I mentioned before that one of that hats that I “try” to wear is my runner’s hat. I say, “try,” because I’m not always consistent at it.  Well, about 4 months ago, I made a decision that I was going to finally stop making excuses and put in the practice needed to run a half marathon. I used to run in high school, and recently started back up again about a year ago. I put a running plan on my mirror, and every time I ran I put a smiley face sticker on the mileage for that day. I was doing pretty good, and was half-way there. I even ran as far as 9 miles. My goal was to finish a half marathon before my birthday. However, about a week after my 9 mile run, I fell really hard.

It was a Sunday afternoon. The kids were in the pool, and James was outside watching them. I used that opportunity to take a nap. Well, I’m sleeping and then all of a sudden I heard a really loud scream. The type of scream that comes from your belly not your throat.  Well, we’ve had a few scares with all 3 of our kids in the past (relating to seizures) so I immediately went from being completely knocked out to jumping up and running. I didn’t make it too far. I tripped and hit my knee really hard on the ground, but I tried getting back up quickly because I wanted to make sure everyone was okay. Before I started running again, I heard my mom say, “A lizard!!!!” (All that for a lizard…lol.) Thankfully, the kids were okay. So I went back to my bed and then I realized I did some damage to my knee. It’s been over a month since I fell, and I’ve only run twice since, because one of my friends from church invited me. Well her invitation and encouragement reminded me about what I wanted to do from the beginning, which was to train for and complete a half marathon. (There are many whys behind that, but that’s another post.) Last week was the first day I ran on my own since I fell, and I learned so many lessons on that run, so I wanted to share it with you in hopes to encourage someone, somehow.

1. You can not truly appreciate your present when you are constantly comparing it to your past or longing for the future.

The first 3 minutes into my run wasn’t pretty. The pain was real, but I was also having a pity party, and I started thinking how I used to run and not have pain, and how good it felt. I was upset that I got up to 9 miles, and pretty much have to start back from scratch. I was stuck in the past, but I fought through it and kept going. Then it hit me. I can’t embrace my current situation, my present reality, if I am thinking  about how good the past was. I also can’t keep my mind on the future and what could be. In that moment I realized the reality is my knee hurts, and it’s going to take faith and work for it to get better. I realized I have to appreciate the moment for what it is, even if it’s not what I wished it would be.

2. Faith and work combined with consistency can bring about the change you seek.

After I finished my run I was proud of myself for completing it. However, I learned I have to take care of my knee in order to run again. I need to be intentional about praying for healing. (FAITH) I need to use the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevation) (WORK) I also have to do both daily. (CONSISTENCY) Healing hasn’t happened yet, but I’m trusting it will come if I’m more intentional about taking care of the pain.

3. Sometimes we are brought to a place of humility to remind us that our goals and dreams have nothing to do with us, and everything to do with God.

Whenever I complete this half marathon I will not be able to say, it’s because of my works and effort alone, but because God strengthened me, healed me, and put some amazing people in my path to encourage me.

4. Iron sharpens Iron.

I 100% wouldn’t have kept running if it wasn’t for 2 of my friends. They are both training for a marathon in October. They are both so dedicated and consistent, and seeing them stick to it made me want to keep pushing.

5. Take care of yourself.

This knee pain will force me to slow down, and take care of myself.

6. Sometimes the answer is not to speed up, but to slow down. Slowing down can be where revelation is revealed.

Well I called it a run, because that’s what I intended it to be…lol. However, I jogged and actually walked most of it. I set out to do 3 miles which could take me about 35 minutes. However, this “run” took almost an hour. Guess what? In that hour that’s when all these lessons came to my mind.

7. God is within you. You will not fail.

I got this encouraging text after texting my 2 friends about my run, and I am hopeful one day I will get back into running without the pain.

I realized these lessons aren’t only for running. These lessons apply to other areas of my life as well. Hopefully you can see how this may apply to you also. We have to embrace our present for whatever it is, and make the best of the moment. Staying stuck in the past or longing for the future robs us of living in the moment. We also have to keep the faith, put in the work, and be consistent. (I’m still working on this part.) Along your journey, stay humble, surround yourself with encouraging people that care, take care of yourself, slow down, and remember God is with you. So you will not fail.

(If you just read this post or any other posts, leave a comment. I would love to hear your thoughts.)