How is your pace at the moment? In 2017, I was asked by Mr Smith to take part in the Salford 10km. He assured me that it was a flat course and a great chance to get a personal best. At the start line, I got excited and set off at my usually over-enthusiastic pace. I hadn’t invested in a smart watch at this time, but runners I was sprinting next to (they were running, I was sprinting) said it was 6:05min/mile pace. Obviously, this didn’t last. At the end of the race, Mr Smith let me know that, by maintaining a steady 6:25min/mile pace, he had achieved his goal.
I had no goal. I had no strategy. I had no plan. I just ran. But after 5km, I was ready to quit. I crawled round the last few kilometres. So, when I saw one of my sporting heroes struggled the last stage of an important triathlon race (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8a1eEtGAuiY), I felt in good company.
The challenge for us all this week is to keep running. Keep focussed on the goal that you have and do everything you have to keep pace.
For those who have lost their pace, don’t lose sight of the goal and the prize. During this difficult time, if you are not able to run, stand. God has given us his armour to withstand even the most difficult times.
“Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
Ephesians 6:13-18
