Sprinting vs. Distance Running

When it comes to track, it seems like sprinting receives far more media exposure than the longer distances. During the year the summer Olympic games are held, the names and faces of the top sprinters in the world are easily recognized and known well by fans around the world. Sprints seem to fit our culture better than the distance events. First of all, sprints take less than a minute. We only have to focus our attention on the event for a very short period of time. Distance events require more concentration and more time.

Sprinters and long distance runners are worlds apart in their physical appearance. Sprinters have legs the size of my waist. They look powerful but yet graceful. They explode out of the starting blocks and accelerate quickly toward the finish line.

Distance runners on the other hand, look like someone who doesn’t mind missing a few meals each week. Their legs look like spindles. Their bodies don’t look athletic at all. Unlike sprinters, you’re unable to see muscles rippling everywhere. A distance runner is wiry. They start slow, run steady, and then pace themselves for a big finish.

When it comes to faith and following after God, are you more of a sprinter or a distance runner? Do you look good and strong on the outside, but only able to go so far in your faith before tiring? Are you training for short spurts of growth and happy with that, or are you training up for the long haul? Do you get out of the blocks quickly but fade and get discouraged when you see everyone pass you as you as they sprint to the goal?

DOM