I have been running for over 10 years. To say that I enjoyed all 10 years of running would be a lie. I can remember finishing my first 800 meter relay at a track meet in high school: I clung to the fence that lined the track so I wouldn't pass out, and vowed to myself, "I will NEVER do that again!" I probably would have said it out loud, but I couldn't breathe. And I would have never done it again,had it not been for my track coach. Not only did he believe in me, but he pushed me to continue...so I did.
Ten years later, I am still running- but now I enjoy it! In fact, I don't know what I would do without it. In the past few years, a lot has changed in my life: I have become a wife, homeowner, dog-owner, teacher, mother, theologian (with a degree,) unemployed, and most recently- a business owner. Running is about the only thing in my life, besides God, that has stayed constant. Today as I prepared to hit the asphalt, after a particularly frustrating morning, I told my husband, "I'm really angry today, so I might be gone for a while." He just smiled and laughed. Later, post-run, post-rant, as I cleaned the kitchen, he asked, "Feel better?" And the truth was- I did.
Everyone benefits from my running: my husband, my son, me, and yes- even the dog. When I'm on a run, the laundry doesn't seem so out of control, parenting doesn't seem like such a circus, unemployment doesn't seem so broke....everything comes into perspective. God is the only one who knows every thought, feeling, and idea that goes through my head. He also knows that I need Him more than life itself. However, when it comes to managing the ups and downs of life- He has given me a tool I am truly thankful for. God knows: I run for my life.
Ten years later, I am still running- but now I enjoy it! In fact, I don't know what I would do without it. In the past few years, a lot has changed in my life: I have become a wife, homeowner, dog-owner, teacher, mother, theologian (with a degree,) unemployed, and most recently- a business owner. Running is about the only thing in my life, besides God, that has stayed constant. Today as I prepared to hit the asphalt, after a particularly frustrating morning, I told my husband, "I'm really angry today, so I might be gone for a while." He just smiled and laughed. Later, post-run, post-rant, as I cleaned the kitchen, he asked, "Feel better?" And the truth was- I did.
Everyone benefits from my running: my husband, my son, me, and yes- even the dog. When I'm on a run, the laundry doesn't seem so out of control, parenting doesn't seem like such a circus, unemployment doesn't seem so broke....everything comes into perspective. God is the only one who knows every thought, feeling, and idea that goes through my head. He also knows that I need Him more than life itself. However, when it comes to managing the ups and downs of life- He has given me a tool I am truly thankful for. God knows: I run for my life.