Run your race

Run your unique race to impact others.

Dakotah Lindwurm is an elite American distance runner that had the dream opportunity of competing in the ‘24 Paris Olympics.

Lindwurm described the race as being very “yoyoey,” inconsistent. Rather than following the crowd, she made the call to run her race. She chose to stop focusing on the up and down pace and focus on her performance, her pace, her strides, her breathing. She focused on her race and settled in.

Lindwurm then described her most memorable moment.

At about mile 15, the race turns in front of the Palace of Versailles. She said that, amazingly, she found herself in the lead. She looked up to God and smiled, “I can’t believe I am leading in the Paris Olympics! Thank you!”

Her 12th place finish was never mentioned. The fact that she did not get a medal, it didn’t matter. What mattered was how she ran the race. As she told the story of running the race, leading at mile 15 at a blistering 5 minute 51 second pace, her pride was on full display.

And, others were impacted by how she focused on her performance. It was her race.

So many times in life, we find ourselves in the midst of a crowd in a “yoyoey,” inconsistent race. We strive to keep up, to emulate others, to change our race, our life to match the life of others.

What ensues is a life of pressure as you focus, not on your race, but matching others. The tendency is to accentuate the negative versus honing in on your unique differentiators and strengths, who you are.

But, choose to focus on your journey to alleviate pressure, find fulfillment, and recognize blessings. Your race is uniquely yours to run.

Focusing on your journey, your unique position, your unique view, your unique skill set, will impact others.

And, like Dakota, when you run your individual race, your legacy will be built.

Impact others. Live generously.

Hebrews 12:1-3