What I Have Learned As A Runner

One foot in front of the other.
Huffing,
Puffing.
Keep going.
Don't quit.
You're a fourth of the way done.
You can't stop now!

These are some of the thoughts that went through my head as I ran forty minutes today. Some days I am ready to go and running feels effortless. Other days I feel heavy and it's hard to get going. Today was somewhere in the middle.

As I was running, I had time to think. Running has been transformational for me, not just physically but mentally and emotionally. I thought I would share some of the things running has taught me.

Running has taught me I can go beyond the limits I set for myself.
I often tell myself I can't do something. Even just a couple years ago, if you had talked to me about running, I would have said I can't run long distances. I told people I didn't have good endurance and wasn't a runner. I can't draw. I am not creative. I am not a good singer. Blah, blah, blah. All these limiting beliefs. Given, we are either talented in an area or we aren't, but a little hard work and determination can go a long way. I have proved myself wrong multiple times by trying to something new and stepping out of my comfort zone, pushing the limits I had set for myself, and I found I succeeded. In the past I struggled to run two consecutive minutes. Telling me I would be able to run half an hour was laughable. By training and pushing the limits I had set, I am now able to run three and a half miles and am training for a 10k.

Running has taught me that thoughts have power.
Some days the difference between having a fun, successful run and having a tough run (or giving up a little too early) is my thoughts. If I approach my run with optimism, ready to crush it and reach new goals, I start off strong and pushing through is easier. If I am dreading my run or just feeling guilty over not eating well or down on myself for one reason or another, running is harder. I want to give up sooner. My distance isn't as good.

Running has taught me not to take the easy way out. Persevering during the challenges is when real progress happens.
Sure, I could always run slow and just be content with that. After all, three miles is still three miles no matter how slow or fast you run. However, pushing myself is when I see progress. I would never increase my pace or distance if I just stayed right where I am. When I am at the end of a run, about to reach my cool down, I increase my speed. I may sprint or just speed up a little, but I push myself. The next run I aim to go faster, go farther than the previous run. Transformation isn't instantaneous, but change happens over time by facing challenges head on and not giving up.

Running has given me more confidence, helped me find a new hobby, decreased my stress levels, increased my cardiovascular health, given me a new social circle to enter into, among other benefits.

I used to see running as a boring form of physical activity only for select people.
How wrong I was.
I used to see running as just a way to get in exercise.
Little did I know running would do so much more than give me a cardio workout.
Little did I know I would learn more from running than I thought possible.

From Genesis to Exodus

I sit down to read this wonderful book. To learn. To grow. To be transformed. Constantly learning new things, my eyes being opened to truth and details I had missed before. Gaining wisdom.This wonderful book: the Bible.

I don't think I have ever come across a Bible reading plan that has gotten me as engaged as this one. The accompanying videos help me see the big picture and how the Scriptures are pointing ahead to Jesus while I get to also learn the little details and how God worked in the lives of people from the beginning.
I highly recommend the videos even if you aren't using their Bible reading plan. They break things down in a very simple, yet engaging way. (Check out The Bible Project on YouTube!)
As I have been reading through the daily chapters, I have been underlining key details, making connections, as well as writing down questions and topics I would like to study more.
One thing I recently noticed was the generosity of Joseph. I was putting myself in his shoes like never before. Here he was, mistreated by his brothers. They wanted to KILL him! Instead they just sold him. But can you imagine your own siblings selling you to get rid of you? I mean, to want you gone that much? I would feel so unwanted. Like I had no value, no worth. I struggle with wanting approval and acceptance from people, and for that to happen, I would be crushed.
But Joseph knew God. He knew God had bigger and better things planned. So time went on, and God did, indeed, use the situation for good. Joseph gets put in a place of authority. His brothers have to come to him for help, for food to survive. Joseph could have used this opportunity to get revenge or to make them feel worthless. He could have manipulated the situation. Does he? Instead of getting revenge, he gives to them generously. He makes sure they get well taken care of. He forgives. He loves. He recognized God had a plan and used the situation for good.
Joseph said,

But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life....So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt." (Genesis 45:5,8)

He forgave. He was generous. He believed God was in control.
I hadn't ever thought about Joseph quite so in-depth before, and now I have been inspired more deeply by him and his faith. I'm excited to see what else God reveals to me as I trek on through this Bible in a year journey.

Take care and God bless,
Tiffony