A little over two years ago I started running. I didn’t plan to do it. In fact, I’m not sure why I went out that first day.
I remember saying to my wife, “I’m going for a run.” Her loving, tender answer was, “You’re not a runner!” And she was right.
In fact, I’ve never been a runner. But I became one. One run at a time.
When I came home that first day I felt better. My mind was clearer. So I did it a second day, and a third, and…you get the point.
Now, these many months later I can say it was one of the best things I have ever done. And it’s not just physical. There were so many benefits that I never anticipated.
- Running has helped my mind. Exercise does wonderful things for the brain. I think of things that I do not think of at any other time while I am on a run. And I think more clearly about almost everything.
- Running has helped my health. Besides helping me to lose weight, running has kept my body chemistry more consistent. A good sweat goes a long way to keeping you healthy and getting impurities out of your system. It will even help you to sleep better at night.
- Running has helped my energy level. Instead of a nap I have found that a run can refresh me. Living on the road and keeping a busy schedule, I have discovered that running does not take my strength. It increases it. Running is an investment in every other task I have to do.
- Running has helped me deal with stress. We all have it. It comes in waves at some time in life. For many years food or some other distraction was my remedy. I have learned that a daily run releases a great deal of tension and will enable you to see life differently.
- Running has helped my spirit. There is something renewing about being on a run alone. Occasionally I will run with others and I enjoy the time with fellow runners. But, in truth, I like being alone. On a run I can pray, listen to good music, listen to a Bible message, or just be quiet. God often speaks to me about things while I am on a run and concentrating on Him.
- Running has helped my discipline. Running itself is a discipline. But one discipline can affect many others. Learning to say no to yourself, to push yourself a little harder, to set goals – all of this, and more, will build discipline into life.
- Running has helped my life. I am amazed how many lessons God has taught me through running! Parallels to daily life and labor. Spiritual truths are often mirrored in the physical realm. They serve as God’s object lessons. And every run can become His classroom.
I’m still not sure I am a “runner.” There are others far more serious about it than I. But this I am sure of: I’m glad I started. And though it wasn’t planned, I plan to continue.
Let me recommend that you get your shoes on today and find a nice place to begin. It is more than just your body, it is your soul and spirit that will be helped.
“For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8).
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Very true, brother Pauley. We become men of great faith, prayer warriors, fountains of God’s word, devoted disciples of Jesus Christ, etc., “one run at a time”. These are disciplines that we build little by little, day by day by staying close the the source of Life, our LORD. Let’s put those shoes on today and pound the pavement! Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Love you, brother.
Amen. Thank you.
I understand what you mean. I don’t run but when I am stressed beyond what I think I can stand, I go for a walk in my neighbor hood park . I walk around the baseball field talking and praying to God. When I get home though my problems are far from gone I feel lighter like everything has been taken from me and a happiness that seem to only come from talk to God.
Wonderful. George Muller did a lot of walking and praying in the mornings. God bless you.
Very helpful post and very much needed. Thank you for taking the time to write something a little “different”
Thanks for taking time to read my ramblings! God bless you and the family.
An interesting post. However, at ‘this stage in MY life’ it seems a little extreme. As a good alternative, I would like to recommend “23 and 1/2 Hours”. I believe that ALL (fathers, mothers, teens, and young children) would benefit from practicing the truth explained, which is actually quite effortless–just what Americans seem to enjoy. 🙂
Instituting the practice explained would make ‘healthier looking billboards’ for Jesus, and would probably provide additional years of service to the Savior. Also, it would undoubtedly provide a better, longer, and more enjoyable life for the participant!
Amen! Thanks for reading and taking time to share your thoughts my friend.
I enjoy reading about how running improves people’s lives. I began 4 years ago — when I asked my wife if she thought I should go for a run or eat the ice cream in our freezer. She answered correctly, and I have been running (while eating like a teenager without consequence) ever since!
The real fun begins when you start entering races. 🙂
Maybe we can run together sometime! Great to hear from you.
Hello brother Pauley, Michael Bialuk here. Great article on your physical fitness regime and glad to hear about your routine. Keep it up. Many of our independent Baptist brethren would serve themselves, their churches and the Lord much better if they took better care of themselves. I’m fifty three years old and I work out daily in my home gym with free weights and jogging. We only have one temple and we all should be good stewards of it.
God bless you brother.
Thank you friend. Great to hear from you!