The Long Run. . .

So today I ran my first complete mile. And for those who know what I really look like, that's no small feat. I began running over two months ago to bring up my endurance in dancing on the stage. It worked wonders. Though i could never really "run". I'd jog for a small amount and then practically want to collapse after 1/8 of a mile. So I started up my spinning classes again to boost my self esteem about my exercise ability because I know I'm good at spinning (stationary cycling). I tried to run a little before or after my spinning class, but I never really felt like I was anything more than an embarrassment to those who watched me on the track. Not even my "NO FAT CHICKS" t-shirt would make me feel good about my aerobic endeavours. (The sheer irony of me wearing that shirt, and the look on people's faces as they would try and figure it out would always make me chuckle.)

So as I faced another boring day of me waiting around for something to do, I figured why not go to the gym. I didn't have a class to go to, nor any desire to run. I figured I would just simply walk around the track listening to music and ponder my thoughts in the cool air conditioned atmosphere. But once I walked outside, and felt to lovely 80* weather, I decided to not waste a punch on my pass and simply walk down to the old Cyprus track and walk there.

I walked at a moderate pace, not about to waste the opportunity to burn some calories off and my Cheerios from breakfast. (I'm on a low carb/sugar eating plan.) And forced myself to run one good lap. So I began, completely siking myself out thinking, "I'll be completely dying by the time that last corner comes around." But to my utter surprise, I wasn't and just kept going. I did feel that slight twinge of where my legs and heart would normally give out. But that's all it was, a slight twinge. So I began to think, I could make it 1/2 a mile. And if I could make it a 1/2 half a mile, I could try for one full mile!

Now my pace was slow, and my strides short. But I was running! And once I completed that last step, I still felt as if I could go on. I have always been a slow runner. I just couldn't ever get my legs to go fast enough. Not for lack of trying mind you. So I pursued sports that didn't require too much running, like volley ball and well volley ball. But now, I'm a runner. An actual runner! This fat girl is a runner. And I can still go on. I can still run more. I am going to keep running.

My life for me has always seemed like I was climbing up an escalator that was going down. And I'm sure a lot of you feel that way too sometimes. But this last few laps around the track of life for me have been a struggle. And there were days where I stopped fighting and let myself ride down the escalator to places that were less that wonderful. I regret so deeply those moments. But have learned things I never would've otherwise.

I have many days where I just don't want to run anymore. That I am so tired of running and getting no where, I'd rather just stand still. Today, I chose not to stand still, and the Lord blessed me for it. As small as one mile is, it is something that I never imagined for myself. But now have. I will continue to FIGHT the good fight. And so should you. Whatever your trials are, FIGHT! The absolute power we hold is immeasurable. I went a mile. How far will you go today?