Last week, my school organized the annual Merentas Desa (Long distance Running) competition. This year, I was really determined to finish below the 30th placing. The participants who finish below the 30th placing will receive medals. First 15 to finish have the chance to join the athlete team. I did not want to get into the athlete team. I just wanted to set a goal for myself because I knew I could do it.
Okay, enough explaining. At 7.15 am they gave us the usual briefings. Then everyone goes down to the field and the tension starts. Well, at least for most of us. Then it’s the moment where everyone waits for the principal to blow the horn. Most of us have finished warming by this time. Beep, the crazy horn goes. You think everyone starts jogging but instead all hell breaks loose and suddenly all you see are people sprinting. It has been like that ever since I joined the event. Well, eventually those will stop from exhaustion and it turned out they were only trying to heat up the atmosphere. Then the serious joggers will catch up. Soon, it’s like a marathon.
Well, from the start I was ready for that crazy sprinting spree so when the horn went I started jogging and tried my best to avoid getting bumped. Unfortunately, some get very tensed when they see everyone sprinting so they start to sprint too and the run out of breath.
The track consisted of straight and curvy roads. There were two or three steep hills and lots of downhill paths too. Throughout the course, you could see different kinds of strategies. Some jog all the way and sprint towards the end (I believe this is the most common because it really is good). Some will jog, walk, sprint, jog walk sprint… Yet some fellows will sprint and then walk and then sprint again. These are the ones who are tired but don’t want to get left behind. Yet there are some who just jog all the way or walk all the way. Honestly, I was really confused that several groups walk like they are in a shopping mall. A few people may brisk walk.
About 2 km away from the finish line, I was running out of energy. My toes hurt (because my shoe was getting too small for me), I was short of breath and my muscles ache. I had two options- to walk and rest for a while and let people past me or keep on going and give my all out. But I had pretty much made up my mind. I had to endure. I would LOVE to stop but I knew that if I did I would regret it my whole life. Plus, I actually managed to bluff myself that if I finished below 30 I could have all the burgers and soft drinks I wanted. And I just manage to get no. 26 before nearly falling down out of exhaustion after the finish line. I could not even walk straight. I just drowned myself with some icy orange juice.
Okay, the power of perseverance. Absolutely great it is. I manage to get 26th because I practiced, prayed, wore quality shoes, ate a lot yesterday and got tips from friends. But endurance and mental strength played a major part. No wonder, the sport sections say a lot about mental stuff.
No time, gotta go.
CONGRATULATIONS!
ReplyDeleteThat is the way! That is the spirit!
"If there is a will, there is a way."
Remember - Life is also a marathon.
A lot of mental decision to make.
A lot of endurance and perseverance.
A lot of discipline, on the field and outside the field, before the race and during the race.
You need inner strength, mental strength and divine strength.
Yes, you need to pray a lot too.
That is the way to go...
I am sure you will move up the level to below 26 if you prepare well for it .. the next year. ;-)
I have confidence you will do well in life if you look up (to God) and fix your mind to achieve your goals.
GOD BE WITH YOU
May HIS GRACE be upon you.