Growing up, I was never athletic. I didn’t play sports, and I didn’t like P.E. In fact, I just didn’t like to sweat. So it surprised me several years ago when I started running to drop a few pounds, and actually liked it. I liked it so much that I ran my first half-marathon last year.
My husband, who was Mr. Athletic growing up, didn’t like to run. He said he never liked running, and thought it boring. Until…he was standing at the finish line, watching my niece and me cross after 13.1 miles. For sure, he was proud of me, but decided he wanted in on the action.
Last summer, just before my leg injury, Mark started running with me. Then, while I was sitting in my boot, he’d run without me. He kept running, and after his first 5k, was addicted. By fall, when I came out of the boot, he was helping me get back in shape.
Yesterday I ran my second half-marathon, and Mark ran his first. We’d already decided that we’d run the half together, even though he is a much faster runner. However, I really thought adrenaline would get the best of him, and expected him to take off without me. He never did, even though my pace was much slower than I’d hoped. Even at mile 11, when I was walking and about to cry from the pain, he walked with me and encouraged me to keep going. If he had run at his pace instead of mine, he would’ve finished at least 45 minutes sooner; but, we crossed the finish line together.
The world is full of people moving at their own speeds, trying to gain success without ever thinking of others. Those struggling are often left behind to make it on their own.
Life is so much more fulfilling when we live it together…when we come alongside another, and refuse to let them give up. There are people in my life who do that for me, and I’ve had the opportunity to do it for others. There’s nothing quite like crossing the finish line with someone who knows what it took to get there.
What are you good at? What have you been through that your experience can help someone else? Are you aware of people around you? Their struggles? Their hurts? Will you slow down, walk with them, and encourage them?
