Train With Purpose. Part II.

Not long after that conversation, our family was listening to a sermon which referenced 1 Corinthians, Ch. 9, verses 24-27. (This is not meant to be a religious post - simply sharing the story and the meaning.)
 
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
 
So in all aspects of life, run in such a way as to get the prize. Do not run aimlessly. Train hard. Train with purpose. Find your why. Find your wild.
 
Personally, here's why it makes me better:

1. I've battled depression since I was a kid and one of the best things you can do for your mind is to exercise your body consistently.
2. You have one body for the rest of your life, are you fueling it and treating it as such?
3. Everything in nature is either growing or dying…so why not grow?
4. If something terrible happens I want to be able to carry my family to safety and take care of them; I can't do that if I don't train.
5. "If you have a body, you are an athlete." - Bill Bowerman
6. I'm probably a little vain and believe that when you look good, you feel good, and you do good.