Running Against Wind & Culture

Today I had a great 4 mile run. It was rather blustery, especially during one stretch of my course. I had to press hard and it still felt like I wasn't making much head way. Hmm... this seems to happen in the race of faith as well. You try to make a godly difference in various areas, but alas, the change you hope to see can be slow, unwelcoming, and plain out rejected.

But you must still press through remembering it really is after all, a matter of obedience - your obedience to God and what He has called you to do. If you keep your eye fixed on that mark, the shadow of faintheartedness won't be overwhelming.

As a Christian there are many things in our windy secular culture that could deter our race to live out our faith. Recently, someone I know tried to make a difference by giving others a chance to read some information about the upcoming legislation regarding the stem cell inititive. Her efforts were unwelcomed and rejected by some. This could easily bring about some discouragement. But as I reminded this dear sister, Jesus was killed. Dare we expect anything less? We don't suffer anything close at this point. Maybe rejection. Maybe gossip and slander. But not bloodshed.

Today I ran against windy forces. But I pressed on. And whatever the "secular wind," that I'm up against, pressing through it will be my surest step towards stronger faith as well, even if it seems I'm not making much head way.

Running Frustrated

My past two runs have had a little extra "kick" in my stride. Why? Well, I've been running frustrated. And it is amazing what a little frustration can do for your pace. It has been a real outlet to "let off steam" and "cool down."

Of course, this is one of the reasons I run. It's just simply a great stress outlet and is a sure remedy to bridle emotion that is itching to run wild. The apsect of the physical exertion of running coupled with the spiritual act of prayer as one runs is a sure way to regain and maintain balance.

So, the past two 4 mile runs were good as well as mind, heart and soul clearing. I am eager to see and discern what the Lord is doing and how He is guiding.

Running Ruts

Monday and Wednesday were both filled with the same ol same ol running rut - my regular 4 mile course. On Wednesday I came close to breaking out of it, but then backed out at the last minute. I really want to get in 5 miles at some point here, just for the sake of doing something other than 4 miles. Maybe tomorrow or Saturday.

Both of my runs went well. I had some good uphill paces. The cooler weather has been amazing, but I'm still putting out a pretty good sweat! I am looking forward to the upcoming 5K race and I think I'll begin to mentally prepare myself to get a decent time. Preparing for a race does seem to help me when I feel "rutty." It motivates and stretches me. Even though it's only a 5K, I can still feel challenged by it. I would love to break 30:00 minutes for sure. I would think faster or could think about breaking my PR, but this course has some hills in it and a huge one in the beginning. I'll have to find out what I ran it in last year and shoot to at least do better than that time. I don't want to be unrealistic but I do want to push myself.

Since it's just a few weeks away, I'm going to focus on eating healthy to prevent any sickness, especially since at the moment I happen to have an ill child in the house. It's a pretty bad upper respiratory thing and I just don't want to get it!
I need to make sure I'm getting plenty of rest too.

Running With Autumn on the Horizon

Whoops, behind in blogging again. But here's a quick update: this past Tuesday I ran 4 miles in beautiful cooler weather. Autumn is indeed in the air and coming soon. It's the best of the best in running weather! I absolutely love running in the months of September, October and November! Not too many fall colors yet, but I know it's just a matter of weeks when my outdoor Autumn runs will captivate my vision and send my heart into grateful praise to my creative Creator! He is the God of truth, beauty and goodness and it blesses me to see it abound in nature!

After my run on Tuesday, I began having some stomach issues and was unable to run again until Friday. I ran another 4 miles. It was another good run. I am not very happy about only getting in 8 miles, but it is what it is. Perhaps this week I can get in a good 12 miles. We'll see.

I did manage to register for a local Fall Fest Fun 5K Run. I've been running in this race for the past several years and have a blast. It takes place on a October Sunday morning. Last year, in the very last 1/4 mile stretch, I picked up my pace to finish hard and strong. As I did, I caught up to a little girl, probably no older than 12. As I ran passed her I heard her crying and realized she was slowing down. I kept right on running. Then I heard these glorious nearby church bells. Somehow they reminded me of all the brothers and sisters in Christ that have encouraged me to run the great race of faith without giving up. I slowed down and began to run alongside the little girl who was practically walking and crying and I just started to encourage her. I kept telling her, "You can do this! Come on now, you got this. Look, you can see the finish. Don't give up! Keep on running!" I began hearing all these people cheering her on. She started picking up her pace and finally made it across the finish line. After I crossed the finish line some lady came over to me and thanked me for encouraging the little girl. Encouraging that little girl gave me more satisfaction as I saw her overcome her urge to quit than running the 5K myself. Sometimes, we just need to be there to encourage someone. And someday, that someone could be us!

Running in Branson

This past week I was on a little vacation with my family and some friends. And as most people know, vacations interfere with regular routine. So, while I was planning on getting at least two runs in while vacationing, I only managed to get in one. And a hilly one it was! I mean they were whopper-like hills! I had a great workout running them. It was beautiful and the weather was perfect.

For the past three years, we've gone to the same resort and so I was familiar with the course. I did not measure it in distance, but I ran for a good 40 minutes and probably ran at least 3 1/2 miles.

When we arrived back home last evening, I decided to bolt out the door and get in another run. I ran my usual 4 mile course and was happy to be on it again. By the time I got back home it was dark out, but I sure felt good. Every now and then, evening runs have a special place in my heart! Though they are few and far between, they seem to take on an entirely different feeling. I enjoyed my evening run very much!

It is now Sunday, the start of a new week. I hope to get a better running total than last week. And even though I only ran once while I was gone, two days of walking around Silver Dollar City made me feel like I wasn't sloughing off too bad!