Could you run a mile in 4 minutes, 49 seconds? Very few people can. But what about averaging that blistering pace for an entire marathon? Such a stunning feat is truly elite among the elites—and it is only possible with extraordinarily disciplined training.

Tamirat Tola, an Ethiopian runner, made his global breakthrough at the 2016 Olympics, securing bronze in the 10,000 meters. Over the next eight years, he enjoyed considerable success, notably winning and setting new course records at the 2022 World Athletics Championship marathon and the 2023 New York City Marathon.

However, one feat eluded him: Olympic gold.

In early 2024 his running performance tapered off, and in April he failed to complete the London Marathon. He was not selected for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Though disappointed, Tamirat did something highly unusual: He maintained his Olympic training program. He ran an average of 20 miles a day, pushing his body well beyond 100 miles a week to prepare for a race he had not qualified to run.

However, during the Olympics, fellow Ethiopian Sisay Lemma withdrew due to injury. Tamirat was handed the opportunity he long desired—and he was ready.

He worked his way to the front of the pack by mile 17. After mile 20, he accelerated and secured a comfortable lead. He continued to increase his pace and finished faster than he started. The Parisian 26.2-mile marathon course was the most difficult in Olympic Games history. Yet Tamirat eclipsed the Games record by 6 seconds, setting a new mark of 2:06:26. Gold was his.

“I prepared well,” he told reporters. “I trained hard so I could win. In my life, this is my great achievement.”

After missing selection, it took strict discipline for Tamirat to keep training for a race he was not meant to run. When called on, he was ready to run and to win.

The Apostle Paul, who was familiar with the games at Olympia, drew comparisons to our Christian race. “Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline,” he wrote (1 Corinthians 9:25; Berean Standard Bible).

Our life of growth in God’s character is a race. High-level spiritual performance necessitates strict discipline. We might have setbacks, but like Tamirat we must endure. We cannot expect to achieve our eternal reward without the necessary preparation.

Paul said, “I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified” (verse 27; New Living Translation). Paul would not leave eternity to chance. Like a top athlete, he trained hard to win.

Your race is not just 26.2 miles; it is a lifetime of endurance. Like a good athlete, keep improving. Keep progressing and moving forward. With continual daily preparation, we will win our spiritual race and say, “This is my great achievement.”