The Chicago Marathon may have been the important race of my life, but not for the reasons you may think. Yes, I earned a "star". I completed a World Major. I got to run on a stage that is comparable to the playoffs and championships of professional sports leagues. However, I know more than ever today, that in the grand scheme of things....that's not the big deal.
Below is a journal of my marathon journey. No, its not a race recap. It's more than that. I encourage you to check out the video above, but then read these thoughts of mine to see what God taught me conquering 26.2 in Chicago on October 13, 2025 and throughout the journey of the train-up.
Running for His Glory: What the Chicago Marathon Taught Me About Purpose
There’s a certain peace that comes when you know why you’re doing something. As I toed the line for the 2025 Chicago Marathon, I felt that peace, not because I was perfectly trained, or certain of a personal best, but because I knew I was running for God’s glory.
Prayers, Goals, and Perspective
Back in July, I prayed that I would run a personal record. I’d been reading about praying boldly and specifically, so I did. I prayed for it with confidence and intention. But as my training block unfolded, things didn’t go as planned. My body felt more fatigued than usual. I had to slow down on workouts. The idea of setting a PR felt more and more like it would take a miracle.
At first, I told myself, “How awesome will it be to brag on God when I do PR?” But as the weeks went by, a deeper question surfaced: Why am I doing this?
Yes, chasing a PR is exciting. Yes, it’s healthy, motivating, and fulfilling. But if my prayers were more about my personal goals than God’s glory, I was missing the point. That realization changed everything.
I decided I would still pray boldly and run with all my effort, but with a new heart posture. Whether I ran my fastest time or not, I wanted this race, this platform, and my life to point to Jesus. My purpose wasn’t a medal. My purpose is Christ.
Reframing the Finish Line
With that perspective, my mindset shifted. I still trained hard. I still wanted to run my best. But my focus became honoring God and glorifying Him in the process, not trying to manipulate Him into blessing my performance.
That mindset brought me peace. A PR might happen. It might not. Either way, my race could still glorify God.
And there was more to this mission than just miles. Through Team World Vision, I had the chance to raise money for clean water, helping communities around the world gain access to a basic human need. My original fundraising goal was $3,000. As race week approached, I was still short, but I prayed that God would provide. This race was no longer about me. It was about something so much bigger.
The Hardest Race of My Life
On race day, that perspective was tested.
The Chicago course was electric, the energy unmatched. But my body didn’t cooperate. Around mile 22, my legs seized up with the worst cramps I’ve ever felt. Every step was agony. I came close to not finishing.
But I kept thinking of my “why.”
I thought about the prayers I’d prayed. I thought about the people around the world who endure hard things every day. I thought about the clean water this race was helping provide. And most of all, I thought about the God who gives me strength when I have none left.
Step by painful step, I made it to the finish line. Not because of my strength, but because of His.
All the glory belongs to Him.
What You Don’t See
Looking back, there’s so much more to this marathon than what a photo or medal can show.
You might see a runner excited to tackle Chicago. But here’s what you don’t see:
- The countless training hours leading up to that starting line.
-The physical pain of a body breaking down.
-The prayers whispered through doubt and fatigue.
-The tears shed in the final miles, crying out for God’s help.
-The love and encouragement from family, friends, and teammates.
-The joy of raising money that will change lives.
-The strength that only God could supply to carry me across the finish.
And woven through it all — the light and love of Jesus Christ. That’s what fueled my joy, my perseverance, my purpose.
The Real Finish Line
Hebrews 12:1 says,
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”
This marathon reminded me that life, like running, isn’t about the medals or milestones. It’s about running the race set before us with endurance and fixing our eyes on Jesus.
A PR would have been great, but the greatest victory was being reminded of this truth: my purpose is not the finish time, it’s to glorify God with every step.
If you'd still like to give to World Vision and the clean water efforts,
feel free to follow the link below. The marathon may be over, but the need continues.
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