Today I am incredibly sore, and rather it is from running, falling off the horse or a combination thereof, it doesn't matter, I am sore. I was contemplating how awesome it is though that our bodies tell us when to rest, take a break and just be careful. I am not going to quit running, despite what some may say, because I have some very specific goals of why I am doing this. However, I will need to take it easy and do some recovery days to get myself back in the game. I was reading in the runner's magazine just yesterday about the importance of rest days. Sometimes that is through active recovery and sometimes that is just what it says, rest. For me, having reasons and goals for my running has motivated me when nothing else would. It is in these times of rest and soreness that I reevaluate why I am doing this, and at this point, for me, I am right on target. It's not about how far I run (although I chose half marathons because they seemed so far out of my league), but how and why I am doing it. My reasons for running are the same today as they were yesterday when I started the race and are as follows:
1) Physical Discipline reminds me that I need to be of Spiritual Discipline.
*I have to get myself up and moving to be ready for the next running event. It is the same in my spiritual life, if I don't get myself in the Word, how am I going to be prepared when the next curve ball is thrown my direction.
2) Fitness helps me Focus and Have Fun.
*When my energy has an outlet, then I can prioritize my life, get things done in a timely fashion. When someone asks me if I want to go with them on a hike, a jog down the river, etc. I am ready. I want to be a good steward of this time that I have on this earth and running is a reminder of that.
3) Social Reasons
*It gives me another outlet or way to connect with people. I have many stories of how relationships have deepened, how hearts have been touched and how I have made new friends, simply through running and fitness. This is an avenue that I can use to tell others about Jesus. Whether you are already an athlete or I can relate with you on the "I want to be an athlete, but it's painful" we probably have something in common.
4) Lifestyle Change.
*As I run more and run longer, I am more aware of the importance of how running for me is a lifestyle change. I am conscientious of the foods that I am eating, the amount of water that I am drinking, how much and when to exercise or eat. I realize that what I put in, effects my energy and how much I can put out. Is it not the same with the Word of God? What goes in my mind and body, effects my spiritual output.
5) Last but not Least, I don't want to be fat and lonely.
* I would love to lose some inches doing this becuase I hear that running helps make you lean. However, I have yet to see the effects of that and I have been at this for three and a half months, run two half marathons and have changed my eating habits. Oh well, maybe it will come eventually, for I know that I am more fit. As for the loneliness. I still spend much of my time alone, have not gone on any dates with amazing men, but am learning to be content being alone vs. being alone AND lonely. Fortunately I do have my dog and horse. I am more confident and content, this I know. (maybe I use my running to ward off fears and anxiety because its a safe place to talk to God...hmmm....)
Anyway, those are the five reasons, and for now I am sticking with them. Due to the recuperating muscles in my body and the stiffening of the joints as I sit here, it looks like I should go for a walk despite the wind and rain out there.
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