Run Your Race – Week 3
1 Corinthians 9: 24-27 “Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So, I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadow boxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself may be disqualified.”
Spiritual exercise: Paul uses this illustration to let us know that winning a race takes purpose and discipline. The Christian life does take hard work along with purpose and discipline. As Christians we are running toward a heavenly reward and a relationship with our God. We must be disciplined in prayer, Bible study, worship, learning about Jesus and working out our muscle of faith. These pieces of equipment help us to run with vigor and stamina toward God – I believe this to be active faith.
Physical exercise: We also need to honor God with our bodies with exercise just as we do with food. If we are partially training, how will we do on race day? Not so great, you may just get by or you may fail. Purpose and commitment are key when it comes to exercise.
I have done some Triathlons in my past. A Triathlon is when you swim, then you bike and then you run – all in the same day. I have raced three different Half Ironmans races, each race has a total distance of 70.3 miles. It breaks down like this: Swim 1.2 miles, bike 56 miles, run 13.1 miles.
My first race went awesome! My purpose was to finish. I was very disciplined and trained exactly what my training guide said to do, I finished, was very slow – but finished the race!
My second race, my attitude and training was not good. I made many excuses and did not commit to get the training done that needed to happen. I blamed work, the heat or complained I just did not have enough time to train. Well… I did not finish the race. I had my phone with me on the run and I called my son to come pick me up at mile 5. I was in some physical discomfort and I just quit. I was devastated, cried and had a pity party for myself later that night. Failing was not usually an option in my life, but I truly just gave up.
Are there things in your life that you may have failed at because you did not prepare and put the training or work in? How is your attitude toward exercise? Do you have a mindset to succeed and failure is not an option? My lesson on race 2 – work your plan and don’t give up next time!
Well…I could not end my Triathlon racing experience with a failure. They say the third time’s a charm! I signed up for one more half ironman. It was the Augusta Half ironman in September of 2015. My training at first was not easy, I wanted to quit so bad. I had those little voices talking in my head saying – why do you need to do this race? What are you trying to prove, this is crazy! You have better things to do with your time. You are 45 years old, you are not an athlete anymore!!
After talking with my daughter who was trying to get her real estate license and struggled getting to the weekend classes, we both made a commitment to press on together. She would make her weekend training and I would train for the half ironman. NO MORE EXCUSES!!!
Training began!! I did not let the voices stop me this time and stayed loyal with my training plan. Exercise and training became a priority in my life. My life consisted of two workouts a day, many times I was up at 4am to swim at the YMCA and then go to work, after work, I would go for a run or bike. I would get home around 8pm, eat dinner and go to bed. I did this six days a week for about five months. I also worked full time and basically gave up my social life. Praise break… I was doing all this training before I became a follower of Christ, looking back I really think God was working on me, preparing me for my spiritual race, I just did not know it!
Race day came and I had a plan and was ready to execute it! I did have a great race and finished with my best time yet! It was proof that we really can do anything if we make a plan, are disciplined and work hard at achieving.
So, what are you thinking right now? This is not normal, who in the world does a half ironman, she is crazy? Let me tell you, I am just a normal person like you. Ten years ago, I hated running and did not do it. I almost drowned the first time I got in the pool and riding a Tri bike with clips is not like riding my bike as a kid. I fell off my Tri bike several times, it was not easy – I had bloody knees to prove it!
So… it was a challenge for me to do this, it was not natural and I was not good at it. I had to work so hard and overcome pain, soreness and the little voices in my head that said, “quit Lisa, just quit!”
If you are up for a challenge, sign up for a local race of some sort – just do it! If you are new to exercise, start with walking, then sign up for a 5k! But please find something to do that moves your body. Put it on your calendar and commit to it. Yes, you may have early mornings or late evenings but with victory does not always come comfort. Make exercise a priority!
I have a gym in my garage and workout with my husband, daughter and her husband Jake. My next race will be a half marathon in May, so staying active with a plan is a must in my life! My training is not perfect and accountability must be part of my plan!! Purpose and commitment need to be at the forefront of exercise. What will work for you, do you have a plan?
As Paul said – “we should discipline our bodies like an athlete and train it to do what it should do.”
We host the Holy Spirit inside us, we are God’s Temple, we must honor our bodies and keep them fit! May you have a healthy 2020 and make exercise a priority both physically and spiritually.
Go run your race!
Lisa
#rooted #healthy2020 #race #exercise #Godstemple
