Racing

The fall racing season is upon us. Every year, there is a lull in the foot racing scene after Peachtree. As summer ends, football begins. Along with football is school, other after school activities(that get little attention), Midtown Music Fest, and racing. 

For school kids, fall running is cross country. For the citizens, its road racing, obstacle course racing, occasional XC & triathlons. Most of us like "Fun Runs." 

Some of us race other people and or the clock. Some of us like to challenge ourselves over LONG distances. If either we are going fast or far, there will come a point of doubt in our minds during the race. It doesn't matter how long we have prepared. It doesn't matter how phenomenal our fitness. When "pushing" happens, doubt creeps in. 

Fear can be helpful in racing. Fear of losing/not finishing may be enough. We have often said "he was more afraid of losing than he was afraid of dying." Racing scared works as long as we are not afraid of dying. Of course, no one ever really dies. It just feels like we are doing to die. 

Running mad is another way toward racing success. Developing hate toward competition and seeking the destruction of our rivals may be the most American way to win. In the distance events, all that's required are a few doubters. As long as someone does not think we can make it, we will make it to spite them and prove them wrong.

While fear and hate are great motivators that give us the power to win/finish, there is another way. Many people believe that Love is the greatest power of all. The favorite urban legends of super human achievement include the many stories of mothers lifting a car off their children. How does a 135 pound lady lift 3,000 pounds? It's got to be Love. 

So how do we access this Power in racing? A Carpenter from 2,000 years ago said it like this:  “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

In football, there are cheerleaders and a huge crowd there to raise the spirits of the competition. In foot racing, it can be a solitary effort. So where does the power come from? Someone special who completely believes in their ability, they can see the race to its finish. For the rest of us, when doubt creeps in, how is that overcome? 

Faith & hope. Someone who truly believes in a spirit of the universe, greater power, creator, or God can direct their minds toward that thing. When human power no longer suffices, turn toward a greater power. The power of prayer has been used in every endeavor ever know to humankind. Whenever we want to be relieved of pain and suffering in racing, pray. If it hadn't worked so many times for me, I wouldn't believe it.