Marathon Reflection

On this day, around this time last year, I could hardly walk. Some of you might find that a scary proposition, but once I tell you that I had just completed a marathon, I'm sure it makes perfect sense. For those of you who might still not understand completely, marathons completely pummel the body mentally, physically, and emotionally. They are not events to be taken lightly, and I'm still amazed that I even finished the Delaware Marathon.
The post, Obstacle Conquered, is what I wrote following my marathon completion a year ago. As I reflect upon this race from my past, I realize even now what a miracle it is that I was able to gut it out over the course of 26.2 miles. Thinking back, there were many mistakes that I made by not sticking to my original game plan. First off, I went out wayyyyy too fast. Who in their right mind runs a 7:46 first mile, only to come to realize there are 25.2 more to go? Along with that, I over-hydrated. During training, I would have a drink maybe every 6 miles. Throughout the marathon, though, I was having a drink every 2 miles. Talk about an upset stomach.
Thankfully, God was watching over me that day. I would not have been able to finish without the support of my parents and friends. Grigs and Jess were great motivators throughout the course, while Chrissy and Rhi stepped up and ran with me when I needed it most. I'm so glad that Deuteronomy 31:6 is true when it says, "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."
The Delaware Marathon was definitely a learning experience. Though I took most of the year off from physically running, I feel as if I've been mentally running, trying to escape myself for some reason. It's been a year of ups and downs, of spending time with friends and hiding from them. A year of believing in my abilities and doubting myself. A year of being sure that I was meant to help people, but not knowing exactly in what capacity. Luckily, through all of this I have come to understand what is meant by the words in Romans 8:28 ~ "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." I may not be able to comprehend all of the circumstances that I have undergone this past year, but I am positive that there was a reason behind each and every situation.
I'd like to leave you with a song that I felt compelled to listen to on my drive home today. It's by Addison Road and is entitled "Start Over Again." The lyrics seem quite fitting for my situation, and I think it's about time I turn my life around and start over with each aspect of my life. I know I've let myself down and I've let some friends down, and for that I'm sorry and hope that you'll forgive me.

Open up your eyes

Awake, arise

Love like a hand reaches down

And pulls us up from the dirty ground

Now is the time

To step from the dark into the light

Cause you can’t change what you’ve done

But you can choose who you’ll become

(CHORUS)

Every moment is a second chance

At starting over, at starting over

Move from the past to the present tense

You can start over, start over again

If you feel ashamed

Of the choices that you’ve made

You can be whole again

And return to your innocence

(CHORUS)

Yesterday is gone

Today is all you’ve got

You don’t have to be who you’ve been

You can change within

It’s never too late

To start over again

W.A.I.T. Part 5: Forget the Past

And I won't look back 'cause there's no use. Its time to move forward.

"Feeling Sorry" Paramore

I think that Paramore is onto something by talking about the need to focus on what's ahead, not what's behind. Too often we are apt to get caught up in the mistakes of the past, which leave us at a standstill emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Replaying the past can't change it, and it only hinders your present and possibly your future. Learning to let go is one of the most important lessons that we can learn.
Isaiah 43:18 tells us, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past." This ancient prophet knew how important it was to focus on the future. During this time, it was more important to look forward to the coming of Christ instead of looking back on the stringent Commandments that Moses brought forth. There is hope in Christ, while the law seems to carry a burden.
In the world of running, nobody says it better than Frank Shorter. One of his famous quotes is, "You have to forget your last marathon before you try another. Your mind can't know what's coming." This quote rings true in my life. Back in May, I started my third marathon, which was the second one that I finished. It was of utmost importance for me to forget my last marathoning experience, which had taken place in November of 2007. It was a freezing cold day in Harrisburg and I started the race too fast and had ingested too many fluids. By mile 18, I was feeling sick to my stomach and began to walk, but that only made my legs hurt even more. I ended up dropping out at mile 22 feeling like I had failed. I remained discouraged for many months as I kept questioning whether or not I could have indeed completed the race. Eventually I let the whole experience go from my mind and gained enough courage to train and start another marathon. I faced my fair share of struggles during that race, but because I was not focused on my past failure, I was able to cross the finish line.
In the same sense, we must take this approach in all aspects of our lives. We can't dwell on what we did wrong during school, job interviews, relationships, or friendships. If we continue to replay the past, we'll never be able to grow in the future. It's too easy to miss out on some of the blessings of today by cluttering our minds with yesterday. Nothing can be changed accept how we approach each new day. Instead of being self-centered and moping about how awful certain aspects of life have been, focus on what you can do to promote Christ and live in a way pleasing to Him. This is the main focus of Philippians 3:13-14 ~ "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
A sure way to nurture a spiritual environment in which one can thrive is to have one free of past clutter. It's okay to maintain memories of the past as long as they aren't hurting your future. Don't hoard negative thoughts within your brain or else you might miss out on the bright future that the Lord has planned out for you.