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.