Tribute to my father - A running legend

On this day, last year, I ran my very first full marathon; The Soweto Marathon. I didn't realize it at the time but in retrospect it turned out to be perfect timing and one of the best decisions I ever made. I can't take all the credit though, because I was given more than a little nudge before I got there. After running a handful of shorter distances my father convinced me to go all the way this time around and honestly, I was intimidated by the distance but he encouraged me and convinced me that it was possible. I signed up, trained for it and completed the distance in conditions akin to hell's kitchen! That accomplishment, to this day, remains my proudest moment.

This is my tribute:
Dad, you're a role model, marathon veteran and running legend with OG status in my eyes. I want to keep pushing the pace with my running and life like you do. To be better than yesterday. To run harder, run farther than yesterday. You taught me that the marathon was simply a metaphor for life. If you can overcome the hardships presented in a marathon and endure the pain & suffering, then you can overcome anything life throws at you. You're conditioned to keep moving forward no matter how hard it gets because running develops perseverance and character.

Thank you for running with me. Now I strive to become to others what you are to me through Roadrunner Zambia. I'm a different beast today because of you...I'm built to endure.

Here's how you can learn from those that came before you and help those that will come after you:

• Pay attention. Individuals like my father manifest themselves in different ways. My father just happens to be a runner. Yours might not be. But there are fathers and father-figures out there that also embody the marathon concept. Keep them close. Learn from them and evolve. No matter what life throws at you, the ups and downs, take it. Endure. Stay focused and keep putting one foot in front of the other...keep moving forward
• Set big goals and prepare for them accordingly. Train for the distances that you want to run, study for the exams that you want to pass, make an effort to learn not only your current job role but learn what's required for your desired/dream job -- stay ready. It doesn't matter what your goal is, just set very high targets and rise to meet them. God has plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11) and you have absolutely no limits on what's possible (Philippians 4:13). You can do it
• Always encourage family, friends and anyone else that you can see or sense is plagued by fear. doubt and insecurities. Believe in them and appoint yourself as their cheerleader. Be the positive voice to others that you would appreciate for yourself
• Keep striving to be better than yesterday in everything that you do, you never know who's watching and who you might inspire by simply keeping the pressure up on everything and showing up everyday

Go the distance.