Endurance Training - A pathway forward from Mental Illness to Mental Health
As a recreational endurance enthusiast – a weekend warrior, I firmly believe that anyone can participate in an endurance activity, regardless of age, gender, body type, size or disabilities. Sometimes the biggest limitation is not such physical things, but one’s mind and thoughts. More importantly, endurance activities are scientifically known to boost mood and fortify our minds with good chemicals and positive thoughts.
Whether it is a marathon, ironman distance triathlon, learning to play an instrument, painting, writing or completing unfinished endeavours such as getting a degree, setting goals is good for our spirit, soul and mind, and can also uplift others by the power of example.
Creating goals associated with an endurance activity is a positive and powerful purpose and a catalyst to heal and protect our minds and promote good mental health.
Estheban Archambault’s story, recently chronicled in Triathlon Magazine Canada is an inspiring tale filled with personal struggles, hope and a path forward for himself and others who are dealing with mental illnesses and seeking mental health. After a lifetime of enduring deep troughs of depression, anxiety and vivid night terrors, he found that exercise and specifically goal-focused endurance training provided a pathway forward from his own mental illness to mental health.
Estheban discovered his new-found hope and healing by accident. One day while trying a treadmill at a gym, he exercised himself to exhaustion. That night, he had the best sleep he could ever remember. He happily awoke to a new day, literally and figuratively.
He realised that pushing himself to the limits of physical endurance was the way up, and a way out of a pattern of anxiety, depression, alcoholism and other destructive behaviours.
As Triathlon Magazine Canada reports: “He started swimming, which provided more good feelings and less anxiety-induced self-hatred, less thoughts of suicide. He had seen his fair share of doctors, psychiatrists, and psychologists. They had prescribed medication. But not one had suggested exercise … He had never played a sport and did not belong to a gym. He did not care. Exercise was making him feel better and that’s what he was going to do.”
Estheban was intrigued by triathlon training, especially its focus on endurance, setting goals — and achieving his personal best.
“He sought out the coaching team at RobFit KinCentre in Mont-Tremblant,” Triathlon Magazine Canada reports. “He surrounded himself with goal-oriented athletes. And he worked hard. But he did not want to train just for the sake of training. He knew he needed a goal to stay focused, to keep his mind in the present.”
Soon Estheban focused on a goal: training for Ironman 70.3 Mont-Tremblant. There was a lot of training that would be needed, given the fact that he had never run farther than 3 kilometres, and that “doggy paddle” was his preferred swimming style.
Three months after he began his training with steely determination, Estheban stood at the start line, ready to show his triumph to his family, friends and himself. Five hours and 55 minutes later, he crossed the finish line — and sprinted into a life worth living.
“I was focused,” he told the magazine. “I knew it was going to be a challenge. I also knew I would finish. No matter what it took. I no longer feel like I want to die. I found my way through the darkness, and I want to shine the light for others to follow.”