Blessed are the Pacesetters

Look at this picture.  It is a triumphant one, of Kenyan runner Eliud Kipchoge finishing a marathon in under 2 hours (1:59:40 to be exact).  It isn't allowed to be a world record because he employed a rotating cast of pacesetters who kept him on record pace and drafted the head wind away from him the whole race.  But it is still an amazing achievement, for which he is rightly being praised around the world.

But about those pacesetters.  Take another look at the picture.  When the finish line neared, they hung back and let Kipchoge have the glory to himself.  They pumped their fists in celebration, for his accomplishment and their role in it.  Eliud Kipchoge had broken a seemingly unbreakable barrier, and they were literally in the front row to be able to watch it.  And they exulted in it all.

As Americans, we are conditioned to gun for #1.  No kid in his basement or bedroom dreams of sitting on the bench while the winning touchdown is scored or the walk-off home run is hit.  In the picture, we all want to be Kipchoge.  But there are many more pacesetters, seven in the picture.  And apparently 36 total, who took turns in precise formation and speed to aid Kipchoge in his historic achievement.

In life, we may have the opportunity to be the lead dog, arms held high in triumph.  But much more often, we are a pacesetter, with an important role to play in a great accomplishment.  If given the chance, may we play our part to perfection.  And when the finish line is in sight, may we pump our fists and revel in the great thing we were able to see and participate in. 

To further inspire you, here is a video of the final stretch.