Theme: Plotting a Path

Verse: Proverbs 16:9

Those who know me accurately accuse me of being an over-planner.  It’s a blessing and a curse.  Planning (or preparing) for a race takes some effort.  Most people follow some sort of training plan before venturing into a race distance they have not done before.  My nephew, Casey, (an All-American college QB), tried to run a half marathon without any training and will tell you that was one of the great miscalculations of his athletic life.  

The community of runners is a particularly encouraging bunch.  I suppose that’s because each one of us has been at the beginning of the run journey, so we remember those first scary steps. Here are a few characteristics found in most people in the running community.  

First, they have examined their motivation.  Few people simply get up in the morning, and decide to run a 1/2 marathon that day or week.  Almost without exception, that is a decision each person has given a considerable amount of thought to.  

Second, almost without exception, runners plan and prepare.  My nephew learned his lesson and at the next opportunity, he actually did the training and shaved about 40% off of his half-marathon time. (But he still has not caught his uncle.)  

Next, there is some level of discipline in runners.  Getting up at 4:00 is not for the faint of heart.  One needs a good level of discipline to avoid rolling over and enjoying the warmth of the bed.  

Fourth, most are part of a group that provides a tremendous level of accountability and encouragement.  

Finally, (and this is hard sometimes), runners evaluate the risk of the activity they are undertaking.  We all like to think of ourselves as Superman or Superwoman, but in reality, we are each just regular Joes or Janes.   The truth is we will falter and need to regroup so that we can run another day.

These characteristics of runners can be applied to other aspects of our lives.  Go plot your path and have a fantastic journey.

Have a great week! 

Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Black