I officially went through a whole month without blogging… this won’t happen again… promise.
April was a month dedicated to training. The physical kind. Who am I kidding, the emotional kind as well. Over the past several months I have decided to become more physically fit with frequent trips to that place where strange people pick up heavy things and put them down, or the gym.
5 days a week was enough to turn me into … a meat head. Ok, almost. I was doing great for the first few weeks but noticed really no improvements and my motivation to push myself was depleting. Lucky for me, I ran into a friend at the gym one night training for a half marathon. She was in need of a running partner. I needed that, a kick in the pants and a goal in mind.
“I’ll do it with you!”
Who said that…
“Great! Run 5 miles with me!.. That’s our first challenge..”
What did I get myself into. 5 miles turned into 8, which turned into 11 .. which turned into, I don’t know how over the course of several weeks .. 13.1.
Not only did this training prep me for an incredible experience and personal achievement it reminded me of potent truths that I need to hold on to throughout this next year.
Things I learned as a runner:
- It’s typically near impossible to run a half marathon without training. (Unless your a seasoned runner who has been running.)
- It’s really all about the training.
- Train, Train, Train. Train some more.
- Eat whole foods, eat the right foods, run longer, feel stronger.
- Training requires a coach. Or the Nike running app.
- Run with someone. It will push you harder and keep you on track.
- Take rest days. Especially after long run days.
- Enjoy the quiet.
- Know there is a finish line and reward waiting. For me, chocolate, or sure Ryan Gosling.
Truths I learned as a runner:
1 Corinthians 9:26-27
So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
I can’t run a half marathon on a spur of the moment. I can’t run without a goal in mind. I can’t run without training and strengthening my body. What makes me think I can do the same with running the race of life God has set out before me.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
Train, Train, Train. Train some more. Discipline. Discipline. Discipline. This trip is going to require lots of training in self control, selflessness, kindness and everything I’m not. Good thing the Holy Spirit which is all these things and lives on the inside of me. I pray with diligence that His Spirit is what is seen and felt before my faults and selfish flesh. This discipline requires significant time spent in God’s presence.
Jeremiah 15:16 When your words came, I ATE them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, LORD God Almighty.
Eat whole foods, eat the right foods, run longer, feel stronger. Time spent with God helps me dethrone lies and fuel up on the power of truth from His Word. With the right nutrition to my soul, the stronger we endure to trials faced.
Ephesians 5:1-2 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.
Training requires a coach. Someone to exemplify and follow after. As a Christian, Christ is my example. But not only is He what I need to represent, he coaches me along the way. Through lessons learned, hardships, disobedience, He always sees the best in me: whole, blameless and perfect. He continues to shape my heart and teach me how to be more like Him as He gently removes scars, corrects mistakes and wrong behavior.
Ecclesiates 4:9-10 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help.
Run with someone. It will push you harder and keep you on track. I know I might not always want it, but community is going to be extremely important and vital to survive on this trip. Not only important physically but MOST importantly spiritually. Unity on my team will push us that much harder to seek God, strive for Kingdom wins and help each other through days we just don’t want to “run” at all.
Exodus 20:8 Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Take rest days. Especially after long run days and enjoy the quiet. Days off are not only days to catch rest physically. These days for a runner allow the muscles to rebuild themselves, making them even more stronger. The Sabbath is a day to reflect on the goodness of God, regaining spiritual perspective and spiritual strength. Spent wisely I will dive into the next “work” day with new found strength.
Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Run. Run knowing there is a finish line and reward waiting for us in the beauty unmatched by anything else in Jesus.
Thanks for reading 🙂
