In an inspiring story titled “Bal Joshi breaks world record after running 7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents” published yesterday, it was reported that Bal Joshi has done more than finish the World Marathon Challenge — he has set a Guinness World Record.
The runner completed the 777 challenge, also known as the World Marathon Challenge, running seven marathons on seven continents in seven days. His cumulative time was just over 34 hours and 50 minutes when he crossed the final finish line in Miami.
“I'm still processing it. Did I actually do this?” Joshi said.
The grueling test of endurance began in Antarctica at negative 20 degrees and included a race in 106-degree heat in Perth, Australia. Joshi said the physical and mental demands pushed him to his limits, especially while averaging about three hours of sleep a day.
“My willpower is slightly more stronger than I thought it is,” Joshi said.
“Although it was 7 days, it feels like it was 7 years,” Joshi said. “We all need a constant reminder to tell ourselves, 'Hey, you can push one more time. That's when you go a little further.'”
As if the global marathon schedule was not challenging enough, Joshi added another personal test — completing each race while wearing traditional Nepali attire to honor his birthplace.It is not the kind of comfortable attire you like to have for your running or any sort of physical exercise,” Joshi said. The accomplishment earned him a Guinness World Record.
“I am the fastest runner who ran 777 while wearing traditional attire,” Joshi said…
Beyond the record, Joshi said he also raised money and awareness for a charitable cause on each continent.
Now, he is already looking ahead.
“I have not done a 100-mile race yet,” Joshi said.
And, you know, this attitude of continually looking ahead to achieve greater things despite recent success, is the same attitude that every believer should strive to have. It was certainly Caleb’s attitude.
Who was Caleb? He was a leader of the tribe of Judah, and is celebrated in the Bible for his unwavering faith and "wholehearted" devotion to God. As one of twelve spies sent by Moses to scout Canaan, Caleb and Joshua were the only ones who believed Israel could conquer the land despite its giants. Due to this faith, Caleb was promised an inheritance, and 45 years later, at age 85, he successfully conquered his allotted territory.
Did you get that part? Caleb achieved great success at the age of 40 but he continued to look ahead to the next thing God wanted him to do. This was a lifetime pattern that became apparent at the age of 85 when he said, “And now, behold, the LORD has kept me alive, as He said, these forty-five years, ever since the LORD spoke this word to Moses while Israel wandered in the wilderness; and now, here I am this day, eighty-five years old. As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in. Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the LORD spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the LORD said.”
Caleb showed faith and drive throughout his life so he was just as prepared in his later years to serve the Lord as he was in his younger days. Is that amazing or what?
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding us that if we still have a pulse, we still have a purpose. From every age help us to serve you, Lord, and to always stay looking ahead and moving forward, remaining strong in mind and body even into our later years. Help us to look to you for guidance and direction that we might live a life full of good works for your glory. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!
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