Here is just an account of my first ever marathon race.Its the MTN marathon race in the year 2005 and I am so glad that i was part of it. Though i wasn't a professional athlete, or had ever been in an organised race as this, but i was sure i can RUN and participate in it. It was a time and event to be part of and to experience. Running entails many things and so is the race of Life and living.
This is about my experience in the race, what I learnt and what running or jogging , had taught me, which i want to share here. Life isn't ALL about how fast or far you RUN, but its about getting there and how well. Though its nothing but a jogging race,but i want to use the word Run or running here in place of the marathon race. Running is all about using your legs,going faster than when you walk. It entails energy, ability, drive, stamina, endurance and faith. The stage was set then, participants were ready, spectators were cheering and excited as we all stand at the starting line, which is also like life. The race is open and general one with a common and same starting point, from our birth.On you marks, get set, ready…………..GO!!!
To run metaphorically in life, we need energy,but not just our own. God is our strength and whatever we do we need His backing,support and His push to move on. Running a marathon race of life needs the whole lot of energy we can get to keep you & I going. You must have the energy before you could embark on such marathon race,and many people had to stop where their energy could take them. Running the race with too much energy at the start could be very dangerous.
Next, is that no race could be run without having the ability to do so. Ability is knowing what you can do.It is being able to do something, and a level of skill or intelligence to perform a task. So why would I chose to run in a marathon that i don't have the ability to do? Why do many of us take up so much that we can chew in Life? Do you judge your self by comparing others ability with yours? I can only say we are ALL given our own sets of ability. You should strive to use your own ability in the area of your calling. Be the best of fish you are in that river or ocean where you find yourself.
Drive is also paramount in the race of life. As you go through life,what drives you? What is your drive? Is it God, love, hate, money, pleasures or greed? Think about about it, when i started out the marathon, i wasn't driven by the price tag or the fame, but i was just content with doing it and enjoying every step all the way. Most participants really came for one thing or another,as their drive but what really matters most is we should not allow our drives in life drive us to undesired roads or destinations. With good and well meaning drives for whatever we do, can be of benefit for us in the long run.
Do you have stamina? This is what sustains you when you are been hit with the storms, events or setbacks of life. Stamina is gives you the balance and fortitude to achieve your goals and dreams as you run in life no matter how hard,long,rough and painful it seems. Living in Lagos could be likened to a marathon race, where the speed of life and things can over whelm you. The hustling and bustling of this city is what makes Lagos ALIVE, on-going ,modern and attractive in its unique way, attracting all sort of indigenes from all parts of Nigeria to compete and to make a living. And if you have to live in Lagos, you must be willing, strong, determined and willing to keep on running to meet up. So if you cant keep, please don't step up. Life is a long road with lots of catching up to do as you run, just like the marathon race. You would also need focus and faith for the race for life and living.
