What Does The Bible Say About Triathlon?
The Bible does not include the word “triathlon”. However, it mentions many aspects of the sport as a metaphor for life.
Introduction
Over the past decade and a half, I have trained for and competed in triathlons across the United States. I have also heard and read the stories of many senior triathletes and multisport athletes. From these, I have come to appreciate the benefits of multisport endurance training and racing, particularly in developing physical endurance and mental toughness.
In an earlier post, Four Symptoms of Impatience In Triathlon Training, I highlighted the benefits of patience in triathlon training. Not surprising, the wisdom of patience is prominent in the Bible. I highlighted some of the Bible’s statements in that post.
I have also seen the Bible’s many references to training, racing, and endurance sports. To me, the Bible continues to provide the best explanation of humanity and of life and its purpose.
Millions of people apparently agree. According to Guinness World Records, more Bibles have been sold worldwide than any other book, an estimated five billion copies. And, that doesn’t count the many downloaded electronic versions, like the free YouVersion Bible App.
While finishing this post, I received an email with a link to a Wall Street Journal article titled “Sales of Bibles Are Booming, Fueled by First-Time Buyers and New Versions“. The December 1, 2024 article cites a 22% increase in Bible sales during the past year.
In this post, I share some of the Bible’s references to endurance sports training and racing. Hopefully, you will be inspired to look into these more on your own or with family and friends.
For reference, all Bible verses are from the New Living Translation (NLT).
Running
“So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 (NLT)
The Apostle Paul, author of this passage, told his readers about his focus on telling others about God’s plan through Jesus, describing it as training with a purpose. Whether training for a race or competing in that race, most of us swim, bike, and run with a plan, a purpose. Otherwise, why bother? There are other ways to spend our time and money. The same is true in life. Be serious about what you commit yourself to.
Swimming, But Not Cycling
“as a swimmer pushes down water with his hands.” Isaiah 25:11 (NLT)
In this verse, the author, the prophet Isaiah, uses the analogy of a swim stroke to describe God stretching forth His arms to provide justice for His people.
Endurance Training
“If racing against mere men makes you tired, how will you race against horses? If you stumble and fall on open ground, what will you do in the thickets near the Jordan?” Jeremiah 12:5 (NLT)
This passage speaks of being prepared for difficulty. Life comes with difficulty, even if only seldom. Racing may also come with difficulty in the form of inclement weather, high or low temperature, or poor water or road conditions. It’s best to be prepared for these if you aspire to be a serious competitor.
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” James 1:2-4 (NLT)
In these verses, James, the half-brother of Jesus, describes the value of difficulties in making us stronger. Isn’t this the idea behind progressive overload in triathlon training?
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.” Romans 5:3 (NLT)
Here, the apostle Paul tells those in the Church to look at problems and trials as opportunities to develop endurance. Sound familiar? That’s the reason coaches advise us to not just train in pleasant weather, but also in conditions we might experience on race day.
Racing and Competing
“All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.” 1 Corinthians 9:25 (NLT)
It is within our nature to compete. While there is such a thing as unhealthy competition, healthy competition in sports reminds us of the value of setting a goal for our life, then remaining committed to it. My counsel is that you choose the right goal(s).
“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!” 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NLT)
The apostle Paul, author of this letter to the church in Corinth, Greece, used an analogy of endurance racing for the Christian life. He knew that those who read his letter, or heard it read, would relate to this picture because of the popularity of the Isthmian Games in Corinth. He encouraged hearers to train for and compete to win in their spiritual life, with the same focus as athletes competing in the Games did.
“And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules.” 2 Timothy 2:5 (NLT)
Anyone racing in triathlon for a while has read accounts of or witnessed athletes attempting to cut corners or violate rules. One of the most common is drafting on the bike in non-drafting competitions. As in triathlon, we will never rightfully earn a reward in life while trying to cut corners or make up our own rules.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” Hebrews 12:1 (NLT)
Seldom, if ever, does one enter a triathlon or other endurance race wearing extra weights. So too, the Bible teaches us to shed the unnecessary weights or burdens that slow us down or hinder us from producing our best in the race called life.
Here’s What The Bible Says About Triathlon
The Bible uses many metaphors for life based on endurance sports training and competition. It also seems to add credence to the adage that “life is a marathon, not a sprint.” Make yours a negative-split, stronger in the second half than your first half.
I hope you will consider the Bible’s portrayal of life and the world around us. I also hope you consider the teachings of Jesus and what the Bible has to say about Him. He is far more than an outstanding teacher.
“I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3:14 (NLT)
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