In a story titled “Fotyen Tesfay Averaged 4:59 Pace for a Marathon—and Ran the Second-Fastest Women’s Time in History,” published by Runner’s World Sunday, the writer said:
Fotyen Tesfay of Ethiopia ran an incredible 2:10:51 to win the Zurich Barcelona Marathon in Spain on Sunday, recording the second-fastest time in world history for a woman and the fastest-ever debut at the distance.
The 28-year-old was targeting the controversial world record of 2:09:56, set at the 2024 Chicago Marathon by Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya who is now banned from the sport until April 2028.
Fotyen Tesfay of Ethiopia ran an incredible 2:10:51 to win the Zurich Barcelona Marathon in Spain on Sunday, recording the second-fastest time in world history for a woman and the fastest-ever debut at the distance.
The 28-year-old was targeting the controversial world record of 2:09:56, set at the 2024 Chicago Marathon by Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya who is now banned from the sport until April 2028.
She entered the race with stellar credentials as the third-fastest half marathoner in world history (1:03:04, Valencia 2024), and having placed seventh in the 10K at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and eighth at the 2025 World Athletics Championships. She worked with two male pacemakers on Sunday, covering 10K in 31:05 and the halfway mark in 1:05:05. She passed 30K in 1:32 and 40K in 2:03:31, as windy conditions started to take their toll on the group.
“Today was fantastic—not what I was expecting, but it is good,” she told the race broadcaster, according to World Athletics.
“My plan was to attack the world record but today there was a lot of wind, I was not able to push in the last part of the race. Today I did not succeed, but in the next marathon I would like to try for the world record.”
And, you know, as this story shows, a person isn’t always (for one reason or another) able to execute their best laid plan.
This was certainly the case for Peter who, in response to Jesus’ warning that the disciples would “stumble” because of Him said “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.” Peter’s plan was to stand firm and boldly proclaim his faith, even if he was the only one to do so.
But we know (Matthew 26) that Peter, in fact did “stumble,” despite his best-laid plan, and denied Jesus three times in the same night. And while that could have been the end of Peter’s story, the Bible tells us that (John 21) Jesus appeared to Peter after His resurrection while Peter was fishing on the Sea of Galilee.
After a miraculous catch of 153 fish, Jesus shared the fish and bread He had been preparing over a “fire of coals” with Peter and several of the other disciples on the shore.
I can’t help but think that the sight and smell of the open fire must have reminded Peter of the night he denied Jesus (evoking feelings of guilt and sadness), the One who was now before Him and had proven Himself to be the Savior of the world. Which made what happened next so special.
By gently asking Peter three different times in three different ways “Do you love me?” Jesus made it clear that he didn’t hold Peter’s three denials against him. Jesus not only restored Peter, but commissioned him to lead and establish the early church—thereby showing that our stumbling doesn't have to define us when we repent and turn to Jesus.
After a miraculous catch of 153 fish, Jesus shared the fish and bread He had been preparing over a “fire of coals” with Peter and several of the other disciples on the shore.
I can’t help but think that the sight and smell of the open fire must have reminded Peter of the night he denied Jesus (evoking feelings of guilt and sadness), the One who was now before Him and had proven Himself to be the Savior of the world. Which made what happened next so special.
“So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You. “He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.‘“ John 21:15-17
By gently asking Peter three different times in three different ways “Do you love me?” Jesus made it clear that he didn’t hold Peter’s three denials against him. Jesus not only restored Peter, but commissioned him to lead and establish the early church—thereby showing that our stumbling doesn't have to define us when we repent and turn to Jesus.
So, if your best-laid plan to faithfully follow Jesus hasn't turned out as you planned, take heart my friend. You're not alone. And rejoice that, in the same way Jesus restored Peter, Jesus can restore you too.
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the God of second, third, and thousandth chances. Forgive us where we have failed you Lord and for the times we might have denied your name either by our words or by our silence. Restore us Lord and remind us that we were bought at an immeasurable price that we might, like Peter, live the remainder of our days on fire for You. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!
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