In Christian tradition there are four cardinal virtues–prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude.
St. Augustine said of these virtues “For these four virtues (would that all felt their influence in their minds as they have their names in their mouths!” Far be it from me to question the great Augustine, but it seems to me he missed something. Would that all felt their influence in their minds so that they feel it in their legs.
Yes. I said legs. As it happens, the four cardinal virtues, whose cultivation prepares us for heaven, are equally necessary for success (however one defines it) in the world of endurance athletics.
As a Catholic and an endurance athlete, I am constantly reminded of the parallels between an active and conscious Christian life and endurance training.