How Resilience Helped Me Conquer 100 Treadmill Miles


The Role of Resilience: Building a Stronger Runner Over Time

Running is more than just physical—it’s a test of resilience. Over the years, I’ve come to understand that building strength isn’t about occasional big efforts but the consistent work we put in day after day. This truth carried me through one of my most unconventional challenges(for the 3rd time!): running 100 miles on a treadmill.


The Power of Resilience

When I signed up for the Dreadmill Endurance Challenge, I wasn’t in peak condition. A knee surgery earlier in the year had disrupted my training, and I lacked the mileage I’d normally have before a 100-mile effort. But here’s the thing: resilience isn’t just about being prepared today. It’s about what you’ve built over time.

Years of consistent training, strength work, and showing up—even on days when I couldn’t do what I wanted—allowed me to tackle this mental and physical challenge. Each mile logged in the past made me a stronger runner for this moment.


What Is Resilience for Runners?

  1. Physical Resilience: Training consistently, adapting to the work, recovering from injuries, and prioritizing recovery build a body that can endure.
  2. Mental Resilience: Developing the ability to push through discomfort, focus on long-term goals, and maintain a positive mindset during tough moments.
  3. Emotional Resilience: Learning to manage self-doubt, setbacks, boredom, and external pressures while staying true to your goals.

Practical Tips to Build Resilience

  • Consistency Over Perfection: Don’t let missed runs derail you. Show up for the next one and keep moving forward.
  • Embrace Hard Things: Treadmill runs, speed sessions, or those dreaded hill repeats—each challenge strengthens your ability to endure.
  • Recover Smart: Listen to your body and respect recovery. Time off when needed is an investment in future resilience.
  • Celebrate Growth: Reflect on how far you’ve come. Every mile is part of the bigger picture.

Want to Hear the Full Story?

In my latest episode, Dreadmill Endurance Challenge - 100 Miles to Nowhere, I share exactly how resilience helped me conquer 100 treadmill miles, the mental tricks I used to stay focused, and the lessons I took away.

Listen or Watch Now:Dreadmill 2024

Let’s continue to build the strength to take on any challenge—one step at a time.

On the journey,


David

PS: Need help achieving your running goals? Whether you’re tackling your first ultra or aiming for a new PR, personalized coaching can make all the difference. Visit Run the Riot Coaching to learn more and take the next step in your journey!

Run the Riot

Read more from Run the Riot
video preview

Stop Comparing - Start Thriving! Hey Reader! We’ve all been there. You’re scrolling through social media or standing at the starting line, and suddenly, you’re sizing yourself up against someone else. They’re faster. They look more prepared. Their training seems flawless. And just like that, all the pride in your own progress disappears. That’s the comparison trap. Here’s the truth: comparison is the thief of joy. It pulls you out of your lane and into someone else’s, leaving you distracted,...

Hey there, my friends! Fueling your ultramarathon is more than just winging it—it takes preparation, practice, and a solid plan. A well-executed fueling strategy can optimize your performance and minimize the chance of GI issues, so let’s look at some key considerations to get you race-ready! Training the Gut Did you know that you can train your gut? Practice is key to developing a gut that can handle the demands of long-distance running. Start small: Gradually increase calorie/carbohydrate...

A message from Coach Chad: As I sit here and type this, it’s December 23, 2024. A few of the major ultra lotteries have come and gone leaving most of us disappointed… or perhaps relieved. The quest to gain entry into a major 100-mile ultra race can take the better part of a decade. With thousands of entrants and low odds of getting pulled this is becoming increasingly commonplace. Considering that most have some sort of qualifying race component to enter the lotteries each year makes the...