Re-Post: Running Lessons

After taking a season off, I have started running again. As I finished my ten minute run this morning (Yes, you read that correctly. I could only manage to run ten minutes today.), I thought about this post that I had written when I first started running. I’m sharing it again today in the hope that it may encourage you wherever you are in life (and whether or not you’re a runner.) 🙂

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Running Lessons

[originally posted October 2010]

I recently started running. As one of my friends said,”Why? Was a dog chasing you?” No dog, but I am learning some lessons from it.

(Disclaimer: this is not a photo of my actual legs, but does represent what I would like them to look like one day.)

It’s All In My Head

Running is actually more mental than physical. My body can do things I don’t think it can, but I have to MAKE my body do them. I have to set my mind to get to the next mailbox.

Life is the same way: I have to set my mind to accomplish things I don’t think I can. If I want to reach my goals, I have to choose to do hard things (like spending less and saving more today or spending time with my child when I would rather be doing something else).

It’s All About Me

Running is personal. I can read about it, I can watch and even admire others for doing it, but it has no effect on me unless I do it myself.

It’s the same way with life. I can read about or admire other people’s frugality, success or amazing calf muscles, but it won’t accomplish anything in my own life if I don’t take action myself.

Less Is More

I took five days off from running, which I naturally thought would make running more difficult when I returned. Actually it was much easier and I went from running half a mile to running 1.2 miles!

In life, taking time to rest when I need it means I accomplish more later. I can’t ignore the signs telling me that I am over-stressed.

This principle can also work with finances. Sometimes I need to take a break from trying to squeeze a dime out of every penny, and simply have fun. I just have to make sure that the fun doesn’t cost a lot, or I’ll undermine the work I have already done.

Don’t Quit!

Let’s face it, it’s a challenge for someone as out of shape and un-young as I am to be able to run at all, much less to continue running for longer than 3 minutes. If I just keep at it, though, I will make progress.

It’s the same with financial or other life goals–just keep plugging along or as Dory from Nemo says,”Just keep swimming, just keep swimming!”.

I like the verse that says,”I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Even though something seems unlikely, difficult or even impossible, with God’s help I can do it, one step at a time.

Use the Bathroom Before Starting

No profound lesson here, just some wise advice. 😉

©2010-2012 The Peaceful Mom.com  Please feel free to share this post in it’s entirety as long as you give credit and a link back to ThePeacefulMom.com. Thanks!

Please note that this post is not intended as professional advice but simply the author’s personal opinion. You should seek professional advice if your circumstances require it.

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