God's Coaching #99

God's Coaching #99

The Marathon des Sables (Marathon of the Sands) has been called the toughest footrace on earth. Whoever said that was right! The race lasts six days, covers 151 miles, and runs through the Sahara Desert. That’s the biggest desert—not counting Antarctica—in the world. Temperatures during the race often top 120 degrees. Hot winds kick up sand and make running nearly impossible. If you want to get an idea of what it’s like to compete, attach a hair dryer to a long extension cord. Then turn it on full blast, aim it at your face, and run around a school playground while a friend throws sand at you. . . . Okay, that might not be a good idea.

More than 1,000 lunatics, er, uh, racers, took part in the 25th Marathon des Sables in 2010. And when the dust had cleared—literally—on April 9, Morocco’s Mohamad Ahansal had won his third straight title by completing the race in 19 hours, 55 minutes, and eight seconds. Michael Wardian of the United States crossed the finish line three hours later to claim third place—the best finish ever by an American.

What’s the Score?

Michael Wardian isn’t a household name, like Kobe or LeBron. But he’s one of the best runners to come from the United States. For two years he held the Guinness World Record for fastest marathon while pushing a baby stroller (his son, Pierce, was in the stroller).

To earn third place at the Marathon des Sables, Michael had to overcome numerous challenges. His luggage got lost. Ants infiltrated his tent one night. He suffered from heat stroke after the third stage, but he came back the next day to run an amazing 50-mile stage four.

Running a 151-mile race in the desert is amazing, but can you imagine outrunning a horse-drawn chariot for 20 miles? That’s what the prophet Elijah did. Immediately after Elijah faced down 450 prophets who worshiped a false god, he tucked his cloak into his belt and beat King Ahab in a race to Jezreel. You can read the whole story in 1 Kings 18:16-46.

On the Ball

Elijah must have been exhausted after hiding in the wilderness and battling against the false prophets, yet God gave him amazing strength. When you feel weak or tired, remember to pray and ask God for special power.

Coach’s Comment

The LORD gave special strength to Elijah. He tucked his cloak into his belt and ran ahead of Ahab’s chariot all the way to the entrance of Jezreel. 1 Kings 18:46