Run to ... WIN!

Read: 1 Corinthians 9:24, 2 Timothy 4:7-8

My thoughts: 
What is a way that you run to receive the prize? As Christians we are running a race, a race that we know we win in the end because we have accepted Christ as our savior.  But when you run, do you run with all you've got?  Do you strive to serve Him in every area of your life? In what areas could you give a little more, try a little harder to please Him?  We are given instruction in these verses to run as if we want to receive the crown at the end.  Wouldn't it be a shame to finish the race, but not receive the prize for running the race?  Something else to think about: when you are athletic, maybe excercising, (for me that's running), do you only give 10%? Or do you try to give it your all?  Do you try your best in your Christian walk?  I know if I go for a run, and walk 70% of the time, it doesn't make me feel very accomplished or very good about myself.  However when I run, and give it my all- I may be tired at times- but I feel sooo refreshed and so energized for the rest of the day!!    And then the next day, I have a little more confidence, and I'm able to go a little farther...  I love that the bible compares a Christian life to that of a runner or athlete.  There are seriously sooo many things to apply to it.  My favorite is obviously 'running with patience' ~ but what about you?  What's your favorite athletic/physical comparison the bible uses?