running

So I started running a couple of weeks ago because I'm going to run in  5K with my friend Rebekah. We both have some weight we want to lose, so we thought running with a goal would help.

Well, let me tell you! I'm not a good runner. I have never liked running, even when I was a kid. I mean, I would run when we played tag, but when we had to run laps in PE ...forget about it! I would always have cramps in my side and I was always huffing and puffing. I wasn't an over weight kid, so you'd think I could run better! So today, I got those dang side cramps again and it brought me back to my childhood. Yesterday I was just talking about how I'm glad I haven't gotten side cramps since I started training for this 5K. Spoke too soon! I didn't really eat as much as I should have for lunch, so maybe that is what caused it.

I started by running 1/2 a mile and walking another 1/2. Now I'm up to running one mile non-stop. I know that doesn't seem like a lot, but it is for me! The first time I did it, I thought my lungs were going to collapse, I could not breath. If I had more energy I probably would have done a little victory dance, but I felt like falling over instead. Since then, I've been running the mile pretty fine and my body has been recovering a lot faster. Then today hit me and I had to stop at one point I got so tired. BUT I only allowed myself to walk for 1/10 of a mile then I had to go on. I better shape up because the goal is to run a mile and a half next week!

Aside from my lack of food for lunch today, I have another theory to my bad running day. I've started to use my running as a time to talk to God. I listen to some worship music and it also helps that the weather has been so beautiful. It's so fulfilling when I can spend time in His beautiful creation and all I see is beauty around me. So today, my mind was all over the place and my focus wasn't where it should have been. I often feel like I can't run any longer, and so when I focus on Him I can push harder. "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" Phil.4:13. One of my favorite verses!