Yesterday, while on my long run, I listened to Mandisa’s song Press On on repeat. It was just the song I needed to press on and keep fighting. Keep running. Keep moving forward while on my run. When all I wanted to do was stop. I love the lyrics, the positive affirmation, and kind reminder that I am equipped to do this!
I found this song to be just what I needed to hear while on that tough run. It was both physically and mentally tough for me. But when I focused my thoughts on Him… knowing that He is with me… I was able to press on and finish.
When I’m alone, when I’m afraid
When I have had all I can take
Losin my grip, I start to slip away
When I can hear the voice of doubt
Inside my head screamin loud
Strengthen my faith and help me say today, today
I found myself agreeing with the above lyrics as I was running. Alone. Not afraid… but always aware of my surroundings. Feeling like I had all I could take and wanting to quit. The mental self doubt was screaming at me to quit and stop. My prayer was to keep moving forward. To have faith in my training… strength to keep going.
I will follow, I will press on
Even when the walk run feels long
Your hands hold me together
Your love is with me forever
Through the broken, through the victory
I will praise you through it all
And run hard til the race done
I’m gonna press on, press on!
Even when I want to quit, I will follow the training plan route scheduled for me. I will press on. Even when the run (emphasis mine) feels long. God has intricately knit me together (in my mothers womb) and He loves me. Whether I succeed or fail, He has equipped me and I will praise Him through it all. I need to run hard till the race is done… press on! Press on!
How many storm have I been through?
How many lead me right to You?
Using the pain, the hardest days for my good, my good
So, what do I fear, God you are with me
Guiding my steps today
Through the mountains, valleys, sun and rain
Lord, lead the way – lead the way!
I have run in multiple weather conditions (freezing cold, hail, pouring sideways rain, scorching heat, etc)… no matter the storms of life or running I have always come through stronger. My hard running days are learning lessons to grab, utilize, and gain strength from. Those hard runs are what make me mentally (and physically) strong. Through the unknown – and treacherous terrain of life (running/races) – God is in control. He will lead me.
I will follow, I will press on
Even when the walk feels long
Your hands hold me together
Your love is with me forever
Through the broken, through the victory
I will praise you through it all
And run hard til the race done
I’m gonna press on, press on!
No matter what happens. I must press on and fight the good fight. Continue on with this goal that I have set out to conquer. Continue praising Him for all that He has blessed me with. Good or bad. Hard or easy. Press on.
One step in front of the other,
No lookin back, no looking back!
One step in front of the other,
I’m gonna press on, press on!
One step in front of the other,
No lookin back, no looking back!
One step in front of the other!
I found myself singing these lyrics out loud to myself at times. Even when I wanted to quit… one step in front of the other. No looking back (no checking to see who is behind me, the mistakes I have made, the people who are quickly approaching to pass me)… keep pressing on and moving forward! one foot in front of the other!
I will follow, I will press on
Even when the walk feels long
Your hands hold me together
Your love is with me forever
Through the broken, through the victory
I will praise you through it all
And run hard til the race done
I’m gonna press on, press on!
The end is another confirmation to remind the weary runner that no matter what we need to press on and fight the good fight. Even when the walk run feels long. If I feel that my body is falling a part, trust that God is holding me together and that he loves me forever. Whether I win or lose. Do my best or fall short… keep pressing on and run hard till the race is done. Press on! Press on!
I love when I find songs that have a great beat and uplifting, positive lyrics! Mandisa’s Press On is one of my favorites … and I know that I will be listening to this song for many of my upcoming races this year. Remember, when life gets rough… press on dear friend! Fight the good fight!
Courtney @ Don't Blink. Just Run. says
I love “pump me up” type songs with great lyrics. The most recent one at the top of my head is Brave by Sara Bareilles.