Run a Marathon? I don’t think so!

With the Winter Olympics behind us, I’m reminded by a group of women in their 60’s and 70’s who were reported to be preparing to run a marathon,  of what it takes to finish well.

My thoughts:

First, these women are not youngsters
Second – a marathon?
This likely wasn’t their first time out running!

I’m not a runner, so any kind of running competition is not appealing, but considering the time one must invest to prepare for this kind of event – that is really impressive. Whether some of them were in it to win, better their previous time, or simply complete the event – it’s still very impressive. The training, stamina, time, and certainly the desire to see it through is remarkable. We should not be surprised that they are still able to do what they have practiced for years.

I’m a “marathoner” of sorts. I run a race every day that many others probably couldn’t do – not because they wouldn’t be able, but because they haven’t been in training. I care for a son with special needs. Everything I need to do for me, I do for him, as well. I’m hoping to stay in this race until I’m old. But I know, in order to do that, I need to keep practicing my skills.

My husband and I have often been told that we make it look “easy.” What comes easily is how much we love our son – caring for him is just second nature. When one makes the choice to do the right thing, rather than what is easy, comfortable, and fun, and when accompanied with cheerfulness and a good attitude, we can see that the training can be productive. But it does takes stamina, perseverance, dedication, patience, longsuffering, and a few other things – all of which are developed over time – much like the training of an athlete.

As an athlete trains daily, we practice doing what we need to do. As an athlete makes sacrifices to train his or her body to work a certain way, those caring for the needs of others clearly give up a great deal in order to make what they do look easy. They sacrifice their own time, treasures, and talents to be able to do what they feel they are being called to do. An athlete needs to stop and rest to be able to get back in the race, but for this marathon, it’s 24/7. While we’d like to take a day off, unless we plan for someone else to take over our responsibility, there is none. Sometimes the length of this marathon can get tiresome! Some days are weary. Sure, there are breaks and rests, but not always in the way we’d have planned them.

We need to treat this race of life in such a way, that we prepare ourselves for the long haul – the marathon. For us that has meant:

Surrounding ourselves with positive people
Relying on those who are willing to help – so we can rest and get refreshed
Taking mini dates together since a 2-week trip away isn’t always possible
Enjoying friends and family with times of laughter to brighten up life!
Taking walks
Enjoying hobbies (for me it’s watercolor painting)
Watching a good movie at home (and our if the situation arises)
Reading a good book
Offering to let our spouse sleep in on those blissful but few occasions!
Start your list here:

With these “helps” for my marathon of life, I can be “in it to win it” and maybe even better my time. But the true and simple reality is this: I just want to complete the race – well.

Treat this race of life like a marathon! @CindiFerrini @McSweeney
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