Saturday, December 01, 2007

The Finish Line

I walked (with a few spurts of running here and there) my first 5K today. I didn't win a trophy, but I did win a doorprize, plus I got the pride of finishing a race. I'm not so sure my body will be thanking me tomorrow, but I am glad that I raced and finished without collapsing.

I'll admit that there were times even in such a short race as this that I felt like laying down in someone's yard (the race route went through a neighborhood) and taking a little breather. Having co-workers to walk with definitely helped spur me on. We walked most of the route, although there were several times where we ran for a few minutes. We'd been walking for a while when we rounded the corner and saw the finish line in sight. At that point we decided to kick into high gear and finish the race by running.

As we neared the finish line, we were surrounded by fellow runners who already completed the race who were standing on the sidelines, cheering us on. There's something about having others cheer for you, even people who don't know you, that gets your adrenalin pumping.

I was reminded once again of how powerful encouragement can be. I thought of the Hebrew writer who recounts stories of members of the "Faith Hall of Fame" in Hebrews 11, then reminds us that those who have gone before us are watching and cheering us on in life:


Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Hebrews 12:1)

There are times in life where I feel like I'm all alone, even though intellectually I know I'm not. I'm encouraged when I think about the people in my life who cheer me on on a regular basis, as well as knowing that past men and women of faith are also on my side. It definitely makes running a difficult race a little easier.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I walked/ran my first 5K last March. It's a fun atmosphere, huh?

Donna G said...

It would surprise you to know that even those of us married and surrounded by family often feel very alone too....emotionally, not intellectually!

Kelley said...

Alone comes in many forms and in many different phases of life. One can be alone while in a crowd and surrounded by people who love them. But still a feeling of isolation can remain.

I so admire your run/walk experience. I'm trying so hard to be more fit and running is a goal I have.