Why a Marathon?

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

Over 45 years ago, God fired the starting gun of my life. Throughout the years, I have rarely run this race like one who expects to obtain the prize. I have run aimlessly!

Over the past year, I have been searching for a prize that I could strive towards. I have taken on new challenges, including coaching a soccer team, Senior Commander of “Rangers” (a boys program at church), and several personal and professional goals. It has been an enlightening year. I have begun to understand more about many of my strengths and weaknesses. There have been many struggles and challenges, but these only serve to prove that this “training” is effective.

A few months back, I began to hear rumors at work about some guys running a marathon. My ears perked up. This sounded like a great opportunity. But what is the prize that would give me the passion run this race?

Certainly not riches, honor, or praise. Not just the completion of a journey. It is not the 26.22 miles of the marathon or the nearly 425 miles and 16 weeks of training, or even the completion of something few even attempt. These are the methods and measuring sticks of training, but what is the real prize.

It is the wrestling against my own will and my own physical body. The discipline of mind and body will help to develop me into the man of character that is the goal of my life. Diligence, perseverance, selflessness, and integrity are the prize. Being a positive influence, light in an increasingly dark world is the only goal worth striving to achieve. Our team has the added bonus of storing up imperishable wealth, by supporting a great cause the St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Imperishable Wealth: Becoming people of character through hard work, accountability, comaraderie, and discipline. This is a prize that can never be taken away. By supporting others with a common goal of improving their world, in some small way we share in their imperishable wealth. Yes, this is something that can give me a passion to push through to the end. I will run this race and will gain the prize.

Over the next 16 weeks, I will detail my training including thoughts, struggles, challenges, and triumphs.

You can join m and my teammates in this quest by:

·        Checking out these posts frequently and encouraging us

·         Praying for me and my teammates (See prayer requests)

·       Contribute financially to our fund raising campaign for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. (You can use the link on blogroll or e-mail me for more information cfarley@insightbb.com)