Today they will gather long before sunrise. The event? A 50K/100K race in Farmville. I think you're supposed to have a race strategy before running an ultra. Mine is simple: do not stop. If you stop, you will probably never start again.
This strategy has worked for me 3 times, but only the Lord knows if it will work for me again. Mentally and physically, an ultra breaks you down. It's a miracle anyone finishes. If and when you do, you feel elated, broken, fatigued, and significantly thankful. I've cried afterwards.
The more I run, the more running reveals to me who I am, an ever aging widower who is stronger than he ever imagined he could be. I have learned, with my own two feet, that there will be good patches and bad patches in life, and that neither lasts forever. My first ultramarathon was one of the highlights of my life, ranking up there with my wedding day and the birth of my first child. Best of all, my amazing family has been incredibly supportive.
During every race, you're faced with a moment of truth: will you quit, or will you persevere to the end? The analogy with the Christian life is obvious. The person who finishes an ultramarathon has accomplished a great feat simply because they finished. Running the Christian race is no different. And both are due ultimately to the grace of God.
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!