A friend shared an article with me that I think will resonate with runners whether they are particularly religious or not. The article is called “Train,” by Quinn G. Caldwell, a United Church of Christ minister and includes the following ten ways he thinks the life of faith is like running:
1. Most of the time, it feels like work.
2. Every once in a while, it feels like flying.
3. You can do it alone, but you’ll do it faster and better with other people.
4. If your knees aren’t at least a little bit sore at least a little bit of the time, you’re not doing it hard enough.
5. Somebody will try to tell you that certain clothes are required to do it well; they’re wrong.
6. When people who don’t do it see you doing it, they wonder why the hell you would bother.
7. But they’re also just a little bit impressed, especially if you look like it’s not coming easy to you.
8. It’s hard to start and easy to quit.
9. The longer you do it, the harder it is to quit.
10. If the only time you ever do it is when you’re being chased, you’re totally going to get caught.
The only one I might take exception to is #5. Maybe technical clothing isn’t absolutely required in order to run, it sure does make it much more comfortable! I can’t imagine running any distance without it. But I definitely love the rest — especially 1, 2, 3, 8, and 9.
He concludes with this prayer: “Holy God, may I run and not grow weary, walk and not faint. Amen” This could be a good mantra for long runs.
5. for me as well. I noticed a difference once I got the right clothes.