This sounds like exactly what my highschool track coach used to say about [long distance] running. As a sprinter only for conditioning practice for competitive

This sounds like exactly what my highschool track coach used to say about [long distance] running. As a sprinter only for conditioning practice for competitive fencing, I don't know that I agree completely. It is true that in fencing, you have to condition yourself to ignore pain (being stabbed kinda sucks). Also maybe sprinting/fencing isn't as good exercise as long distance running, I have no idea. It is really fun, and you do sweat a lot.