always get me down. NOT. This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it! Psalm 118:24.
This morning I stayed in bed until almost 7:30-what a treat. Then I ran 3 miles, and half an hour later walked about 3 miles with my friend. Often while my friend and I walk, we will quote scripture that we've been memorizing to each other. This morning she recited Revelation 1-5 and 19-21. Amazing. I'm working on memorizing John 1 and reviewing 2 Tim. and Matt. 5-7, but didn't quote this morning.
The past several years my running routine has been the same-about 3 miles, 5X/week. Boring. I've had some health issues, which slowed me down and discouraged me, but thankfully I'm feeling pretty good these days.
After I ran a 10K in early May, I was re-energized to run again. And finding blogs of women runners has been a great motivator also-thank you running friends!
Recently I picked up a book at the library called Running Past 50 (yes, I have a *few* years on you young girls:-) and have found some valuable information in it. I've learned about the importance of strengthening the upper body for better running--not to build bulk--but to build strength and endurance into the arms, shoulders, back, and abs. The longer the run, the more tired the arms and shoulders become, and of course, our arms/shoulders are important to maintaining an effecient running stride. Also, if your abs aren't strong, your back won't be strong, and by the end of your long run, you may be hunched over like this: ?
So, my plan is to add a few "girl" pushups, curls, and crunches to my cool down time, 3-4X/week and see what happens.
Reminder to self: don't become too obsessed with fitness . . . it is of some value, but godliness is of value in every way. I Tim. 4:6-10
Rejoice and be glad!
Leadership
10 years ago
You are an inspiration, Mary Anne!
ReplyDeleteSo true about not becoming too obsessed w/fitness. It is good to take care of ourselves and have energy to care for our family and others, but we must keep it all in perspective. I love that 1 Timothy verse!
Dear Friend,
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a great plan! Strength building is so good for lots of things....preventing osteoporosis,for example, which runs in my family. I think you are doing great with your running! I always knew that you ran(don't remember where I learned that fact...someone at church, I guess). So, I always knew we had that in common. I'm glad we can share about this through our blogs! You have already been such an encouragement to me and I can tell I can learn so much from you!!!
I agree with what you said about not becoming obsessed with physical fitness/health and all. I really have to keep my mind from becoming too obsessed with it because I enjoy it so much...healthy eating, exercising, etc. And I tend to give things 100% when I get my mind set on things. My husband says that can be a good thing and a bad thing...I agree. A good Godly perspective and balance keeps me from it becoming *too* important to me. Mike is great to keep me accountable in this area. I am also really focused on my family eating healthy...but there has to be some flexibility with that as well. Balance, balance....I am learning....
Great verse from the Psalms. I needed to hear that today. I let the weather affect my mood all too often and it shouldn't be so.
ReplyDeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteI don't think I knew you were a runner. I knew about your interest in healthy eating from your other blog.
You're so right about balance and looking at things with a godly perspective. So easy to get off-kilter.
Grace and peace!