RUN THE RACE SET BEFORE YOU

Written by MayBell Developments – July 24th, 2023

As Christians, we are called to “run the race set before us”.  

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. – Hebrews 12:1-3

Biblically, Paul is talking about persevering through life on this Earth and crossing the finish line into Eternity with Jesus but today we are going to talk about a literal race.

Remember how our little “baby blog with big ideas” was started to help you get to know us a bit better?  Let’s help you get to know our staff a little better as we sit down with our Executive Director, Michelle Coghill, and get some answers about her upcoming race. 

 If you follow our socials, you already know that Michelle is running in the Queen City Marathon on behalf of MayBell Developments this September. Grab a coffee (or a tea) and join us as we chat about what led her towards running and what motivates her to keep at it.

Q: What drove you to become a runner?

A: I enjoyed competitive sports a lot as a youth. I was thankful for the focus and drive that it provided me, and I often consider it a saving grace through my teenage years. When I grew older and started a family, running provided a similar outlet. I can ‘compete’ with myself, and create goals that expand my focus and self-discipline.

It also makes me feel a bit of a kinship with my father, who used to run long distance as well. He passed away in 2016, so I often find myself reflecting emotionally on things about him when I train.

Q: How many competitive or non-competitive races have you completed?

A: I have done two half-marathons, two 5-km races, and three 10-km races.

Q: With the QCM coming up, what are your goals for distance or otherwise?

A: Speed is not my natural strength as a runner, so my goals won’t put me in the record books. I would love to finish a half-marathon in under two hours. I came very close in my first half-marathon, but I did not track my pace and came in just two minutes over. It has been a personal goal of mine since then, but some tweaks and injuries have prevented me from doing half-marathons on my last two registrations. I will be running 10 km for this race, and my goal is to come in under one hour.

 Q: What motivates you to keep participating?

 A: I haven’t met the goals I have set out for. In my second half-marathon I had hoped to redeem being over the two-hour mark, but I ended up injuring myself doing box jumps about two months out and couldn’t train to get to that pace. This past year I had hoped to do a half-marathon, and then I ended up with a partial MCL tear during the summer months. I have a desire to meet those goals, and I think until I do I will find myself being drawn to participate.

Running is also such a beautiful outlet for me. One of my favourite things is finding new places to run and taking in the beauty of nature around me. It humbles me and serves as a reminder of the majesty of creation. One of my favourite runs was a 10 km race in Banff. It was stunning. 

Q: What are the hardest parts of training?

A: Time. Having three children makes it difficult to get in the long runs on the training days leading up to the race. But as my kids get older, an enjoyable part has been having them train alongside me on some days. My son really enjoys sport and has participated in track at school, and as he gets older it’s been a fun motivation to keep up with him as he tries to achieve a certain pace.

Another deterrent here in Saskatchewan is the weather. Running in winter is not enjoyable to me, and I have yet to find the right gear to keep it ‘safe’. I slipped one year on ice when running, and it made me much more cognizant of the potential for injury. So, training here where we live changes the dynamic.

Thank you Michelle for joining us on the blog today.  Good luck with your big race coming up! 

If you want to show Michelle your support for her upcoming race, you can donate by clicking this link.  All proceeds go to MayBell Developments and QCM doesn’t take any portion of your donation.