Lent, Day 24: Navigating the Back Stretch

 The end of Lent is not in sight, though the halfway post has been passed

I’ve run a handful of local half marathons—the 500 Festival Mini Marathon and the Monumental Half Marathon. I talk about running a full marathon, but have not yet made the commitment or carved out the time and discipline necessary to prepare for it. Participating in these events has taught me that navigating the second half—the back stretch—is critical for completion. I relate that to the second half of Lent.

For me, the first half of a 13.2-mile run is mostly invigorating and hopeful. I’m surrounded by many like-hearted runners, fans shout and wave, the terrain is familiar, I’m not winded, and my mind is not playing tricks on me. 

But not long after the halfway post, things start to change—deteriorate, really. After 6.6 miles, everything gets serious. At first, I say to myself: “That first half was easy enough. The finish line can’t be far.” But, of course, it’s still just as far away and I am beginning to feel some fatigue. There are few encouragers along the roadside. The terrain is unfamiliar. I feel every pound of the pavement. Parts of my body begin to ache a bit. And each next mile marker—8...9...10—seems to take forever to appear. I try to hang with a small pod of runners at my slowing pace.

Mind games and self doubt escalate. “How long is this thing?” “Why did I sign up for this.” “What’s the point, anyway?” “I just can’t make it.” I talk my myself down from fatigue, anxiety, and the temptation to quit. “Finishing is going to feel so good!” “You started well; you will finish well.” “Shut up legs! Just do what I tell you!”

I struggle until about the 11-mile mark. Just a little over 2 more miles to the finish. “I can make it. I can take it.” And I do! And it is all worth it!

Day 24 of a Lenten fast is, to me, like mile 8 in a half marathon. The novelty has worn off. Each compatriot is fighting his or her own struggle. The cheers are few. It’s put you head down and grit it out time. It’s doing battle with bodily protests and mind games that challenge the very fast itself.

There’s every indication in the Gospel story that Jesus’ temptations in his wilderness fasting occurred after he was exhausted and hungry and vulnerable. It’s also when he countered each temptation with ancient wisdom and words.

Hang in there. Get into the struggle. Persevere through the early second half. Keep you eyes on the prize. I’m cheering for you. And we are not alone.