I started running during my last year in medical school and found it to be a nice place of solitude, reflection and discipline. It is truly a time where I can let go of all the hats and just be free. So I generally prefer to run alone. However, races bring another level of excitement and encouragement from others, but also a bit of pressure to perform well coming from within me and outside of me. I was able to run my first race in a long time after returning from an injury. As I ran the race, I really had to focus on not looking back and running my own race without the pressure of comparing myself to others. I just focused on pressing forward no matter who passed me by. The first several miles of the race felt really good and fun. However, that last mile I just wanted to give up. I started walking and a man running by me said “ Come on we got this! We're almost there it gets better its all down hill from here.” That. Really. Encouraged. Me.
How many times do we give up before we reach the finish line not knowing it gets better on the other side? There are so many things I feel like giving up on sometimes daily because I’m tired or feeling weak but my race was a reminder that I am not alone. There was literally a crowd of people cheering me on. There were other people who felt the same way I did, struggling to finish their own race to obtain a medal. It's powerful not being alone when things are tough. I’m grateful that God has sent me people along the way to encourage me in not giving up particularly in the long, long race of life. I have to also remember that the prize I run for is not a plastic medal but a legacy of perseverance I want to leave for my children and the “crown of life that God has promised to those who love him”- James 1:12
So please let's not quit the race just before we get the prize. It’s okay to walk instead of run and to let God set your pace not the other runners. Let your body guide you by pausing and hydrating, whatever your body and mind may need. Perhaps find some other runners who have been on a similar course/terrain and run your best race yet!
Reflection:
Who is on your relay team that you may be able to tag in when you are feeling faint or tired?
Do you allow God to set the pace of your race, yourself or others?
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