The Marathon called Life

Completed my first every marathon on 7th december, i must say, the surge of adrenaline of completing one is to say the least, out of this world.
To say running a marathon is like walking the journey of life would be pretty much accurate. The different emotions felt at different stages of the run were overwhelming. From the fresh and enthusiastic 10km to the, "i still can do this" 20km mark. I was running ahead of the main pack throughout the run, seeing an orgy of young and old, male and female packed in a narrow road as i make the U turn at the halfway mark, i came to a realisation, that the victors in life are not those who are satisfied with the status quo but those who push themselves every step of the way.
Indeed, how many people started out with lofty and high ambitions? only to see them lose steam along the way, getting trapped in a life that is neither success nor failure?
Life offers many challenges, aimed to bring out the best in individuals. Yet, having said that, it takes two hands to clap, it is, ultimately how we react and overcome these hurdles that make us a better person. It bears similarities to the different stages of running a marathon.
After the 25th km mark, Slight cramps start to set in, weariness in the legs are hard to ignore, but every step i take, i told myself, "is a step closer to the finish line" in life, we have to constantly motivate ourselves, set targets that we will work towards, only then life can be meaningful.
"Success is not determined by how much money or assets one has, but the fulfillment and attainment of one's goals and dreams which makes living worthwhile"
I set myself a target, complete the marathon in under 4hrs 15min, and throughout the run, i never lost sight of this goal, this ambition. A french millionaire once said, " the difference between the rich and the rest of the society is Ambition and Determination" I fully understand the meaning of his wisdom.
At the 35km mark, i finally hit a roadblock, the lack of preparation prior to the run finally caught up with me. The cramp was so bad that i could no longer run with the proper posture and it finally came to a point where i had to stop completely to apply muscle rub and stretch. About 7km to go, as other more experienced runners overtook me, i felt demoralised, the thought of giving up dangerously creeping by. Once again, in life, we are bound to hit roadblocks, to put it crudely, these roadblocks are there to differentiate and separate those who will succeed in the end and those who will eventually give up and fail. It is at these roadblocks that people are stripped bare, that one's character is truely exposed, that even those we'd think are strong personalities would fall.
How does one overcome this roadblock? I would say, its time to take a short break, re-strategise, reorganise and have a go at it again. That was what i did, i took a few minutes to stretch, to replenish the fluids lost, and motivate myself all over again. I paid attention to the runners who ran pass and told myself, after this break, i'm going to overtake them again, and that was what i did, of course there were those whom i did not see again for the rest of the race. But it didnt matter, what matters is that it gave me the strength to run with a purpose again.
Yes, every step is painful, with blisters and sores at the ankles plaguing me, not to mention the cramps threatening to creep in and the muscles aching with a burning sensation. But no, i wasn't ready to give up, i was determined, i wanted to complete it so badly within the targetted time i set for myself. It bears so much similarities to life isnt it? my dad always told me, "Son, its how badly you want it" Well said dad.
At the 40km mark, as i was battling on, a motivator shouted to me, " young man, you're almost there! give it your all and finish this." i realised in life, no one can ever succeed as an individual, you need people around you, friends, family, collegues... a kind soul along the way, an angel in disguise. His words seem to unlock a reservoir of energy inside me, i felt the sincerity in his words, i was ready to finish with a bang, with all my strength. I began to pick up the pace, overtaking many ahead of me, the cheers of by-standers gave me the strength to run faster and faster until i saw the prize, the finish line. I remember the feeling, all the fatigue in my body seem to disappear, i found another surge of energy as i gave one last burst to the finish line. The euphoria of crossing the line was out of this world, yes, i have completed my first full marathon, 42.195km in 4hrs 8min, i have achieve what i set out to do and for the first time in my life, i felt invincible.
Its been a spiritual journey, a life-changing experience that holds a special place in my heart. I would also like to dedicate this run to my dad, who has been in icu for the past 30 days, fighting for this life. yes, at times life seem so unfair, it seem to take away all that you hold dear in one fell swoop. But it is those who thrives in adversities that can truely say, "I've lived my life to the fullest"