Run Your Own Race

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The Christian walk cannot be compared to a sprint race; rather, it is more like an ultra-marathon. I was not really interested in running and the idea of actually running a half- or a full marathon had never entered my head until 2009. In the beginning of that year, I started my current job, which was located about 45 miles from home, so I had to car-pool. One of my co-workers and car-pool buddies, Vladimir, is a Christian and a running fanatic. He often talked about how running a marathon is akin to the Christian walk. At that time he was giving a talk on Heb. 12:1-3 which says:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (NIV).

I still didn’t see myself as a runner or considered running a marathon. The idea of walking to stay in shape was more appealing.

A few months later, I moved closer to work, but the seed was planted. The thought of running did not cross my mind until a year ago when one of our church deacons ran the L.A. marathon. Looking at him, you would not be able to tell that he would be able to finish a marathon. So I thought to myself: if he can do it, I can run at least a few miles. Around May 2010, I decided to give running a try. Vladimir guided me into some of the basics, from buying a good pair of shoes to stretching and to run-walk to build up the leg muscles. I remember going for a run during lunch time, having to walk the last ¾ of a mile because I ran out of steam. Vladimir, along with another co-worker, continued to encourage me on my new running endeavor. This past march, I was able to run five miles, so I decided to register for a half-marathon taking place in Pasadena, California.

Vladimir had put together a team of 14 people running under the team name "Race of Faith". For this event, participants needed to pick up a kit that contained a t-shirt, a bib (with your assigned number), and a RFID tag that goes attached to the participant’s running shoe, allowing the race organizers to ensure that you have run the race and track your official times. I asked Vladimir to pick up the race kit for me so that he could give it to me on race day. Also, I asked Vladimir’s brother who lives close to me and was also participating, to give me a ride to and from the event. The day before, Vladimir called me to encourage me and to let me know that he had collected my kit. We made arrangements to meet at a restaurant close to the starting line.

On the day of the event we were supposed to get on the road very early because Vladimir’s sister in law was participating in the bicycle tour that started 45 minutes earlier than the half-marathon. So I was picked up at 5:00 a.m. From then until the race started, there ensued a comedy of errors. We parked about three miles away from the event, as the roads nearby were closed. I left my phone in the car thinking Vladimir’s brother would be there with me. He had to take his wife's bicycle to the venue so he rode off once we parked. And so it was 5:45 a.m., and I was running about three miles to the starting line because the start time was 6:30.

In all the confusion, I forgot the name of the meeting point. How would I get in touch with Vladimir to pick up my bib and RFID tag? I asked a person who looked like he would help me, and asked to use his cell phone. He asked me for the phone number, but I had forgotten Vladimir's number, which was recorded on my cell phone. I tried calling his home, but it was going to voicemail. At that instant, I thought the official race was over for me. I put my head down and said "Lord, your will be done." There is no way I’m going to find Vladimir in a crowd of more than 8,000 people. Then, at that instant, I turned around as I heard a voice calling my name "Sylvester, I have your kit!”. It was Vladimir and his wife who were also looking for me. I was a block away from our meeting place. Once again I had relied on a miracle and God had provided it at the perfect time.

We had just enough time to get the bib on the shirt and the RFID tag for on my shoes. One of the Race of Faith team members, Julio, accompanied me to check in my bag. Julio and I started about six minutes after the official start of the race. Julio's presence comforted me that I was not alone. It rained heavily at the beginning of the event and then it slowed to a drizzle; but soon after, it was a perfect day for running. I was able to run the entire distance in 2:24:12. Later on, I found out that another co-worker and I, though we had not started nor raced together, had a finish time one second apart from mine. At the finish line, there were many people welcoming the finishers and putting medals on them.

Looking back now, I see how the half-marathon was very much like life in the Lord. I had messed up big time and just as I was about to give up, a miracle happened when I least expected it. I realized that just as I had a unique bib number and RFID tag, I am unique. I have a unique race to run. I have a unique place reserved from me in heaven with my name on it. I had unknown people encouraging me when I was tired and listening to their cheering made me want to run and finish just like Hebrews 12 describes. There were different companions at different phases of the race. Julio was with me until mile eight.

I told Julio to go ahead of me, and other unknown runners were my companions until the finish line. The Christian race is not to be run in isolation. We count with those who preceded us, those who cheer us up along the way, and even those who run with us to keep us honest to our goals.

I hope that you have a similar experience in your marathon of life. One day I hope I can say, just like Paul did: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness" (NIV: 2 Timothy 4:7-8).

Sylvester Creado