This thing called LIFE.

Training those cheek muscles, SMILE! 

My prayer has always been when the Lord takes me out of this season of running that it will be pleasant, like a flame that gently fades. It will be a soft transition with a bold confidence of knowing that my training is over. 

In this month of July, I am noticing many are training for some sport or another. 

Some are just starting to run and are filled with the joy of stepping out of the boat. 

I see runners training for all distances from 5K's to Ultra marathon distances. 

I see some training for biking, for swimming and for other sports. 

And I see many of us training for this thing called "LIFE". 

I am pushing 49 years old, and I know that I will not be an athlete forever. I know that it is not me but the Lord who has gifted me to give Him the glory by sharing His power in my abilities. 

I train my body, I train my mind, and I train heart. Somedays I am confident and strong, however some days it is a struggle to lace up my shoes. 

I have days of burn out, I have runs that I am showing up tired and sore and I have runs I don't show up at all. 

This thing called LIFE is no different. In a ever changing world with situations and circumstances colliding into one another we have to continue to train. 

The training field is not always well groomed with blue skies and butterflies. Running has developed me into a meteorologist. I am constantly looking at the forecast to prepare. But the truth is I have gotten caught in some nasty weather. I have found myself struggling in winter winds or black flies swarming me on the trails or even blindsided by my body bonking despite all the preparations. 

Again, this thing called LIFE will do the same. We find ourselves in the word, going to church, walking with the Lord and LIFE throws out a sucker punch leaving us confused, distraught and wounded. 

That is the challenge. When we continue to train with the Lord He will supply us with all the equipment to keep training. 

There will be a season my running will end, but LIFE will continue. 

And I need to continue to train more than my legs. 

TRAINING: 1 Corinthians 9:24 "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it."

TRAINING FOR PERSEVERENCE: Romans 5:4 "And endurance produces character, and character produces hope,"

TRAINING FOR STRENGTH: 1 Chronicles 16:11 "Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!"

TRAINING FOR STEADFASTNESS: James 1:12 "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." 

TRAINING FOR SELF CONTROL: 2 Peter 1:5-7 "For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love."

TRAINING FOR ENDURANCE: Romans 5:3-5 "More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."

Run your own race. Don't allow COMPARISON to trap your training. 

1 Cor 4:7 "For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?"

• Comparison to others: Relate don't compare. When I find myself taking the bait of comparison, I try to flip the script and give others healthy inspiration and admiration for their training. 
• Comparison to yourself: Competing against yourself can also be a trap. It can lead to discouragement. We are constantly evolving, changing, growing and unfortunatly aging. We can be our best when we don't take the bait of comparison with others or ourselves rather learn to "compete alongside ourselves" with joy, contentment, gratitude and humility. 

RUNDOWN

"The question isn't did you fail but did you pick yourself up again and move ahead? And there is one other question: Did you collaborate in your own defeat?' A lot of people do. Learn not to." John Gardner

This thing called LIFE. 

One DAY at a time. This helps our training go from manageable to more meaningful. Because when life throws obstacles our way that we struggle to manage, we can look for the meaning and continue to grow in injuries or in life with joy. 

Keep Smiling, never Give UP and give Yourself a few Kudos! 

Monthly miles: 108

Todays run: 10miles

Monthly Active Time: 18H 25 min

In Peace, Not Pieces,

ANITA~

THANK YOU all for the encouragement and comments!