So you've got your next meet or race coming up soon. You've been working hard in practices and in your training and now's your chance to show everyone what you can do. You're maybe a little nervous, maybe lacking in faith, hearing all of those "I can't's" and "maybe next times" and all those other reasons why the day is "not your day" inside of that wonderful mass of jumbled, swirling thoughts that sit atop your shoulders. Maybe you've been stuck in somewhat of a rut and aren't doing as well as you've been wanting to or just aren't feeling the fire inside that makes you excited to compete like you used to because you feel that it may end in failure. Whatever it is, these quotes are here to remind you that you are not alone in your strides and that today, or tomorrow, or next week WILL be your day if you let it. So write one of these verses on your hand that speaks to you, or read it before your competition begins and if you keep the right mindset and believe, hopefully, one of these verses will bring some success your way.

1. Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

This is on of my favorites. I think it really reminds you that you can always dig deeper than you think and that pain is temporary. Even if there's no one around you shouting your name at some points in your race, you are never alone, for God is with you and he helps to keep you strong.

2. Colossians 3:23 (NIV)

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord"

All you can give is all you've got, and this verse reminds you of that. Trying your best will always pay off eventually in one way or another, whether it is in the way you expect it to or not. You may succeed or God may use your failure as a learning experience to achieve greatness later on. And when that day comes, your success after failure makes that success all the much sweeter. This verse tells you that God has given you the ability to run and so when you are running, you are running for Him.

3. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)

"And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

When you realize everything Jesus has done for you, it makes the discomfort that you feel when racing seems so insignificant. We must persevere as he did and believe that he can help us through our struggles.

4. Acts 20:24 (NIV)

"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace."

Running a race is a metaphor for living life, as life has many "races." You have times where you are feeling strong whether your path be flat or hilly and you continue pushing forward with unfazed determination. All seems to be going well until you hit a wall, and things turn for the worst. You can no longer make it up those hills as easily as you used to be able to. Suddenly you feel that you will never reach the finish and that strong feeling that you once had is nowhere in sight. But you keep pushing forward because you know that the end will come eventually. And after all of that hard work you finally accomplish your goal, whether it be a race PR or a goal in life that God has set out on your path. We were created to do amazing things because of the grace of God and so we must work to our fullest potential no matter what obstacles present themselves.

5. Ezra 10:4 (NIV)

"Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it.”

Sometimes all it takes is the support of friends, teammates, and family to give us the courage and belief in ourselves to accomplish our goals. God is also one of our greatest supporters. If we put in the effort, He will be there to get us through to the finish.

6. Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

"I can do all this through Him who gives me strength"

This is a very popular quote, but nevertheless a great one. I find that it is a good one to use a mantra. Repeat it in your head over and over as you are racing to keep yourself focused and strong mentally. You may find that after you start saying it, your mind will start believing it and it may be just the fuel you need to keep going.

7. Mark 9:23 (NIV)

"'If you can?' said Jesus. Everything is possible for one who believes."

We often ask ourselves if we can do it, but instead of asking yourself this question we should be trying to see if we can prove it to ourselves. Believing that something is possible is half the battle.

8. Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Fear can oftentimes prevent us from reaching our goals. We enjoy being in our comfort zones so much that we would rather stay there than attempt something extraordinary, because when trying to attempt something better than you've done it before, the risk of failure is high. But failing doesn't make you a failure. Refusing to try does because that is deeming yourself a failure before you've even begun to get a glimpse of what you are capable of.

9. Philippians 3:12-13 (NIV)

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead"

We always have a goal in mind that we are working toward to motivate us, but we also have stuff behind us. We must not dwell on past mistakes but learn from them and move on to greener pastures. One bad race or even a bad season does not define you as a runner. And even if you're having a great season, there's always a new goal to make and work towards to further test your limits.

10. 2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith"

If all goes well in your race, hopefully, you will feel this way. Every time you finish, no matter what the clock says, you should feel that you did not give up on yourself and that you gave it everything you had in that moment.

Races are like little tests to see how far you can push your mind and body. They are both amazing things, which were created by an amazing God.