Facing Discouragement

Greetings Runners,
I work with a crafty, veteran runner named Jim. He's in his late 40's and still runs with a passion. Jim qualified for the Olympic trials for the 10,000 meter steeple chase in 1980 (we did not participate in those Olympics though). He has run 32 marathons and countless road races over the years. He looks nothing like a runner by his build (looks like an average middle age man), but can step on a track and poop out a 5 minute mile without much efforts (goes to show the power of V02 Max and genetics). Jim was made to run. Conversely I was not, but we both share a passion for running. I have been pouting of sorts since deciding to hang up the shoes for Chicago. Jim took a moment today to encourage me and share a story to this "young grasshopper."

Jim had recently read a story (in the most recent Runner's World) about a man who was a fabulous cross country runner and an Olympic hopeful for the marathon in 1980. Soon before he was in a horrific motorcycle accident which nearly severed one of his feet (hanging by his Achilles). He begged the Dr. to reconnect it, but in the process severely maimed his entire lower leg. He suffered for years with terrible pain in the leg and a deeper pain in his heart to return to the running he loved (when its in your blood its in your blood). He became a doctor and married a runner as well (imagine that). After many, many years of enduring this pain he decided to start running again. He was able to somehow find a gate where he could plod along at 12 minute miles though the bone had degenerated in his foot to nearly nothing. This caused intense chronic pain. He started to read about the successes of amputees and their subsequent successes running. He made a decision. He decided to do what he probably should have done initially - he had his leg amputated. After several years of rehab and training he was able to run a marathon in the 3:20 range! Amazing story. Jim literally was tearing up as he shared this story with me, and subsequently touched me as well. I tried to find the story online at their web page, but it wasn't online. I would encourage all of you to pick up a Runner's World and read this article.

The impact for me was perspective. Honestly, I have been sulking and pouting about not being healthy enough to run. I will live to run another day, and my body will heal. It goes to show that we often can become discouraged when we turn the focus inward - it is when we put that focus outward that we come to see the reality of our position in Christ and in relation to our fellow man. This is not a setback, it is an opportunity to watch all of you do something amazing! I hope all of you realize what a gift it is to do what you are about to do as you put your foot on the starting line with thousands of runners. You will accomplish something truly amazing and significant and keep in mind that the journey that got you there is just as significant as the race itself...

I guess my moniker was a bit prophetic...Wounded Soldier. The significance of this is completely different (initially), but God has a sense of humor.