“So, what are you going to do with all that fitness?”
At the time, the question from my coach stopped me short. I didn’t understand. It had never occurred to me to do anything beyond race.
“Umm… I don’t know,” I replied, confused.
“Well, think on it,” he said. “You’ve spent the last eight months training for triathlons and a marathon. It’d be a shame to let it go to waste.”
Years later, I realize just how profound that single question was and how far ahead of his time my coach might have been.
Lost in Training Cycles
Too often, we get lost in the rhythm of training cycles with our sights locked solely on the next race. The pattern becomes predictable—train, taper, race, recover, repeat. Unfortunately, this can blind us to the broader potential of our fitness and the deeper rewards it can offer.
Beyond Racing
It’s worth thinking about a goal that isn’t tied to a race, especially in the off-season. Branching out gives us a mental break, allows for new perspectives, and can reward us with something far greater. Racing is part of what we do, but there is something more if we look a bit deeper.
Health as a Gift
Being healthy is a gift—one that opens doors to experiences many never get to have. Fitness isn’t just about races; it’s about being capable, resilient, and ready to embrace life’s adventures. It’s about being in places most people aren’t, not for a podium finish but for yourself.
Answering the Question:
So, What Are You Going to Do with All That Fitness?
Fast forward to 2016. Four friends and I found ourselves running across the Presidential Traverse in New Hampshire. Known for its volatile weather, that day gifted us with clear skies and stunning views that stretched for miles. As we moved across the peaks, I thought back to my coach’s question. In that moment, it seemed very relevant.
“This,” I thought. “This is what I am going to do with all that fitness, Richard.”
It wasn’t about a finish line or a time goal. It was about standing on top of the world, feeling alive, connected to the earth, and grateful for what my body could do. That day, the answer finally clicked: fitness isn’t just for racing; it’s for living.
Corey Turnbull is a Team RunRun Coach based in Ottawa. He works with beginners just starting out or with seasoned runners looking for a breakthrough. Corey helps athletes maximize the limited training time they have, prioritizing consistency, focus and fun.
If you enjoyed this article, check out “The Gift of Running” also by Corey Turnbull.