During my LSD...or Long Slow Distance, I realized that correct form or is more important than speed. In running there is a general understanding that speed work helps with your form. Speed training involves intervals, fartlek, sprints, etc, but is never something you do on a regular basis. Speed training helps the runner become more efficient in stride length, breathing, foot striking, and mentally. Unfortunately, speed workouts will not give you endurance and if done with too much frequency greatly increase the risk of injury.
It is with these thoughts (yes, I do think like that) that I remembered the children's story about slow and steady wins the race. In my younger years I was a great runner. I had the build, the endurance, and the speed. I am not naturally gifted with speed and often times I would become discouraged by this. My coach always had these words to say about speed, "Everyone has enough speed to win, just not the endurance."
It is my goal to run with endurance. Notice that Paul does not mention speed or quickness when talking about running the race nor does he specifically mention endurance. He simply says to run the race to obtain an imperishable crown. Hebrews 12:1 says, "...let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." This further emphasizes the need for technique and proper form.
I am not referring to an empty form or some sort of ritual, I am talking about the sharpening of our faith in Christ! When you begin running, your body is inefficient and it is only after training and several miles that your body begins to become efficient. It may not look pretty, but your body is adapting to the challenge of the race and as long as you put one foot in front of the other, you are succeeding.
What I have learned is that when you are running and tire, there is a tendency to quit running with proper form. At the time, it seems like a great idea, but it's not. When your body is tired, it does not perform at it's most efficient and therefore makes you more tired. We must constantly make the decision to control the pace and run with the correct form instead of letting circumstances waste our time.
Remember, we are in this together. We are not lonely distance runners. We have a common goal and the best guidebook around. If you need help, reach out and we will pull you up.
Key verses:
Ecclesiastes 4:12
Proverbs 24:16
Hebrews 12:1
I Corinthians 9:23-25
II Timothy 4:6-8
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1 comment:
This is good, and true.
So I met this guy the other day at Starbucks, the conversation turned to God (because I refuse to have any other kind of conversation with a random guy) and he mentioned he likes church. He said the thing he liked the most about it was the feeling he gets when he's around church goers; he said "I feel they honestly care".
That made me smile, God never intended for us to be lonely and when our hearts start to long for companionship they start to also get softened and melt for God. It is right there that God sends us to talk to those who feel lost.
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