Saturday, January 28, 2012

Life is like a race

So, today I ran my first ever 5k. In November I decided that I would train. I wouldn't call myself a couch potato but to put things into perspective, when I started training running a full lap was beyond difficult.

My initial train, just 2 months ago, it took me 49 minutes to run the 3.1 miles. Today I clocked in at 34 minutes. I was pretty proud of myself.

As I ran today my thoughts wandered through the life lessons I have learned as of late and how the race today was metaphorical.

I want to share just a few.

Go your own pace. Don't worry about what other people are doing, it does absolutely no good to try and be someone you are not.

Don't try to go too fast but push yourself to always improve.

When a girl who isn't wearing shoes passes you, don't even pay attention because at the end of the race she will be nowhere near you and it won't matter.

Getting to the top of the hill is always way more rewarding than cruising to the bottom because it's at the top that you have reason to be proud that you never gave up.

When climbing the hill, just tell yourself how strong you are while simultaneously praying whole-heartedly to God to make you stronger.

When you pass someone up just know that in another 50 feet they may be passing you.

When you are climbing the hill, the right thing to do is encourage the others who are also climbing, even if they aren't as fast. So don't ever EVER get full of yourself.

Live life like runners do with each other. Worry about yourself and encourage everyone else to do their best. When other people are better than you, be happy for them, and be humble enough to learn from them.

When you are climbing the hill, you don't care where your cheerleaders are in their understanding of your pain or progress, you are just so grateful they are there.

It's much more emotionally healthy to live with the voice in your head who is congratulating yourself for how far you have come over the voice that tries to creep in and tell you that you still have so much more to improve.

Without your training, there is no need to join the race.

Sometimes watching your own feet is what you have to do because if you really see the whole hill you'll give up. God knows this about you and that is why he doesn't give you all the answers just because you think you want them.

Surround yourself with positivity, it's the people who can tell you that you can do it that will be partially responsible when you do.

The end is awesome, but it is really just another beginning with a little more knowledge and a lot more accountability.

If the race is hard and you need a nap, take one.

Run the race for you and no one else.

If you have pain, acknowledge it, do what you can to change it, and plow through it because it will go away....eventually.

Who cares what you look like, it's all about how you feel.



10 comments:

ShEiLa said...

KUDOS to YOU Miss Alice!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so proud of YOU!

Being that I can't run... sometimes it's hard to walk... I admire those that are able. (and crazy enough to give it a go)

You look as though you have lost some weight in training? Am I right?

Way to GO girlfriend!

ToOdLeS.

Lisa said...

You totally get it girl!! Loved spending some time with you this morning :-)

Becca said...

This post made me so happy! As a matter of fact your whole training cycle made me feel that way. I loved seeing how hard you worked and the progress you made and hearing you sum it up made me even happier!

Lisa's right, you totally get it-and I'm glad I got to watch you put it into action this morning. You really were fantastic! WAY TO GO!

Renee said...

Congratulations Alice! That is so awesome!!!

I am running one in the fall, and you have totally inspired me and I thank you for the words of wisdom. I have never run a race, and am more than a little nervous!

You look beautiful by the way, very runnerish, like you own that race. :)

Lori said...

Love it. LOVE. IT. Running has some of the best spiritual analogies ever. You look fantastic and I'm so proud of your first race! (What an amazing time improvement in just 2 months!!)

♥ Drazil ♥ said...

GREAT tips. Way to go!

Laurel said...

GO ALICE!!! I am impressed.

Dorry said...

Alice!! I am so proud of you!! Your wisdom is unrelenting!! Your words came at the perfect time. Everything you wrote in your post echoed every challenge I have been suffering through.
Love you Girl!

Dorry

Rita said...

"It's much more emotionally healthy to live with the voice in your head who is congratulating yourself for how far you have come over the voice that tries to creep in and tell you that you still have so much more to improve." (I loved this the most -- although I love your entire post!)

You look fantastic and I am so very happy for you and proud of you! You my friend are amazing and don't ever forget it!

Anonymous said...

YOU LOOK A-MAZ-ING!! The picture of health!! Love you!

Amanda W