Last Saturday night I ran until way in the morning on Sunday. The stars were amazing. It's often in the darkest skies that we see the brightest stars. The race's pain pushed me into a dark space of suffering that helped me see the obvious: That the solid rock pillar of my life is my Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He helps me reach my goals -- my summits, my finish lines, my dreams as an academic and family man. Being in a race enables us to see the obvious and what's important. But sometimes, to appreciate things, we need to suffer, which forces us to be present in a world that requires us to be continually ahead of the curve.
Slow down.
Be present.
Appreciate.
I also race for my family, to set an example for my children and grandchildren of determination, dedication, and discipline. We can do anything, and pain is a given when one chooses the difficult path that brings long-term rewards. This has given me the strength to push through, and I tell myself that unless I'm injured I cannot stop. I will not stop.
This summer I will miss seeing Zermatt again, this most beautiful postcard village at the base of the Matterhorn and the Gornergrat, two of my favorite places on earth. The last time I was there I walked away with great memories and lessons from this journey into the Swiss Alps. I look forward to the next challenge, which is just over the horizon.
Overcoming adversity is a great trait to develop, and running and climbing gives that to you. What a gift we have as endurance athletes to practice persistence and flexibility all the time. Good things come to those who wait -- an old adage that is a secret strategy for success in the 21st century, a century that is defined by instant gratification, especially on social media. You need to train yourself to overcome those anxieties and doubts in your life. Change of plans -- it's all part of life. Enter not into the day without a flexible attitude. The ability to remain flexible is truly a great gift to possess.
I hope this daily blog helps to bring you some perspective on what it takes to run your race with persistence and flexibility, to the glory of God.