The Races We Run

A 9yr old boy named Mike and his best friend James once competed in a triathlon. 

With his lean frame and an endurance that would have rivaled the Energizer Bunny, Mike was a miraculous long-distance athlete; he was built for this kind of competition.  James, on the other hand, with his pleasantly-plump, barrel-chested frame was built more for short distances and power events. 

The two boys kept pace with each other during the swimming portion of the triathlon, but Mike started to pull away from James during the 3 mile stretch of cycling. 

By the time James finally reached the final leg of the race, which required running two laps around a park totaling about a mile, he was doubled over, unable to catch his breath.  Mike, who was at the head of the pack and beginning his final lap, called to his friend to see if he was ok and to provide some encouragement. 

As he passed, Mike could tell that James was struggling greatly, so rather than continuing the race in pursuit of winning, Mike chose to stop and console his friend.  Mike and James walked together for the better part of Jamie's first lap, at which point the boys decided to pick up the pace and finish the race strong, together. 

The races we run and finish alone are meaningful; the races we run and finish together are profound.