Last weekend, I ran a half-marathon race, a big event where
there were well over 2000 runners. I had
just run a half-marathon two weeks before that and was coming off my fastest
time to that point. I knew my training
and preparation had me more than ready for the second race; however, you never
know what is in store for you race day – so many things are variable, for
instance the weather, how many runners are on the course, would my allergies affect
my breathing. So, I’ve taken the attitude
to just go out, run, not worry about the time, bask in nature, and enjoy the
race. This attitude had already
delivered two personal bests, so it was an effective approach. When I reached mile marker one and given that
I was feeling strong, I visualized myself crossing the finish line at a
personal record time. After that, I took
in the beautiful scenery, high-fived some of the children lining the course and
ran my race. This all was energizing, as
was the fact that as each mile went by, I was below my target mile split
time. I finished the race with my
fastest time ever, three personal records in three consecutive races.
So, what is different between a race and a life
journey? A race has a defined course, a
start, mile markers, check points, and a finish line. It is almost impossible to stray off course,
especially with the race marshals directing traffic. However, in life, it is easy to wander off
course, get stuck in place, or even get turned around in the wrong direction. This is a paradox we all live with as the
major difference between a race and a life journey is that there is no defined
course. The journey starts when we are
born; it ends when we die. In between,
we have free will to follow whatever direction we want; there is no clear
roadmap. However, life does have mile
markers, check points, and race marshals.
Family members, friends, mentors, and teachers keep us on course through
their teaching, through their counsel, as a sounding board, and to give us
reality checks. The Universe sends us
signs and clues to keep us on course as well as to help us identify and achieve
our Life Purposes. Our dreams also help
keep us on course, as do our intuitions and thoughts. Although each of our life journeys are rarely
clear cut, the mile markers and checkpoints are there. All it takes is to look for the signs, hear
the messages, act on intuition, and follow our hearts.
I’m finished racing for the year, but there is next year to look
forward to. I run not only to train for
races, but to meditate, be at one with nature, spend quality time with my
daughter and friends, and revitalize the soul.
Running not only helps me stay in shape, it also helps me stay on
course. Not everyone is a runner, but
everyone has a life journey. So follow
the signs fearlessly and journey onward.
