As I watch my son grow, I am amazed at how quickly he changes over the period of a few weeks or even days. It has been both amusing and nerve racking watching him learn to crawl, walk, and now run after whatever catches his attention at the moment. The most amazing thing is that even though he falls down an innumerable number of times in a day, sometimes in a few minutes- he has never given up. He just keeps going. And most notably- he is happy with his progress!
As adults, we can learn a lot from our children. As I look back over my running life, there are obvious ebbs and flows in my running activity. From running 5-6 times a week, to barely making 3 times a week- I cannot deny that there have been highs and lows....and very highs...and very lows.
It would be a lie to say that I enjoyed all the different stages I have gone through as a runner.
Having to work so hard to run so slow while pregnant was not fun.
Having to give up running all together at 8 months pregnant- not fun.
Going for a run and clocking 9:30 minute miles when you know you ran 8:15 minute miles this time last year...not fun.
I used to let these kinds of things frustrate me, but the other day, I had a "moment." Call it an "ah-ha!" moment, or an epiphany, whatever- it was a moment.
My husband and I had wanted to go for a run together, but could not find a sitter. We decided to make it a family event. We sprayed the baby with sunscreen, laced up, and headed out. As we were heading back home, I realized just how much fun I was having. Yes! I said, "fun!"
Here's the moment: I was perfectly content to be running slower than molasses in winter, pushing a stroller (I took the downhill leg because my husband is just that wonderful,) and sweating to death because we were all together.
Sometimes, its not about times, distances, or personal records. It's just about having fun and spending time with the people you love. I found myself realizing that I would not trade that moment for any other run I have ever done. THIS was what family was all about.
Just as my son was perfectly content to be a precarious crawler, wobbly walker, and a crash-and-burn runner, I have learned to be content being whatever kind of runner the day demands. If I'm tired- I go slow. If I have 20 minutes- I go fast. If its blazing hot- I run inside. If I have no sitter- I push the stroller. You get the point. And the point is- be content with where you're at- wherever that may be- and keep growing. The progress may be slow, or seemingly non-existent at times- but you ARE making progress. If you're moving, you're growing. With every fall, my son learns to get up faster, and with every day, he grows to be a better walker. Movement is growth. Growth is progress. Be content with progress, and enjoy where you're at in the journey.
To sum it up, I think the words of the Apostle Paul will suffice:
"Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:11-15New King James Version (NKJV)
Whatever state you're in, be content, keep growing, make progress, and never ever forget: you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength.
As adults, we can learn a lot from our children. As I look back over my running life, there are obvious ebbs and flows in my running activity. From running 5-6 times a week, to barely making 3 times a week- I cannot deny that there have been highs and lows....and very highs...and very lows.
It would be a lie to say that I enjoyed all the different stages I have gone through as a runner.
Having to work so hard to run so slow while pregnant was not fun.
Having to give up running all together at 8 months pregnant- not fun.
Going for a run and clocking 9:30 minute miles when you know you ran 8:15 minute miles this time last year...not fun.
I used to let these kinds of things frustrate me, but the other day, I had a "moment." Call it an "ah-ha!" moment, or an epiphany, whatever- it was a moment.
My husband and I had wanted to go for a run together, but could not find a sitter. We decided to make it a family event. We sprayed the baby with sunscreen, laced up, and headed out. As we were heading back home, I realized just how much fun I was having. Yes! I said, "fun!"
Here's the moment: I was perfectly content to be running slower than molasses in winter, pushing a stroller (I took the downhill leg because my husband is just that wonderful,) and sweating to death because we were all together.
Sometimes, its not about times, distances, or personal records. It's just about having fun and spending time with the people you love. I found myself realizing that I would not trade that moment for any other run I have ever done. THIS was what family was all about.
Just as my son was perfectly content to be a precarious crawler, wobbly walker, and a crash-and-burn runner, I have learned to be content being whatever kind of runner the day demands. If I'm tired- I go slow. If I have 20 minutes- I go fast. If its blazing hot- I run inside. If I have no sitter- I push the stroller. You get the point. And the point is- be content with where you're at- wherever that may be- and keep growing. The progress may be slow, or seemingly non-existent at times- but you ARE making progress. If you're moving, you're growing. With every fall, my son learns to get up faster, and with every day, he grows to be a better walker. Movement is growth. Growth is progress. Be content with progress, and enjoy where you're at in the journey.
To sum it up, I think the words of the Apostle Paul will suffice:
"Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:11-15New King James Version (NKJV)
Whatever state you're in, be content, keep growing, make progress, and never ever forget: you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength.