The truth is that not all roads are endless, I still find myself thinking of possibilities. One might think that dreams of ultra-marathons would diminish with age, but I for one am a witness to the contrary. The trigger for the dream is a road that fades into the horizon. I visualise myself running on, endlessly, loving the wind and rhythms in my stride, believing everything is possible. For now, “I realize that I don’t have what it takes. I can will it, but I can’t do it.” (Romans 7.18). Maybe with training, what cannot be done today will be possible.
I look forward to today, an endless road ahead. One of my anchors has finished his race. What lingers with me is his resolve, commitment to perfection, and honour. The hardest decision one can make in a marathon is the decision to finish the course. I still recall the messages my body was begging me to listen to. The reasons to not continue were always there, often with painful clarity. In response, I reminded myself of the calling I had heard in the win. The result was pressing on relentlessly until the finish line was behind me. The calling to press forward today is just as loud as it was on the road.
It would be naïve to think there will not be challenges and barriers along the route. They will be there, even if I must make them myself. I have come to appreciate that my greatest enemy is within. Automatic negative thoughts trigger defensive reactions, even when no response is required. In being willing to consider the possibilities, I open myself up to hope and courage. They are good friends when I share my journey. With far too many examples as memories, life comes with enough hills that I do not need to make my own. Letting go to just be, pushing forward one step at a time, and being fully in the moment is the key to running an endless race.
It is time to run, endlessly free with kindness and love.
