This list keeps growing! Here are my faves and how they have helped me on and off the race course:

• ENDURANCE. Focuses me during those painful miles when it crosses my mind to quit and when I’m losing focus of WHY I set out to run:

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2 NASB

• HUMILITY. Reminds me of how far I’ve come but at the same time to not live in either the mistakes of the past or glory days:

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 NIV

• DISCIPLINE. Pushes me to not “go through the motions” or simply get through a run. If I have given 110% for Jesus, I always win! And who doesn’t wanna win?! Also Meb’s (Olympian and 2014 Boston Marathon winner) life verse: 

“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NLT

• ULTIMATE SOURCE. Strengthens me to take another step when I don’t think I can:

“My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, my power is made perfect in you.” So I am very happy to brag about my weaknesses. Then Christ’s power can live in me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NCV

• MENTAL DISCIPLINE. Rids me of excuses:

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV

• PHYSICAL PAIN. Heals injury, sickness, pain:

“Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed;
save me and I will be saved,
for you are the one I praise.” Jeremiah 17:14

• PERSEVERANCE. Erases doubts and circumstances that might derail me:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.“ James 1:2-6 NIV

• FINISHING STRONG. Propels me, especially for that last mile…and that “point two”:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 NIV

• BALANCE.  Addresses all the areas of my life needed to run a good race:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind.” Luke 10:27 NIV

• EQUIPPING. Fortifies me so I can be in a position of defense and offense. Know your enemy. Because he wants to derail every race I run and keep me from advancing toward God’s purposes and promises:

“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Ephesians 6:10-18 NLT

• COURAGE. Talks me off the ledge no matter how tough the course seems or daunting the task:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV

• EMOTIONS. Empathizes with me; Jesus knows how I feel:

“Jesus wept.” John 11:35 NIV

• TOTAL PACKAGE. Completes me. Better than any race swag or PR. Nothing can take away what Jesus has already given me:

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”  John 10:10

• HOPE. Places my motivation back where it needs to be:

“…but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.”  Isaiah 40:31