Your Race… Your Pace…
Since travel is one of the ways I’m celebrating my 60th birthday, it fits well with my goal to complete the 50-state half-marathon challenge. My most recent half-marathon was hosted in Eufaula, Alabama. We ran a course in the beautiful Yolo Micco, The Creek Indian Trail, surrounded by beautiful trees along the Eufaula River. One of the things I enjoy most about running marathons is the opportunity to meet new and amazing people.
The marathon organizer, Daniel was an amazing host and marathon leader. I met up with him the day before the marathon to ensure that I knew where to check-in the morning of the race. Prior to the early-start time, Daniel gave a shout out to Marie Richardson who was there to run her 100th Half-Marathon! When he asked Marie to raise her hand so we could celebrate her accomplishment, I noticed something peculiar about Marie. As she raised her hand, she appeared to be holding a cane. I thought, this could not be Marie, how is running a half-marathon with a cane?
It was not long after the race began that I would have an opportunity to meet Marie. I watched her walk the trail with a cane due to an obvious limp. As she power-walked with runners passing by, Marie kept a steady pace and remained focused. I stopped and asked, “Are you the woman who we celebrated for running 100 half-marathons?” Marie proudly answered, “Yes! I’ve run 100 marathons in all 50 States and on each of the 7 Continents!” I shouted, Wow!!! What an amazing accomplishment!”
As I reflected on the experience, I was reminded of the focus and endurance that is necessary to run our own race. In my book Run and Not Be Weary, The Pursuit of Purpose and Destiny, I discuss the issue of focus by using Jesus as our example (pp. 16-17. Hebrews 12:1 admonishes us to “run with patience or endurance, the race that is set before us.” Endurance is the ability to sustain prolonged stressful effort or activity and it is the primary quality that sets marathon runners apart from sprinters. The goal of every race is to run well and cross the finish line.
Jesus is the perfect example of focus and endurance. Jesus was so focused on His divine purpose that he was willing to endure every trial and adversity in life and ministry. The writer of Hebrews declares “For the joy” or “for the purpose” that was set before Him, he endured the cross despising the shame” Hebrews 12:2. What joy? The joy of fulfilling His purpose.
Jesus fully completed His mission on earth. Like Jesus, we must run with endurance and focus, not considering our own hardships or the pace and progress of those who run with us. Rather, we must remain focused, endure hardships, and keep our purpose in view.
When we become discouraged, we must remember:
This is your race.
Run or walk at your pace.
Don’t compare yourself to any other runner.
Don’t allow what seems to be a disadvantage to stop you.
Stay focused.
Keep moving.
You can accomplish more than you ever dreamed or imagined.
The 50 states marathon challenge is a great way to travel, see the world and meet new people.
On that day, Marie Richardson became another source of inspiration for me to complete this goal. Therefore, I took a selfie with Marie as a constant reminder to run my race at my pace…😊💞
Blessings,
Dr. Toni