The Struggling Runner, by Henri Medwed

The sport of running resembles the commendable, sinister, and critical moments in everyday life. When the gun fires, the clock begins ticking, rushing people’s decisions as to what they plan to pursue. However, this becomes immensely troublesome, as they have no conception of where the finish line is located. While navigating through the course, they develop some idea of where they desire to venture.

Unfortunately, similar to any other sport, problems are bound to occur. The runner’s energy begins to deplete; huffing, puffing, and panting as he/she gets fired from jobs, develops radical addictions, and suffers tragic losses of loved ones, ready to give up, while the other competitors pass by. This happens as the other competitors are oblivious to the struggles of the runner falling behind while the race continues.

However, despite the difficult situation and feelings of regret, shame, disappointment, frustration, and defeat, no matter how impossible it may seem to turn things around and pick up speed, the runner’s sheer will remains intact. By embracing their inner strength, determination, pride, and resilience to never give up and continue to try harder, they will initiate and unleash the true potential that was locked away. As this happens, the runner accelerates speed, gaining promotions, pay-raises, better grades, and new friends that change life for the better. Once they know their true potential and develop higher and higher expectations for themselves, the runners travel at faster and faster speeds, gaining control, trumping the race, and commencing those “clutch moments” that people see in the movies. 

As they find their path, finally believing in themselves, they cross the finish line. It makes no difference whether the time received was the fastest or the slowest. It does not matter if they ended up not making as much money as the other racers. What matters the most is the fact that the runners tried their hardest and gave it everything they had, overcoming all obstacles. With this, they crossed the finish line with willfulness, dignity, and passion, becoming a successful human being and a contributor to society.