....... Running......Running... And More Running......

I woke at my usual Saturday morning time, 6 AM!... and headed to trinity trails to meet my coach and team mates training along with me. As I drove there I prayed for God to help me keep a positive attitude about my distance running because I was suppose to run 7 miles to stay on target for my running, but you see, I didn't plan to run 7 miles, instead and at most,5.5 miles was my goal due to my knee hurting me within the past week or so. I went to the Physical Therapist last Monday and he told me it was my I.T. band, I wasn't stretching it enough. He gave me different stretching techniques and also advice on how to keep it conditioned properly, one being icing it ALOT! (after each run for sure!).

With all of that said, here comes the fun part:). I made my assumed goal and not only did I meet my 5.5 expected goal I passed my on target goal by one mile!I RAN 8 MILES!! I couldn't believe it. Running with at least one other person really made a difference. Along the way (while running) one of the mentor runners even gave me some advice on a specific breathing technique he learned from yoga, it did wonders!! However as soon as I finished my run my knee was KILLING me! I iced it almost right away and then icing it again before going to sleep. It hurts more now than it ever has but at least I know what stretches to do to speed up the recovery.

It's still crazy to me how much running is like my walk with Christ. Getting hurt or "injured" can really bring you down and even at times instill fear that normally would not be there if you/I were at your/my peak in physical health and well being. Same goes with our relationship with Christ, we at times are afraid of things and because of the fear never move ahead to see God's bigger plan. Instead we sit on the sidelines watching other people "Run hard" after a goal and wish it were us thinking it never could be. Just like running, I NEVER thought I'd run 3 miles, I never thought I'd run 5! But now I can say I've ran 8! I didn't get there overnight. It took a lot of work, just like following Christ does. No one ever said it would be easy, if anything it's tough and just like running if you get out of a routine then you have to start back where you USED to be because the pace you once were running so easily has now gotten harder.

Endurance, discipline and determination are great words that help a person achieve great things whenever you or I put our mind to it. Believing in yourself is the hardest part, after that you've got it in the bag ;)

Anyway, thanks for listening to me spill about my running sprees.