In an astonishing story published by Outside yesterday, it was reported that Rachel Entrekin won the Cocodona 250 Overall, setting the record, and becoming the first female to finish first overall.
The 34-year-old from Birmingham, Alabama, took advantage of cool, cloudy conditions to set a blistering pace early on, running two miles ahead of men’s leader Kilian Korth for over 24 hours through the middle of the race before opening up the gap in the final 50 miles.
Her Cocodona experience and bold strategy paid off on a sunny Wednesday afternoon in Flagstaff, Arizona, as she crossed the line in a new overall course record with an official time of 56:09:48, smashing the previous mark of 58:47:18.
Entrekin, who was born in Birmingham, Alabama and now lives and trains in Conifer, Colorado, carried nonstop momentum throughout the race. At most aid stations, she was in and out in five to ten minutes, taking only a couple of quick naps over the three days and two nights of racing.
“I slept five minutes, then seven minutes, then seven minutes,” Entrekin said in an interview, just moments after finishing. “My goal was to only have dirt naps”
Buoyed by a six-person crew and the support of her parents Carol and Robin, Entrekin kept her physical and mental energy flowing in a steady stream throughout the 253-mile race while others struggled with the ups and downs inherent to the distance.
“You can choose your attitude, I’ve learned, so I’d rather choose to be positive,” she added.
And, you know, ultrarunning is not the only place where you and I can choose our attitude and see the difference a positive outlook makes. In our spiritual race, we can also choose the way we think. And we would do well to choose, as Paul said, to set our minds on things above rather than on the things of this world.
Why? Because, to set one’s mind on something is to choose to think about it often. These thoughts then influence a person’s attitude, their goals, and ultimately their course of action and their destiny.
Practically speaking, to set our minds on things above and not on the things of earth means we choose to view life's challenges through the lens of eternity.
It means that we choose to shift from old habits (anger, greed, impurity) to new behaviors (forgiveness, kindness, humility). And we choose to focus on spiritual growth over material accumulation.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1-2
This also means that we choose to fully surrender our lives as a living sacrifice to the Lord. And we no longer think like the world, but allow our minds to be transformed by the Word of God each and every day.
What's more, this means we choose to abandon the pursuit of pleasure, possessions, and status—and to stop living like everyone else, choosing to be transformed from the inside out. Specifically, we choose to be changed in how we think, and to have our minds renewed, so that we can begin to understand God's will for our lives.
Pretty amazing right?
So, choose to set your eyes on God above all things my friend. And then choose to set your mind on the only things that truly matter... knowing God, obeying God, and finishing the race God has set before you for the glory of God. This positive outlook is the very thing that will allow you to 'struggle with the ups and downs' of life and continue running until you reach the end.
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that it's of utmost importance that we keep our eyes and minds stayed on You at all times if we are to make it to the finish line. Lord, knowing that our spiritual race is filled with ups and downs, help us to stay positive by keeping the hope that is only found in You and remembering that the promise that all those who seek You will find You means we must make the choice each and every day to pursue You with our whole hearts, minds, and souls. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!
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