I Am Weak...
A couple of times a week, Austin and I will have "running dates". This isn't where we run from each other... even though that might seem like a good idea after an argument! Instead we meet at a local park after work. I bring his running clothes and both our water bottles. Once he arrives and changes, we then head out on our typical path. Our running lengths usually vary between 1-3.5 miles.
One day he was running late. Instead of waiting, I texted him a reminder and then said, "your clothes are in the car, catch me if you can!" I headed out on my path, knowing that there was a good chance that he would catch me. About halfway through my run I noticed him coming up the other side of the trail (it's a big loop) and I knew it was only a matter of time. Towards the end of the run, I tried to speed up but these legs of mine can only go so fast! Within the last leg he finally caught up and actually passed me!
I later found out that he was still at work when he got my text (which is about 5 minutes away) and he took off like a banshee so he could catch me. I have to admit, it was nice knowing that he still likes to "chase" after me!
This experience made me think a lot about my running skills (and my "nunchuku skills, bow hunting skills, computer hacking skills..." but those are for another post). I don't claim to be speedy... any of my athletic friends from high school know that it is not one of my strengths. In fact, I always hated to run, it was a punishment. On the first 5-K I ever ran, I was passed by not 1 but 2 mothers pushing their strollers... just saying, it didn't do a lot to boost my confidence!
Point is, running is a weakness I have but in the last few months of running consistently, I have improved my mile time by almost a minute! I have felt stronger, happier, and more fulfilled physically than I have in a long time. I even feel more confident. While I may not be "fast" according to a stop watch, running has definitely become more of a strength to me than it ever has before.
This running experience has even helped remind me of other weaknesses I have and has made me question myself... have I faced my weaknesses? Have I admitted what I do wrong so that I can try to improve? Am I challenging myself to be a better person? Humility is very difficult for a prideful person like me. I am thankful for the reminder of this experience so that I can try to be better in all aspects of my life, especially the ones that I dislike.
One day he was running late. Instead of waiting, I texted him a reminder and then said, "your clothes are in the car, catch me if you can!" I headed out on my path, knowing that there was a good chance that he would catch me. About halfway through my run I noticed him coming up the other side of the trail (it's a big loop) and I knew it was only a matter of time. Towards the end of the run, I tried to speed up but these legs of mine can only go so fast! Within the last leg he finally caught up and actually passed me!
I later found out that he was still at work when he got my text (which is about 5 minutes away) and he took off like a banshee so he could catch me. I have to admit, it was nice knowing that he still likes to "chase" after me!
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| My bridge holding skills |
Point is, running is a weakness I have but in the last few months of running consistently, I have improved my mile time by almost a minute! I have felt stronger, happier, and more fulfilled physically than I have in a long time. I even feel more confident. While I may not be "fast" according to a stop watch, running has definitely become more of a strength to me than it ever has before.
"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."
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| Austin holding up a mountain... no big deal |
I am weak... but can be made strong!
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