The desire to compete in races comes from many different places within us. For some, it is a test of resolve. For others, a raw test of fitness. But it’s always about proving oneself in the face of difficulty.

You’re perhaps familiar with the 2 Timothy 7 passage that reads, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” That applies not just to running or riding or swimming, but to life itself. Our races teach us lessons that carry over to other experiences.

You’re invited to share some particularly significant races in your life. I know several stand out for me. Races that stood as rites of passage, first time achievements, new personal bests, victories and losses. All have their meaning. Their combination of joy, or relief. I feel blessed in having experienced all those along the way and blessed to continue on that path in my current life.

I’d love if you shared an experience of your own that stands out in your mind. A moment or race when that mixture of joy and relief washes over you after a hard race. The pain over those last miles. The realization that you’re going to get it done within the race. Some of these moments are simple, but they’re real. A feeling in your head that says, “I did it.” The fulfillment of Nike’s slogan, “Just Do It.”

These recollections don’t have to be long. You can post them in the comments below, or send them to me privately to cudworthfix@gmail.com if you’d prefer to be anonymous. I’d like to hear about your achievements and your emotions, your goals and even your disappointments if they taught a lesson along the way. Feel free to share a photo or two. These can be long-ago or quite recent experiences. Let’s share and inspire. We need some of that going into the New Year.