Paul the Apostle......prosecuter, convert, martyr, triathlete?

In my copy of The Apologetics Study Bible, 1 Corinthians 9:27, Paul the Apostle says, “Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” The YouVersion Bible online puts it a bit differently: “I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.”

This week, I had to do a long run, 8 miles. I can do this, if you’ll pardon the pun, without breaking too much of a sweat, however, this run was different. I had to run at a pace of 90 steps per minute, quite a bit faster than I am accustomed to do. This was so difficult for me that I didn’t make it past 6 miles without blowing up and the 7^th mile I completed half walking, half running. As I struggled and panted, and my legs began to fail me, the discouraging thought occurred- “this is just 8 miles. I’ll have to do more than 3 times this distance in November and that after swimming 2 ¼ miles and bicycling 212 miles.” At such times I think I must be crazy.

Then, it occurred to me. This is why I am beating myself up now. It is so that on the day of the triathlon I will be ready and able to complete the task I have set before me. It seems pretty daunting right now but I know that others, many of whom are no more athletic than me, some less, and many quite a bit older, have done this successfully.

Contrary to how it may seem, I am not really into pain and suffering and, I suspect, neither are most people who tackle a triathlon or any other challenging physical test. It is just that we know that the discipline and training are essential to being able some day to look back and feel that sense of accomplishment that comes with completing a tough task. I remember how if felt the first time I ran a marathon. It took 15 years from the time I first began to train for one. I had to abort that attempt when I injured my knee from ignorance and gross over training. My marathon aspirations did not return until I decided to train for the Walt Disney World marathon in 1995. After months of training, including a scary near repeat of my old injury, I found myself running the final few hundred yards around the lake at Epcot and knew that, this time, I was actually going to finish. The emotion welled up to the point that I began to cry. I discovered that it is hard to run and breathe hard when you have a huge lump in your throat! That moment was worth the 15 years of failed efforts and all the hard training later to eventually succeed in crossing that finish line. It ranked right up there with other major milestones in my life.

It is discouraging to look around and see the mass of people around me, a majority to be sure, who have failed to grasp this simple truth: If you wish to taste victory in any area of life, an essential element of that success will have to be discipline and the willingness to beat yourself up- figuratively of course- to reach a goal. The goal doesn’t have to be a triathlon. It can be about anything that is worthwhile in life whether it is a successful career, a successful marriage, or simply getting and staying fit.  I have found it interesting that even rock stars, many of whom seem to burst on the music scene out of nowhere, have spent countless tedious hours practicing and honing their craft, demonstrating a level of discipline and commitment that belies the ease with which they perform. Many kids who aspire to be rock stars themselves fail to realize this. 

Which brings me back to Paul the Apostle. If he wasn’t a triathlete, he could have been. He sure had the necessary mindset down.

Florida Ironman Training Log:

This was a good week despite the tough run on Friday, perhaps because of it. It felt good to have done it even if the doing wasn’t so enjoyable. Slowly learning more about my body, about pacing, and about the importance of stretching and flexibility. I made it out of bed both mornings for my swim despite 40 degree weather. Each week I complete gives me a greater appreciation for those hardy souls who have already notched an ironman triathlon in their personal history.

Week’s Training Summary:

Mon. 3/11- Swim, approx 1900 yards, drills

                   Bike, intervals on trainer, total time 30 min

Tue. 3/12-  Swim, master’s swim at NTC, total time 45 min

                  NTC strength and mobility session with Karl

Wed. 3/13- Run, intervals, 3.75 mi at 8:57 mi/min ave pace, total time 33:20 min

Thu. 3/14- Swim, 2250 yards, 2.27 min/100 yds, total time 55:18 min

Fri. 3/15-  Run, 8 miles at 9:05 mi/min ave pace, total time 1:12:40 hrs

Sat. 3/16- Bike, 50 miles at 14.8 mph, total time 3:37:00 hrs

Sun. 3/17- Rest day