The Paceline

Endurance is an interesting word.

en·dur·ance   |   inˈd(y)o͝orəns, enˈd(y)o͝orəns   |   noun

the fact or power of enduring an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way

I associate endurance with the best of times and the worst of times. It can be horrible in a bad relationship. But some of my best memories were created on long, hot, miserable runs with good friends.

Whoever is beside you in difficulty makes a world of difference. But what else makes a difference?

A difference may be in knowing where the finish is. Sometimes the finish line is unknown unless you set it yourself. PRO TIP: Set and celebrate your own milestones.

A difference may be whether or not you intentionally begin the ordeal yourself. Sometimes your trial begins at an inopportune time through unplanned, unexpected, unchosen, unwanted circumstances. They just happen. No one is exempt. PRO TIP: You’re rarely the only one facing the ordeal.

We are in the middle of a pandemic. It’s the epitome of “unplanned, unexpected, unchosen, unwanted” and has no known finish line. Some folks are not handling it well. They’ve already been through so much for so long. They resent congratulations for their resilience. They’re tired.

They don’t need more character-building opportunities. They have enough character. I’ve felt that way before.  

But some folks handle misery, change, discomfort, and uncertainty with an adeptness I admire. Many enter endurance events out of necessity (a doctor in surgery or a fireman in a forest). Others actively enter endurance events for the “fun” of it (running, cycling, swimming). Then there are those who serve in the military who just “embrace the suck.”

In nearly every case, the best long sufferers – those who don’t buckle when straining for long periods – have practiced in a controlled environment before they face the “real world” of hardship. That absolutely makes it easier when facing a novel challenge, especially when there’s no end in sight. Previous experience is invaluable.

For those without the experience of physical and mental discomfort until now, congratulations! What you have gained over the last five (or more) months of this pandemic will serve you well in the next long, unpleasant event in your life. Sorry. This is life. That’s the bad news.

Whether you think the Boy Scouts are corny or cool, you can appreciate their motto, “be prepared.” By just living through 2020, your body and mind is being prepared for whatever is next for as long as is needed. That’s the good news.

But is your heart in it? That is more important than being tough and being prepared.

“Embrace the suck” is MilSpeak (military slang) for “The situation is bad. So what. Deal with it.” The profession of arms is the most physically and mentally demanding job in the world. Warrior talk is focused, succinct, and creates the tie that binds any band of brothers and sisters in difficult and dangerous situations.

Warriors will not run from a bad situation. Or gripe about it. (Well, maybe a little – but they’ll still do what it takes.)

When they embrace the suck they are saying: “Good. I revel in my suffering because I know it produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope – the hope that I’ll for sure be okay, get out of here, and go home someday.”

Ironically, that’s the same message that Paul wrote to the Romans over 1900 years ago.

THAT’S the message for your heart.