Keep Going: What Half-Marathons Teach Me About Life, Leadership and Faith

There is something sacred about movement. The steady rhythm of breath. The pounding of pavement. The quiet conversations between your mind and your soul. Running is more than fitness for me — it’s a form of prayer, reflection, and renewal. It’s a sacred rhythm — like gardening or preaching — where my body, mind, and spirit align.

My favorite race to date? The Maui Ocean Half-Marathon — hands down. Picture it: the ocean to your left, the sun rising behind you, waves applauding your every step. As I ran that race, I felt the divine presence with every mile. There was no pulpit, no microphone — just me, my heartbeat, and the Spirit whispering, “Keep going.”

What Half-Marathons Teach Me About Life, Leadership and Faith:

1. Pace Yourself.
In life, as in marathons, it’s not about how fast you start — it’s about how faithful you finish. The early miles can be thrilling, but sustainability is the real goal. Whether preparing a sermon or planting in my garden, I’ve learned to honor the pace God sets for me.

2. Enjoy the View.
Too often in leadership, we rush past beauty in pursuit of productivity. But the Maui coastline, like every race I have run, I am reminded to look up and take in the beauty of the trail. God's creation is not a backdrop — it’s a balm of beauty that feeds my soul.

3. Finish Strong.
That last stretch of the race is always difficult. My legs are tired, but my spirit is full. The same is true in leadership — when you’re near the end of a difficult season, don’t give up. Dig deep. You’ve trained for this. You were made for this.

As a woman of faith, a preacher of the gospel, and a half-marathon runner with a green thumb, I believe wellness is wholistic. Mind. Body. Spirit. Soul. I don’t separate my passions — I integrate them into are harmonious congruent flow that sustains my life, leadership and faith.

So whatever your “race” is today — ministry, motherhood, healing, or hope — run it with patience. Run it with joy. Life and leadership aren’t sprints. You don’t have to rush. You have to remain faithful to the end. The last mile might be the hardest — but it’s also the most rewarding because endurance becomes your testimony. 

Pause. Look around. Whether it’s a coastal trail or an arduous path, beauty is part of the blessing. Pace Yourself. Enjoy the View. Finish Strong. And remember, God is with you every step of the way.

Blessings as you keep going,

Dr. Toni