Why I Run...To Endure

Enduring to the End:

I've been thinking about the upcoming marathon and there are times when I'm so excited and then there are times when all I can think about is that last marathon.  It just depresses and scares me to think I could ever have a repeat performance.  During that marathon I experienced muscle cramps that made me just want to quit. I was only halfway through when they started and it just got progressively worse.  There were times all I could do is walk.  However, there's always a lesson to be learned in running.  I learned things to help me become a better runner and I also learned about enduring in life.  Sometimes life is not fun and it's painful.  Sometimes it's very discouraging to not be able to do what we think we should be able to do.  It's hard when you don't know if you can take another step or possibly even finish.  I found that in those dark moments, and they are dark and despairing, you find out what you're made of.  You find inner strength, determination, and fight that you didn't know you had inside.  It's where you realize that NOT finishing is where the true despair would come in.  In those deepest, darkest moments is where reaching out to our Heavenly Father usually comes in and we find that we are not alone and will always be given the support and strength we need.  Whether it be through inspiring words or lyrics to a song that come to our mind, or another person's help, it will be there always.  The power to endure is within all of us.  Sometimes we just have to feel the despair to find the strength within us.  It's the opposition that helps us to see the good.  See, I love the lessons I learn while running!