We sometimes expect ourselves to keep the same pace no matter what life brings. Then circumstances change, and what once felt manageable takes more effort. We need to consider the hill we’re climbing.
During the Mercedes Half Marathon in Birmingham, I deliberately slowed down on the long climb up Red Mountain. I knew I needed to conserve energy. When I reached the descent, I picked up my pace again. I finished in 1:44:11, well inside my goal of two hours.
Slowing down had been part of running wisely. There are seasons in life when we need to make that same adjustment. We can remain committed to what matters while recognizing that the circumstances require something different from us.
God was with me on the climb as well as the easier miles. His presence didn’t depend on my pace. There is grace in recognizing our limits and accepting that faithfulness may look different from one season to another.
If the road is steep right now, give yourself room to adjust. You can give your best without expecting it to look exactly as it did on level ground.
An original reflection inspired by “A Finish Worth Remembering” in my book, The Road That Changed Me.
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