Running Realizations

Ugg! Have you ever been wanting to post something and save it to draft and accidentally delete it? Not just once, by twice? Alright 3rd time is a charm so lets give it a go.

Last night I found myself needing to get out some feelings of frustration and uncertainty. After calling a friend (who was otherwise occupied) I decided to go for a run. I had high, almost desperate hopes that I'd be able to find solace and healing emotionally as well as spiritually, as I pushed myself physically almost to the breaking point time and time again.

After stretching and charting a course I was off. Since it's been a while since I've run I found myself setting short goals (i.e. just to the corner, just to the mailbox, just to the top of the hill) to accomplish my ultimate goal. As I reflect back, I realize that this was a principle that I needed to have retaught to me. It's great to have lofty, achievable goals but if you have no way of getting there (i.e. no short-term goals) the likelihood of getting to the larger goal is slim to none. (Sorry, just a thought that popped in and figured it needed to be shared. Back to my running...)

After running for a bit I got to my local track to run a few laps before continuing on the asphalt. I remembered a post I'd read on a friends blog about barefoot running. As I initially glanced over these posts I was a little skeptical, but as I read the research and watched several clips I was intrigued and wanted to give it a go.

Lap one with run with shoes on. The track was much more cushioned that the asphalt I'd been running on and I felt it was harder on my knees to run on it that anything. For lap two I decided I'd give this barefoot running thing a go. If nothing else I'd get some funny looks from the other runners and I'm sure more funny thoughts, which would make it worth it. I was so surprised how comfortable it felt. My body naturally straightened up; head over shoulders, shoulders over hips, hips over knees, and knees over ankles. (Normally I run slightly leaning forward.) The best part was, the shin splints I felt coming on were quickly dissipating, and never returned during my run. LOVELY! I finished up my shoeless lap, put my shoes back on, ran another and finished up my run.

As I got home I stretched out and found myself noticing that I never got an answer to my questions. I never got an overwhelming sensation of my problems being gone, however I did feel that as I turn them over to a loving Heavenly Father that they will be taken care of. That I would be given the strength to handle my frustrations, sorrow and uncertainty. What a perfectly loving realization. What a wonderful Father! I've again come to know that there isn't anything in my life that I can't handle without His help, because He's promised that temptation will not exist "above that ye are able" (1 Cor. 10:13).

I've come to realize that this life is all about strength. Not necessarily physical strength, but spiritual strength. You've got it in you. You're a child of God. Exercise just a little more faith and persist a little while longer. Relief will come. Of this I promise!