How Marathon Training Changes Us

What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals. — Henry David Thoreau

When we anticipate being blessed in some substantial way, I think we may picture it as some large spiritual anointing, a Road to Damascus experience, in which we are overwhelmed by experience. Or maybe we anticipate an epiphany that changes the trajectory of our life. Or perhaps we have a physical emergency where we know that life is tenuous and this alters our mindset.

I believe all of these might happen, and indeed have happened to me in various ways. More likely, though, our recognition of a significant experience will depend on what we bring to the table. I don’t claim to know for sure, but I don’t think God likes to compete for our attention.

In the past few months, I have found myself experiencing frequent bouts of gratitude. While this is associated with life in general, for this post, I wanted to focus on the marathon training I’ve been privileged to do.

I started this season by adopting the theme of “All In”. Perhaps that approach has been the catalyst for making this one of the most remarkable periods in my life. With every decision, I ask myself, “What would be the ‘All In’ approach?” And that is what I do.

We often say, “What challenges you, changes you.” Never underestimate that the changes may include those most foundational to a life of meaning and gratitude.

The story of the past four months comes at me in vignettes, the residue of living with intention:

• Running the 2.5 mile Cooper River Bridge with 30,000 others.
• Weekend days finding our way through parts of trails on which we’ve never been, with the awareness that any misstep will send us tumbling to the ground.
• An excursion through snow and ice water which left our feet numb and hearts thumping.
• Looking for the bright light of my friend Sarah as we meet on the road before dawn for what I count as my favorite training runs.
• Casting aside trepidation to make our way through Uwharrie National Forest.

Philosophers and religious figures have tried to impress upon us the importance of living in the present moment. And here’s a secret: the more you do this, the more you want to do it. By cherishing this moment, you find its richness and it makes you not want to look back or look forward.

What starts out as a process to reach a goal turns into a love for the journey itself. Thankful the road never ends!