Not all of us are Type-A triathletes. For the Type-B personalities out there, I suggest internally focused self-talk (vs. quantifying fitness): “This injury isn't a set-back; it's an opportunity to learn something new.” The Type-A athlete will be inspired to see his/her numbers stay consistent when the curve balls come; other athletes will feel bogged down and oppressed by the details. And instead of talking your challenges out, consider journaling. Some athletes will be better served by sorting out all that's going wrong (or that's how it seems, anyway) on paper; after writing it all down, the Type-B athlete has better clarity and perspective. Also helpful? Yoga and meditation.

It's true that endurance sports tend to attract Type-A personalities. But there are plenty of us out here who operate in an entirely different way, and our strategies for dealing with adversity are often very different.

Not all of us are Type-A triathletes. For the Type-B personalities out there, I suggest internally focused self-talk (vs. quantifying fitness): “This injury isn't a set-back; it's an opportunity to learn something new.” The Type-A athlete will be inspired to see his/her numbers stay consistent when the curve balls come; other athletes will feel bogged down and oppressed by the details. And instead of talking your challenges out, consider journaling. Some athletes will be better served by sorting out all that's going wrong (or that's how it seems, anyway) on paper; after writing it all down, the Type-B athlete has better clarity and perspective. Also helpful? Yoga and meditation.

It's true that endurance sports tend to attract Type-A personalities. But there are plenty of us out here who operate in an entirely different way, and our strategies for dealing with adversity are often very different.