Execution of a 3-Mile Run

One Achilles’ heel that has kept me from reaching an ultimate goal is the inability to run 3 miles under 18 minutes. This is the Marine Corp's perfect run. This task has been one Holy Grail that has eluded my every attempt even during my younger and more physically fit days in the Marine Corps. Therefore, this morning’s 3 miles were no more meaningful than the other thousands of miles I’ve run in the past.

I took my position at the starting line of the path I had always taken, started my stop watch, then immediately began my run.
“Ho hum” I thought to myself. “Another 3 miles, here we go.”
This particular morning was chillier than what I had been used to, a sign that winter may actually be on its way to greet us.
Then, for some reason, a vision of my daughter being born came into view as if someone turned on a movie projector in front of me.
“Whoa, where did that come from?” I thought to myself. I almost tripped over the curb for not watching where I was going. A smile formed on my lips as I thought of the happy times she and I spent together. In an instant, I felt light on my feet. Each step I took felt as if I was a stag bounding about.
Then the vision of my daughter was replaced by one of my older son. I saw the look he gave me, just days after I promised him I would never allow anything to separate us. I tried to run faster after him but an invisible force seemed to place him further ahead of me and I couldn’t catch up. I wanted so badly to scoop him up and hug him forever but the harder and faster I ran, the bigger the distance between us grew. Tears began to form on my eyes as I could feel a heaviness begin to dwell in my heart at the thought of losing him. Each time I wiped the tears from my eyes, the more faint the image of him became.
I had to slow down a bit. The speed at which I was running muddled my breathing pattern and I found myself taking more air in than letting out. The thought of my youngest son calmed me down to where I was once again running with a regular breathing pattern. I was able to keep the tears from forming to allow me a clear view to the path ahead.
However, as the path began to round a corner and the sight of my son began to fade. I couldn’t tell if it was my vision was getting worse, or the rising sun’s rays from the horizon were simply blinding me.
I was able to admire the view though and I couldn’t help but smile at the idea of me spending an entire day with my children.
“O we could do so many fun things together, just have a fun day.” I thought. Once again, I was a young buck light on my feet. I could see my children smiling at me with hands stretched out, ready for me to take them to a fun place. But once again, I could feel myself running faster after them. But just as I had my eyes focused on the reverie, I neglected to pay attention to the bright lights ahead of me. My dream was shattered by a loud horn --- the car in front of me stopping short of ending my life right then and there. I had to scurry across the street to keep from getting run over.
The beams from the car provided enough light to allow me to check my stop watch --- I was 15 minutes into the run. Suddenly, I realized I was only about a ½-mile away from the finish line.
My heart began to beat faster at the prospect of finishing at a record time. I lifted my legs higher, used my thighs to pick up my feet and landing on my heels. This allowed me to gain speed. Already, I was starting to feel the effects of the heavy steps. 17 minutes, 15 seconds… my reserve of fresh air was starting to run out. I was starting to take in cold air and I could feel my chest getting tighter. 27 seconds…almost there. “Oh no, my left thigh is starting to cramp. Please not now”.
33 seconds --- the pain at my left thigh is beginning to feel like a sharp knife.
40 seconds, I’m tightening my leg muscles and I’m leaning my head forward, trying to gain extra speed.
…almost there…
I don’t have time to look at my watch. I need to get to that finish line.
Finally, I cross the finish line with a sharp pain at my side, my leg, my calf. My entire lower body was basically being poked by hundreds of sharp knives. I looked at my watch… 57…58…59… 18 minutes.
I did it!
I finally ran the 3 miles under 18 minutes!
I can finally mark off #11 from my list.

There's a lesson in here somewhere, but right now I am too emotionally drained to reason it all out. One thing is for certain, my faith has so far kept me on a straight path towards my promise to my children --- to love them according to His will.

I am in pain and distress; may your salvation, O God, protect me. Psalm 69:29