26.2

Let me explain something: I run, but I do not consider myself a Runner. To me, being a Runner is a lifestyle—subscribing to magazines devoted to running, following industry trends, adopting the latest running technology, and otherwise immersing oneself in the world of running. There’s nothing wrong with that, and I respect the industries that support it, but that’s just not me.

So, why do I run? My goal for any marathon is simply to finish the race—to survive running 26.2 miles. The truth is, I run marathons because they require me to focus, both physically and mentally, on a specific task. I consider myself a middle-of-the-pack marathoner—an average guy who finishes somewhere in the middle of the overall group of runners.

During one marathon, I tried to distract myself from the increasing pain by comparing the challenge of running 26.2 miles to the challenges of being a Christian. I don’t know where the idea came from; it just popped into my head. As I ran, I began thinking of 26 ways running this race was akin to being a Christian.

Some of the analogies in this book may fall short, so please remember that I’m just an average guy who runs unimpressive marathons and lives what I consider a middle-of-the-pack Christian lifestyle.

If you are considering either challenge—running a marathon or following Christ—I hope you find some wisdom in these pages. If you’ve already taken up either challenge, I hope this book offers you fresh perspectives on what you’ve accomplished and where you’re headed.