It was early Wednesday morning. Outside it was dark but the skies were beginning to illuminate, the dawn of a new winter’s day. Running along a country lane, I thought I was alone – only to turn my head to realise that there was someone close behind me, perilously close to overtaking me.
And it wasn’t just anyone – it was my friend of 25 years. This wasn’t good news.
Decisive action was needed, so I stepped through the gears and ratcheted up my pace. It was a risky move, as overdoing it could mean having to slow down later. Whilst I couldn’t maintain the pace, I still managed to finish – without being overtaken. And to my surprise, I ended up with my best 5k result since the summer.
As I basked in the glory of this inconsequential victory, I was reminded that there is often a capacity to go further that we don’t realise nor reach. What we need is something – or someone – to push us to greater lengths.
It was this thought that encouraged me to sign up for my biggest ever running challenge – the virtual* London Marathon on Sunday 3 October to raise funds for Open Doors. I’ve never done a marathon, not even close. Whilst I’ve long fancied the idea – even a half-marathon – it’s always felt beyond me. But with training, and for a cause super close to my heart, it feels doable. Just.
Today marks one month until race day. It seems like only yesterday I first signed up! To mark this occasion, I thought I’d share an eclectic mix of reflections and suggestions from my training so far…
Podcasts and prayers
I love to get things done. Even if I have a day off or am on holiday, I must do something to make me feel as though I’ve achieved something, even if it’s reading a chapter of a book!
Whilst going out for a run is an achievement in itself, I like to maximise the time spent running to do other things – such as listening to podcasts. The subjects of these fall into two categories: football and faith. On the football front, this largely comprises The View From The Lane and The Last Word on Spurs. Whilst on the subject of faith, this tends to be weekly sermons from Passion City Church and Embassy City Church, as well occasional episodes from Premier Christianity: The Profile and Unbelievable.
When not listening to podcasts (or occasionally music), I’ve been keen to use some of the training runs to pray for Christians in countries on Open Doors’ World Watch List, which documents the 50 places where it’s hardest for people to be a Christian. As you might well imagine, running isn’t always conducive to detailed and beautifully crafted prayers (not that I’m good at that anyway!), so short, mumbled arrow prayers are often all I can muster. It’s all rather messy, but thankfully God gets what I mean.
Healthy cakes!
I’m 12 weeks into my training plan, which I’m enjoying – for the most part. The biggest challenges have been the intensity runs (running at different speeds) and the longer runs at the weekend. Not only do my weekends largely revolve around these extended runs, I’m normally wiped out for the rest of the day (and sometimes beyond!) once the run is done.
But in truth, I expected all of this. What I hadn’t accounted for, somewhat naively, was how much I’d have to explore my nutritional needs. I’ve always had a fairly balanced diet, but it wasn’t until I’d begun my training that I realised some alterations had to be made — before and after a run, and during it — to ensure I’m looking after my body and make life a little less taxing when running.
Thankfully, a superb book by Anita Bean called The Runner’s Cookbook has been an able guide. It’s full of nutritional advice (e.g. how to prepare nutritionally for runs of different distances) along with over 100 recipes, including running snacks as well as cakes and desserts which minimise the use of sugar and fat. Handily, each recipe comes with a brief summary of its nutritional qualities and when it’s best to consume.
Small joys
Running can feel gruelling at times. Whether it’s taking a steep climb, thirsting for water running in the searing heat, or battling the last two miles of a 16-miler, there have been plenty of moments that have provoked a familiar, weary question: ‘When will this run end?’ Alongside the immediate and broader goals, there have been smaller moments of joy that have provided some welcome added motivation.
First, there was the run a week ago when the sun had set and hundreds of birds noisily grouped together to journey off somewhere (I’m sure someone can tell me exactly what they were doing!). It was fascinating watching and listening to them as I ran wearily around a neighbourhood.
Second, there was the merry band of helpers at the Very Long Half Bath Marathon (as pictured), who willed me and the other racers towards the finishing line, even mentioning us by name. A lovely touch.
And third, there’s been the sweet satisfaction of pushing through the pain and completing an arduous training run, hitting stop on the Fitbit and finding out how I got on, and slowly walking back home whilst catching my breath and strength. Job done, until the next run. Didn’t I tell you I like getting things done?
#RunForTheirLives
Above all, my biggest motivation are my brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering, simply because they follow Jesus. It feels strange to even write this, given that I live in a country where I can freely be a Christian. But in places such as North Korea, India, Vietnam, Nigeria and Iraq — to name but a few — people can’t always do that. And yet, despite the pressure, persecution and pain, they keep going, faithfully giving their all to serve Jesus.
Whilst completing a marathon brings personal achievement and satisfaction, it’s the opportunity to do so whilst helping suffering Christians that compels me more than anything else. It’s why, when I feel especially drained of motivation and energy, thinking about them drives me on. My struggle to get back out on the streets, or reach the finishing line, is a reminder that so many Christians feel the same — only about the far, far, far bigger issues of life and faith. Knowing this galvanises my efforts and prayers, and my determination to run this race for them, and in doing so raise funds for them and awareness of their plight.
**
I’d love to raise £1,000, with all funds going towards Open Doors’ relief fund, ensuring that aid and assistance reaches those facing emergencies.
Let me tell you about a family who has benefited from this fund.
Praveen and Shanti — whose names have been changed for security reasons — are from India. They became Christians after God healed Shanti when a local pastor prayed for her. But their new faith led to hostility from the wider family. Angry that the couple left Hinduism for Christianity, the family refused to give up land that Praveen had inherited.
Consequently, the couple set up their own shop, but it didn’t make a profit. When the pandemic arrived, bringing lockdown, it was a struggle to even put food on the table. Their sons couldn’t work as daily labourers, either. So they prayed, fervently.
“As an answer to our prayers, your organisation has come to our help and provided materials to refill the shop,” says Praveen. “Now the shop is running well and is a stable income source for our family. We can pay our house rent without a struggle and meet all our basic needs.”
Your support will go directly to helping people like Praveen and Shanti. Not only will it give them immediate practical help, it will tell them that they are not alone, that around the world there are people thinking and praying for them.
If you could contribute in any way, no matter how small, it would make a huge difference. I’d be immensely grateful — as would Christians around the world. If you’d like sponsor me, or want to find out more information, simply click here.
Thank you!
*By way of brief explanation, ‘virtual’ means doing the run on a route of my choice on the day of the London Marathon; some 50,000 runners are doing this alongside the 50,000 or so tacking the ‘live’ race. And yes, if I complete it, I get a medal. Wahoo!