A "Paine-ful" Lesson

"These are the times that try men's souls." -"The Crisis"

Heroes are people who at the exact right moment do the exact right thing. "The Crisis", a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine in 1776, was printed during the dark, spirit-crushing winter of this nation's first year. Its memorable first line describes the end of the honeymoon, as the patriotic zeal drubbed up by the signing of the Declaration of Independance and defeat of the British at Boston had worn off, and the beginning of the long struggle, seven years in all, that would define the world's future, had commenced

There is a world of wisdom to be gleaned from this defining moment, and I suggest reading 1776 by David McCullough, which chronicles that rude awakening our country met shortly after its conception. However, I have not hijacked the purpose of this blog, though i don't think the other presumed authors of this blog would mind. Instead, I thought how appropriately Paine's words summed up where I find myself in my marathon training.

It has been three weeks and between 60-65 miles since I last posted, and though I could come up with a lame excuse for not blogging since then, I think the real reason is the excitement from the thought of finishing the challenge wore off. I posted five times in the first two weeks of the training. Shin splints, training regimens, slightly warped spiritual lessons flowed during that momentary bliss, and I woke up eager to complete the workouts, and not only that, but talk about them with the half dozen people that check this blog every two weeks.

Then came the wall. To use the American revolution metaphor, my army got its butt handed to it and winter set in. Truly, the shortening days ironically mirrored the Americans own chances, and as they were defeated again and again, it was no surprise that so many soldiers, over half the army it is thought, deserted. Similarly, though I have stayed the course almost perfectly where my training is concerned, I have found each day's workout more ominous and less rewarding and now call my right calf, disaffecctionately, Benedict Arnold.

In the midst of this struggle, the example of men like Washington, Paine, Nathaneal Greene, and Jefferson shine brightly for me, especially considering the dark backdrop before which they played their parts. Though no one will name a city, park, or street after me when I win my war, Lord willing I do.

Of course, I do not believe my struggle compares with these forefather's, but, as a result of these past three weeks frustration, I understand Paine more clearly when he says, "What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly." Moreover, when I finish this post and lace my shoes up for my fifty minute run tonight, I affirm, like the apostle, that "trial produces perseverence, and perseverence, character, and character, hope, and hope does not disappoint." (paraphrase)