Here's something to think about: Have you ever thought of the similarities between running and faith? About a few weeks ago while browsing the Internet, I learned about this program called "Run for God." According to the website, www.runforgod.com, "the program offers a unique opportunity to join the '5K Challenge,' a practical guide to running and a 12-week training plan aimed at completing a 5K while maintaing a Christian focus. The primary goal is to prepare people to be better witnesses for Christ physically, mentally and spiritually."
I don't think it's a coincidence that I found this program. Before God was the center of my life, running was an idol that I worshiped daily. My purpose behind it was not healthy in any way. I ran to change myself physically, which resulted in a two month battle with an eating disorder. I thought about it obsessively, which resulted in four stress fractures and a few other injuries. I needed a new approach, or I would be putting my running shoes in my closet for good.
During my first year of college, I wasn't able to run at all, but that gave me the opportunity to discover my ultimate source of happiness: my relationship with God. And now that I have taken some to heal, I have renewed my strength to begin a new race in my life. Not long after I learned about "Run for God," I bought the 5K Challenge book. It's both a Bible-study and a training program, filled with inspirational stories of runners who run by faith, and some useful information about running (shoes, injury prevention, stretching, etc.). Every week there is a new Bible verse that is the theme for the workout, which can truly illustrate the parallels between an endurance sport like running, and the endurance that faith requires.
So why am I writing this blog? For the next 12 weeks as a take on the 5K Challenge, I will write about my thoughts of each week's study, and how it connects to my own past experiences. My goal is to redefine how and why I run, while also building a new dimension to my relationship with God. I should heavily emphasize that you DO NOT have to be a Christian to read this blog (it even says so in the book!). You also don't have to be a runner. I hope you find this blog insightful and even meaningful to your own personal life.
Since I began the program tonight, I will reflect on this week's study later in the week.
Whoops! Typo error that I found after reviewing this over. I had a two year battle with an eating disorder (definitely not two months!).
ReplyDeleteDearest Christina,
ReplyDeleteI can not wait to read your journey through this 12 week project. I think a blog is perfect for this because any future struggles you may have, this is something you will be able to look back on. And at the end of this, you will be able to see your whole entire journey and reflect on it. I pray that God works in you and that you get everything you want out of this journey and more! It kinda sounds interesting. I hate running with a passion. I don't even think I can run because my body is falling apart; however, this intrigued even me! Kinda sounds like fun! Well, I'm not going to say good luck, because luck is not something you need. You need strength, God's strength. So I'm going to say Good Strength throughout your journey! (Now how cheesy was that?!)