What Does it Take to Finish the Race?

Watching the comrades marathon always stirs my emotions. I have enormous respect for every person standing at the start. It has been a long journey to even just get to stand amongst the other starters. They have committed themselves to the goal, done the training, made the qualifiers and most important of all, believed that they could do the marathon. Nobody would attempt something like that, if they did not believe that by the end of the day they would have crossed the finish line. Would you try something believing you are going to fail before you've even started?

Long before the start, each runner had the vision of finishing the race and holding that medal. That belief, is what kept them going.

What is your finish line? Do you believe enough in yourself to reach it?

Each one of us have our own marathons in some form or another and each requires the same steps to complete it;

• a dream (vision),
• a faith that it can be achieved,
• preparation/planning and
• action.

Without one of those steps, the 'marathon' will likely end in failure or at best be more difficult to complete than it could have been.

Some people run ‘the marathon’ alone, others in small groups and then some in large buses. Everyone is different and require different support and motivation. Some need the solitude and the inner voice to spur them along the route. Those in groups enjoy the conversation and pepping of one another to keep going. One thing is true, when we hit a difficult patch and find ourselves in trouble, we all need that helping hand to lift us up and get us going again. No matter how strong your belief or faith is, there will be times of doubt and that's when someone else can make a difference. Whether you are 'running' or a 'spectator' when your spirit is strong you can be a supporter and lift someone's arms when they are down. Imagine how incredible this world would be if everyone adopted that attitude. Look out for those battling, take a moment and lift them up. One day it may be you looking for the hand up again.

We can't all (and don't need to) win the 'marathon' as long as we have participated as best we can, both in our individual level of performance and as a supporter of those around us. Look back at how far you have come and make sure you can be proud of the journey you have taken. Make a conscious decision today, to make the rest of the journey something you want to remember and share with your friends and family.

Believe you can, and you are on your way to achieving your goal.