Thursday, July 16, 2009

Running North

I used to hate running.  As it turns out, it's probably because I was doing it all wrong, resulting in all sorts of lingering pain for days after running only a mile.  Wearing proper running shoes instead of my standard 80's KEDS probably would have helped, also.  
Part of my re-discovering who I am (or maybe even re-inventing who I am) during these last few years has been an increase in exercise and a desire to learn things.  I have also discovered that a self-motivational pep talk does wonders for the success of the new talent/project/activity. 
So I asked my trainer friend to please, please, please show me how to run properly.  Then, I went out and properly outfitted myself with new shoes and clothes designed specifically for running... this is all part of the mind thing, remember?!  After a few weeks, I found my stride and didn't have to concentrate so hard on my steps or my breathing, it started coming naturally; after I got some headphones and music with a steady beat, I started to actually enjoy running.  
But what I LOVE about running, the thing that makes my morning every time is running North.  See, there is almost always a cool breeze blowing from the North in our valley; and even more than its cooling factor, I love that it pushes my hair out of eyes and off of my sticky face so that I can see clearly where I am going.  The sun is warm on my back, the final push home is always North; and subconsciously I am excited to be home with my family, to take a shower, to start another day feeling good about myself and the progress I've made before anyone else even woke up.
It struck me today as I was jogging up that last stretch north that this euphoric feeling I experience running north is the same way I feel when I am figuratively running toward God.  When He is the cool breeze on my face, pushing my hair out of my eyes so I can see Him, cooling me down when I am sweaty from trying to do it all myself, giving me hope and strength to get through the next stretch of life because I know I will be home with Him soon.

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