What's Holding You Back?
Crystal Kovacs shares what it takes to top the physical and mental challenges of endurance events.
When I first considered tackling the Gravel Worlds “Half Double” challenge, that question loomed large. The usual doubts — finding time to train, building strength, and wondering what it’d feel like to run a 25k followed by a 75-mile bike ride — made me feel like a rookie in endurance sports.
Then, in March, inspiration struck. Watching a friend complete the Double at Mid South ignited something in me. These weren’t superhumans; they were regular people having a blast, pushing boundaries, and redefining their limits. Too often, we’re trapped by what-ifs. “What if I flop? What if I look ridiculous?” But we forget the magical, “What if I succeed?”
Endurance events are a mental game. Our minds often quit before our bodies do. I spent months doubting myself. Every time someone asked if I was ready, my answers were laced with humor and self-doubt. But then I shifted my mindset. I ditched negative self-talk and focused on success, visualizing crossing the finish line with Jason and Sofia welcoming us back to Lincoln.
Over the years, I’ve learned my mind is my strongest muscle when it comes to riding. Truly, the difference between “get it done” and “I can’t” lies between my ears. By harnessing this mindset, I’ve learned to lean into challenges. How? I stopped negative self-talk (if I won’t say it to a stranger, I won’t say it to myself), began visualizing success, and worked through mentally what I needed to find success when it seemed elusive.
Support is crucial, whether on-course or from friends. The Dirt Squad had a team house, surrounding me with encouragement. Having a supportive team was a game-changer. Some team members drove eight hours just to wish us luck!
I convinced Lissa to join me for the Half Double at Unbound. My training was a bit haphazard on foot, but I was committed on the bike. While cycling is my escape from work, I know that training is essential for events like this. To maintain balance, I train to keep things fun. It’s not always fun, but cross-training with running and walking greatly improved my fitness.
Race day arrived, and we were ready at the starting line. I felt all the feelings of someone new to the endurance world: “Am I an imposter?” “How are we going to do this?” The only goal for the walk/run was to keep putting one foot ahead of the other and get back to Lincoln. We finished the run with minimal issues, and after some rest and fuel we tackled the bike day.
The bike day was fun. This was something that I was familiar with and properly trained for. I knew where the pain points would be and knew how to fix them. I know when my hands go numb that I can shake that pain out, when my feet hurt to stop and walk for a block or two, and if I encountered mud I had my trusty paint stick. That day cycling through the Nebraska hills was going to be one Lissa and I would remember.
The magic wasn’t just in the event — it was in finding new limits and holding tight. The 25K run and 75-mile bike ride pushed us to new heights. We experienced highs and lows, laughter and doubt, but kept moving forward as a team.
As we crossed the finish line, Jason reminded me, “Remember when you doubted you could finish?” I remembered, and I was thankful I pushed through.
So, what’s holding you back? Is it fear, discomfort, or uncertainty? Find your answer, embrace it, and step forward. Instead of asking, “What if I fail?” let’s ask, “What if I succeed?”
Here are five motivational tips I used:
- Get comfortable being uncomfortable. It is going to suck at times — lean into that and embrace it. Life is not always fun but the pain makes us stronger.
- Imagine all of the people who would love to be doing what you are complaining about right now. There are individuals on their death beds who would do anything to be having the time that you are at this very moment. You are getting to experience something that others don’t. Enjoy it.
- It will soon change. Whether it is bad or good at the moment…just wait, because it will change.
- Eat when you are having bad thoughts or not motivated to continue eat. A little food and some carbs will help with almost any situation.
- Believe in YOU! You are far stronger than you think you are!
