Not Just For Me

So, yesterday, I ran 5 miles in 48 minutes!  PLEASE JUST KEEP READING BECAUSE THIS IS IMPORTANT!!!  That is a PR for me and it was absolutely fantastic!  I was somewhat surprised by the lack of enthusiasm by those that I told.  Somehow, I thought they should be as excited for me as I was .....  That gave me the idea that maybe it was time, once again to share why running has become so important to me.

I post all my workouts and runs through CardioTrainer to Facebook.  So, all my FB friends see the workouts I do each day.  I know that most of them, even if they happen to read it, simply scroll right past them.  Perhaps they even roll their eyes and think, "She ran again, big deal, who cares?!?!"  I can understand that, trust me, I do.  But, just let me tell you why I post those runs to Facebook, in hopes that they will not just scroll right past, but will at least stop to think next time they see one, and maybe even be inspired.....if not to run, at least inspired to do something that challenges them to live beyond the ordinary and step into the unknown....

I post my runs, walks and workouts to Facebook because running really has changed my life.  Running has pushed me way beyond comfortable. It is uncomfortable for me to put on form fitting clothes and run through town in front of people.  I decided a few years ago that I was tired of hiding behind 230 pounds of fear and excuses.  I chose to make a change and step out of my comfort zone, in hopes that it would inspire the teens  and young adults I have the privilege of knowing to do the same.  My Facebook friends have become my accountability partners.

Today, I ran my best time yet for 5 miles.  Five miles in 48 minutes, that's a 9:35 pace per mile, and it was the greatest feeling in the world (when I was done...)!  I want to tell you that if I can do it, so can you. If you are tired of making excuses and really want to make a change in your life, I'm here to say----YOU CAN DO IT!!!  It's gonna take hard work, sacrifice, determination, courage, and lots of discipline! 

Running has brought me closer to God and has not only made me stronger physically, but also emotionally and spiritually.  I am not out there chasing crowns made by human hands, but chasing a crown of righteousness.  It takes discipline to run 6, sometimes 7 days per week.  It takes discipline to read and study God's word, and pray everyday. Running has become a priority in my life, just as knowing more of God has become a priority in my life. 

Running has taught me many things.  Running has taught me there is a part of me that really wants to do the impossible and that I'm willing to try it, even if I fail.  Running has taught me how good it feels to reach a goal I once thought to be impossible. Running has taught me that there's something inside me that pushes me to keep going, even when it hurts.  Running has made me feel strong.  Running has taught me that no matter how many pounds I lose, only God can change my heart; no matter how I may look, only God can make me truly feel good about myself.  Running has taught me who I am, despite what smart mouth 20 year olds may say :) and despite what the world may say.  I know I am His, and I seek to serve Him in everything I do.  Knowing who I am and whose I am is a priceless treasure in itself, one that every young person seeking to serve and honor God will eventually be called to question.

So, be courageous, live fearlessly and make a change.  Start chasing your crown.

1 Corinthians 9:24
"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives teh prize?  Run in such a way that you may win."