One of the reasons Paul ran so hard, and eventually finished the course, was because he was always mindful of the stakes.  When it came to the rigid self-discipline he employed during his earthly journey, he wrote this about it:

1 Corinthians 9:27 (ESV)
²⁷  But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

Paul was not about to allow himself to be disqualified from the race just because he was undisciplined. Heaven was just too great to allow such a thing to happen.  Under all circumstances, whether it was being stoned by those who rejected the gospel or false brethren hurling unfounded accusations against him, Paul kept exercising the self-control needed to keep on running.

We should be running with the same realization as Paul.  We have the same information that he had.  We have in infallible, inspired Word of God that promises us a home in heaven if we just finish the course.  We should never forget what we will lose if we quit running the race.

Paul knew that if he was disqualified from the race, he would lose, not just a place, but a person.  Paul’s heart desired to be with Jesus.

Philippians 1:23 (ESV)
²³  I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.

Do you want to be with Christ?  Can you imagine the first time you are in an actual conversation with the Son of God?  Just being in the presence of Deity will be an experience beyond description; but, the only way that will ever happen is if we keep on running.  Knowing this, Paul continued to run the race and fight the fight to the very end.

What about all the others that will be in heaven after a while?  Think of the loved ones who have gone on before us.  Think of all the amazing Bible characters that will be there.  The people in heaven will be perfect because sin will be no more.

Then there is the perfect body that we will possess.  John tells us that our bodies will be like the glorious body of Christ (1 John 3:2).  Paul tells us the same thing (Philippians 3:21).  This body, though perishable right now, will be imperishable in heaven.  Though our bodies are fraught with weaknesses now, they will be raised in power at the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:42-46).  That is a hope worth pursuing.

Not to be outdone is heaven itself.  We sing of its glory, and rightfully so.  There will be no tears in heaven because it will be a place without sorrow; a place of such beauty that it can only be described figuratively to us, using only the most glorious terms (Revelation 21:1-27).

We should always be mindful of why we run this race of Christianity and of what we will lose if we are disqualified.  Olympic athletes run for the temporary glory while we run for an eternal and glorious crown (1 Corinthians 9:25).  Remember that and keep on running.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.