Why you need Type-2 fun in your life

It can seem inexplicable to those who’ve never tried it: running for hours or days, dealing with blisters and injuries, rogue wildlife and the challenge of trying to eat enough food without vomiting. Type-2 fun, or the kind of experience that is fun after you’ve completed it, is a given in most endurance events. Type-1 fun is the obvious kind, fun that you have in the moment. Type-1 fun in an ultra? Not so much, although there are certain parts of every wild adventure that are enjoyable; there’s also a fair amount of suffering. Afterward, though, when you have washed the dirt off, patched yourself up, and had a good night’s rest, you’ll probably find yourself looking back at your accomplishment with fondness, even delight. Despite all evidence that would predict otherwise, you will likely already be anticipating your next Type-2 experience. Here’s why you should try some Type-2 fun this summer.

It builds resilience

Doing tough things prepares you for when life-challenges crop up. Whether it is running an extremely hard training session or spending several days hiking through a challenging trail, once you’ve completed the adventure you’re left with self-knowledge. Life is continuously throwing unique twists and turns our way: sharpening our mental toughness through races or outdoor adventures can help us feel better prepared to face those challenges. After I completed my first ultra, I tucked the experience into my mental toolbox to pull out on bad days. When I’m going through a stressful time or have a hard task in front of me, reminding myself that I am physically and mentally strong enough to run 100K is a huge confidence booster.

Do hard things.

Your body shifts its sensitivity to different feelings and experiences. If we don't experience discomfort for a while, the inner alarm rings earlier.

Experiencing pain or discomfort (i.e. exercising hard) helps to keep your inner world in tune.

— Steve Magness (@stevemagness) September 22, 2021

Type-2 fun lasts a lifetime

My daily walk with my dogs involves zero suffering and always brings me joy. Definitely Type-1 fun. Not to be discounted, Type-1 fun is important and worthwhile. When I’m walking, I notice my surroundings, enjoy the antics of my pets, and get a dose of nature. In the same way that Type-1 fun brings us pockets of gratitude or happiness throughout our day, Type-2 adventures are the ones we look back on decades later with pride. The week spent running in the mountains, alone, is reflected on with a sense of accomplishment and pride. Testing our own personal limits is a way of living life to the fullest.

Researchers have called the positive feelings that we experience from tackling a particularly grueling adventure harmonious passion: the result of choosing to engage in something you love, even if it is hard. Obsessive passion, where we are driven by external pressure or self-imposed expectations, is associated with less happiness and life-fulfillment. Tackling something ridiculously hard takes mental grit and physical endurance, and can be incredibly rewarding.