The dominant theme among the "huge crowd of witnesses" described in Hebrews 11 is faith. These were men and women of faith. Read through the chapter and note the often repeated phrase "by faith."
We have an advantage over these Old Testament saints. Their salvation was based on the promise of the cross; ours is based on what Christ has already done.
And yet they lived by faith in what was to come, serving as shining examples to us today.
"Strip off every weight that slows us down"
"Especially the sin that so easily trips us up"
Consider what steps you can take to be more effective in your race. What excess baggage is weighing you down? What sin easily trips you up? How does knowing you are running a marathon, not a sprint, help you?
Father, I thank you for the faithfulness of these Old Testament people of faith. Thank you for the advantage I have of basing my faith on what Jesus has already done. Reveal to me what things in my life are slowing me down, keeping my faith from growing. Show me any sin and help me live more wisely to avoid allowing it to trip me up. And help me run the race with endurance, keeping my eyes on Jesus. In his name . . .