The Value of Perspective in Why I Run

I was feeling great about today's race...until I saw the results.

I posted a 1:04:30 in a 10K.  That was a PR for me!! I know that I'm not fast compared to many but I'm faster than I was three years ago when I didn't run.  I know that I'm not fast but I'm faster than I was two years ago when I started running and was 20 lbs heavier that I am today.  I know that I'm not fast but I'm in better shape at 43 than I was at 23.  All those are very good things...until I saw the results.

I posted a 1:04:30.  A PR that was good enough for 147 of 222 finishers, behind more than half of the pack.  A PR good enough for 13 in my age group, of which there were only 16.  A PR that was more than double the time of the overall winner.

And therein lies the value of perspective.

I have no expectation of winning a race.
 It isn't why I run.

I have no expectation of winning my age group.  It isn't why I run.

I have no expectation of becoming an "elite" runner.  It isn't why I run.

I have no expectation of making a podium.
It isn't why I run.

I have no expectation of winning anything but a finisher's medal (I do love me some SWAG).  It isn't why I run (ok, the t-shirt is part of why I run).

I run because I am called to be a good steward of the body that God has given me and running helps.

I run, not to be the fastest; but I am outrunning heart disease, diabetes, and obesity (and they're gonna have to WORK to catch me).

I run because it makes me healthier and I want to be around to be Amy's husband and Abby, Campbell, Graham, Christian, and Nathanael's dad for a loooooooong time.

I run because it makes me healthier and I don't want poor health to be a reason or an excuse to not be able to do something God has planned for me.

I run because I know my own tendency toward being undisciplined, and running screams against that.

I run because it's fun.

I run because it makes me feel awesome (after the horrible stops).

I run because I can.

I run because I am a runner.

So perspective.  As long as there are the Ryan Shrums, Sujeel Taj, and Matt Calhouns of the world still running (all wonderful runners and brothers who I respect and admire greatly and all around good guys) I'll be happy to take my place in the middle of the pack.  I'll be outrunning heart disease and his evil buddies.  I'll be the happy, sweaty guy greeting the volunteers and thanking them for helping.  I'll be the guy encouraging all the other 'middle of the packers' who are feeling a bit defeated.  I'll be happy on days when I get a PR, and a bit disappointed when I don't (I'm still a runner, and runners want to improve).

But with perspective comes a great deal of peace.  My road to running has been different than these guys.  Like I said, three years ago I wasn't a runner.  I'm faster than I was then but slower than I'll be this time next year. But more so the greater reality guides my course and moves my feet:

     "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God." - Hebrews 12:1-2

So wherever you finished today, GREAT JOB!  If you didn't run, I hope you rested well.  If you needed to run and didn't, get up and go.  And in the process, enjoy some perspective.

Go Run,
Brian