In order to run a marathon, a person has to be thoroughly prepared. Otherwise, not only will they fail to complete the course but they will do their body some serious damage.

Marathon runners who are not adequately prepared are known to have suffered from numerous complaints including tendonitis, shin splints, hamstring pulls, tears, and a multitude of back problems. Osteopaths tell us that all of these can be prevented by a preparation program that includes the correct stretching and muscle balancing exercises, plus a well-paced training regime, and even something as simple as wearing the right gear.

It is evident that preparation is crucial before a runner ever sets foot on a course. The celebrated marathon runner Tom Fleming made a statement which has become a training motto for the Boston marathon. He said, "Somewhere in the world, someone is training when you are not. When you race him, he will win."

In reality, many people who sign up for long-distance races drop out long before the starting gun is ever fired. Their intentions are admirable, but a weakness of commitment results in a weakness of preparation. When it comes to race day, they are unprepared and uncertain as to whether they can make it, so they withdraw and don’t compete. Juma Ikangaa, the winner of the 1989 New York marathon summed it up when he said, “The will to win means nothing if you haven’t the will to prepare.”

Many marathon runners testify to the fact that most of their time is spent in preparation. Dave Bedford, an English distance runner who was known to occasionally put in 200 miles per week in training said, ‘‘Running is a lot like life. Only 10% of it is exciting. 90% of it is slog.’’ Preparation can be really hard work, but every aspect of it is important. It is usually the things we do behind the scenes when others don’t see us that determine our destiny.

If you are thoroughly prepared, you will complete your course. Always cooperate and stay faithful to God’s preparation process in your life.