I have been training for the Marine Corp Marathon since June.  I raised over $2800 to help fight leukemia and lymphoma through Team in Training thanks to the help of generous friends and family.  I have run long runs every Saturday since June.  I have risen at 5:30 AM to run at 6 AM (Darrell never ceases to be amazed at my presence at this time in the morning.)  I have spend a couple of hundred dollars on new running shoes.  I have gotten to know some amazing women and spent, literally, hours with them.

It has given me some confidence in myself...I am an athlete!  I had energy and confidence.    I even say it has helped my teaching and my parenting.  I have loved it...until last week when I began to feel burned out and the IT band finally gave in.  I walked straight legged up the hill to my car after a 20 mile run in defeat.  I am taking ibruprofen.  I am stretching and rolling and resting...and I am frustrated and self-focused and having a basic pity party about it.

So, since I have SO much time on my hands (come on, the laundry doesn’t actually have to be put away once it is washed, does it?), I have been thinking about how life is like training for a marathon.    Actually one of the reasons I decided to run this thing was to show myself that I could follow through with something.  To force myself to see it through to the end.  To add something to my own personal resume of life and to learn to fight a battle.  To prove to myself that I could have discipline about something.  To teach myself not to give up when I get discouraged.  

And I realize that this happens often.  Something is hard and I give up.  Some barrier comes and I give up.  I throw in the towel and pick up my marbles and go home.

But not this time!  I am going to ice and take Advil and rest and get a sports massage and not give up.  I am going to finish this thing.  I am going to cross that finish line with a smile on my face, regardless of my time.

Oh yeah, that is my other analogy.  The ‘ole tortoise and the hare story.  I know I should train slower on the long runs.  I should do run/walk so I can finish this marathon injury free.  When you are in for the long haul (as we are in life), slow and steady wins.  Day after day of being with your children and teaching them the same thing again and again until you can’t even remember why or what you are teaching them.  Not rushing ahead to the next stage or the next accomplishment but resting right here and now and letting the phases pass slowly.   Years and years spend in a company or a state education system pays off in the long run because you have saved and been smart and not bought things in excess.  At the end of your life you are comfortable and secure...(unless your company goes bankrupt and you lose your retirement and benefits or the state squanders your retirement money and cuts your benefits...but that is for another blog).  But see I am not like that.  I give it all when I have it and save nothing for later.  When I feel good I push and push and push and here I am.  

So now I will focus on finishing like a tortoise and remember why I am there.  I have forgotten the real reason I signed up for this marathon!  I signed up to run for something greater than myself.   In Revelation it says”

I have fallen.  I have forgotten I am there as part of a team.  Team in Training’s purpose is to support those who are struggling with leukemia and lymphoma.  I am running for the many names I have been given by friends of their loved ones who have survived or been defeated by these diseases.  I am running for the mothers and fathers who have money for treatment for their child who is suffering.  Leukemia has a 70% survival rate now!  Up from 30%!  This is the good that research has done.  If I have to run a 13 minute mile my purpose will not be defeated.  You see it is not about me finishing this marathon in 4 hours.  Those who are fighting this disease could care less about my time.  When it is about me it is depressing and defeating and constraining.  When it is about others there is freedom and joy and purpose.  

I missed it and it is time to turn back.