Run in such a way to get the prize...

So, I completed my very first 5K today. It was a very interesting experience considering I have never (ever) been much of a runner. I've always admired people who can run in any weather. It was for Wiphan (Widows+Orphan...a super awesome non-profit! Here's a link to their site http://www.wiphan.org/) and I automatically knew it was something I wanted to do, even though I'm not a runner. In my head, I had everything all planned out on how hard and long I was going to train. I actually did pretty decently with it in the beginning...but the more stressful school got and the more things I had to do training got pushed off to the side. I set off for my 5K today not being able to tell you the last time I ran and let me tell you that did not end up well. I ended up walking way more of it than I wanted to in the misty (and sometimes drizzling) rain. I began thinking about anything and everything to get me through. My mind eventually drifted towards the bible in 1 Corinthians 9: 24-27. The Message version of these verses says this
 ^"24-25You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally.
 ^26-27I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself."
Wow. That is definitely not how I trained for my 5K, but Paul isn't talking about literal races here! He's talking about living our lives as if it is a race to achieve the ultimate goal, which would be having eternal life with our Father in heaven. I have to admit: I haven't been living my life like this either. I guess that's why it's a good thing to work your way up to things. We can't just jump into the middle of something and think we're going to be ok! We need training and preparation for (races) the great plans that God has for us. He is more than willing to provide everything that we need, he just needs us to come into action as well. Is it your time to run?