When we lived in Los Angeles, we supported "Hope of the Valley", a Non-profit organization working very hard to end homelessness. Although they have done an amazing job so far, the problem is still there and growing. The government has spent millions of dollars and has failed. Anyway, I was going through some old emails and came accross an email Ken Craft, Founder and CEO of the organization, sent us back in 2019. He had just completed his 3rd or 4th Marathon, to raise money. I kept the email because I found it to be very inspirational and applicable to everything we do in life, and I think it is appropriate to share as we enter a new year.
Here we go:
Dear Galen and Sofia,
It's over...we did it! We completed the 2019 Los Angeles Marathon, running from Dodger Stadium to the Santa Monica Pier....26.2 grueling miles, not for self, but for vulnerable moms and kids experiencing homelessness.
Having five and a half hours to reflect on life while running, I came up with a few Life Lessons that parallel running a marathon.
- Preparation and training is never wasted time
- We all need cheerleaders and need to be cheerleaders
- Don't underestimate the importance of good friends in the race called life, they will help you through the difficult times and bring the best out in you
- Take one mile at a time and celebrate milestones
- Refueling is essential if you are going to finish strong
- Don't compare yourself with others, run YOUR race
- Pack light, you really don't need all that stuff
- There is a reward at the end, so live well and don't quit
- It's not how you start, it is how you finish
- Life has pain, push through it...Pain is temporary, the glory is eternal
