Seven Valuable Life Lessons to Run The Race Well

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.

How 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—

Intrigued 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.

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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

(Matthew 19:26 NIV)

7. 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!

Which 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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