Religion and Running?

Two things. I am an unabashed Christian. I believe Jesus is who he said he was, and attempt, most the time poorly, to live according to the examples and lessons put forth in the Gospels.

Second. Long before I really gave a damn about running I wrote a blog primarily about films. I was and am a film snob. I don't apologize for that. My facebook profile lists a dozen films that most people in the world don't know if they haven't watched film before the 1980's. And in that time of my life where I watched 6-10 movies a week, I watched Chariots of Fire. And let me tell you, that film merging faith and running sucked. It was awful. It's one of the worst films I've ever seen.

I bring this up because of Ryan Hall. Ryan Hall is a runner I find inspiring. His performance at the Olympic Marathon Trials was incredible. And many believe that was just the beginning of his talent, and that his best was yet to come. In the last issue of Runners World there was a cover story on Ryan Hall and this story focused on Ryan Hall's faith. How Ryan is a devout Christian and how his faith in God is a strength he draws upon in his record setting runs.

Here's the thing, the confession. I don't get it. I respect Ryan Hall. I respect and admire his faith, or at least his presentation of it in a less abrasive manner than some of my fellow Christians. It's his drawing upon his faith for strength in his races in training that I can't wrap my head around. And truthfully, it's something that I waver back and forth on.

Sometimes I want to be that kind of person who has a strong enough faith that it translates to every part of my life. That when I run, I am thankful for it. I don't take it for granted, and I give praise for the opportunity. And when I feel week that I wouldn't only rely upon myself to pull myself through.

And other times, and more often, I think to myself that running is about ME. And that it's about ME pushing myself to my limits and making the decisions to get out there and to overcome any fatigue, pain, and self doubt.

When I am fatigued, more often than not I think any of...

A. This will pay off in the end
B. The quicker you run, the quicker your done
C. This is supposed to hurt, embrace this
D. Run to the hillllllsssss, run for your liiiiyiffffee

But it's rarely ever that I think, "God help me through this." Or, "Thank You, God."

And while I admire Ryan Hall, and others who have gotten to a point to integrate there faith and there running. It's something that I both, am unsure how to do, and unsure how and if I want to do it.