Dublin Marathon: Surviving the Final Stretch

"I can’t do it, I’m really struggling here, I’m going backwards, I want to give up." These thoughts may rattle loudly in your mind if you’re participating in the Dublin City Marathon this Sunday. “What is there to gain from this struggle? It would surely be easier to stop.” 

It is universally true that growth emerges from struggle and discomfort. This principle drives our evolution through natural selection; resources necessary for survival, such as food and mates, are finite. Consequently, genes and bodies that adapt best to their environment compete for survival and pass on their beneficial traits to the next generation. Without struggle, there is no adaptation, no growth, and no evolution. 

The same applies to our physical health. Growth and adaptation require some degree of discomfort. Athletes intentionally push their bodies, incrementally stressing and challenging themselves in training. To manage increasing physical demands, the body must adapt and grow. However, there is a delicate balance—too much pressure risks injury, while too little leads to stagnation. Finding that sweet spot of discomfort promotes resilience and enables the body to handle increasing stresses over time. 

This principle also extends to our mental health. Experiencing some stress and discomfort is essential for building psychological resilience. Excessive stress can cause psychological injury and trauma. When the mind experiences hurt, it seeks to avoid situations that could exacerbate the injury. However, avoiding stress denies valuable opportunities for adaptation and coping. Many individuals seeking therapy have faced psychological trauma and often find themselves trapped in avoidance patterns—avoiding thoughts, emotions, situations, and opportunities. While these avoidance strategies may provide short-term relief, they ultimately hinder long-term growth. 

Progress in therapy requires bravery; clients must learn to lean into discomfort rather than evade it. A skilled therapist plays a crucial role in managing this gradual exposure, helping clients develop the resilience needed to face challenges head-on. Through this process, clients become unstuck, learning to adapt and change. 

This Sunday, many marathon runners may reach a critical point—typically beyond 20 miles—when they desperately want to stop and avoid further discomfort. Each runner has personal goals and motivations for taking on this challenge. They have all experienced physical and psychological growth by venturing outside their comfort zones and embracing struggle. When facing this monumental challenge, they will draw upon their well of resilience cultivated through training. 

If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by discomfort or struggling to move forward, you don’t have to face it alone. At Centric Mental Health, we provide the support and guidance you need to navigate life’s challenges. Call us at 01 611 1719 or email [email protected] to learn more about our services.