A Slow Run is Better Than No Run

Saturday was an interesting long-run morning.

The second I woke up, my body felt stiff, sore, and tired (last week was a long one and I think it took it's toll). After reasoning with myself and accepting that I would indeed regret sleeping in, I slowly climbed out of bed.

I walked into the kitchen to grab an English muffin before heading out the door and my finger got nipped by what felt like an angry little animal hiding under the muffin bag. I screamed and jumped around the kitchen while looking for a paper towel to stop the bleeding.

After the situation was under control, I found that my attacker was a ginormous watermelon-cutting knife (whew, not a wild animal in my kitchen).

After the attack... 'tis a mere flesh wound!

After the bleeding stopped, I scarfed half of the English muffin and headed out the door.

The run felt... not good. My legs felt lead-filled and the tiredness was really weighing me down. I told myself "just make it one hour".


Well, I did make the hour goal at least (+ 1 minute!). The pace wasn't too impressive, but I reminded myself that a shortened, slow run was better than not going out at all. When I got back in, I told Leo that I "only ran 6.7 miles this morning".

This is definitely true! View image source.

"Only?!", he said. It seemed like only 6.7 miles because I was supposed to cover about 11-12 miles that morning before the guys woke up. 6.7 miles is a long way to run on a normal day but long run days are a different ball game.

Really, running is just a hobby - a recreational form of exercise that I really enjoy and I certainly don't get paid to do it! Running has helped me to grow so much as a person and does keep me in shape. But, when it's taken too seriously, then it becomes a problem. I just have a hard time quitting in anything I do.

Reminder: A bad run is not day-ruiner!

Once I accepted it was okay that I "quit" (ah, really don't like that word...) that long run early, the weekend went on and these last few days have been great. My brother-in-law is staying with us for the next few months and it has been a blessing having him here.

God is good and I am so thankful for time with family, friends, and the new, hairy addition to our family:

His name is "Saul", but I'm calling him "Sully"! He loves the playground, too.

I am so thankful for the life God has blessed me with but when I hear about what other Christians around the world are going through, I almost feel "too blessed" (hopefully that makes sense?).

Christians (adults and innocent children) are being horribly persecuted all over this world. Sometimes I feel so unable to help them - like the situation is hopeless. As I live in my own happy, comfy little world, they are suffering. My troubles are so trivial compared to their physical suffering.

Thankfully, there is something we can do. We are able to help our brothers and sisters in Christ by praying diligently for them. Prayer does matter and there is always hope. (This post went from a light/funny mood to slightly depressing, but this has been on my heart and I want to be honest with whoever does read.)

I read Psalm 103 on our way to church this weekend. No matter what is going on in this world, we praise the Lord for all He does for us. He forgives, He heals, He redeems, He crowns us, and He satisfies us!
Praise the Lord, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise His holy name.
Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all His benefits—
Who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
Who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
PSALM 103:1-5
Does the word "quit" really bug you, too?!
What has been on your heart lately?

Linking up at Tuesdays on the Run and Fitness Friday.

Comments

  1. Ouch! Hope your finger is feeling better. I love your saying, I actually have that on my pintrest board. I also like the saying, "The only run you'll regret is the one you don't take." ~L

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, L! My finger is healing up really fast; the only issue is practicing piano is a bit more painful :) Fortunately, it doesn't effect running at all! haha

      That is one of my favorite quotes and it's completely the truth. I always regret sleeping in!

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  2. Replies
    1. I know - me, too! It seriously felt like something just bit into my finger!

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  3. I love a bad run is not a day ruiner. It happens so easily if we let it! It's interesting how our perspective changes and our "only" distance gets longer and longer. We don't always give ourselves enough credit.

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  4. Wow that is quite the cut! I was thinking you had a squirrel or something in the kitchen! BTW- I jump up and down when I finish a run and I am under a 10 minute mile! Have a great weekend!

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    Replies
    1. Oh my, I would have freaked out if a squirrel bit me!!! I'll take a watermelon-cutting knife over a wild animal bite any day :)

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