WHAT I DID
I finally did it!! I went somewhere else to run!! The picture might not look like much...but it was a really nice greenway near my house. I ended up going 2.75 miles in about 33 minutes. My calves are still giving me problems...but I also didn't use the stick today just before the run. I used it early this morning, but not JUST before I went out like I did last time.
((BTW, I'm NOT one of these people who can "connect the dots" between what I do and the results I get. I tend to be one of those people who insanely continue to do the wrong thing hoping to get different results....hence the need for me to continually repeat the same things until I make changes...))
((BTW, I'm NOT one of these people who can "connect the dots" between what I do and the results I get. I tend to be one of those people who insanely continue to do the wrong thing hoping to get different results....hence the need for me to continually repeat the same things until I make changes...))
WHAT I LEARNED
I started out fairly strong, but after running a couple of minutes, my calves were really hurting (cough..excuse...cough)...and I started SCREAMING at myself-in my head, lest anyone within earshot realize my insanity... And then I remembered Jaime's advice. I shifted my focus from what a crappy runner I am...what a loser I am that I can't run more than TWO minutes without complaining...how I'm never going to make my marathon goal...how I'm a big fat whiney butt... to Romans 5:3-5 (NAS)
3And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.I'll save all my in-depth thoughts on that passage for a post on my other blog (eventually). But, the outcome of today's rulk was that discipline without grace and love is just harsh legalism. Screaming all those negative thoughts at myself in my head won't help me go faster or farther....and doing that on a continual basis will only make me forget the whole reason I'm out there in the first place. So, I stopped yelling at myself, and I started looking around at the beautiful scenery. Instead of thinking I'm a big loser for not doing MORE, I started appreciating what I am doing....and what it's doing in me.
It turned out to be a good day...when viewed from the right perspective!
((By the way, that first picture was just an accident, but I thought it was a good illustration....Yes, I'm completely aware how corny it is...but hopefully someone gets it without me spelling it all out....... Maybe??))
WHAT I'M GOING TO DO
Tomorrow I start with my running group!! I'm so excited about this. I was told I'd be with a group that is about my same ability level (thank goodness they recruited from the local nursing home!). I'm hoping it will prove to be an encouragement and not just more fodder for my internal critic!
Thank you for stopping in, come again soon!!
:D
Wow, even your RUNNING is cathartic!! Right on, Girl!!! So proud of you!
ReplyDelete"discipline without grace and love is just harsh legalism"" and "I started appreciating what I am doing....and what it's doing in me."...love at first read!! Those thoughts resonated deep with me. Great job running today!! ((hugs))
ReplyDeleteSo awesome -- I'm excited for you!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat is "the STICK", by the way??
Darn, I forgot to link "the stick"...I'll have to edit that in. It's basically a glorified rolling pin or a long, thin, hard foam roller (if you've ever been tortured by one of those--the stick feels better)........except it's got a lot of rolling things on a long, thin stick. I'll link the site that can explain it much better than I can.
ReplyDeleteI think EVERYTHING I do is chathartic!! ..."love at first read"!!! OH, that makes me smile.
:D
Seems like almost every runner I follow has been battling an attitude. What's up with that???
Breathtaking path!!! Your doing great!!!
ReplyDeleteI loved your pictures and appreciated the humor...just so you know! I can't remember the author, but there is a book out (and it's pretty recent..) called Soul Talk. I don't know if you've read it or heard of it, but it explains how it goes against scripture for us to "talk to ourselves" in an unpositive manner. Remember in Psalms where God says that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made?" We are his creation and he doesn't want us bashing ourselves. That's what the book is all about. I haven't read it, but I've heard several people talk about it and say it is great! You keep it up, girl! I am so inspired by you! I swear if it wasn't -20 and snow covered here, I'd be out running too!
ReplyDeleteOh, and by the way, I still feel honored with my beautiful blogger award! You made my week!
ReplyDeleteHey, thanks for dropping by my blog ~ eternally grateful! It's great to meet new people eh! Sounds like your calves need a good break!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Sarah xxx
One of my favorite high school football coach sayings is "The man who says I can and the man who who says I can't are both right." I try to focus on what I can do, not what I can't.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your group, hope it inspires!
Okay...well I am NOT a runner and in fact, it gives me the eebie jeebies just thinking about it...however....I am super glad that you are a recovering couch potato! Love your writing style and hope to see pictures of your nursing home running club! Grin!
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog through "Shut up and Run." You have such a great perspective on this! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThe running group is important to improve. What a pity, I am an "one man band", I usually run alone.
ReplyDelete