I am a runner.
That phrase doesn't roll easily off my tongue. It has taken a long time for me to verbalize that; especially out loud, let alone on a blog! Why is it difficult for me to own up to this? Well, I don't fit a lot of the "typical" things about a runner; I am not "fast", I am not "small", I am not a "natural athlete".
So, what are some things that make me a runner:
I am determined
I am consistent
I work hard
I can move my legs and feet at a pace faster than I can walk
I watch the Boston Marathon
On Monday, Apr 16 2018, I spent a couple of hours watching The Boston Marathon on my little tablet. It is always so inspiring to watch. This year did not disappoint. The weather conditions were AWFUL! They were horrible for ANY occasion, let alone for an outdoor endurance sport. These runners slogged through torrential rain and wind. And the super fast runners still finished 26.2 in less time than it takes me to clean my bathroom. (I really don't like to clean my bathroom)
After the winner of the womens and mens races were announced, the professional coverage with commentators ended, what was left was the view from the finish line cam. I watched the view from that camera for over 30 minutes.
I was receiving text alerts about my friend Tammy who was running so I was partially watching the finish line, hoping to recognize her. As I watched though, I started noticing something;
Each person that crossed the finish line had their own personal victory. Many raised their arms over their head as they crossed. Some nearly collapsed and were placed onto a wheelchair. Some held hands with the person they were with and hugged and kissed. I think all of them were relieved that it was over, elated that they had finished, and marveled at the experience and conditions they had just gone through to get to the finish line. They had finished! And in my experience from running, when you finish, you win!
It caused me to think of all of us and our personal race towards heaven.
When we cross the final finish line, we will likely have many of these same feeling. Because we worked hard, overcome many obstacles and "storms" that we didn't expect or plan for, and we've done something amazing.
I'm a runner because it teaches me so many important lessons about life and working hard.
I love learning these things on accident, because I do other things on purpose!
