Running used to always be a way of escape for me. Life threw its punches, and I took it out on the road. There was something medicinal about the consistent rhythm of my footsteps and heartbeat pounding that allowed me to process what was going on in my head. As I got older though, I found it more difficult to find the motivation I once had to go running.
Over the last few months, a friend of mine, who is all about running, has kept encouraging me to get back into running. I would always push her prodding aside, but then one day I got the itch. It was that familiar itch that I just needed to run. So, I pulled out my running shoes and hit the road, unsure if my body was capable of my mind’s endeavor.
After one run, I decided this was something I was going to stick with. With my mind made up, I signed up for my first 5K ever. I figured it would be the motivation I needed to stick with it, and so far it has been successful. What I didn’t realize was that I would discover life lessons along the way.
Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Feet hitting the pavement. Heart pounding rhythmically. Music driving me to keep up with its beat. It is just me and my thoughts on a mission. The sun was blanketing me in its glow. As I dug deep to find the strength to finish my longest run yet, a thought made its way into my mind. Relationships are a lot like running. If we want to go the distance, we have to put in the effort. At first you take baby steps and struggle to push yourself through what seems like an impossible hurdle. Then, as you conquer each landmark, you grow stronger and stronger. Mentally you begin to realize that this race is one worth running, and you are going to fight hard to complete it.
Marriage is that long marathon. You jump in feet first, often without much training at all. Slowly though, you push through your first big struggle together, and your relationship grows stronger. You begin to get a rhythm down and gain momentum. Soon, the two of you are able to conquer those smaller hurdles with relative ease. As life goes on, you are able to tackle bigger and bigger issues together growing closer together all the while. Of course, there is a point in the “race” where you lose sight of where you started and can’t yet see where you are going, and you will be tempted to give up. The “easy” thing to do seems to be throwing in the towel, but the reality is that hard work only pays off if you keep going and finish the race. Giving up would throw away all that you worked for, and you would just end up at the beginning of a new race, but this time you are injured. No, the only option is to grit your teeth and give it all you have.
As you cross the finish line, a sense of relief and accomplishment flood over you. You did it! In marriage, when you reach the end of line – the “’til death do you part” – what will you see? Will it be this amazing journey that you pushed through with your spouse? Or will it be a string of half-completed runs that have left your battered and bruised? Marriage is a marathon worth running. It may push you to your limits, but the joy of victory is the sweetest reward. It is a journey worth every step.
