Salamanca, Spain, 1987: I was beginning my third year in the seminary, studying classical humanities, and one of our weekly highlights was our hike every Thursday.

One of my more memorable hikes was to the Tormes River with three of my fellow seminarians. We all considered ourselves solid swimmers — still in the prime of our youth — and in great physical condition, given the regular soccer and basketball games we played during our time in the seminary.

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Although my muscle memory from my swim team days kicked in immediately once I hit the water, the current was extremely strong, and after 10 minutes of intense effort we all realized we were making very little progress. Then we looked behind us and realized there was a series of rough rapids and sharp rocks waiting to hurt us if we were unable to keep the pace. We bailed to the river bank before damage was done — and this taught us a valuable lesson in humility.

Nearly two years ago, I ran in the Hartford Marathon in Connecticut with two of my brother priests. Aside from the practical advantage of getting back into shape and checking the race off my bucket list, I thought it would help me better understand what it meant to persevere in an endeavor that required serious commitment and determination.

Several avid runners told me I needed to buy a large supply of GU energy gels for my training (the gels are designed to replace the body’s carbohydrate stores, which are depleted when you’re running). More importantly, they said I needed them for the race itself. I resisted these runners’ urgings until my body completely shut down near the end of a 16-mile training session — I think the 90-degree heat may have contributed to the breakdown.

On the day of the race, I had five GU packets stuffed into my pockets, and I systematically brought them out after the 4-, 8-, 12-, 16- and 20-mile markers. I was also extremely grateful that a man on a bicycle was handing out additional packets between mile 20 and mile 26.2 — so I had two more!

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Persevering in virtue is similar to persevering in a marathon. We all start our journey with plenty of enthusiasm, focus, excitement, and great hopes. But as the race of life (and marriage) drags on, some people start to get tired, pull spiritual muscles — or simply want out.

Selflessness, humility, purity, fidelity, magnanimity, patience — none of these virtues are the fruit of a mere “white-knuckle” effort. You need God’s grace and God’s help. It also helped me, especially on mile 23, to remember that there was a finish line, that the fans were waiting, and that there would be a moment to celebrate with my brother priests. Heaven is just around the corner — we need to stay strong!

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Throughout your life, visit Jesus in the Eucharist. Don’t worry about what you are going to say; don’t worry about all the other things you could be doing during this time. Make space and time to allow Jesus to love you. Go to Confession.

As an energy gel replenishes the body, Jesus will nourish your tired soul — and give you the spiritual protein needed to continue on your transformational journey to holiness.

Fr. Michael Sliney, LC, is a Catholic priest and the New York chaplain of the Lumen Institute, an association of business and cultural leaders.