I have been quite consistent with making late blog entries. I have ran 3 times since my last entry. To update the running mileage log - I ran 4 outside on Saturday, another 4 outside on Monday and then shied away from the cold temperatures which were in the low 20's today and ran 3 miles inside on the treadmill.
If I have calculated accurately, I have ran 43 miles this month! Not what I should have totaled, but it will have to do. I am pleased none the less.
I'm really needing that mild winter to come back around. Where is it? Even as I write this post, it is snowing, again!
The last two times I ran outside I ran in some of the windiest weather yet. I'd much rather run in the heat, the cold, the rain or snow, but I do not like the wind, at least not when its coming right into my face. It is a fierce foe and makes me work harder while making me feel like I'm making very little head way. On the other hand, the wind can become quite a comrade when it is at your back. On Saturday, one gust of wind came at my back so hard and fast it nearly knocked me on my face. I couldn't help but pick up my pace and it was with such ease. It felt effortless. So my running in the wind was appreciated as well as very displeasing to me. I liked it, then I was disgusted by it. It was my friend and my foe at different times throughout my course.
I am hoping for less windy weather to run in on Friday. And warmer too! We'll see what the weather man says. In the mean time, I'm praying for the return of the mild conditions we had earlier in the season.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Running on Salty Paths
I'm a bit behind in blogging. So quickly to update, I ran 3 miles on Sunday, inside on the treadmill. Tuesday I ran 4 miles outside and today I ran another 4 miles outside.
The past two times I have run outside I have had to dodge a few snow piles, a few ice patches and run over salt covered pavement. Sometimes the salt was so abundant, one would almost think the bottom of the salt truck fell out leaving a major pile. In other places it was more evenly scattered and then other parts of the pavement there was no salt to speak of at all.
I thought about salt and my life. Jesus says in Matthew 5:13 that I am the "salt of the earth." I would have to say that my life has a similar reflection of the salt I saw on the ground as I ran recently. Sometimes I have seen my life be a little too salty. In other words, I've been a little over the top and have used my Christianity a little too sharply or wielded God's Word, also referred to as a sword in Scripture, too carelessly. Some may have been wounded in the way and perhaps have been discouraged from a life of faith. This is indeed not good. Think of dumping a pile of salt on a good piece of steak. It ruins the taste of the meat. You wouldn't want to eat it. Salt is good, but only when used in appropriate amounts. Then there have been times in my life when there has been an absence of salt altogether. Times like these come when I am not in the Word, in prayer, or in fellowship with the community of saints of a local church assembly. When I make sure these things are active in my life they keep a steady flow of salt coming. Communion with God keeps the flavor of Christ coming through the flow of His Spirit into my life. Only then can I be "the salt of the world" that God has calld me to be.
Today as I ran and observed where the salt was too thick, too thin and evenly distributed, I couldn't help but pray that God would pour on the salt in my life in such a way that is just right - "seasoned" according to the flow of His Spirit. I do want to be a Christian that not only has to run in the physical on salty paths when winter comes from time to time, but also a Christian that is running on steady salty paths of the race of faith.
The past two times I have run outside I have had to dodge a few snow piles, a few ice patches and run over salt covered pavement. Sometimes the salt was so abundant, one would almost think the bottom of the salt truck fell out leaving a major pile. In other places it was more evenly scattered and then other parts of the pavement there was no salt to speak of at all.
I thought about salt and my life. Jesus says in Matthew 5:13 that I am the "salt of the earth." I would have to say that my life has a similar reflection of the salt I saw on the ground as I ran recently. Sometimes I have seen my life be a little too salty. In other words, I've been a little over the top and have used my Christianity a little too sharply or wielded God's Word, also referred to as a sword in Scripture, too carelessly. Some may have been wounded in the way and perhaps have been discouraged from a life of faith. This is indeed not good. Think of dumping a pile of salt on a good piece of steak. It ruins the taste of the meat. You wouldn't want to eat it. Salt is good, but only when used in appropriate amounts. Then there have been times in my life when there has been an absence of salt altogether. Times like these come when I am not in the Word, in prayer, or in fellowship with the community of saints of a local church assembly. When I make sure these things are active in my life they keep a steady flow of salt coming. Communion with God keeps the flavor of Christ coming through the flow of His Spirit into my life. Only then can I be "the salt of the world" that God has calld me to be.
Today as I ran and observed where the salt was too thick, too thin and evenly distributed, I couldn't help but pray that God would pour on the salt in my life in such a way that is just right - "seasoned" according to the flow of His Spirit. I do want to be a Christian that not only has to run in the physical on salty paths when winter comes from time to time, but also a Christian that is running on steady salty paths of the race of faith.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Running and Holding Back
Well, it's been almost 2 weeks since I've ran outside. Actually it's been 11 days. And it was 11 days ago I was able to run 7 miles. Then sickness set in, an ice storm hit, and my left hamstring began giving me a little twinge. Today the sun was out, it hit 40 degrees and my left back thigh didn't seem to be too bothered, so I took off outside and ran 4 miles. Right now it is after 10 pm and I really feel pretty good. My left leg gave me just a tad discomfort after running, but it wasn't too bad.
I took it pretty easy as I ran and didn't give in to any "sprint" urges at my finish. I always finish well and it's become quite a habit to pick it up at this one point of my course that nears the end. But to spare my left leg, I held back.
Holding back is something the marathon experts say is of great importance at the beginning of the 26.2 mile run. And it is hard because of all the adrenalin pumping through your body and all the electric excitement that's in the air at the event. Yet, holding back is not what I want to do at this point in my training. It is a dilemma, but I am trying to be patient and accepting of where I'm at.
Holding back is something Christians must do at times as well. We should hold back when we are mistreated, not returning evil for evil. We should hold back when we are angry, not letting our emotion lead us to sin. We should hold back when passions would cause us to step out of certain boundaries - and one does know where the lines are drawn. We should hold back our tongue when it would otherwise lash out, give an unkind word or unfair criticism. We should hold back and take the lesser seat, waiting for an invitation to be moved higher. We should hold back in demanding our right to be proven right. God knows. God sees. He will bring justice in His time.
When I look into the Word or even through history, I'm amazed at how many faithful saints were mistreated, rejected, persecuted, ridiculed, and maliciously slandered. Folks separated themselves from these faithful saints because they simply could not stand the light and the truth that was in them. John tells us that men do love the darkness and are bent towards it. Those that are repelled by the light have a spirit of jealousy and envy within them. Those of God's children - branded by Him, blessed by Him and used by Him will be targets to these kinds of people. It even says that of those who came against Christ Jesus. They had no reason to crucify Him. Their envy spurred them on and the book of James says that "where there is envy and selfish ambition demonic spirits abound." Where God's favor settles, demonic forces follow creating a mess of human relationships. Who will hold back? I believe that it will be the one who really loves Jesus and knows that he has a cross like his Master's to bear. And so, he will hold back from the desire to retaliate, and choose to pick up this cross, carry it, and daily ask for the strength to offer love in return for whatever unfair, underserved coldness comes his way.
Yes, holding back is something we can learn from Jesus and the faithful saints of old. Their ability to keep running the race of faith in Christ in spite of such circumstances of real people treating them with such malice reveals to me the need for Divine power to take the helm of my heart and fill it with a neverending outpouring of love, mercy, forgiveness and grace and then direct it towards those who would rather seek to bring hurt.
Holding back in marathon training is not my idea of proper preparation to achieve the goal of crossing the finish line. But holding back to ungodly actions and attitudes is definitely the right kind of preparation for crossing heaven's finish line and hearing Jesus say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
I took it pretty easy as I ran and didn't give in to any "sprint" urges at my finish. I always finish well and it's become quite a habit to pick it up at this one point of my course that nears the end. But to spare my left leg, I held back.
Holding back is something the marathon experts say is of great importance at the beginning of the 26.2 mile run. And it is hard because of all the adrenalin pumping through your body and all the electric excitement that's in the air at the event. Yet, holding back is not what I want to do at this point in my training. It is a dilemma, but I am trying to be patient and accepting of where I'm at.
Holding back is something Christians must do at times as well. We should hold back when we are mistreated, not returning evil for evil. We should hold back when we are angry, not letting our emotion lead us to sin. We should hold back when passions would cause us to step out of certain boundaries - and one does know where the lines are drawn. We should hold back our tongue when it would otherwise lash out, give an unkind word or unfair criticism. We should hold back and take the lesser seat, waiting for an invitation to be moved higher. We should hold back in demanding our right to be proven right. God knows. God sees. He will bring justice in His time.
When I look into the Word or even through history, I'm amazed at how many faithful saints were mistreated, rejected, persecuted, ridiculed, and maliciously slandered. Folks separated themselves from these faithful saints because they simply could not stand the light and the truth that was in them. John tells us that men do love the darkness and are bent towards it. Those that are repelled by the light have a spirit of jealousy and envy within them. Those of God's children - branded by Him, blessed by Him and used by Him will be targets to these kinds of people. It even says that of those who came against Christ Jesus. They had no reason to crucify Him. Their envy spurred them on and the book of James says that "where there is envy and selfish ambition demonic spirits abound." Where God's favor settles, demonic forces follow creating a mess of human relationships. Who will hold back? I believe that it will be the one who really loves Jesus and knows that he has a cross like his Master's to bear. And so, he will hold back from the desire to retaliate, and choose to pick up this cross, carry it, and daily ask for the strength to offer love in return for whatever unfair, underserved coldness comes his way.
Yes, holding back is something we can learn from Jesus and the faithful saints of old. Their ability to keep running the race of faith in Christ in spite of such circumstances of real people treating them with such malice reveals to me the need for Divine power to take the helm of my heart and fill it with a neverending outpouring of love, mercy, forgiveness and grace and then direct it towards those who would rather seek to bring hurt.
Holding back in marathon training is not my idea of proper preparation to achieve the goal of crossing the finish line. But holding back to ungodly actions and attitudes is definitely the right kind of preparation for crossing heaven's finish line and hearing Jesus say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Running and a Hamstring Problem?
Okay, this is getting a bit tiresome, but I think I'm struggling with obstacle #6 - a hamstring making a little noise! So, I'm feeling better, ran out of obstacle #5 which was sickness and now this!
I do believe this is my first "ipod injury." I say that because on one of my runs just before I was sick, I was listening to some great tunes and sprinted to my finish one day as if I was a teenager again! The song I was listening to was the kind of song where you just couldn't help but take off! And boy did I take off and ever since have felt a twinge in my left hammy. I wasn't thinking or using my head. It was pure emotion and the power of the physical and a great song thanks to my ipod!
I was hoping I was imagining things, but after I ran on Monday and now after running a 3 miler on my treadmill today I don't think it's my imagination. "Okay, Lord, what do I do now?" Just wondering...still pressing ahead...not fainthearted yet!
I do believe this is my first "ipod injury." I say that because on one of my runs just before I was sick, I was listening to some great tunes and sprinted to my finish one day as if I was a teenager again! The song I was listening to was the kind of song where you just couldn't help but take off! And boy did I take off and ever since have felt a twinge in my left hammy. I wasn't thinking or using my head. It was pure emotion and the power of the physical and a great song thanks to my ipod!
I was hoping I was imagining things, but after I ran on Monday and now after running a 3 miler on my treadmill today I don't think it's my imagination. "Okay, Lord, what do I do now?" Just wondering...still pressing ahead...not fainthearted yet!
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Running Blog Anniversary & More Obstacles
Wow, I've actually been blogging now for 1 year and 4 days! It has been a good thing logging miles and blogging thoughts. I think we'll continue this Running Reflections for a bit longer. Happy 1 year Anniversary Running Reflections!
As to more training obstacles, I've been sick. Last Monday I ran 7 miles then that night felt a sore throat coming on. By the next day my sore throat was in full swing. I ended up going to the doctor's and was given some antibiotics to treat not strept, but tonsilitis.
I am feeling much better. It has been 5 days since I ran and so I decided to run an easy 3 miles on the treadmill. I'm hoping I don't have a relapse.
As far as my marathon training goes, I haven't called it quits yet. I'm definitely going to do the half if I just can't seem to get all those miles in that I will need to get in. I've decided that I would still try. If I can get up to 18 miles by the end of March, I'm going to go for the full. If I can't make the 18, I will humbly settle for the half marathon and wait for another time to do the big one.
In either case, I will still run - in the physical and in the spiritual. I can't ever quit!
As to more training obstacles, I've been sick. Last Monday I ran 7 miles then that night felt a sore throat coming on. By the next day my sore throat was in full swing. I ended up going to the doctor's and was given some antibiotics to treat not strept, but tonsilitis.
I am feeling much better. It has been 5 days since I ran and so I decided to run an easy 3 miles on the treadmill. I'm hoping I don't have a relapse.
As far as my marathon training goes, I haven't called it quits yet. I'm definitely going to do the half if I just can't seem to get all those miles in that I will need to get in. I've decided that I would still try. If I can get up to 18 miles by the end of March, I'm going to go for the full. If I can't make the 18, I will humbly settle for the half marathon and wait for another time to do the big one.
In either case, I will still run - in the physical and in the spiritual. I can't ever quit!
Monday, January 08, 2007
A Worshipful Run
Well, I did not get in my long run yesterday due to a last minute decision to have company over. So, I had to get things in order as well as do some cooking. It was a good time of fellowship with dear friends.
So, today I got in my long run. I ran 7 miles and it felt much better than I thought it was going to. It is late now as I blog and I'm sorry to say I am feeling a sore throat coming on. I pray for a good nights sleep and rest tomorrow and perhaps I can shake it.
During my 7 miles I listened to music on my wonderful ipod and entered into such a spirit of worship I felt like running with my hands lifted up in the air! At times I also felt like closing my eyes to fix my mind solely on Christ enthroned, but you just can't do that when you're on a run! I felt very encouraged to make the 7 miles and feel hopeful to continue to scale to the summit of 26.2 little by little. In the back of my mind I have the half marathon done for sure, it's just the next 13.1 miles I'm unsure about. I remain hopeful and have not decided to not go for the big one. I'm taking it a day at a time and a prayer at a time.
What a great time of worship. What a great run. What a worshipful run!
So, today I got in my long run. I ran 7 miles and it felt much better than I thought it was going to. It is late now as I blog and I'm sorry to say I am feeling a sore throat coming on. I pray for a good nights sleep and rest tomorrow and perhaps I can shake it.
During my 7 miles I listened to music on my wonderful ipod and entered into such a spirit of worship I felt like running with my hands lifted up in the air! At times I also felt like closing my eyes to fix my mind solely on Christ enthroned, but you just can't do that when you're on a run! I felt very encouraged to make the 7 miles and feel hopeful to continue to scale to the summit of 26.2 little by little. In the back of my mind I have the half marathon done for sure, it's just the next 13.1 miles I'm unsure about. I remain hopeful and have not decided to not go for the big one. I'm taking it a day at a time and a prayer at a time.
What a great time of worship. What a great run. What a worshipful run!
Friday, January 05, 2007
Running and New Beginnings '07
January always brings me an inspiring reminder that it is time for New Beginnings. It is a new year - the very first month of the year. A time to reflect on the passing of another year with the hope that the new year will be more bountiful, more productive, more sanctifying than the previous.
As I ponder on all that happened in 2006, I actually feel a sense of strength to have endured it. I also am full of gratitude to the Lord for the continual grace He has supplied. I truly know that had it not been for His grace and mercy, my steps would have faltered to the point of remaining down on the ground, unable to get up and press on. But when I look back and see my faltering steps where faith grew faint and zeal to fight waned before moments of despondency, I know He met me there and stayed there until my gaze returned fixed upon Him. He is my life. My all in all. My hope. He renews my life, regenerates my soul, refreshes my flesh. I am in a fight, a race, a battle. I can never stop and never quit. Rest yes, but turn back, never. My enemy is fierce. He would have me crushed and destroyed. I cling to the mercy and grace I find in Christ and His cross. I will not fear 2007. I will be a braveheart and lift up my cup of salvation and allow the Lord to fill it as He sees fit. He is my trustworthy Savior, my King, my Lord. He would not abandon me or forsake me. He knows my future and it is in His steadfast Hand while my very being is in His loving Heart. What can the enemy do to me? What can man do to me?
God is on my side. Nothing separates us. He is my keeper! He will keep me in the fight and in the race. I will keep fighting and keep running in the year of our Lord, 2007 and it will be a good year, a better year. I will always hope and believe that the best is yet to come. Why can't it when the years that go by, no matter how trying or difficult, if I see them as having come from my Heavenly Father's Hand to train me, to mold me, to conform my character into Christlikeness, then they are the ones that actually end up being the best years of my life. I will not have regrets or the urge to embrace forgetfulness on various pains that come to me in any given year. They are the things God uses to change me. They are the things that reveal how much changing I need. Oh that my heart would always be soft and warm and welcoming to such things without dismissing them as wasted purposeless and painful times. God makes all things new! And I will see new life birth from difficulty. And so I look to a new year, a life that has a fresh start - one that has been strengthened by things that took place in 2006. And I am hopeful!!!
As far as literal running goes, I ran 4 on Monday, 4 on Wednesday and 4 today. I'm hoping to get in 7 or 8 on Sunday. I am filled with gladness. His Holy Spirit is ever near.
As I ponder on all that happened in 2006, I actually feel a sense of strength to have endured it. I also am full of gratitude to the Lord for the continual grace He has supplied. I truly know that had it not been for His grace and mercy, my steps would have faltered to the point of remaining down on the ground, unable to get up and press on. But when I look back and see my faltering steps where faith grew faint and zeal to fight waned before moments of despondency, I know He met me there and stayed there until my gaze returned fixed upon Him. He is my life. My all in all. My hope. He renews my life, regenerates my soul, refreshes my flesh. I am in a fight, a race, a battle. I can never stop and never quit. Rest yes, but turn back, never. My enemy is fierce. He would have me crushed and destroyed. I cling to the mercy and grace I find in Christ and His cross. I will not fear 2007. I will be a braveheart and lift up my cup of salvation and allow the Lord to fill it as He sees fit. He is my trustworthy Savior, my King, my Lord. He would not abandon me or forsake me. He knows my future and it is in His steadfast Hand while my very being is in His loving Heart. What can the enemy do to me? What can man do to me?
God is on my side. Nothing separates us. He is my keeper! He will keep me in the fight and in the race. I will keep fighting and keep running in the year of our Lord, 2007 and it will be a good year, a better year. I will always hope and believe that the best is yet to come. Why can't it when the years that go by, no matter how trying or difficult, if I see them as having come from my Heavenly Father's Hand to train me, to mold me, to conform my character into Christlikeness, then they are the ones that actually end up being the best years of my life. I will not have regrets or the urge to embrace forgetfulness on various pains that come to me in any given year. They are the things God uses to change me. They are the things that reveal how much changing I need. Oh that my heart would always be soft and warm and welcoming to such things without dismissing them as wasted purposeless and painful times. God makes all things new! And I will see new life birth from difficulty. And so I look to a new year, a life that has a fresh start - one that has been strengthened by things that took place in 2006. And I am hopeful!!!
As far as literal running goes, I ran 4 on Monday, 4 on Wednesday and 4 today. I'm hoping to get in 7 or 8 on Sunday. I am filled with gladness. His Holy Spirit is ever near.
Monday, January 01, 2007
Running and End of Year Update
On December 26th, I did get my 4 miles in and then on the 28th I ran another 4 miles. Saturday, December 30th was the day of my long run. At this point, I'm feeling way behind in where I should be or even need to be. But it's where I'm at and so my long run was putting in a 6 miler, which I was able to do. I felt pretty good and had some great weather for it.
The year of 2006 has come to an end. I have tallied up my mileage. I ran 426.75 miles in 2006!
The experts say that runners should get new shoes every 250-500 miles. I am certainly qualified. Good thing Santa gave me money to get some new running shoes for Christmas! Because 426.75 miles later, I need them.
It's a beautiful day. I think I'll go for a New Year's Day run! Happy New Year!
The year of 2006 has come to an end. I have tallied up my mileage. I ran 426.75 miles in 2006!
The experts say that runners should get new shoes every 250-500 miles. I am certainly qualified. Good thing Santa gave me money to get some new running shoes for Christmas! Because 426.75 miles later, I need them.
It's a beautiful day. I think I'll go for a New Year's Day run! Happy New Year!
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Me and my dear friend in Christ
