I watched as the runners lined up in the blocks. Down on all fours pushing one leg back, rising again, shaking legs and arms to keep the body warm. Eyes flitted toward the finish line as they replayed their race strategy in their mind. Down again, hands out front, one leg back waiting for the starting gun.
The gun went off and the runners took off like hungry tigers let out of a cage. The air was charged with the electricity of competition as their cleats tapped a steady smooth beat on the hot red clay. Some got off to a fast start, others measured the pace patiently waiting to overtake their competition. As they approached the turn, I knew that this is where the race would be won or lost. Anyone could start fast or kick at the end, but in this race, the one who navigated the turn while maintaining speed and balance would win the race.
With a strong wind at her back, her jaw muscles relaxed as she leaned at the perfect angle navigating the turn with the speed of a sprinter and grace of a ballerina. Her gaze remained steady as she glided to an easy victory.
We often compare life to a marathon but in fact it is a series of short races. Each day, we see the finish line, and know the distance it will take to reach it. We plan our race strategy and choose a pace that we can sustain. We all have the capability to get off to a fast start or kick it at the end to reach the finish line. We can dig deep for that short burst down a straight path, but the race is often determined by how well you run the turn.
Lean too hard and you’ll throw off your balance. Slow down to take the turn and you lose momentum. Look to the right or left to judge your competitors and you lose it all. Taking the turn requires a combination of focus, strength, speed and agility.
How well are you running the turn?