Are you in the midst of the biggest race of your life? Maybe you’re facing an unexpected challenge that requires perseverance. Why not learn to run the race of life like a marathoner? Discover seven valuable life lessons that will help you move forward with endurance. Ultimately, how we run the race of life will determine our success.
Or perhaps your life is calm right now, and you’re not facing any trials. Embrace the lessons below before the storm hits so you’ll be prepared to persevere in the race of life. After all, life will hand us the unexpected at some point.
Whether facing unexpected challenges or enjoying a period of calm, marathon runners offer valuable lessons for us to move forward with endurance. #endurance #perseverance Share on XHow We Run the Race of Life Will Determine Our Success
In my last post—“How to Run the Race When Life Feels Unbearable,” I shared one of the biggest races of my life and a tool that helps me go the distance without giving up.
Like a marathon runner, we must remember—
When life is tough, grab hold of Jesus and focus solely on the next mile marker. #perseverance #milemarker #runtherace Share on XIntrigued by how much this mantra helped me, I explored what else I could learn from marathon runners. They possess critical elements that allow them to endure long races. Though I may not be a runner myself, I have learned a great deal from those who know how to push through and go the distance.
Join me as we explore seven valuable lessons from those who know how to go the distance— marathon runners and learn how to run the race of life with perseverance. Share on X
How To Run: Seven Life Lessons From A Marathon Runner
Running a marathon is more than just a physical feat; it’s a journey that teaches us valuable lessons for life. These seven fundamental principles learned from a marathon runner have helped me navigate life’s challenges and obstacles.
1. We Need Community
We need to run the race of life with others. Can you imagine running a marathon by yourself with no other participants? Others inspire us when we are weary, pick us up when we stumble, and we get to do the same for them.
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
(Ecclesiates 4:9-10 NIV)
2. Pull Back to Gain Perspective
Occasionally, we need to pull back and see the big picture. Close-up circumstances can seem overwhelming, and a different vantage point can change our outlook.
Flying never ceases to amaze me. As we lift off the ground, my excitement mounts. My eyes dart to the ground and instantly start looking for the landmarks I recognize. The higher we travel, the more everything on the ground begins to take on a new perspective. From up high, what seemed impossible below suddenly appears small and manageable.
As I gaze from house to house, I see the enormity of our population. My mind ponders to wonder how many people in those homes are hurting and trying to exist through unimaginable circumstances. It reminds me that amidst my struggles, so many others face hardships and trials.
Yet it is still essential we acknowledge all pain, mourn the losses, and do away with measuring our hurt. Pain is pain! However, we can gain helpful insight by looking around and recognizing we are not the only ones suffering. This understanding may propel us to help others or feel more capable of handling our issues. Equally important, seeing others overcome their hardships can fuel our hope and strength.
We also must remember God sees a much bigger picture than we do.
3. Check Progress
It’s crucial to take stock of our progress from time to time. Often, we become so consumed by our challenges that we fail to recognize how far we have come. Every step forward is worth celebrating and acknowledging, no matter how small.
Small steps count, and by marking your starting point, even tiny advances tell a story. Share on X4. Set a Goal
Like a marathon runner has a specific finish line in mind, we must have a destination in sight. Once you have the goal in mind, breaking it down into smaller goals like mile markers will be essential, especially when perseverance and resilience are required.
We must focus on the next mile marker while keeping the finish line in mind. Share on X5. Train and Practice
We must put in the effort to reach the finish line. Marathoners train and practice hard. Mistakes and stumbles will happen, but consistency is critical. We can’t give in when we feel like quitting, even if unanticipated circumstances arise or we enter a specific trial unprepared. Many times, God prepares us for future challenges without us realizing it. Have you found this to be true?
We train to improve or learn something new. We practice so that we will instinctively know how to execute the skill. Now is always the right time to train and practice so we develop the resilience and tenacity needed to persevere.
6. Believe the Goal Is Possible
Have faith in reaching the finish line. Every step forward reminds us we are closer to our goal. Remember, with God by our side, we can achieve more than we ever imagined.
We must have faith that reaching the finish line is possible. #perseverance #faith Share on X7. Pace the Race
Don’t start too fast or too slow. Maintain a steady pace, and remember to rest and refuel along the way. Life, like a marathon, is a test of endurance.
Valuable Life Lessons
As we navigate this marathon called life, let’s remember these important lessons from marathon runners so we can cross the finish line. Let’s pace ourselves, stay focused on the goal, and fix our eyes on the ultimate source of strength and guidance—the Lord. How we run the race of life truly matters!
We can develop resilience and the tenacity to run the race set before us. It is never too late. Share on XWhich of these seven life lessons will you incorporate into your life this week? Please share your thoughts and journey with me. #lifelessons #marathonmindset #finishstrong
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At Embracing the Unexpected | Maree Dee, we make it a monthly tradition to celebrate the top-clicked post from our Grace & Truth Link-Up. For May, I’m thrilled to announce Jennifer as the winner with her heartfelt post about her last goodbye to Dad.
“The Last Goodbye…” by Jennifer
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Don’t miss our featured article on Grace & Truth Christian Link-Up for July 2024, “The Last Goodbye” by Jennifer. #graceandtruth #featuredpost #graceandtruth #christianbloglinkup Share on XTo discover our hosts, details, and rules for our blog link-up, click here. Also, don’t forget to check our Pinterest board to see if one of your posts is featured.
Gaining a larger perspective and celebrating milestones are great keys of perseverance in this race called life, Maree.
Yes, they sure are. May you celebrate the process. Blessings, Maree
I love this! Especially your point about pace. I’m often tempted to do all the things right away and hope to see immediate results. Slowing down is so much more helpful!
I’m right there with you, Rebecca. Pacing is challenging to master. I’m not sure I ever will, but I’m getting better. I like what you said about slowing down being helpful. – Maree
These are so good! I just really appreciated how practical and applicable these tips are! Thanks so much for your insight!
Kristen,
You are very welcome. Thank you for your comment. It’s always nice to hear when something resonates with our readers.
Maree
I appreciate your faithfulness here—and the weekly welcome!
Thank you, Michele. It is always so good to see you here. Maree
Thank you for the featuring my post for my Dad, Maree.
I love your following statement;
“Let’s pace ourselves, stay focused on the goal, and fix our eyes on the ultimate source of strength and guidance—the Lord.” Amen!!
Blessings, Jennifer
Jennifer, I appreciate your feedback. Thank you for your time. Your article was worth highlighting. I always value your encouragement. Maree