The unique psychology of extreme endurance athletes – BBC REEL

What is the appeal of extreme endurance sport and why do people do it?

With expert insight from sports psychologists, we look at the physical and psychological effects of why people push themselves to the limits of human capability.

Video by Sam Padget
Commissioning Editor: Griesham Taan

With thanks to St Mary's University London, Kings Swimmers & Borja Mucientes

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#bbc #bbcreel #bbcnews #sports #health #psychology

[ashleyjeffers]

I decided to go for a long challenging walk one day, flew 1500 miles from home, to begin a 560 mile journey with no prior experience, no one to help me along the way. Only had what was on my back, slept outside, hiked alone. I found out that I was stronger than I ever believed.

[sszibler]

Enjoyment, community, control, mental fortitude that translates to other areas of life, perseverance, meditation, challenges and overcoming adversity. Things humans need in highly structured societies.

[CaptainFrandy]

Thank you. Mindset is key. I’m gonna go for a run today

[BPchadlite]

Its like a Goggins video without the f word

[Ustp]

I love team sports and absolutely loathe running, but I take up running just to train my perseverance. My neighbors think I am an enthusiastic runner.

[aethylwulfeiii]

The number one best training advantage for these events is unemployment.

[na-dkvm]

""your body starts to eat itself""... In other words, he lost weight.🙄🙄 Quite common during endurance training.

[ailove]

Body eat itself and say: it taste good.

[hikerJohn]

Other than stating the obvious that was not very helpful. We all know pain is the hardest part of endurance sports. Perhaps that's why they all have psychologists in the budget.