Being a regular runner, I have subscribed to Runner's World magazine for a number of years -- mostly as motivation to get me off the couch. (I'm not getting any younger!) Thru that magazine I have come to follow a long distance runner named Ryan Hall. A few years ago, he set the American record for the half marathon and this Sunday (August 12th) he will run the Olympic marathon in London.
Four years ago, Runner's World did a cover story on Ryan, just prior to the Beijing Olympics. What intrigues me about this young man is how he weaves his faith into his running (career) life. In 2011, Ryan wrote a book called Running With Joy. Now, I know for some of you that statement is an oxymoron. But hang on -- his thoughts apply to athletes, business people, parents and all areas of life.
Ryan writes that previously his moments of joy were based on performance and accomplishments. This is very easy to do in the world of athletics. It is also easy to do in the Christian life. He said he was a "slave to performance". During his frustrating college career, Ryan's pastor asked him; "What is the last thing you remember being certain that God wanted you to do?" Ryan was sure God wanted him to go to Stanford (which he did). Ryan said his pastor's comment reminded him "that following God is not always easy or free from struggle, but it is the best way to live life."
Ryan uses running as a metaphor because that is what he best relates to. He notes that even if you don't end up on the podium, run a personal best or struggle with an injury, you can experience joy to the fullest. He writes that earlier in his career, he was, "more interested in what God could do for me and not interested enough in simply receiving His love and being with Him." How often have I been more concerned with what I get from God rather than what He offers?! Can you relate to that?
He also writes about immersing himself in the Word. He comments (as I did in on my Dec. 28th entry) that he needs to remember to keep his heart engaged or there's no point in reading. Ryan will frequently incorporate an audio Bible while running. And this guy runs....A LOT! (You've maybe seen him in the AT&T commercials listening to to books on his smart phone.)
So, on August 12th, I will watch for and cheer for Ryan Hall.
He'll run to win, but he's not running just for himself. SDG. I think Ryan exemplifies this acronym. Run Ryan Run.
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