From Triathlons to Ultra-Runs: Juho Savola’s Endurance Journey and Life Lessons

Starting a journey into endurance sports can be daunting, especially later in life. However, for Juho Savola, a Finnish endurance athlete, this journey has not only transformed his physical abilities but also shaped his mental resilience and life perspective. In a recent interview, Juho shared his story of starting endurance sports at the age of 36, launching Team Silver Fox to inspire older athletes, and pursuing ambitious goals such as completing a 100-mile ultra-run after several attempts. This article focuses on Juho’s endurance sport journeying the mental strength lessons along the way. How has endurance sports have changed his outlook on life?

The Beginning: From Triathlon to Trail Running

Juho Savola’s introduction to endurance sports began in 2014 when he participated in his first sprint triathlon at the age of 36. “It was the late 2014, my father took me and my two younger brothers to a triathlon exhibition. I was immediately interested in the sport” Juho recalled. Although he was drawn to the physical aspects of triathlon, it was the mental challenge that truly captivated him. “The thing that got me into triathlon was the speed, about the mental part of the triathlon,” he said.

Juho’s transition from triathlon to trail running occurred in 2018, when he participated in his first trail run in Ruka, Kuusamo, a 34 km race. Witnessing the winner of a 100-mile race finish with remarkable freshness inspired Juho to set his sights on completing a 100-mile race himself. “I thought that one day I will be also be a 100-mile runner,” he shared.

The Mental Game: Endurance Sports as a Mental Challenge

For Juho, endurance sports are as much about mental strength as they are about physical fitness. He emphasizes that endurance sports are “75% mental and 25% physical.” This mental focus is a key part of his training, especially for ultra-running events. “As soon as I started to train for the ultra run, I made the decision that I have to train alone as much as I can,” Juho said. This solitary training helps him prepare mentally for the long hours and challenges he faces during races.

Juho’s journey to completing a 100-mile race was not without its setbacks. He attempted the distance multiple times before finally succeeding. Each failure taught him valuable lessons, reinforcing his belief that “you can learn much more when you fail.” Juho explained that the mental growth from these experiences is what ultimately prepared him for his successful 100-mile run.

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Overcoming Obstacles: The Road to 100 Miles

Juho’s persistence in the face of failure is a testament to his mental resilience. His first attempt at a 100-mile race in 2021 ended in a “DNF” (Did Not Finish), as did his second and third attempts. However, Juho’s determination never wavered. He shared how, despite these setbacks, he continued to train and improve. He put these obstacles into focusing on endurance sports journey and the mental strength lessons he was being taught.

In 2023, Juho finally completed his first 100-mile race, finishing in 34 hours, just under the 36-hour cutoff time. Reflecting on his journey, Juho said, “The feeling was so big that the first thing I thought when I crossed the finish line was that why not run a little bit further?” His successful completion of the 100-mile race was not just a physical achievement but a mental triumph as well.

Beyond the Finish Line: Life Lessons from Endurance Sports

Juho’s experiences in endurance sports have profoundly influenced his life outside of athletics. He believes that the mental strength gained through endurance training has made him more resilient in other areas of life. “I can handle stress much better nowadays,” Juho said, noting that his participation in endurance sports has helped him navigate personal and professional challenges more effectively.

This perspective has also shaped Juho’s approach to coaching others. He has been studying sports psychology and coaching a women’s ice hockey team and a few endurance athletes. His emphasis on mental strength and learning from failures is a central theme in his coaching philosophy.

Looking Forward: Ambitious Goals and Continuous Growth

Juho’s journey in endurance sports and the mental strength lessons are far from over. He has set his sights on even more challenging goals, including a 200-mile race. He acknowledges that mental preparation will be crucial for this endeavor, stating, “My mind is ready for that. And that’s the biggest part of the training.”

Juho’s approach to endurance sports is not just about achieving specific goals but about the continuous process of growth and self-improvement. He sees each race and training session as an opportunity to learn and evolve, both as an athlete and as a person. “It’s the opportunity and the lessons that you can learn when you are racing and training,” Juho reflected.

Advice for Beginners: Patience and Persistence

For those just starting in endurance sports, Juho offers simple but powerful advice: “Step by step, small steps.” He emphasizes the importance of patience and gradual progress, especially for beginners. Juho also encourages new athletes to focus on the mental aspects of training, as this will ultimately help them overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

Juho’s journey from triathlon to ultra-running, from failure to success, shows the power of persistence and mental strength. His story is an inspiration to anyone looking to start or continue their journey in endurance sports, regardless of age or experience level.

Juho Savola’s journey into endurance sports reminds us that it’s never too late to start, and the lessons learned along the way can have an impact on all aspects of life. His experiences highlight the importance of mental strength, persistence, and the willingness to learn from failures.

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