Like a Racer
Friday, June 7, 2013 at 12:17AM I have never run a marathon (look, I can't even get to the starting line of a 5K, much less finish a race), but right now I feel like I might be able to relate to what a runner feels during a race.
You start out. As you take the first steps, adrenaline pumps, and pumps you up. You know you are going to get all kinds of stuff done. Namely, a lot of steps. One foot in front of the other, one step at a time, you will get nearer and nearer to the finish line.
You know you need to pace yourself. You can't run the whole race in the first hour. If you start out too strong, you'll crash in an exhausted heap long before you've even hit the halfway mark. Steady and evenly, this is how you make time.
You pass marker after marker. You can see how far you've come. You know how much lies ahead.
Step, push, move. Your feet keep hitting the pavement. It hurts now, but you know you're only getting closer with each. pounding. step.
Suddenly your muscles are burning and you think you might die. This race is never going to end. How could you have been so stupid to have put on this dumb jersey and these tiny shorts and think that you could actually run such a long distance? And survive?
No one is even chasing you! Why are you running?!
A white-haired gentleman passes you. He leaves you behind in seconds. First, humiliation; second, motivation. If he can do it, you can do it. And you press on, even though you are sure that there is no way you can get this done.
You shake your head. Focusing on what you (think you) cannot do is not going to help you accomplish what you are trying to do. Instead, you say to yourself,"I'm going to finish this."
Looking ahead, you can see the end of the race. The other side of the finish line is the most beautiful place you have ever seen. And you're so close!
Suddenly, your feet are crossing the line! You finished the race! This is such an amazing moment! You know you'll never forget it. And it's so exhilarating that you are already planning on signing up for the next race as soon as you eat an entire box of doughnuts.
Or at least I think that's how I would feel. Especially the doughnuts part.
As I continue to figure out where things are going to go in the house, move things around, put stuff together, organize, get rid of, clean up, it's easy to get discouraged and think,"This is never going to get done." But when I look around, I can see that I'm making progress, that we are getting things done...and then I get a little shot of hope.
I'd still like a doughnut too. I really think that would help...
Reader Comments (1)
You're such a good writer. I love this analogy and can totally use it today. Thank you. :)