What Marathon Are You Running?
So I did it. I ran my first marathon this weekend. 26.2 miles of unrelenting, intense, physical and mental discomfort that I voluntarily signed up for with my best friend! As I crossed the finish line and saw my wife and 2 sons pumping their fists in the air cheering for me, I immediately knew this moment was more powerful than words. It was profoundly symbolic on a physical and psychological level, I had run a marathon.
In the car as we drove from South Bend Indiana back to the airport, my wife looked at me and said “tell me about the actual race.” I proceeded to give her the entire race narrative with the pride, mile by mile. I recounted the smooth stretches, the difficult and painful miles, the cramps, the fatigue, the conversations with fellow runners, the beauty of the run, the inner monologue I had with myself, the rain clouds hovering above and the burst of energy I had at mile 24 when I finally realized the finish line was approaching.
The reality is that we all are running marathons in our lives. Whether it’s at the office, in our role as parents, friends, spouses or students, we encounter similar challenges day in and day out and need to equip ourselves with the proper tools to help us reach our own personal finish lines. The tool box for success requires that we identify our goals, train hard, get support from loved ones and family, assume an Achievement Attitude and Demonstrate a strong Work Ethic. If we are prepared and understand that parts of the run are painful and unpleasant, but we are focused on the reward at the end, than the sky is the limit for us. We must run, push, and run some more.
I encourage us all to look at the Visible Men Success Principles and see what areas we can strengthen in our lives to help us reach our goals. We are the best role models for our children, students, and loved ones. How we conduct ourselves and what we commit ourselves to has a significant impact on the people in our lives.
When I came to the finish line, I saw my 5yo son holding a sign that read “Daddy is our Superhero.” Make it to the finish line and see how magical you feel!
June 12th, 2010 at 3:54 pm
Congratulations,
When I completed my first half-marathon, my daughter (7 years old at the time) watched me cross the finish line. She chose to participate in the Kid’s version the next year. Although the completion of the race meant a great deal to me at the time, it means even more to to me now to see her take on a healthy lifestyle. She completed her second race a few months ago, and now she’s keeping me going.
Congrats again. You are setting a wonderful example for the family.