In my last post, I pondered what good my running could do for the world around me. Tonight, I realized something that I hadn't thought of before: running has intertwined my life with so many others'. From opponents to teammates, coaches to spectators, I've encountered more people than I can count.
Most importantly to me, though, running has provided the context through which I've made some of the best friends thus far in my life. Even if I'm not still close with some of them, these people have made my life greater in some way.
Freshman year of high school, cross country introduced me to an incredible group of ladies. I'd name some of them, but I'm afraid I'd leave someone out. We had so many laughs, seemingly endless talks, effective runs and some non-effective runs, and we made some of my favorite memories. Throughout the next three years, this group evolved into something completely different and special in its own way. I've already mentioned The White Gazelle and Molly in previous posts, but there are definitely others I would add to this list. I also made friends with a college student and former Pirate, but our friendship turned out to be seasonal, as many do. Over the years, we've completely lost touch. It happens.
I can't forget the guys' team. Our Pirate men consisted of some of the greatest, and weirdest guys I've ever met. Talk about character!
Then college brought me to a new stage in life, with a new team and new friendships. Many of those friendships seem to have been seasonal as well--except for one. There's nothing like a spontaneous run in the middle of a cold, dark night with a great friend.
Maybe God didn't give me this talent just to inspire others. Maybe He did so hoping I would take the opportunities I have in order to form the relationships I have, and hopefully do something inspiring within them. If I can find no other blessing in my running, at least I can say it has provided me with opportunities to form some of the richest relationships I have. And I hope there are more to come.
I may still want to believe that God made me a "talented runner" and not just a "runner," but at least for now I'm satisfied with my conclusion.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Athletes for Christ
1 Peter 4: 10-11
Over the past year, I've come across scripture and even some other readings on using our talents and skills to bring God to others. Some of us have many talents, some very few. But part of putting those talents to good use is learning how to use them to benefit others, not just ourselves.
I'd like to believe that God gave me not only the ability, but the talent to run well, and not just for the purpose of running or staying in shape. Aside from simply giving credit to Him, how do athletes use their athleticism for a greater good?
Here are some ways to inspire others and bring God glory with your athletic talents, if you have any:
At times, I've envied these athletes. Selfishly, I've imagined myself in some of the previously mentioned scenarios, inspiring people around the world, giving to charities, giving motivational speeches at schools or hospitals, etc. In reality, though, I'm just a girl who can run long distances (if I train, of course).
At the end of the day, I'm left wondering, "Who saw me running out there and decided to turn to God?" "Who have I inspired, and how?" "What has my talent done for anyone, spiritually?"
Maybe scripture doesn't apply here, but then, why should I bother to ever lace up again? That thought just doesn't seem right. For now, I suppose I'm fine with not knowing. I'll just keep running and let God do his thing.
Peace
Over the past year, I've come across scripture and even some other readings on using our talents and skills to bring God to others. Some of us have many talents, some very few. But part of putting those talents to good use is learning how to use them to benefit others, not just ourselves.
I'd like to believe that God gave me not only the ability, but the talent to run well, and not just for the purpose of running or staying in shape. Aside from simply giving credit to Him, how do athletes use their athleticism for a greater good?
Here are some ways to inspire others and bring God glory with your athletic talents, if you have any:
- Suffer a life-altering injury or illness, but overcome it with faith, prayer, and determination.
- (Along the same lines), get bitten by a shark, and learn how to adjust to your sport without a(n) (insert limb).
- Use your athletic abilities to become rich and famous; then give your earnings to orphans and widows and credit to God.
At times, I've envied these athletes. Selfishly, I've imagined myself in some of the previously mentioned scenarios, inspiring people around the world, giving to charities, giving motivational speeches at schools or hospitals, etc. In reality, though, I'm just a girl who can run long distances (if I train, of course).
At the end of the day, I'm left wondering, "Who saw me running out there and decided to turn to God?" "Who have I inspired, and how?" "What has my talent done for anyone, spiritually?"
Maybe scripture doesn't apply here, but then, why should I bother to ever lace up again? That thought just doesn't seem right. For now, I suppose I'm fine with not knowing. I'll just keep running and let God do his thing.
Peace
Monday, November 14, 2011
A Runner's Story #2: Saran Wrap
On a long run, one has time to think, fantasize, plot...
Put two runners together for a long run, and the possibilities are endless.
I'm proud to say that The White Gazelle and I mixed ideas and creativity well. My senior year of high school marks one of my favorite shenanigans with my friend. After fantasizing about it for weeks, planning an appropriate time to carry it out (after track season was complete), we finally got our chance to pull it off. Stealing a roll of Saran wrap from the training room and designating two of our strongest girls to put their muscles to work, we easily had Claudia pinned to a tree in no time at all. Claudia was a freshman-she had it coming.
To top it off, we spotted Molly's bike nearby, locked to a tree. Oh, Molly. Molly's the type of person that has to grow on you, but when she does, you find yourself laughing twice as much as before. Molly's bike had been locked to that tree for days, possibly weeks. When Molly finally decided to retrieve it, Molly found it neatly wrapped from handle bars to spokes. At least it was dry.
Holla, Pirates!
Put two runners together for a long run, and the possibilities are endless.
I'm proud to say that The White Gazelle and I mixed ideas and creativity well. My senior year of high school marks one of my favorite shenanigans with my friend. After fantasizing about it for weeks, planning an appropriate time to carry it out (after track season was complete), we finally got our chance to pull it off. Stealing a roll of Saran wrap from the training room and designating two of our strongest girls to put their muscles to work, we easily had Claudia pinned to a tree in no time at all. Claudia was a freshman-she had it coming.
To top it off, we spotted Molly's bike nearby, locked to a tree. Oh, Molly. Molly's the type of person that has to grow on you, but when she does, you find yourself laughing twice as much as before. Molly's bike had been locked to that tree for days, possibly weeks. When Molly finally decided to retrieve it, Molly found it neatly wrapped from handle bars to spokes. At least it was dry.
Holla, Pirates!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Behind every accomplishment is a sacrifice
As much as I love running, and as much as I appreciate the years of hard work I've put into being a decent long-distance runner, there are some drawbacks that I am paying for now that I never considered before.
As I learned in health class my freshman year of college, every person has fast-twitch muscles and slow-twitch muscles. Not surprisingly, endurance athletes tend to develop more slow-twitch than fast-twitch, whereas athletes who rely more on speed and reflexes, like sprinters, football and volleyball players, etc., develop more fast-twitch muscles.
Now that I am free to explore other sports via intramurals, I am learning that the athleticism I used to take so much pride in has diminished. I lack agility, which I determined on the racquetball court; quick reflexes, discovered on the football field; hand-eye coordination--I'm sure you can imagine; and certainly more skills to be uncovered within the next few months.
Had I known all I would be good for after years of running was...running, well, probably nothing would have changed (maybe I wouldn't be quite as frustrated). I feel like a child, relearning how to move and think on my toes. I wonder, though, is this the only price I'll have to pay?
As I learned in health class my freshman year of college, every person has fast-twitch muscles and slow-twitch muscles. Not surprisingly, endurance athletes tend to develop more slow-twitch than fast-twitch, whereas athletes who rely more on speed and reflexes, like sprinters, football and volleyball players, etc., develop more fast-twitch muscles.
Now that I am free to explore other sports via intramurals, I am learning that the athleticism I used to take so much pride in has diminished. I lack agility, which I determined on the racquetball court; quick reflexes, discovered on the football field; hand-eye coordination--I'm sure you can imagine; and certainly more skills to be uncovered within the next few months.
Had I known all I would be good for after years of running was...running, well, probably nothing would have changed (maybe I wouldn't be quite as frustrated). I feel like a child, relearning how to move and think on my toes. I wonder, though, is this the only price I'll have to pay?
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