Paul describes the life of a Christian in terms of a race and a battle. As Paul here comes to the end of his course he looks back and encourages Timothy that it is worth fighting for.
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.