How To Run Well...Continued from page 2

What can we learn from these faithful forerunners? To reflect on their lives tells us a great deal about their priorities, patience and perseverance. We are challenged by their spiritual and physical endurance. But in terms of our own preparation to run well, we need to pay close attention to the counsel offered in Hebrews 12:1.

First, we are urged to "throw off everything that hinders" us. That is, we are to set aside and be done with those hindrances that have kept us from running or from running well in the past. Can you think of things that have hindered you from physical exercise? Is it too hard to get going? Do you have too little time? Are you often too tired? Do you see yourself as too un-athletic?

I've felt hindered by all of these excuses. Even though I've logged over 5,000 miles of running during the past five years, I still find the first quarter mile of every run to be the hardest. Sometimes I wonder if life wouldn't be easier by not getting up at 5:15 a.m. in order to run. But like many other early morning runners, I've discovered that that hour or two on the roads every other morning is essential for prayer, planning and gaining perspective.

The Greek word for hindrance means "weight, burden or impediment".3 Naturally, the more body weight we carry the greater likelihood that our running will be hindered. With excess bulk we also place ourselves at greater risk for certain injuries. Similarly, our spiritual running is impeded when we lose sight of the Great Runner's presence and His priorities for our running. We may engage in many good things, but if we run apart from Him we can miss the best things. We can quickly be diverted and drawn away from the goals He desires for us!

Second, we are told to throw off "the sin which so easily entangles." Experienced runners are careful about wearing lightweight and comfortably fitting running gear. Today's microfiber singlets, shirts, jackets, shorts, pants and socks wick-away moisture and perspiration, unlike yesterday's sweat-laden cotton or nylon gear which commonly clung to the long distance runner. In the journey of faith, as spiritual athletes, we are cautioned not to let sin ensnare and entangle our running. Far more devastating than sweat, sin causes us to falter and fall, distracting us and disqualifying us from running.

Third, we are called to "run with perseverance the race marked out for us." The Greek word translated race is agon, from which we get our English word "agony".4 It suggests an athletic endeavor that demands great mental determination and physical discipline. How can we be better prepared to run the race of faith? We are to develop our perseverance, which refers to our patient and steadfast endurance.5