Faith To The Finish

Entering my 10th season racing as a professional triathlete I have learned to embrace suffering.  With a single Ironman event consisting of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run there is a certain amount of discomfort I know I will have to endure on race day.  It will show itself in several forms – physical, mental and spiritual.  Without a faith deeply rooted in a personal relationship with Christ making my way to the finish line in good form would seem like an insurmountable task.

At the 2008 Ironman World Championship I found myself in a precarious situation during the early stages of the bike.  About 15 miles into the 112 mile bike leg I dropped my electrolyte capsules which are needed to prevent muscle cramping, especially in the heat & humidity of the lava fields on Kona.

Over the final 20 miles of the bike the quads in both my legs did indeed cramp.  At times it became difficult to simply keep my pedals moving to avoid falling over sideways.  Knowing I had to run a full marathon under these conditions I simply turned to my faith and reminded myself God would not give me more than I can handle.  I fully expected to be doing the “Ironman shuffle” over the 26.2 mile run course with a run/walk protocol to deal with the cramping.

Miraculously, my running legs came around and I was propelled by my unwavering faith to record a 2:49 marathon split which ended up being the fifth fastest run of the day.  In sport and life there will continue to be moments of suffering.  God does not promise us a life without discomfort.  In fact, as Christians we should anticipate it with a steadfast faith, knowing that Christ did not come in human form to take away our suffering, but rather fill it with his presence!

Brad Seng is a professional triathlete, coach & inspirational speaker based out of Boulder, Colorado.  To learn more about Brad and his ministry please visit his website at www.bradseng.com