what running has taught me...

I love to run.  There is nothing like getting out on the pavement and hearing the sound of shoes hitting the ground, the wind going by, and knowing that in that moment I have control of my body.

Or so I would think.

Running has taught me so much over the years.  Whether it's training for a race, running purely for pleasure, or practicing track in high school, the lessons I have taken away have been so much more.  This morning as I was running, I just couldn't help but think about what I've learned.

So without further ado...here we go.

As much as I feel like it, I really still am not in control.  I used to believe that I had complete control of my body whenever I'd put on those running shoes.  I still believe that to a point it is mind over matter or pain, but sometimes you just can't help but stopping.  I have a really bad left knee that has busted several times due to the fact that I ignore the pain when I run, and then it turns into a worse situation.  Sometimes when you want to maintain control or execute wisdom, you need to slow down and evaluate the consequences.  It's not always okay to push through pain to get what you want, sometimes patience is best.

Which leads me to my next point.  Patience is a daily struggle for me.  I don't pretend to be perfect and know I never will be in this area, but I can honestly say that running has taught me so much about being patient and learning to let go.  I hate running on tredmills.  I don't like being able to see right in front of me how far I've gone in a specific amount of time.  I especially don't like it when I feel like I've run for forever and I look at the screen and it's been 10 seconds since I last looked and the little guy hasn't even moved.  Yet sometimes I make myself run on these dreadful machines because it helps me to be patient to reach my destination.  Just like in life, the icky parts aren't fun, but when we can see the prize getting closer, then it makes for a sweet reward.

Running is part of my quiet time.  There is just nothing like turning on worship music and adoring the scenery while I pray or sing along to the song.  Our God is so good!

I am extremely competitive.  Not always competitive against other people (although play a card game with me and I could get ugly...), but most of the time I'm just plain ol' competitive with myself.  Running is no exception.  I love pushing myself for a better time, further distance, and stretching myself to do things I never thought I could do.  It's extremely satisfying.

I hope you don't think I have some weird obsession, because I really don't.  I just know that for me running is an outlet that has helped me to balance stress in my life and stay healthy.  The lessons I've learned through years of pushing myself, have crossed over into other areas of my life and I'm extremely grateful for it.

Holy longest post ever...
I'll be surprised if you've made it this far!

Have a happy Wednesday, friends! :)