BOTH Feet Must Be Off the Ground
By Carolyn Hulliberger
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
1 Corinthians 9:23-25
As I write this, my husband is one week from competing in his second marathon. If you have ever been to a marathon, it is inspirational. The participants have said yes to a monumental challenge and come together from all skill levels and walks of life with one goal…to finish well. The Christian life is also like this. Here are a few observations about marathon training from Runner’s World editor Mark Remy, as well as myself. They are appropriate for the 26.2 mile race, as well as our Christian pursuit.
1. Running is defined as having BOTH feet off the ground. Otherwise, you are walking, strolling or lunging. To make running happen takes power and energy.
2. Keep your eyes just ahead of you, not on your feet. If you don’t look up, you are bound to run into something.
3. Concentrate on running the current mile, not the one 5, 10, or 25 miles down the path.
4. There will always be someone slower than you and someone faster than you. Don’t waste time comparing yourself.
5. Running a marathon is a hot, sweaty, uncomfortable undertaking. There will be blisters. Your muscles will scream. You may even feel like throwing up.
6. If you quit in the middle, you will always look back in regret.
7. The only thing worse than running out of energy a mile from the finish line is finishing the race with energy left over.
Fortunately, the race for Christians doesn’t have just one prize at the end. Every participant that finishes is awarded an eternal prize. So don’t be like the woman Mark Remy knows who “once trained meticulously for a marathon in a faraway state, trained well, packed carefully, made the trip, and realized that she had forgotten to register for the race.” (1)
GOING DEEPER:
1. Evaluate how you feel about your life’s race. Have you taken the time to “register”? Are you getting BOTH feet off the ground?
2. If you get a chance, be a supporter along a race route this summer. Cheer on the runners!
FURTHER READING:
2 Timothy 4:6-8; Hebrews 12:1-3
Along with caring for her husband, two children and the dog, Carolyn is an Office Representative for State Farm Insurance, serves in Student Ministries with junior high girls, and is the treasurer for Women’s Ministries.
(1) Remy, Mark. The Runner’s Rule Book: Everything a Runner Needs to Know, and then Some, 2009
Runners in Waukesha County: Join us at the Delafield Run/Walk on June 18. For more information, go to Ministries: Women: Moments at www.oakwoodnow.org
