They say life is a race to the bitter end but has it ever really occurred to us that there’s more to the collection of three words ‘race for life’ than a metaphor for the morbid competitiveness of human nature?
As a true Scriptoeris writer, I have once again found myself in a new country setting up a new life with new habits and hobbies. Much to my amazement, I have settled into a new regime of running, cycling, skiing, walking and being extraordinarily active. The running aspect of my new lifestyle has been a particular surprise. It has also proved to be a little thought provoking.
As an asthmatic I do find running a challenge. However, with the London Marathon coming up in my home country next month, I can see people around me taking on long distance challenges with such stealth that it seems so obvious that we all have to pace our lives just like we pace ourselves when running.
We all came into the world surrounded by a mixture of fear, excitement and a lot of noise. It is certain that this point of the race is energetic on our part but exhausting for those watching in anxious anticipation of our steps forward. We look to others to support us as we hesitantly move through the crowds and we know that throughout the race, those same people standing on the side line will always be on the look out to cheer us on when things get tough.
Soon enough as the steps forward become natural, we find ourselves settling into a rhythm. Taking steps and making progress in this really long race seems gradually less scary. It’s almost (dare I say it?) comfortable. In the mountainous region of France that I have recently been running in, it is at this point in my run I find myself taking in the scenery with the beautiful peaks dusted with a little snow. Surely we should likewise take a moment to appreciate these brief moments of calm in our life.
Everything seems to be going so well. Funnily enough, one foot after the other proves to be the optimal formula. However, just as we are charging forward, along comes a little trip up. The only way to deal with a trip is to keep your head up and push forwards. Determination really is the key. Small blips might continually interrupt one runner’s race. Another runner might experience huge falls, or long periods deprived of motivation, shortly followed by big leaps ahead. Regardless, each runner is an individual and has to take things at their own pace.
Whether running, or making our way through life, it is the highs and the lows that define our journey. Thus, ambition can never be faulted. At times, we are able to push ourselves and take great leaps forward. At others, we need a little support from the sideline to help with the uphill battle.
A marathon may terminate with a sudden collapse or a triumphant leap into the arms of loved ones. For some, things might get too painful and have to be cut short. Another runner’s shoulder is needed for guidance through the final steps of the race.
Let’s work towards the defining moments of the race; that half way marker where we can look back at what we have achieved; and that recovery from a fall. In light of the recent International Day of happiness, let’s not, however, leave others behind. A #nomakeupselfie, an anonymous donation on someone’s marathon Justgiving page, or a small monthly contribution may be all it takes to give someone that boost they need to keep going in the race.