Happy National Running Day, my fellow crazies! I hope you get out and enjoy a nice run, even if it's brief.
I had the pleasure of being woken up by the pounding of rain slamming against our roof. There went my opportunity for an outdoor morning run. It was so loud I decided to get up and high-tail it to the gym to get my run accomplished. Today's poison consisted of 5 x 1 mile repeats of speed work on the treadmill. I started at a speed of 8.0, and increased by .1 every .1 of a mile. (i.e. 8.0 for .10 mile, 8.1 through .20 mile, 8.3 through .30 mile, 8.4 through .40 mile, 8.5 through .50 mile, etc to one mile). I did this 5 times, for 5 miles. It wasn't bad, other than I was sweating profusely. As I ran, I contemplated I why I do this to myself.....it would be easy to just run 5 miles at a comfortable pace, not pushing any boundaries. Here's what I came up with. I run because it reminds me there is always more to learn. I run because I am reminded that I am weak. I run because I feel the presence of God's spirit in me as I push beyond what I thought I was capable of. I run because I am not content with who I am, but am constantly striving for the person I aspire to become.
After my interval run, I nervously made my way to the pool to embarrass myself, by swimming 5 down and back laps. I am not a good swimmer. My form is not pretty, and by the time I make it down and back once, I usually need a breather. I am a work in progress, but I love the challenge of the swim. It's great for cross training, and reminds me that I have much to improve upon, and much to learn.
Happy National Running Day folks!
"I run because I am not content with who I am, but am constantly striving for the person I aspire to become."
ReplyDeleteI agree that we should always be growing as a person and learning life lessons... but I also think that God is always content with who we are right now and that we should be too. If you aren't content with who you are, how do you enjoy each moment of each day? Life is one day at a time... sharing time and space with those you love... and who love you- just as you are now. Being present is the key to happiness.
I'm sorry....I should clarify that quote.
ReplyDeleteI am very content with where I am at. The beauty of the training process for me is about enjoying it and growing in the process. I come most alive when I am present in the moment and enjoying the process.
That comment was taken from Robert Brault who said, "Never mind searching for who you are. Search for the person you aspire to be." And it got me thinking about how I am constantly searching for the person God created me to be, and that is ever-changing.
Thank you for the feedback :) Good to know I have someone reading my blogs. Thanks!!!