Running lesson #4

FINDING MY DIRECTION

“May it never be that I should boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ…” [Gal. 6:14]

What a memorable run! I don’t believe I’ll ever forget my run through Washington DC. After a few days of driving, sitting, and walking I was ready for a run. And making my desire burn even hotter, hundreds of my fellow runners were enjoying the beautiful weather and matching scenery. I could no longer stand it and finally satisfied my craving by going on a 7 mile run in our nation’s capital.

I ran up the National Mall to the Capitol and over to and then down Pennsylvania Ave. After winding around through various streets it was back to the Mall, past the Washington Monument, beside the reflecting pool, and up the steps up the Lincoln Memorial (I felt like Rocky!). From there I ran over the Potomac to Arlington and then back across the bridge and eventually ended up where I began.

What a run! There was so much history and significance. There were monuments honoring Washington and Lincoln whose decisions were so meaningful to our country. I was vividly reminded of the sacrifices of so many as I ran past the monument walls. Then there was the beauty of this spring day. The cherry blossoms in the Tidal Basin were in full bloom and their brilliant shades of pink were reflected off the Potomac as I made my way back across.

There was only one difficulty: I often didn’t know where I was! Between being caught up in the run with its accompanying thoughts and being in an unfamiliar place, periodically I had no clue where I was or even which direction I was headed. But it wasn’t a problem because there is always the Washington monument! No matter where I was, I could look for the 555’ obelisk and get my bearing. As long as I could see the monument I would never be lost.

The figurative cross of Jesus has the same ability to keep us centered as well. As I see Him there and consider all that goes with it, I cannot get lost if I keep my eyes on the cross.

When we are tempted to promote self, the cross calls us to promote Him – Gal. 6:14

When we are tempted to divide and splinter, the cross calls us to unite – John 17

When we are tempted to call our own shots, the cross calls us to deny self – Mt. 16:24

When we are tempted to teach our will, the cross calls us to be true to His will – 1 Cor. 1:17, 18

It’s so comforting to always be able to find your center! As we run through life, let’s always remember to look to the cross for the direction that we need. As long as you keep the cross in sight, you can’t get lost!

Gotta run!

Running Lesson #3

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SAY!

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt” – Col. 4:6

And where you say it and to whom you say it and how you say it. Those are all things that we know but sometimes have to be reminded…the hard way! Not too long ago I was running in one of my favorite places. It’s a place that I like to run because it’s pretty, occasionally there are a few nice old people out walking (from the assisted living home where my ole buddy Mary lives), and, most of all, because it’s flat. As a result the “runners high” usually hits me somewhere on that stretch.

If you’ve read this blog before, you know what that means – I begin to sing along with my MP3 player. Out loud. And, if you know me, I’ve never been confused with Pavorotti, Placido, or even Bob Dylan for that matter. But that’s OK because there hardly ever anyone around and the residents don’t hear so well, so I usually let it rip! But this day was different.

As I was running on this beautiful, not-a-cloud-in-the-sky day and enjoying just being out, I began to sing along. I knew that I was getting closer to the home but what I didn’t know was that there was a woman, who appeared to be in her forties walking in the parking lot. But the peripheral vision in my right eye caught the movement of her head violently jerking around as I belted out, “She’s a lady!” I immediately knew what she must be thinking so, being the quick-thinker that I am, I just kept on singing the “Whoa, whoa, whoa” along with Tom Jones so that she would know that I was singing and not making cat call on the run. How embarrassing!

You would think that I would have learned from that, but you’d be wrong. Just yesterday, while in the middle of a 13 miler, I was caught up in a song and you know where I was when it happened. This time I did scan the parking lot and with no one in sight, I cut loose on the chorus of a great song: “That woman I’m in love with, has got to go!” It was then that I saw him. A man who was obviously a visitor was frozen in his tracks with his right hand on the door and looking over his left shoulder to see what the fuss was all about. All I could do was smile and wave and hope that he didn’t know Kim and go warn her!

Oh, the tongue gets us into so much trouble, doesn’t it? We say things without thinking or in the wrong way or to the wrong person. You would think that we would have learned something, but once again you’d be wrong. James said that no man can tame the tongue (Jas. 3:8) and we are inclined to agree with him, aren’t we? So what can we do?

►We can think before we speak - no blurting or belting.
►We can be sure to speak with the right tone, for it communicates more than the words.
►We can refrain from saying anything. Not every thought or opinion is needed.
►We can speak words that are kind, helpful, encouraging, and appropriate.

I plan to keep on singing. I wouldn’t have it any other way. But in the future I’m going to be more careful about what comes out of my mouth and how it comes out and when it does so. That’s something that we can all do.

Gotta run!

Running Lesson #2

DO SOMETHING OR STOP COMPLAINING!

“Do all things without grumbling…” – Phil. 2:14

One particular day I came home from a run griping about the fact that “there isn’t a level road in this whole county”. It seems like I may have added “stinkin” somewhere in the discussion too. And it is true. It’s either uphill, downhill, or side hill when you live in Pike County. That’s just the way it is, but on this day I was extra frustrated and so I came in growling like an old bear. This wasn’t my first rant (as you might have guessed) about the level-deprived topography of our fair city and I suppose it was just more than Kim wanted to hear. It was, you might say, the straw that broke the wife’s back. **Note: I am NOT likening her to a camel!

I can still hear her response. She calmly and kindly said, “Well, you can quit running, move, or stop complaining!” Ouch! That wasn’t what I wanted to hear. I don’t know what I was hoping for, but that wasn’t it. But after I had time to reflect on the wisdom I knew she was right. Those really were my only choices and no amount of griping was going to change the reality.

Complaining doesn’t accomplish anything. Dissatisfaction can be a positive but only when it is coupled with action. Venting doesn’t help either. In fact, I have noticed that by the time I finish venting about anything I’m angrier than I was before. With all due respect to psychologists, I have concluded that all venting does is make mad people madder!

Speaking of less-than-ideal situations, Paul wrote the book of Philippians while under house arrest in Rome. His privacy and freedom were taken away based on a trumped-up charge, and yet it is he who is reminding us to not complain! Was he ever frustrated? Certainly. Didn’t he feel like complaining? He had to. But what good would that do?!

Instead, his perspective allowed him to see the best in the bad. He stated in Phil. 1:12 that actually things have worked out for the better this way. There weren’t crowds at the Coliseum, but there were soldiers next to him (1:13; 4:22). He couldn’t go anywhere, but neither could they! He would not have chosen to be in that situation but it did embolden his brethren in other places (1:14).

Is there something in your life that you can do something about? Then do it! Is there something that you’ve been complaining about? Then do something about it! Griping is passive and unproductive. Just think how much better our families, schools, and churches would be if they just followed Kim’s advice.

So, let’s all do something or stop complaining…no, better yet, let’s do something and stop complaining!

Gotta run!

Running Lesson #1

YOU CAN DO IT!

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Phil. 4:13

I can still remember where I was and the satisfaction I felt the first time I ran 8 miles. That doesn’t seem like a lot anymore, but at the time I was so happy and relieved that I let out a great big “YEAH”! What I didn’t realize was there a group of people across the road who were now looking at me like something was wrong. Nothing could have been further from the truth. I did it! Not many weeks before I wondered if it was really possible for me to run 8 miles as a part of my half-marathon training; but that day proved that it could be done. And I figured that if I could run 8 then maybe, just maybe I could run 13.1.

What you need to know is that I have never been a distance runner. In fact I had always claimed I was certainly and most definitely not capable of running for any lengthy period of time. In school I was fast but only for short distances, so I ran the sprints and relays. The longer races were for others who are capable of that sort of thing. I was so apprehensive about this whole distance running thing that the first time I went out to run 3 miles I wasn’t sure I would make it and had already developed a plan for how to get back home!

One of the enjoyable things about running is that every time you go out it gives you the opportunity to do something you have never before or to do something you have done before better or faster. I had never run 10 kilometers until I ran a 10K. Then a half-marathon was followed by a marathon. Then came a better time in a 10 K and the list goes on. The point: I have learned that I am capable of more than previously thought!

Is there something that you want to do or see the need of but you’ve convinced yourself that you can’t? The truth is you can if you really want to. Is there a habit you need to break? Maybe there is something in your life you need to change? You can do it! Maybe you think that you couldn’t possible talk to your friend about God, but you can. Perhaps in the past you have said that you are certainly and most definitely not capable of teaching or going on a mission trip, but I bet you are!

These kinds of goals are challenging but those are the only goals worth having. Someone once said, “Why not go out on a limb, that’s where the fruit is!” Worthwhile goals are not easily accomplished. There will always be some uncertainty in attempting anything new or as yet unaccomplished but those aren’t good reasons to never attempt. With God’s help we can do more than we think! That’s the point that Paul is making in Philippians 4:13. Paul is describing his overcoming some obstacles that he had never faced before and he credits the strength he received from God as the enabling force in his life.

I am not suggesting that running is on par with what Paul was going through, but I am saying that with God’s help and our determination we are certainly and most definitely capable of more than we have ever imagined. Try something big. Attempt something new. Never give up and be sure that you can do it!

Think about it! Gotta run!

Why Do You Run?

Why Do You Run?

Hmmm, that's a good question and it's one that I’ve been asked a number of times; most of the time by others and occasionally by myself. Most of the time the answers are easy to come by but there are days I wonder why. Only recently have I reluctantly admitted that I am indeed a runner. That title always seemed to belong to someone else but the reality is that I’ve always been a runner! In the neighborhood, on the playground, in the house, on the track team, up and down the field and court, or in the backyard – I’ve always run. But not this kind of running!

But I don’t run just to run. In fact, if I had to run a few miles worth of circles 3 times a week at the track I would quit! Maybe those folks are the "real" runners, but I can't do it. I like to run different neighborhoods, wooded trails, and new places. In fact, I make it a point to try to not run the same place, pace, or distance any consecutive runs. Variety is the spice of life, you know!

But why this kind of running and why now at this age? Why 12 mile runs and 30 mile weeks? Why would anyone run for 2 hours? I know, I know - we look like we’re in pure misery running down the road and it does beg the question “why”? I recently heard, “Why would anyone want to run a marathon?!” Why would I risk ferocious fidos, distracted drivers and endure the pains, aches, injuries, and blisters? Why run in the ice (tricky), snow (kinda fun), and torrential rain (strange looks)? Good question and believe me I asked it a few times myself!

Well, I don’t run for the health benefits. I am in the best shape of my life, but there has to be better ways to stay healthy than endurance running. It isn’t for the endorphins. The fabled “runners-high” does exist and I can tell when it hits because I begin to sing aloud (and loud) with my MP3 player! But that doesn’t last long enough to make it a compelling motivation.

I run because…

I enjoy being outside! I have yet to find weather bad enough to make me prefer the treadmill. Rain, cold, and heat are all better options than running nowhere. Even when the weather is "bad", this is still a beautiful world!

I enjoy peace and solitude! People with annoying or silly questions will seldom expend the energy it takes to chase me down. Telemarketers can't get me out there either.

I enjoy being alone with my thoughts! It’s amazing how running opens up the mind and the thoughts flow so freely.

I enjoy self-discipline! When I am disciplined in one area of life I am in all.

I enjoy racing! I fell in love with the competition and camaraderie of a race my very first 10K.

I enjoy seeing new places! Running is the best way to get the lay of the land in places like Chimala, K’Songo, San Juan, Joburg, and Lakewood.

I enjoy goals! To set goals for training and racing and then working towards them keeps me motivated with worthwhile ambitions.

I enjoy learning! Pushing yourself may be the best way to know self and to learn the lessons of life. Mile 24 will teach you lessons that you didn’t know existed.

I enjoy being in motion! I am happiest when I am moving, being, and doing.

Yes, I am a runner and I do enjoy it!

That’s all for now - gotta run!