Summer Suggestions: Run the Race
by Suzanne Hadley on 07/28/2008 at 8:46 AM
I am not a runner.
Or at least I didn't used to be. But since I moved to Colorado 5 years ago, I've run half a dozen 
races.
"Why?" you ask. For the competition? Definitely not (10-year-olds outrun me). For the exercise? Well, I need it, but that's not enough to make me pound the pavement. For the challenge? Nope. (I don't need to prove myself to anyone, particularly myself).
I attribute my insanity to ... peer pressure. It's true. There is some kind of weird vibe here that tells you running is just something you do — like eating or breathing. It's true that Colorado Springs boasts some of the most beautiful running trails (I prefer using the treadmill where there's air conditioning). But it goes further than that. People, like myself, who had formally wanted nothing more than to lounge on their couches watching TV reruns come to Colorado and ... run marathons!
For me it began my first year here. My co-worker Annette invited me to run in the St. Patrick's Day 5K. After discovering it was physically possible for a person to run 3.1 miles all at once, I agreed. That's how I got sucked in. But that doesn't mean I liked it. Consider what I wrote about a 10K (6.2 miles) I ran three summers ago:
"Hhhaaa-hhhaaa, Hhhaaa-hhhaa." It sounded like Darth Vader was behind me. The owner of the strange breathing technique tailed me for a couple minutes, making me increasingly nervous. Finally I slowed to let her pass. Bad idea. As I slowed, I became more aware of the burn in my legs, the blister forming on my right foot and the uncomfortable feeling in my side. Suddenly each little obstacle discouraged me. A slight hill, the intensity of the sun, running on gravel — every hinderance made me conclude I couldn't keep running.
Between miles 3 and 5, I stopped to walk four times. At first I was miffed by my lack of endurance and determination. As Nike slogans danced through my head, I reworded them: "Just DON'T do it" and "Defeat is ALWAYS an option." I suffered the humiliation of old ladies and 12-year-olds passing me. Then I remembered the saying, "To thine ownself be true." Being true to myself was admitting that I'm not a top-notch runner. Being true to myself was being willing to walk (and enjoying it) when I couldn't run. Being true to myself was feeling satisfaction not for setting a new record but for finishing the race.
Despite my lack of natural ability in running, I have learned things through it. This year I wanted to try again. After all, physical training "is of some value." So I asked a friend to help me train for the Bolder Boulder 10K. I followed my friend's training schedule religiously. And what do you know? I had fun. I even finished six minutes faster than I expected.
Feeling rather accomplished, I allowed a friend to talk me into running a half-marathon with her on August 9. My training schedule was revised, and I've been running an average of 15 miles per week.
I wonder if Paul was an athlete — or just a track fan. He uses the metaphor of a race frequently. Run a good race, finish the race, run to get the prize. My experiences in training and running have made these statements more real to me. When I want to quit near the end of a race, I think of Paul's words in Acts 20:24: "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me — the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."
Finishing isn't always easy, but it is possible. Running teaches you that.
1. Rachael said the following at 9:06 AM on Jul 28
That's awesome that you're regularly training. Good reminder that I should be. Last year I went for the 1/2 marathon, thinking that was a stretch. I did it and raised support for World Vision. So what did I decide to do? Try for a full marathon this November. Oh man...but quite some time ago I already sent out an e-mail, again in attempt to raise support...so I feel I'm stuck. I can walk part of it if necessary...but I'm not at all training intensively. I think my mom and boyfriend would prefer I cut it back to a 1/2 marathon, but I feel stubborn and committed since some people have already submitted support. *sigh* Need to start training intensively....it's fine...just a bit daunting and I'm hoping my knees won't get messed up...it's nice to get out for a jog, though, especially since I'm slow as a snail :)
2. Tabitha said the following at 9:10 AM on Jul 28
Yep, it's true. I've been training for a sprint triathlon (.6mi swim, 17mi bike, 3.4mi run) this summer, and though it's hard, it's taught me a lot about persistence, discipline, and perseverance. Some days I just don't want to go, but once I do, the results are real.
I've often thought about the link between physical training and my spiritual discipline -- somedays waking up and spending 30 minutes in the Word seems like the hardest thing in the world -- but the results are amazing, and more real than even my physical benefits from triathlon training.
Good luck on the half marathon!
3. Lewis said the following at 9:12 AM on Jul 28
I know the feeling. When I was out at Focus, you definitely felt the pressure to run. It took 5 years, but I'm finally trying it for real.
4. KendraW said the following at 9:44 AM on Jul 28
I'm currently training for the Rock and Roll Half-Marathon in San Antonio, TX this fall. I am well aware that I will not be able to run the entire time, and I'm okay with that. I've been using the training as an opportunity to get to know some of the girls at my church a lot better.
5. Cliff said the following at 9:59 AM on Jul 28
Suzanne,
I am a triathlete. I like the longer distance. Like half Ironman, where you run 13.1 miles after a 3 hr bike ride (not to mention the swim before hand).
I find a huge similairity of being a Christian and the races. The long long road that never seem to end. The ever struggle deep inside. The temptation to slow down, to stop, to take a break. And the small whisper of keep going.
I remember vividly my last half Ironman, with 5 km to go, I slowed to a walk. Then someone twice as old as me passed me by. Then I followed behind him. He (Fred) was very encouraging and told me to hang on for just a little while. I got my momentum and ended up running down a few other people.
I wonder sometimes that's how fellowship is. When a brother or sister is beside you on this spiritual journey. When everything hurts and you want to give up. And this brother is beside you to keep your eye fixed on the prize.
I just hope I am am able to encourage others as Fred had encouraged me.
6. Julie said the following at 10:08 AM on Jul 28
what a great relation to Paul telling us to run the race. running has never been something I enjoy but if I do it I get a great feeling of accomplishment.
7. Nicole (from Boston) said the following at 10:12 AM on Jul 28
I'm just starting to get into running. It's so nice to hear your perspective and to know that you're not the fastest one out there and yet you still are participating in the race to the best of your ability. I didn't run for years because I told myself that I'd never be as good as my brother, my friend, whoever, and besides walking is way better exercise, right?? But now as I'm starting to build up stamina, running is starting to become a delight. Haven't done any races yet but those might be in the near future. Good luck in the upcoming 1/2 marathon!!
8. Rebekah said the following at 10:36 AM on Jul 28
I discovered running this spring when I decided that I needed to do a Triathlon. I love cycling b/c of the rush and freedom, swimming b/c of the rhythym and silence, running b/c of the pain and b/c each step feels like overcoming a challenge.
Sort of Off topic, but Triathlon teaches a lot of great lessons, persistence, organization, and just doing your best--I've raced against Olympians, amputees, and people trying to lose 100 lbs; we all work hard and run our own race, doing the best we can without feeling ashamed that we aren't as good as that person just ahead.
9. Amir Larijani said the following at 11:15 AM on Jul 28
Suzanne: I loved doing the Bolder Boulder 10K. That is a really fun race. They do a great job putting on that one. I've run it a few times; my dad has run it for the last 21 years.
If you're really up for it, I highly recommend trying a half-marathon, and eventually progressing to a full marathon. Half-marathons are fun, but full marathons require a LOT of preparation. The best marathons are the military-sponsored ones (The Air Force Marathon at Wright-Patterson AFB, and the Marine Corps Marathon in DC).
Ultra-marathons (50K and higher) are nice, too, but if you ever do any of those, stick to dirt trails rather than asphalt.
Of course, with my back problems, my distance running days are over. I'm stuck with the elliptical cross-trainer. :(
Where you are, the Denver Marathon is really good: my dad has done that one a couple times and loved it.
10. 'Guerite ~ BoldLion said the following at 12:14 PM on Jul 28
I would love to do run, but my knee surgery and bad knee would keep me out of it.
I do walk for Walk for Life to support Crisis Pregnancy Center for my hometown. That is fun and wonderful.
I am looking forward another Walk for Life for Crisis Pregnancy Center this coming fall. I do hope to raise a lot this year for them.
Yes, it is interesting about Paul in his writing to us to hang on and press toward the goal.
In Christ Alone,
'Guerite ~ BoldLion
11. Brantley said the following at 12:46 PM on Jul 28
At our church, we're going to try this new thing called jogging... or maybe its yogging...it could be a silent J... Apparently you just run for extended periods of time. I thought it was just our class on that kick but it looks like it's sweeping the nation. Our singles group has two running groups and has been peer pressuring us into running for the past two years. I personally like having a destination for my runs like to a ball or to the goal but this works too.
12. brx said the following at 1:29 PM on Jul 28
Hey, in that picture, it looks more like you're walking than running! :>
Funny how that peer presure can work to get folks doing healthy fun together. :) I got roped into running some benefit races when I moved to Monterey. (side note: check the benefit organizations carefully; after runing and promoting their race for several years, I learned that a rape crisis center benefit was also supporting a homosexual political activism group)
Competitive pride hurt my knees; so, now I mountainbike and spur people on with groups like B.O.M.B. - Believers O Mountain Bikes and Lost & Found Adventures.
Grace, peace & enjoying the outdoors!
13. Darren said the following at 2:46 PM on Jul 28
Great article. There are so many examples of running in God's word. The lesson for me is that I should have the same (if not more) intensity in my Christian life as I do on my runs.
Running offers a powerful example of perseverance, training and determination.
Isaiah 40:31
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.
All of the examples in the Bible also serve as a reminder to me that the people in the Bible were no shrinking violets. As Christians we should not be obsessed with physical fitness and our bodies, but we also should view exercise as a way of taking care of what God has given us physically.
14. KJ said the following at 3:49 PM on Jul 28
As a former non-athlete who recently took up (not very fast) running, I say kudos to you for getting out there and running races! I too have been passed by children, old men, etc., but I am doing better than I was when I didn't run. Nowhere was I more reminded of that than when I was plugging along in last place in a road race while people standing in their yards watching us were blowing cigarette smoke in our direction, and I thought, "Well, I am WAY better off than they are."
15. BDB said the following at 3:53 PM on Jul 28
That guy in the picture...is he carrying a horse on a stick?
I used to be able to run four miles in a sitting. That was several ankle injuries ago. My grandfather and grandmother both required knee replacement surgery. I thought I was doing so hot to be able to run. Then I found out that my grandfather did quite a bit of running in his youth...oh, so THAT's where the cartilage went...
I have a mountain bike now...
16. Suzanne said the following at 6:47 PM on Jul 28
BDB,
Yes. Yes he is. A fellow member of my improv troupe: Stick Horses in Pants. He ran the entire 6.2, holding that thing. Got us on the jumbo-tron.
17. DannieA said the following at 7:00 PM on Jul 28
fun fun Suzanne....I've run 3 marathons...all with loads of analogies...I'm not that fast so I prefer distance, but I really love the half marathon. It's long enough to feel accomplished yet I can still go to work the next day.
See you in Los Angeles first Sunday of March????? 26.2 miles of fun and fellowship, even with people you don't know. You can't miss my running group...we're in pink....'Loma Linda Lopers'
18. BDB said the following at 10:18 PM on Jul 28
Suzanne (#16) wrote:
>>Got us on the jumbo-tron.<<
There's nothing like marketing!
Do Colorado runners have an advantage if they run in one of those sea-level races? Then again, at sea level, it's hotter...
19. Holly said the following at 11:11 AM on Jul 29
BDB (#18) wrote: Do Colorado runners have an advantage if they run in one of those sea-level races? Then again, at sea level, it's hotter...
Much research indicates that living and training at altitude is advantageous for racing. America's two best marathoners, Ryan Hall and Deena Kastor, both live and train at altitude in Mammoth Lakes,California. (Both of them are headed for Beijing, too!) They do adjust their training to prepare for heat--wearing extra layers, etc. Incidentally, Ryan is a strong and outspoken Christian. You can see some great video interviews with him at GodTube.com. Don't miss the men's Olympic marathon! =) (And don't mind me...I'm a running geek.) ;)
20. BDB said the following at 1:28 PM on Jul 29
Holly (#19) wrote:
>>Don't miss the men's Olympic marathon! =) (And don't mind me...I'm a running geek.) ;)<<
Oh, I dunno...during the last summer Olympics, I found myself getting up in the middle of the night to watch softball...
21. keightie said the following at 7:41 AM on Aug 2
"People, like myself, who had formally wanted nothing more than to lounge on their couches watching TV reruns come to Colorado and ... run marathons!"
I think you mean "formerly".
22. Suzanne said the following at 3:38 PM on Aug 13
keightie! I did. :) That's funny. I always I take my TV-viewing VERY seriously. BTW, I finished the race!
23. BDB said the following at 5:23 PM on Aug 13
Suzanne (#22) wrote:
>>BTW, I finished the race!<<
The half-marathon Aug 9th? Well done!
24. Suzanne said the following at 5:02 PM on Aug 26
BDB,
The very one! Thanks. :)