Running on Faith

One of the beautiful things about a marathon is that it is SO long that you simply can't focus on your race effort for the entire 26.2 miles. One of the toughest things about a marathon is that it is SO long that you simply can't focus on your race effort for the entire 26.2 miles. What makes the race both incredible and challenging is that there is so much time for your mind to wander, so many opportunities for reflection and for self-doubt to creep in, so many times you can go back and forth between belief and fear. Regardless of how well you have prepared physically, anyone who has finished a marathon knows that at some point it's hugely mental. Come in with the wrong focus and it's going to be a long day. While I was well prepared physically for this year's 114th running of the Boston Marathon, I was far from mentally focused. Some times life gets in the way of plans we make well in advance, and it's during those times that God chooses to use our circumstances to make a point. So often in life we think that we can go it alone, following our own agenda and running on our own strength and will. Just when we think we've got everything under control, the rug comes out from under us and we're forced to recognize that ultimately, we are not in control. I knew going into Boston that there was no way I'd run my best without turning my race over to Him. The course is just too tough - especially over the second half. The first 13 miles are basically flat to downhill, but from 13 through 21 your climbing through the hills of Newton culminating in the famous "Heartbreak Hill". Once over the top, it's downhill again into Boston, past Fenway Park, and through to the finish on Boylston. The ups and downs show no mercy on your legs, turning them to Jell-O somewhere between miles 22 and 23. It was all pretty daunting, despite my preparation. In the days leading up to the race, I was intentional about taking my doubts to Him in prayer - asking for the focus and strength to persevere so that my effort might reflect His amazing power and love. The day of the race I posted Isaiah 40:31 on my Facebook status....

"but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

I had officially turned it all over to Him. For the first time in many weeks, I had this calm about me - a peace that passes all understanding. I was ready, knowing that my effort would not be my own. As the race unfolded, I found renewed strength and focus. And for the first time in 13 years doing Boston, I actually ran a negative split! In non-runner terminology, that means I covered the second 13.1 faster than the first half. It means that somehow I went faster up the hills than down. I found myself passing people up and over Heartbreak. I was encouraged by the crowd, many people responding to my TEAM 4:13 race shirt. And as I took that last turn onto Boylston with the finish line in sight some 400 yards away, knowing that I had just covered the course faster than any I had covered in seven years, the emotions let loose and I looked and pointed skyward....I had persevered, running on Faith, for His glory - an example that I hope resonates with others. I BELIEVED!

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. " - James 1:12