Outside Run Interrupted

I should have known by the dark ominous clouds that were looming in the back ground that I was in for a wet run. But I was hopefully thinking I could get the run in before the rain came. Alas, I was entirely wrong in my hopeful thinking and about half way into my course, the drops fell. It wasn't too bad at first. So, I was hopeful again. I thought, "Well, maybe it will just be a light Spring sprinkle." Wrong again. The torrential downpour came and by the 2 mile mark, I was totally soaked. And for the sake of my ipod which was strapped to my wrist, I ran on home.

What an interruption. I could have just called it a day. I sat there at the table in my kitchen dripping wet while looking out the sliding glass doors. I found myself hoping again for the rain to stop. It wasn't stopping and time was ticking. I decided to quit sitting in defeat. I decided to get into some dry running attire and finish up on the treadmill. I ran another 2 miles to complete a total of 4 miles for the day. It is late now and I'm unfortunately feeling a little twinge of achiness in my right knee.

It seems that life is full of interruptions. The thing is to see the interruptions come through the loving Hand of Providence. When seen through these lenses, you can be sure the Lord will use whatever the interruption may be, as a divine tool in His grasp to mold and shape the character of Christ within our life. As selfish as we can be, we want what we want, when we want, how we want, and where we want it. Jesus wants us to want what He wants, when He wants, how He wants and where He wants it. Sometimes the best place to see our selfishness is when interruptions come our way. How strong of a hold do we really have on some things? So strong that it has a strong hold on us? And indeed, a stronghold it becomes.

I've had so many interruptions in my life. And they continue to come to my front door. If I choose to surrender my way and will for His way and will then I will be the better for them. When an interruption which happens to be defined as a pause, a break, or a temporary halt in an ongoing activity or process, comes a calling, I must be okay to halt and heed what the Spirit may be wanting to show me or teach me, or where He may want to lead me. Life doesn't happen without interruptions. And today, neither did my run. But because it was interrupted, I actually ended up running a longer distance by running outside and inside, than if I would've just ran outdoors. How about that!

Just Running Catch Ups

I haven't been in much of a writing mood lately - at least not on my blog. I have put out a few articles though. One for a local Christian news and events publication, it's actually my annual May article I get in every year now for the past 10 years - usually related to Mother's Day or women's issues. Then I wrote a couple shorter articles for our church newsletter.

My runs lately haven't been too focused. I've been thinking a lot about my right knee, wondering if it's going to act up. So far, so good.

To catch up, I ran 3 miles outside today. It was at a pretty decent pace. I was in a hurry because I had to be somewhere at a certain time, but was determined to squeeze a run in. It worked. I iced my knee afterwards and it really feels fine.

I also ran 3 miles on Sunday and then 3 miles last Thursday. I am happy about getting back into a consistent running schedule. I'm hoping to bump up my runs to 4 miles soon. My new shoes haven't given me any problems and I think its the first time in a few years where I haven't had to take back new shoes after a couple of weeks of running in them. Well, I'm off to a few domestic duties that are awaiting my attention.

Running on Pavement Again

Today was a test. I actually ran 3 miles on the pavement! It is now after 11 pm and my right knee feels absolutely fine. I'm hoping my knee is passing the test. I'm relieved and blessed but we'll see how it feels tomorrow. I was able to break in my new running shoes on the pavement as well. They felt great. It was a good run. It was sunny with some clouds and actually quite warm. I had a close encounter with another one of my favorite Spring site's as I ran passed my first full blooming Lilac bush. It smelled gloriously grand!

Last Wednesday I ran 3 miles on the treadmill, but wasn't able to run until today. I've been out of town at a youth event. It's good to be back home. How I love being at home!

I signed up for a 5k that takes place in a few weeks. I'm looking forward to it. Anyway, I'm keeping this short and sweet. I feel like I'm still trying to catch up on my sleep. Three nights of only 3 to 4 hours of sleep is not as easy as it once was so I'm ready for a good 8 hour snooze!

Running Little Running Humble

Today I ran another 2 miles on the treadmill. Yes, its just a little bit and its less than what I've been running, but at least I'm running! I'm happy to be able to do just 2!

My new shoes felt great and now hours later my knee is feeling pretty good too. I am very much relieved. As I've thought about my marathon aspirations which began months ago in great determination and all the things that have transpired - all the obstacles and then the total change of direction the Lord brought my way, it is rather humbling. I haven't reliquished my hope or dream to run a full marathon someday, but do know that it is not at this time. The knee injury has confirmed this for me and only being able to run a couple miles has put me back to humble beginnings. But I suppose that any kind of humility is a good thing. My loss can really be my gain. Just like my weaknesses can be my strength. It is always my weaknesses that cause me to look to God's grace and it is His grace that helps my weaknesses display His power. And when this happens I can glory in my weaknesses knowing that the power of God will be seen. The divine has come to do its work. And to yield is to be humble. Humility is knowing that we are unable to change ourselves. I have a Savior that has not just saved me on the day I was reborn, but He continually saves me - day after day after day! Saving me from the power of sin, the snare of Satan and all the world's enticements. My Savior saves me by changing me and conforming me to His likeness.

Back to humble beginnings is a good place to be. It reminds me that every little step I take each day to grow in my faith will be met with grace to produce in me the very thing I cannot seem to produce in myself. The distance of the 26 miler practically pales in comparison to the length, and height, the depth and breadth of this kind of 2 mile meditation! No wonder the Lord said not to "despise the day of small things!"

Running Resurrection

Well, for about the past two weeks I have been sitting on the bench from running. That was until I experienced a little running resurrection yesterday! It wasn't much but I'll take it. I ran a nice and easy 2 miles on my treadmill in my NEW SHOES. Yep, I finally got them! They felt great and my knee felt pretty good too.

Last Monday when I went to get my knee looked at, the doctor felt I wasn't experiencing anything too severe. I had some xrays taken and thank the Lord they looked okay. My doctor thought I had some tendons that were aggravated and a little rest, ice, anti-infammatory meds, a compression wrap and special knee exercises would be the best cure. I was doing much of that already and continued for a second week. Then yesterday, I just couldn't help myself. I had to give it a try. I was so happy to be on that treadmill! I had no pain or discomfort to my right knee after running yesterday or at all today. I'll probably try to run another 2 miles tomorrow. I hope this running resurrection lasts! I was told to take it easy, so I better be a good patient. She said if I don't I could easily aggravate and irritate the tendons again. I do think the new shoes will help a lot.

Any way, today is Easter, the most glorious day for the Christian! I have been overcome by the passion of Christ as I have reflected on His suffering, death, burial and resurrection. He did this for me. He did this for all. The grave is empty! Jesus is alive! Could anything be any better than this? Absolutely not! I pray that my life would reflect this truth by telling others what Easter is really all about!