Got to Keep on Running!

Ugh!  94 degrees and humid! 

For two solid months my runs have been plagued with the heat and humidity.  Now, here it is September and it’s still in the 90’s.  The weatherman assures me that it will soon be different.  Yesterday after three and a half miles my legs cried….stop!  At four miles, I decided I had been fully baked – four pounds lighter, it was time to stop.    

I always thought that given a couple weeks I would acclimate to the heat and humidity.  Soon, people would see this tough guy out on the road beating the heat.  Well, that’s not quite the way it’s worked.  Instead, my runs have slowed to a snail’s pace, and I can’t seem to do anything to get my running pace back to an acceptable level.  Am I really doing myself any good by continuing to run?  

No Progess!

With my pace so slow, and my body unable to adjust, I am tempted to stay inside and not put my body through the abuse.  It feels like I’m just going through the motions; not getting anywhere or any better.  No progress!  In fact, I’ve watched my running pace decrease quite dramatically this summer.  So, why keep running?  Why not wait until the heat subsides – and then pick it back up?  What good am I doing? 

Despite the temptation to take a break, and regardless of the degradation of my pace, I continue to do what I know how to do – I continue with my routine; stick to the plan, and practice the same tasks that I have found to be successful in the past.

 If I choose the alternative, and take a break, most assuredly my physical condition will be negatively affected.  My health will suffer; and when the weather finally breaks, and I return to my running, it will take quite a bit of time to return to my former form. 

So, I keep doing what I know how to do – and when the weather breaks – when the burden of the heat and humidity is removed, the return to my previous running times will come quickly.  More importantly, the stamina and perseverance that I have practiced through the heat will reap benefits.  When the weather breaks, I will still be running with the same effort that I have put forth for weeks in the heat – that effort will make my runs seem effortless; I will surpass my previous times. 

Life in the Dry Lane!

Hit a dry spell at work?  Feel like you’re going through the motions?  How about in your marriage, or other relationships?  Is your spiritual life becoming a desert experience? 

Life is a stream of ups and downs, ebb and flow.  We all hit those periods of time when it seems life slows down, and the excitement and passion that we were experiencing seems to wane.  We seem to dry up.  We don’t see the progress and growth that we desire and were experiencing previously.  

The sales person has been making her calls, working her leads, and visiting prospects – then suddenly, nothing seems to move.  All of the tasks that have made her successful are resulting in….nothing. 

Life seems mundane; the passion and excitement that they used to feel seems to have subsided.  What happened to the excitement and passion they felt during that first year of marriage?

His commitment hasn’t changed; he’s continued to attend the weekly services; he is unwavering in his daily reading of God’s Word; and yet, his prayers seem to hit the ceiling and bounce back. 

Motivation begins to fade.  You begin to question what you know to have worked in the past.  The temptation is to step back and take a break.  Obviously what you’re doing is not working….right? 

Not the Time for Rest!

Now is not the time to rest.  It’s not the time for quitting, or changing paths. 

Now is the time to “keep on running.”  Stamina, perseverance, and hope are the keys to moving through this “dry and weary land.”  Stamina and perseverance to keep doing what you know how to do; continuing to move even though it might be painful and there doesn’t seem to be any benefit to what you’re doing.  Hope, knowing that this current time will not continue forever; the weather will change, the heat will subside, and you will run like you’ve never run before. 

Run for the prize!

The Race of Suffering

Running does not come easy for me. 

Growing up, distance running was always hard for me.  The most dreaded time of every sports practice was the time when we had to run.  I was always one of the last ones back to the start.  Sprints weren’t as bad, but a run of any distance…oh, brother. 

So, in 1992 when I realized that I needed to exercise, running was not my first choice.  However, running was the cheapest and most convenient option…so, running it was.  Soon into my new found exercise program, I started to see results in a number of areas of my life.  Hard as it was to run, the benefits and rewards were addicting.

In my first year of running I was diagnosed with hip dysplasia.  The orthopaedic surgeon told me to, “Find another form of exercise,” and that I shouldn’t, “Run more than 3 miles,” and lastly, “You will never run a marathon!”  The hip dysplasia combined with my lack of full lung capacity, and my sprinter’s build from the waist down – all work against me. 

When I watch runners who move with gazelle like efficiency, I marvel, admire, and feel a slight tinge of envy.  Oh, to run like that!  Oh, there are times on my runs when I’m “in the zone;” it seems I could run forever; however, most of the time it is hard – it is work.  Not that I don’t still enjoy my runs – I do.  It’s just not easy for me. 

When my marathon training passes the 15 mile mark for my long runs – it becomes a time of suffering every weekend for the next two and a half months.  However, by fixing my eyes on the prize that awaits me, I push forward – the triumph of crossing the finish line (confidence, accomplishment, fortitude, determination – oh yeah, there’s a pretty cool medal at the end too).

Suffering, hardship, and pain can lead to victory…the prize.

I certainly don’t want to make light of the suffering that anyone is currently facing at the moment, or has faced in the past.  I know that on “this side” of the current suffering I am facing on a couple fronts in my life, it is hard to see the triumph on the other side.  However, history tells me a different story.

Looking reflectively at the suffering and hardship I’ve been through in life, I see how my most significant human virtues have been developed.  Some of my deepest relationships and most wonderful relationships have been formed.  My stamina, level of determination, ability to adapt, empathy for others, has been heightened because of hardships and suffering of the past.

The most impactful, inspirational stories are about those who have lived through, have overcome, and battled with hardship or suffering.  Hero’s are born out of suffering and hardship.   

Isn’t it ironic, that our many of our greatest triumphs in life have come after suffering and hardship?  Even more ironic may be that we avoid suffering, hardship and pain at all cost; and yet, our greatest character traits, some of our greatest opportunities in life, many of our most valued relationships were born out of those races of suffering and hardship.

You will suffer.

I’m not advocating that we seek out, wish for, or pursue suffering or hardship.  Believe me it will come – it’s in the DNA of this world; there’s no way around it – you will suffer. 

Whether you’re trying to lose weight, or suffering the loss of a loved one; struggling with conflict at work, or have lost your job; returning to school, or failing to make the grade; a physical ailment, or depression; divorce or family problems……suffering and hardship will find you.

 So what does this all mean?  When you are experiencing suffering; when tragedy strikes; when running your race is painful, remember, there is a prize at the end.   Suffering and hardship can mold, transform, reward, create new paths for life, hand us new relationships, teach, and produce a wonderful effect in our lives.

The alternative?  Well, we do have the choice to allow discouragement and heartache to overtake us.  We can immerse ourselves in depression and despair; we have that right, and we can certainly make our case.  However, if we choose to stay there; if we opt to quit the race, we rob ourselves of the triumph, the victory, the prize that suffering and hardship can award us with.

You will suffer; hardships will come.  Run the race!  Remind yourself of your victories past.  You can triumph! 

Run for the prize!

The Story of My Shoes

Finally, after about 50 miles, my ASIC 2150’s look like running shoes.  With the snow falling, the streets filled with slush, a muddy trail, and puddles that could not be avoided, my shoes no longer look like they just came out of the box.

When ordering the shoes, the sales person suggested another running shoe, because it would not “show the dirt and wear” as much as the shoe I selected.  What?!  They’re running shoes!  Now, I realize that there are some who appreciate the “look” of their shoes, as well as their running gear.  That’s OK – it’s just not me.  My wife still can’t understand why I don’t try to coordinate my clothing when I hit the road for a run.

I appreciate the wear and tear, the dirt and grime, the “shame” of my shoes.  My shoes have a story to tell.

History

Why do we package up our mistakes, our lack of experience, our shortfalls and limitations, and stuff them in the closet; hoping that no one will open the door and expose us?  Do we fear rejection?  Worried that people will think less of us?  Afraid that people will see that we don’t belong on the pedestal that they’ve put us on?

I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life, and I’ve hurt people along the way.  I’m sure that there are folks who, if they knew my history would politely keep their distance, or would lower their thought of me.  My tendency is to keep my mouth shut, ignore my past, and hope that I don’t have to address my history. 

When faced with my shortcomings, rather than simply saying “I don’t know, but I’ll find out,” or “I’ve never done that before, but I believe I can accomplish that,” or “I will need some help to complete that in time,” I contemplate my answer, trying to find a way to not expose my deficiencies, to keep myself at some imaginary standard, and not lie at the same time.  

A Story to Tell

Within the Christian faith there is a powerful word – GRACE.  Grace is undeserved love; love in spite of who I am, where I’ve been, or what I’ve done.  On a side note: we love to apply grace to our own lives; however, we’re not always very good at extending grace to others.  

Grace allows me to tell my story.  I don’t have to hide my shame.  I don’t have to be embarrassed of my blemishes and scars, my mistakes and my failures.  I don’t have to feel naked when someone finds out about my past or my deficiencies – it is History.  History is a wonderful tool that can protect us and others from the future.  

Yet, instead of sharing our story, we bundle-up our mistakes, screw-ups, and short-comings and try to put them away somewhere in the dark, hoping that no one will dig them up for the world to see?  On one hand, setting the mistakes of our past aside is a wonderful thing.  Too often we allow our history to hinder, slow-down, get in the way, or stop us from moving forward.  On the other hand, you’ve got a story; a story that no one else can tell.

Share Your Story

What’s so important about your story?  There are people who need to hear it.  You have been where others are at this moment.  You understand how they got there.  You know the outcomes.  You’ve experienced the pain.  You’ve overcome the obstacles.  You’ve lived through the embarrassment, depression, rejection, and other uncomfortable feelings.   You can listen and understand.  You can encourage like no one else can.

Rather than hiding from our past and our shortcomings – how about sharing them?  What about the idea of being vulnerable and transparent?  Oh believe me, I know what the problem is…our pride.  I’ve failed, and if people knew my failures or my limitations they might think of me differently.  Instead, I cover it up.  I put on the appearance that I have it all together, and I miss opportunities to tell my story.

If only I was more like my running shoes – showing the wear and tear, exposing the mud and miles; rather than looking like I just came out of the box.  

How many people have I missed the opportunity to encourage with my story, my “shame?”

How about you?  Are you telling your story?

Run For The Prize!

Why Are You Running?

Out on the trail for a long run – my mind bounces from thought to thought; seemingly unguided at times, wandering through every facet of who I am – ideas, inspiration, contemplation, reflection, plans, consideration, observations, prayer….marriage, family, work, successes, failures, opportunities, God…yesterday, today, tomorrow, forever…I love my long runs.

Purpose

Recently on my long run, I was challenging myself with the question of, “why do I run?”  What is at the heart of this “race” I participate in?  Is it my health?  Fear of aging?  Competition?  Vanity?  What is it that motivates me to plan out the time, face the elements, suffer through the aches, and make myself downright uncomfortable at times? 

Quickly my mind changes, focusing on my work/job.  Why do I get up in the morning?  What is at the heart of this thing that I do with the majority of my time every day?  Do I know why I do what I do?  Do my co-workers know?  Do we have a purpose?  Are we making a difference, or just making money?  Are we inspired, or indifferent?

With little hesitation, my psyche shifts to my spiritual life.  I claim to have deep conviction and passion about WHO I believe in, and the difference HE can make in my life and the life of others; does my life reflect that?  What really drives me?  Is it Love?  Conformity?  Gratitude?  Fear?

My consciousness sensing that it is “on-a-roll,” with this question of purpose, swings to my marriage, then to my children and grandchildren, next to my blog, to my music, friendships, volunteer activities…..ahhhhhhhh!

Why do I do the things I do?  Why do I enter and run the “races” I run?

Sometimes that question is easy to answer – my wife, my children, my grandchildren…I love them.  Not that I don’t screw up some times (many times), and let my own selfishness trip me up.  But, overall I am driven by my love for them.

Yet, in many areas of our lives, we struggle to answer the question of purpose.  Without a clear understanding of “why,” we can waste a lot of time and effort on activities that bear no fruit, or we can find ourselves sitting on the sideline, or walking instead of running, because we have no motivation to run an aimless race.   

Directionless

Imagine showing up at the starting line to run a marathon in the city of New York without any indication of where the finish line is located.  No signs, no mile markers, no volunteers to guide you.  All you know is that the finish line is 26.2 miles away. 

How many extra miles will you end up running to find the finish line?  How many additional hours will you spent trying to make your way to the tape?  Will you even find the end?  Will you stay motivated enough to continue on, or will you eventually quit? 

Eventually your run becomes a jog, your jog becomes a walk, and then you stop.  You try to start running again, but with no idea how to reach the finish, you slow down, and then stop again.  You pick back up and run every once in a while, because “you’re supposed to,” or, it’s the “right thing to do,” not because you have purpose or direction.   Soon, even though you may jog slowly once in a while, you’ve forgotten what you even signed-up for.

Does this reflect your job/work?  Your activities?  Your Spiritual walk?  Your life?

We need purpose

Purpose determines how you spent your time and energy.   Purpose is the driving force of why you do what you do.  Purpose gives direction; it gives guidance.  Purpose creates passion.  It answers the question, “is this the right thing to do?”  Purpose gives you stability in turbulent times.  Purpose leads to high performance.

Want to move mountains?  Withstand the storms?  Create vision? Find your purpose!

Run for the Prize!

Sign-Up!

My running has been wishy-washy of late.  One week, I will put in a full training schedule, pushing 30 miles, and watching my performance increase.  Then, the next week I will miss three or four days of running, and watch my gains from the previous week disappear.  I could blame it on my travel, the holiday season, or other life events; however, the truth is, I could make the time.  If nothing else, I could just get up earlier.

I think it’s time for me to sign-up for a race!

When a runner is struggling with motivation; when it seems the “blahs” have settled in, and the daily runs have lost their vigor; when missing a day of running here and there doesn’t seem to matter, and the weekly mileage is on the decline…it is time to sign-up for a race.

Signing up for a race gives you a whole new outlook on your training.  Once you’ve put your name on the race form and sent in your money – you are committed.  Now, taking an extra day off, slacking off on your training, straying from your schedule is not an option.  You get up earlier, stay up late, create a new schedule, miss your lunch, skip a TV show…..  Your discipline, determination, and focus are elevated to a new level.

Sign-up!

Sounds easy enough…just sign-up.  Yet we see it all the time in our lives.  We lose our edge in our jobs, and work becomes work, and we lose our ability to have an impact.  We don’t give our relationships the attention they need; we refuse, or ignore signing-up for change, and unfortunately sometimes the relationship fails.  Hobbies and activities that once gave us energy and enjoyment are now mechanical tasks, where we go through the motions.  Our walk with God begins to lose some of the passion we had, and we run the risk of it being nothing more than a Sunday morning chore.  Our volunteer efforts begin to lose value because we are not sensing the same kind of zeal we had in the beginning.      

Sign-up!

Maybe you’re in sales, and it seems as if things are going stale; perhaps you could “sign-up” to focus on one or two accounts that you could give extra focus and discipline, and try a new approach to winning the deals.  You could be managing a team, but not getting the exceptional results that you use to get – “sign-up” to giving a deeper level of mentoring to a particular team member, or read a new book and “sign-up” to applying what you’ve learned.  Sensing that your life outside of work has no meaning – “sign-up” to volunteer; using your gifts and skills to help others.  The class your teaching, or the meeting you run, feels like you’re going through the motions – “sign-up” by adding a new element or changing up the flow. 

The beauty of signing up for a “race” is that it creates focus.  That focus in turn heightens your determination and discipline.  Signing up for a “race” creates a good type of tenseness or nervous energy, as you try something new, or become intent on doing your best, making a difference, or creating change.

Are you losing your passion, growing a little musty, dragging yourself through the day, wondering where your intensity has gone, lacking the proper energy that the task, assignment, or mission deserves? 

SIGN-UP for a new race!

What you were MADE for…

While out on my “lunch-run” today, I ran by a beautiful hawk that was perched on a post.  He eyed me as I neared, then began to send out short screeches when I ran by.  Never removing his gaze off of me, I wonder if he was “sizing me up.” 

Now if that hawk had grown up in the era I did, he would have heard, “you can do anything, and be anyone you want!” 

In some ways it was a beautiful mantra.  It didn’t matter what the goal or task was – I believed that if I tried hard enough I could do it.   I thought if someone else could do it, then I should be able to do it.  It was just a matter of me giving it enough effort.  I thought that I could do anything with enough discipline and determination!  

Back to the hawk…….Perhaps living by that philosophy, the hawk might have decided to pursue a rather large meal today.  As he watched me, it was clear that I was slow and sluggish; he would have no problem in the “catch.”  However, no matter how much he believed that he could “do” and “be” whatever he wanted, he would have been sadly mistaken at pursuing me for a meal. 

In fact, not only would he have never accomplished that goal – no matter how hard he tried, he would have expended huge amounts of energy on an unattainable target, and he probably would have ended up injured in his pursuit – physically, and perhaps emotionally because he did not, and could not obtain his goal no matter how determined he was.

Instead, the hawk let me pass by, waiting instead to pursue an objective that he was MADE for.

Okay, I know that’s a stretch.  But how many times do we find ourselves in pursuits that we were not made for.  We go on expeditions that are not utilizing our skills, gifts, and passions; wondering why we never feel fulfilled, complete, or content.   We sign up for “races” that he have no business running, and then suffer discouragement, and our confidence is shaken. 

We chase opportunities where we’ll never reach more than mediocrity.  And reaching mediocrity takes twice the effort or more, than those who are excelling at the same pursuit.

Eric Liddell won the 400 meters gold medal at the 1924 Olympics; setting a world record in his effort.  In the 1981 movie “Chariots of Fire,” when asked about his running, Eric Liddell reply, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast.  And when I run I feel His pleasure.” 

 Are we settling for mediocrity, or are finding opportunities to “feel His pleasure?”

No matter how hard I work and strive, I will never run a sub 3-hour marathon.  My body’s inefficiency at transferring oxygen to my blood, my mild hip dysplasia, and my bone and muscle make-up, dictate my “best,” and it’s a long, long way from a 3-hour marathon. 

I can study mathematics; I will get better, but I will never be a math whiz – I don’t have the gift of numbers.  I could devote myself to imagining new and better products, but I will only get bored and frustrated – my strength is not ideation.   I could take years of singing lessons, but if my voice is more crow-like than meadowlark, I will never experience the encores of Tony Bennett. 

Don’t misunderstand me.  I believe in determination, hard work, stick-to-it-ness, and strong belief.  Determination and discipline drive us beyond success.  Determination and discipline are essential to going beyond mediocrity and being the BEST at anything.   Let’s go apply those wonderful characteristics to what we were MADE for!  Let’s “feel His pleasure” like Eric Liddell did. 

Do you know what you’re made for?  Do you understand your strengths?  Have you discovered your SHAPE?  This is a key to signing up for the RIGHT RACE – to running for the prize!

Run for the Prize!

Here are some helpful books if you are still trying to discover what you were MADE for:

The Purpose Driven Life – Rick Warren

StrengthsFinder 2.0 – Donald Clifton

Now, Discover Your Strengths – Marcus Buckingham & Donald Clifton

Go Put Your Strengths to Work – Marcus Buckingham

Strengths- Based Leadership – Tom Rath & Barry Conchie

Living Your Strengths: Discover Your God-Given Talents and Inspire Your Community

Take a Break!

God rested on the seventh day from His work of creation.   Ever wondered why?  Not only did God rest on the seventh day, He even put it in the “Big Ten;” commanding us to take a day of rest.  Seems strange doesn’t it.  Taking a day of rest – it doesn’t quite line up with our quicker, better, faster culture.

Athletes understand the importance of a day of rest.  Runners increase the risk of injury from overuse when they refuse to rest.  Most of us that run, build at least one day a week of rest into our schedule.  I know for me, when training for a marathon, it is essential that I take a day off from running following my long run.  My body needs the day to recover.

Weight-lifters and body-builders incorporate rest into their training regime.  They don’t build muscle while they are in the process of lifting weights.  Rather, when they are lifting, they are creating tiny tears in their muscles.  It is during their rest that their muscles grow.

Rest is necessary.

I’ve watched folks jump into a new “race” in their life – diets, returning to school, exercise programs, volunteering, new career, etc.  They give it all the energy and attention that they can muster, refusing to take a break or give themselves a chance to rest.  It would seem that nothing could stop them from making it to the finish line.  And then…they crash, far from the prize that they desired; withdrawing their name from the race.

Our work culture is such that we have convinced ourselves that in order to get a head, we need to keep our head down, nose to the grindstone, and refuse to come up for air until we have met the goal or objective.  What we don’t realize, is that in out “head-down” mode, we lose sight of the bigger picture, we don’t see when to swerve, turn, or change the course, we don’t see or hear others who trying to help us to the goal faster…and then we begin to slow down as we mentally bog down and burn out. 

Whatever race you are preparing for; no matter the objective or goal you are working toward…rest is essential. 

• Rest keeps us balanced. 
• Rest keeps us from getting “burned-out,” or exhausted. 
• Rest is vital to recuperating and recovering from the stress and daily grind of moving towards our target.
• Rest combats injury.
• Rest brings healing. 
• Rest gives us time to reflect, to get re-energized. 
• Rest is an opportunity to re-evaluate our plan, and ensure that we’re following the right course.
• Rest keeps us centered emotionally (defends against frustration, irritability, etc.).  
• Rest is a time to appraise our plan and schedule, and determine if adjustments need to be made. 

I believe we sometimes misunderstand the commandment to honor the Sabbath – I used to think that it was a law that God, the Judge of the Universe, put in place to measure my “goodness;” watching to see how well I could follow His commands, and ready to come down on me when I screwed up.

I think God gave us the command to rest because He loves us, and He knows what is best for us and wants the best for us.  He knows that for us to operate at our greatest, to reach our fullest potential, to run for the prize, a day of rest would be needed.

God rested on the seventh day.  He didn’t need it – but He knew we would.

Run for the Prize!

Speedwork!

Speedwork today…Ouch!  A day in my training schedule that I don’t look forward to.  By the end of my run my legs and lungs are tired, and the next day I am a little sore.  Speedwork hurts; it is agonizing.   

But, I love the results!

Speedwork and interval training are not enjoyable.  But for runners who want to increase in speed; for runners who want to set a new PR (personal record) in their next race, these intense training runs are a necessity.  This component of training is not something you do every day – that would lead to injury.  Once a week is enough.       

You can put in your miles, and run at a nice leisurely, comfortable pace, and you will maintain your health, and do your life a big favor.  But you will not run faster, you will not set new personal records.   

At the beginning of the year, I was asked to take a new position leading business development/sales for my company.  When I took the position, our company was not receiving the amount of sales leads that were needed, so I got to experience…cold-calling.

Cold-calling is one of the most difficult, intimidating, and tough-to-motivate yourself things I have ever done – and I’m an Extrovert!

Before every call, I would have to mentally prepare and motivate myself to pick-up the phone.  I created multiple scripts to follow, trying to think of every possible scenario.  I read multiple books, including my very first, “Idiot’s guide.”   Even though I did improve over time, I’ll never enjoy cold-calling.  It takes a special breed.      

The generation of sales leads for my company has changed over the last couple quarters; increasing more than 300%.  So, my reliance on cold-calling has decreased significantly.

But…my ability to follow-up on the these leads has risen to new heights; all because of the “speedwork” of cold-calling.  My comfort on the phone, my ability to guide the conversation, my enthusiasm before and during my calls, and the ease at which my conversations flow have been dramatically enhanced because I extended myself by cold-calling.

My “speedwork” has paid back great dividends. 

Speedwork will work for you too.  Incredible growth happens when we thrust ourselves outside of the realm of comfort.  Make no mistake – moving into this realm is difficult, you will be a “little sore” afterwards.  The tendency will be to tell yourself, “I don’t need to do this; I was doing just fine without this.”  You probably were doing “just fine.”  And if doing “just fine” is okay with you, then you don’t need to do “speedwork.”

The benefits of “speedwork”:

• You get faster.  Stretch yourself, and you will get from point A to point B faster than ever before.  You will be more productive and more efficient at pushing towards your goals and objectives.
• Running at “race pace” feels effortless.  When you force yourself to go harder once in a while, the necessary daily effort becomes easy.  You will glide through the daily grind and will be prepared to speed up with necessary.
• Your stamina increases.   Extending yourself will result in an ability to go longer, and farther than you could have ever gone before.   When others are bending under the pressure, and slowing under the load, you will continue to run strong.
• You will go places you could not go before.   You will set new PR’s (personal records).  You will find yourself going beyond what you ever thought possible for yourself.

What do you want to accomplish?  Where are you hoping to be next month, next year?  What race are you preparing for?  Do you want to excel at what you do?  Do you want to set records?  Do you want to be a world-changer, a difference maker?

Speedwork is tough and strenuous.  It will make you sore – it will hurt a little, maybe a lot.  It is much easier to stay in your comfort zone and ignore adding speedwork to your training.  That’s okay.  Just don’t expect to set any records.  Don’t plan on being the best in the world at what you do.  Don’t chart a course that goes much farther than you’ve ever gone before.

If you want to grow beyond mediocre; if you desire to be the best at what you do; if you want to make a difference and have an impact on the world, you must do “speedwork.”  Stretching yourself and stepping outside of your comfort zone is a necessity!

Overcoming the Elements

Upper 30’s and pouring rain…another long run pushing through the elements.  I start to settle in and then I am hit with a cold breeze that turns my wet clothing into ice packs.  It would have been easier to take the day off. 

Once I’m home a sense of accomplishment wells up inside me.  Overcoming the weather elements and finishing my long run generates confidence, mental toughness, and perseverance. 

Perseverance and endurance result from “running” through the obstacles, elements, and barriers.  The trials we face serve as a partner as we run for the prize.

To finish the 26.2 miles of the marathon runners must schedule long runs that increase weekly or bi-weekly.  The long runs build the necessary endurance runners need to finish the marathon and run at the pace they desire.  Raining outside…tough; little snow on the ground…too bad; 90 degrees and humid…quit crying; cold and windy…suck it up.

Missing a scheduled long-run can be detrimental to reaching the goal of finishing the race.  Therefore, marathoners will hit the road to train regardless of the elements.  Rain, sleet, snow, cold, hot, humid…you will see marathoners out there putting in their time; all for the purpose of reaching the finish line.

What goals or objectives are you trying to accomplish?  What race are you running?  New job?  Weight loss?  Health issues?  Major work project?  Exercise program?  Marriage?  Breaking an addiction?  Spiritual growth?  College degree?  Starting a new business? 

Are you willing to fight through the elements to reach the finish line?  Are you ready to face the obstacles and hurdles that must be pushed aside, and jumped-over in order to reach your finish line?

Make no mistake, the elements and obstacles will come. 

It will not be all nice comfortable fall-like days; slight breeze, no humidity, sun shining, beautiful foliage…  You will have to fight through the elements and the obstacles.  You will need to commit to your schedule, to your plan.  Overcoming the elements will be a prerequisite of finishing the race and receiving the prize.   

Some tips to fighting off the elements:

1. Find a Mentor.  Mentor’s have been there, done that.  They have experienced the obstacles that you will face.  They know how to fight through the elements; they have found what works and what doesn’t.  They know how to maneuver through the barriers, and they know the proper tools and techniques you will need to finish.
2. Get a Partner.  Partners bring encouragement and accountability.  When you’re down, they are up, and vice versa.  Partners understand like no one else what you’re up against, and share in your vision.  Nothing is more powerful at keeping you true to your plan than a partner who is holding you accountable, and is counting on you to help them finish the race.
3. Acquire the Right Equipment.  Nothing will talk you out of facing a blustery, freezing cold morning, like not having the proper clothing to wear.  Determine your equipment needs: special software?  The right people with the right skills?  Sponsorship?  Special training?  Support group?  Time?  Special tools?  Particular clothing or tools?
4. Keep Score.  Paint a vivid picture of success by recording your progress.  Keep some kind of journal, or other record that will show your improvement.  Taking note of your development allows you to use the past as a history lesson on how far you’ve come, and how you’ve overcome the elements.
5. See the Reward.  Remind yourself of the long-term goal, and the long-term benefits.  When the short-term elements and barriers try to get in your way, SEE THE REWARD.

Running through, and overcoming the elements will get you to the finish line – the prize.  In addition, there is a second, very powerful benefit to fighting through the elements…PERSEVERANCE – the confidence and mental resolve necessary to endure.

 

 

“Consider it pure joy, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James 1:2-3

Sidelined

Last week, I went out running for the first time in a couple weeks.  I have been fighting some kind of infection for the last few weeks; started in my head, and moved down to my chest.  I tried to run through it….mistake.  Finally, I succumbed to my coughing and wheezing, and decided that I should take some time off until I had kicked this contamination in my body.

Many of you have been sidelined for the moment from your race.  Perhaps, the finish line is the same, but the course is a little longer and more difficult as a result of something out of your control.  You may be considering a different race altogether.    

Just last week, I heard about a young lady who has been sidelined by divorce.  She is struggling through the hurt, and unfortunately feelings of shame.  That shame is keeping her on the sideline; she’s become a spectator, watching others pass her on the course.  Even harder, when she gets back to her race, where she once had a partner, she will now be alone.

My first run back after my sickness felt great – for the first ½ mile.  Then my body began to remind me of how quickly it can go into slothfulness when I give it a little time off.  And the remnant of the infection began to raise its ugly head down in my chest.  Slower and slower I ran.  Instead, of enjoying this beautiful pre-fall day, I struggled to get back to my porch.  But, I will be back out tomorrow! 

It will get better.

I know it will; I’ve been here before.  Though the first few runs will feel almost like running again for the first time, my body will quickly begin to remember, and I’ll be back to form much quicker than I thought.

Have you been sidelined?  Maybe you’re going through a personal struggle, a job loss, a divorce or marital problems, the death of a loved one, cancer, terrible job situation, depression, an addiction…….

Taking some time to pause, reflect, mourn, “Get your head together,” isn’t a bad thing.  Your course may change; you may have to run a different race, or you may have to run at a different pace than before.  You may need some healing to take place before you lace on your shoes and hit the road again. 

But don’t stay there!  The longer you stay in that “spot,” the longer that there is no “movement,” the more difficult it will be to get started and to get back to form.  The longer you stay there, the higher the risk is of you withdrawing from the race.

Please don’t quit!  Don’t give up!  Run for the Prize – you can win!

 

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed” – Psalm 34:18