To influence or impel:
I ran a half marathon today having trained little to none. I'm a solo runner so I'm used to my runs being me and the path before me. Running with others has it's positives and negatives. There is discouragement when people pass you but there is also motivation to do better.
13.1 miles is a long way and my 13.1 miles gave plenty of time and space to go through different emotions and ups and downs just in that run. During the beginning of the race, I was getting pretty bad shin splints which are, needless to say, painful. I decided to run through them hoping they would just go away.. and about mile 4 they did. But in that time, there were runners before me who don't know it but were motivation and inspiration for me to keep running.
I've decided that the races I run are going to be for my little brother who is currently beating Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. He's in remission and less than a year shy of being through with treatment. I wear my "My Brother is My Hero" t-shirt and I head on my way. Well- those runners in front of me were also running for someone. One man's shirt said on the back, "Running for my wife. Cancer survivor." I teared up having knowledge of the difficulties that cancer brings to a family. This man's inspiration was his wife.. And in that moment, they were both what inspired me to keep running.
About a mile later, a lady was running in front of me and on the back of her shirt it said, "I'm running because my mom couldn't." Now, I don't know her story or her mom's story, but this woman's mother impelled her to take action. They were the reason in that moment that I kept going.
I am fortunate enough that my little brother could meet me at the finish line. I knew he'd be there.. so I kept running.
About half way through the run (that'd be about 6.5 miles in) there was a couple in front of me wearing matching shirts with the scripture, Hebrews 12:1-2 "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."
We run with perseverance and don't give up. We fix our eyes on the Author of life.. the giver of each breath and we keep running.
The last mile of the race was tough. I was tired, sore and it felt like every step was like lifting bricks. A woman ran up from behind me and thanked me for letting her pace with me. She talked with me for a bit and said, "Don't think about your pain. We're almost there. You got this!"
These people do not know me and I do not know them. But each one of them affected my life today. Each one of them inspired me to keep going. It just makes you realize that really.. we can't do much on our own. That stepping outside of ourselves to say or do something for someone else has so much impact. Those people don't know they were what compelled me in those moments.. but they did none the less and I finished every last step of 13.1 miles!! Next.. is the real deal! 26.2
