Wednesday 10 October 2012

Flames Alive!

Many at times we get hyped up about taking on a challenge then somewhere along the lines, life happens and we lose focus of the prize. We get busy doing "stuff" but when it comes to taking stock of the "stuff" we may find that only a handful of the tasks we partook in had any real value or yielded any results.
Embarking on a journey into the long-distance-running world, I was pumped up, inspired to take over the roads and trails. What I felt then was a cross between what Alexander the Great would have felt had he voyaged to Mars and how
Through the past year, the wells of passion have overflown while in some periods ran dry yet the flame flickers on. Tooth and nail (not always) fighting every flame dousing element.
Coals on my head constantly reminded me of the debt I owe the next generation, shoes to fill and words of hope to impart.
Challenge after challenge, the journey has continued, some ending quick and painlessly while others took every ounce of courage and determination possible. The most memorable of all not only left me mentally renewed but with a permanent vision of what it is to literally run the race of life.
Starting at high altitude one cold June morning I endeavored to eat away mile by mile chunks of the Ultimate Human Race (Comrades Marathon). Huffing and puffing I hobbled my way to the finish line, with neither strength nor poise but a heart filled with gratitude to the crowd of witnesses that spurred the runners on from dawn to dusk. Quite overwhelmed with emotion I collected probably the smallest medal ever received, yet the most well-earned on my humble "wall of flame".
Far be it from me that I be perceived as singing myself praise, for to sing is not my forte, furthermore my lungs falter rather dismally with any attempt to blow a trumpet.
Though many may said it was impossible, too premature, too grueling a challenge but I've learnt never to take anyone word till I have had a taste (of course with the exception of highly toxic or poisonous dishes). As crazy as certain challenges may seem,  attitude will certainly determine altitude.
The road may be long as the milestones slowly roll by the wayside but pain only builds resistance and resistance makes you stronger.
Many are the voices in our heads, a lot of the time they prophesy doom and gloom but turn up the volume of that still small voice that sings "Yes you can!"
Whether you run, crawl, roll or have to be carried across the finish, never give up for the price of giving up is too dear.
When the going gets tough along the way, set your eyes on the prize for great will be the rejoicing when the task is complete.
I am beginning to sound like the preacher on the mountain so I better away that I may perchance sit under the tutelage of life itself once again.

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