recreational exerciser to include high levels of demanding physiological and psychological adaptations to push beyond their current capabilities.  Furthermore, the rewards and positive benefits of this training will outweigh the negatives of marathon running.

The London Marathon is my third marathon, as a veteran runner I have improved with age, both on personal performance together with a faster post marathon recovery rate.  Training for a Marathon demands a consistent, disciplined, structured routine which will manifest into other areas of the runners life to include; personal goal achievement, better life management, psychological and emotional strategies for coping and better vitality and health.