Episode 61: Why I Choose to Suffer- Training, Resilience, and Finding Strength in Struggle

Episode 61 is LIVE!

Why I Choose to Suffer: Training, Resilience, and Finding Strength in Struggle

In this solo episode, Dr. Lauren unpacks why she intentionally leans into discomfort during workouts… not in a harmful way, but in the form of burning lungs, heavy legs, and the challenge of intervals that push just beyond her comfort zone.

At first glance, these sessions might look like they’re all about chasing personal records. But the reality goes much deeper. Choosing to embrace discomfort in training is less about times on a clock and more about cultivating resilience, perspective, and gratitude; qualities that extend far beyond sport.

 In this episode, Dr. Lauren covers:

The Power of Perspective: how injury shifted Dr. Lauren’s outlook on training and why speed work now feels like a privilege not a punishment.

Seasons of Training & Life: why we can’t always prioritize workouts and why gratitude matters when we can.

The Science of “Suffering”:

Physiology: how stress → adaptation makes us fitter

Hormesis: why controlled stress strengthens both body AND mind

Practicing discomfort: how endurance athletes rehearse resilience

Growth in the Invisible Work: why results don’t always show up immediately but compound over time.

Resilience Beyond Sport: how elective suffering in training transfers into life giving us the tools to face setbacks, hard conversations, and unexpected challenges.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! 

Calls to Action:

Rate & Review the Podcast — it helps more athletes find these conversations!

DM me on Instagram with your favorite “suffer fest” workout and what you’ve learned from it.

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