Run to Win

"Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize.  You must also run in such a way that you will win." 1 Corinthians 9:24 

So, upon reading this verse, my first thought was, "hmm yea God isn't really giving me training advice on how to run a 10k," but it really did speak to me concerning my spiritual walk. We must run in a way that we will win. To me, it means that you have to set yourself up for success and not failure. Whether it be avoiding situations that would cause you to stumble, or even reminding yourself just to have a positive attitude. Our walk is something that we have to strive to excel in daily. 

The verse went along with a devotion that I read the other night. It comes from the book "His Princess" by Sheri Rose Shepherd. (I HIGHLY recommend reading it!) The subject of the devotion was about our desire to please God and how we can become burdened by circumstances around us, but that God's grace will lighten our steps if we just let go of our troubles. 

It's awesome how God relates his messages to us in everyday life. This excerpt stuck out to me because literally, running is the only physical activity I have been able to do for the past week and a half! I have made plans to go to the gym, and they fall through. I have made plans to workout at my house, and I end up forgetting or needing to do something else. I even made plans to go on a walk with a friend and that ended up not happening. Needless to say, this all stressed me out. But, three nights this week I have been able to go on night runs with my best friend! So the devotion focusing on running just really made me smile. It made me realize that I was already running, which is a good exercise, and that I needed to let what was stressing me out go! I gave it to God and have been using my running time to focus on running for Christ too. Shepherd quotes, "Make it your daily passion to run with Me(Christ), and I will carry you over the finish line of your faith." I'm also counting on God to carry me over the finish line of my physical goals! 

Random facts about my running routine! 

1. I love to go running on the track at night. I feel less self conscious because it is dark, and there aren't as many people. 
2. I don't go running at night by myself, even if it is on campus and well lit. I'd prefer to be safe. 
3. Music is a must have when I run. 
4. I have found that the spandex material capri type pants are much more comfy to run in because they never "ride up."
5. Recently, I have been able to run two straight miles. 
6. No matter the distance, I always feel accomplished after my run. 
7. Breathing through your nose= no stitch in your side. 
8. I hate carrying a water bottle, so I drink a lot about 30 mins before, and then have a bottle waiting in the car. 
9. I like a steady pace better than just trying to do it in a short amount of time. 
10. Sprinting at the end always makes me feel like I finished strong.