Inside the Sadistic Mind of an Endurance Runner:

Why We Keep Coming Back for More

Are you ready to step into the twisted psyche of someone who runs marathons for fun? If you've ever wondered what drives an endurance runner to lace up day after day—even when every muscle is screaming and the mind is plotting mutiny—then this blog is for you. Buckle up, because what I’m about to share may just upend your understanding of pain, pleasure, and the relentless pursuit of purpose.

Welcome back to my diary: today marks consecutive Day 1,842 of the Runpreneur Challenge, with my sights set firmly on smashing through Day 4,292—covering a whopping 40,075km and, most importantly, raising £1,000,000 for children's charities. The journey isn’t just etched in blistered feet and battered shoes; it’s stitched together with a mission to save lives, one ultramarathon at a time.

Keywords: Ultra marathon, Endurance runner, Runpreneur Challenge, Mental toughness, Motivation, Children’s causes, Fundraising, Marathon addiction

Let’s Talk About What Really Happens in the Mind of an Endurance Runner

Have you ever signed up for something, knowing full well it’s going to hurt—a lot—but you STILL can’t wait to do it again? Welcome to my world. Endurance running sits somewhere between sheer masochism and wild euphoria. And if you’ve ever attempted a marathon or ultramarathon, you’ll know exactly what I mean.

Just recently, I took part in the very first Overrunning Festival in Cambridgeshire—a miniature ultramarathon (let’s not be fooled, it’s still 50km of non-stop mental gymnastics). And what did I do? I broke it down into manageable chunks, running two laps at a time, spacing them out and finishing at midnight, just so I wouldn’t have to run again the following day (clever, right?). But here’s the real kick—no matter how “accessible” an ultra calls itself, the physical and emotional toll never feels any less daunting.

As I reflected, I realised I’ve already completed Manchester and Edinburgh Marathons this year, clocked numerous ultras, and get this I’m already on the hunt for the next gut-wrenching event. But why? Why put myself through agony after agony?

You Won’t Understand Until You’ve DONE It (And That’s OK)

Pain is personal. Unless you’ve pushed your mind, body, and soul to the brink—staring down the abyss at mile 20 with no end in sight—it’s impossible to truly comprehend what keeps us coming back. So many people compare running to childbirth (trust me, I wouldn’t dare rank one above the other!), but the point is this: both teach us things about the human spirit that simply can’t be explained until you’ve lived them.

The battleground isn’t just the trail—it’s inside your head. Your body starts to shut down, your spirit wavers, but, strangely, something within you lights up. Is it sadistic? Maybe. Is it addictive? Absolutely.

Why Do We Keep Going Back For More?

Even after the hardest race the ones where headwinds, heat exhaustion, and sheer fatigue threaten to finish you off you’ll find yourself browsing entry forms for the next one. Why? Because as soon as the ordeal is over, the memory of pain fades, replaced by the exhilarating high of overcoming the impossible.

For me, this drive is heightened by purpose. Every step, every mile, isn’t just about proving something to myself it’s about saving the lives of children through the Runpreneur Challenge. The more I share my journey, the closer I get to £1,000,000 raised. The mission becomes the energy source: a reason to endure, to test my limits, and to inspire others to join the cause.

Here’s The Heart Of It: Join The Movement, Feel The Mindset

You may think endurance running is nothing but punishment and sometimes you’re absolutely right! There are moments of sheer darkness, when the only thing keeping you going is stubbornness and a flicker of hope. But every time I cross that finish line, that feeling of deep satisfaction trumps all the pain and anguish.

If you’re already an endurance runner, you’ll resonate with this sadistic addiction. If you’re not why not challenge yourself to try? You may be surprised where it leads you.

I Need Your Help To Keep Running For Change

Remember, every run, every blog, every storey shared is a step closer to my fundraising target 40,075km, Day 4,292, £1,000,000 for children’s lives. If you believe in this mission:

• Subscribe to my channel

• Share this blog and video

• Comment below with your journey or questions

The more people join the movement, the more powerful our impact. Help me make every kilometre count.

Stay positive, stay happy, and I’ll see you on the trail tomorrow.

Have any burning questions about endurance running, marathon mindset, or chasing big goals? Drop me a comment—anything relevant, I promise I’ll respond.

Let’s keep running. For joy. For pain. For purpose.

Kevin Brittain