Friday, February 27, 2009

Runnin' in the Rain, Just Runnin' in the Rain.....

Do y'all remember that wonderful Rogers and Hammerstein musical starring Bing Crosby? I loved to watch him dance! These movies--back then!--only came on Saturday and Sunday afternoons! None of this AMC stuff! We are some spoiled people!

Anyway, I needed to do a short run this morning, and by the time I had piddled around and finally laced up my Nike's, the rain had begun. Not much, but enough for a hat to keep it from stinging my eyes! As I began running, this song played through my head. I have sort of taken a leave of absence from running on a regular basis since the marathon in November. I wasn't training for anything in particular, so I didn't run any particular distances! Didn't need or want to! As I was asked to run with friends who at one time ran slower than I did, I was now seeing the benefits they were reaping of consistent training runs. These people were faster than me!!! Oh, I've had excuses, things to do--that could have waited, and of course, the cold frigid weather down here in the south!!

Sometimes, our spiritual lives get in a rut. We need to "spice things up a bit!" I'm not talking about reading your Bible while standing on your head!! I mean looking into new Bible Studies, taking a class on a particular book in the Bible, attending a retreat or ladies' conference. Something to light a fire under your feet again! We live in a time and place where so many opportunities are available to us throughout the year. No excuses!

Well, back to the morning jaunt in the rain. No ipod, just my Lord and me. I prayed about a new run coming up that I think I'd like to attempt. But it has to be His timing and His blessing on this! To some, that sounds crazy! You just pick a race and do it. But....submission is the key! I have signed up for some races in the past, and His blessings were not on these. Failure occurred. Oh, I have some tales to share! But another post!!! I now have learned to be in tune with Him and obey His timing. In the long run, it's for the best all around!

I am praying about a particular race in May, not too far from here. It's free!! The director simply asks for a donation to offset her snacks, prizes, and H2O bottles. This is something that fits in my budget! But, even so, I am going to pray about this over the weekend and see if I get any red flags from God. I would love to have your prayers as well...for wisdom and guidance...as I seek a peace from Him. Just a little background about the race and me....I love a challenge! I want to push my body and see just what it is capable of doing. Two years ago, some friends and I trained for longer races on trails in the woods. That's such an awesome place to be nearer to God! I get chills!! No cars, no sidewalks with cracks in them, no gum on the roads!! We'd spend hours and hours and hours training. Finally, the big day arrived. There were 5 of us. There was a time limit--people, running in the mountains in the dark is not my idea of fun and safety! Of the five, only 2 of the girls completed the entire distance. I wasn't one of them. I was pretty close, but not close enough. But God is good! I have a different outlook on running and life and priorities! Lots of lessons learned on the trail! I'll have to write a book one day!

I would like to try this race, called an ultra, to actually complete a longer distance and not be stopped because I was running--actually walking!--too slowly! That's a goal. But I have to make sure that it lines up with God's goal for me during this season of my life.

I thank you in advance for your prayers! Y'all are wonderful! Oh, and thank you SO SO much for the great decorating ideas from Wednesday's post! I want to use them all....but I can't! I promise to let you know what I decide!!!

Many Blessings,

13 comments:

BECKY said...

Hi Susan, I will pray about your participation in this race for sure!! I love all of the life lessons God has taught you through your running.

I've gotten a lot through homeschooling. You should write a book. I think it would be a very interesting perspective!!

Hope you enjoyed your run in the rain!!
Singing in the Rain is on my playlist!!
Blessings,
Becky

Gotta Run..... said...

You already know what I think. No question that you can cover the 34 miles of trail event. the plus side is that it is free and you do not have a time limit. Gotta love that!!

I got the book. thanks! glad you got the run in even if it were in the rain. :)

Kelly said...

What a glorious feeling, I'm happy again! :-) I love singing in the rain...running - well not so much. But I'm glad you enjoy it. I've started exercising again, and while I don't love it, I do feel better after I do it.

May God guide your every step.

On Purpose said...

Praying for you...knowing that God meets you while you run..which is SO awesome.

Unknown said...

What an inspiring post, thanks for sharing. You'll be in my prayers as you seek God's will.

Yolanda said...

At this point I'm thinking, you are one in shape lady. As you strive to be physically and spiritually IN SHAPE. How awesome and God must be beaming as He reads this post with each one of us!

Oh, please pray for rain in Grant Co., Ulysses, Kansas. We haven't had any substantial rain in perhaps close to 8 months...we are incredibly dry and have had just a tad of snow. We need both moisture on our grounds and God's word in our hearts.

Love to you,
Yolanda

Teresa said...

I will most certainly pray for you about this upcoming race! You inspire me so much...I would have wimped out at the first drop of rain...:)!!

Blessings!
Teresa

Terri Tiffany said...

It sounds amazing to me that you run as much as you do and that you are excited about it!
If I can make myself get back on my treadmill this week I will be very happy! Love to walk, but somehow running and I could never do it together--I wish though!

Shell in your Pocket said...

What fun to run in the rain...have a great week.
sandy toe

Wendy Blight said...

Susan,

Thank you for your challenge to do a new thing or an old thing in a new way. I don't do that very often. I am a creature of habit. I am going to pray about something new and different that I can do.

I will pray about your decision to run this race in May. I know the Lord will give you a clear answer because He promises that when we seek Him and trust Him, He will direct our paths.

By the way, I LOVE those old movies as well!!!

Blessings,

Wendy

Sandy @ The Scoop on Balance said...

Susan,

Was reading through Lysa's comments and your display name "Runner Mom" caught my eye. Love your blog. Love that you are into physical fitness.

Best of luck with your race.

Blessings to you,
Sandy

KelliGirl said...

Hey there!
I so agree that we can get into spiritual ruts. Life gets easy. Patterns predictable. Schedules comfortable. It's times like this we definitely need to shake things up, like you said.

Good luck jumping back into running. I applaud you for looking for your next challenge (can you hear me cheering!). I wish I had your drive and motivation!

I'll be praying that God guides you to your next adventure.

Happy running,
Kelli

Happy running!

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

LOVE that you're willing to even consider this, Susan. I understand the need to "push"...whether it be in the physical or in the spiritual. God made us for the climb; and if this is your time to lace up the shoes and get moving, I know he will put that ache and will in you to do so.

Keep to it, friend. Blessings on your week.

peace~elaine