Training Week 6: Mind Over Matter

On Sunday morning, I woke up already exhausted and feeling defeated before my feet even hit the ground. My thoughts went a little something like this:
"How can I run for 1:45 when I'm already worn out? Baby was up so much last night and my bed is nice and cozy... Can't I just skip this one?"
I knew that if I slept through this workout, it would start a motivation mudslide. If I skipped one, it would be that much easier to skip the next one... and the next
"Let's give it a try, one foot in front of the other. I will just run for 45 minutes. Then 45 more minutes. And then 15 minutes more."
Out the door I went. Breaking the run up into 45 + 45 + 15 minutes sounds much less intimidating than 1 hour 45 minutes! Sounds weird but it works for me.

Changing the way I thought about the run made all the difference and I ended up running 5 minutes extra so I could hit the 13.1 mark. I came back in the door sweaty yet totally re-energized. I felt victorious and thankful, so blessed that my husband watched the boys to give me a little early morning break.

All it took was a change of thought to get out the door; to change something that intimidated me into a blessing.
.....

Running talk aside, the thoughts we let into our mind affect everything in our lives:

Our attitude.
How we treat our family and friends.
Whether we live in victory - or defeat.
The way we interact with random grocery store acquaintances.
How we see ourselves.
And even the way we see God.

What we think will eventually work its way out in our words or actions.


The messages that we allow into our minds - whether it's through social media, television, books, magazines or conversations - greatly influence our thoughts and attitudes. Thinking on good things uplifts the spirit while allowing junk into our minds brings defeat.

If we filtered our thoughts and only allowed in the things that please God, how would our lives look different? What would it be like to live as a constant victor in Jesus Christ rather than defeated by the Enemy's lies?
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. PHILIPPIANS 4:8

How to Establish a Healthy Thought Pattern

Philippians 4:8 is the perfect filter for establishing a healthy thought pattern. By choosing to think in a way that pleases God, we are able to live a life of purity and spiritual fitness, free from the anxieties that drag us down.

We can test our thoughts by using the below questions based on that verse:

Is it TRUE?

True: Honest; honorable; upright.

Is it NOBLE?

Noble: Having or showing fine personal qualities or high moral principles and ideals.

Is it RIGHT?

Right: Morally good, justified or acceptable.

Is it PURE?

Pure: Wholesome and untainted by immorality.

Is it LOVELY?

Lovely: Very pleasant or enjoyable; delightful.

Is it ADMIRABLE?

Admirable: Deserving respect or approval.

Is it EXCELLENT?

Excellent: Extremely good; outstanding.

Is it PRAISEWORTHY?

Praiseworthy: Deserving approval and admiration.
(Thanks for the definitions, Google)

When we struggle with negative thoughts - because, well, it happens - we can take them to God in prayer and fill our heart and mind with His Word. By practicing a disciplined thought life, Paul says, in verse 4:9, that the God of peace will be with us.
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. PHILIPPIANS 4:9

Let us fill our minds with thoughts of God and His Truth and live in victory through Jesus Christ!

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 CORINTHIANS 15:57
.....

Wild Hog 1/2 Training Week 6


8/10 M - Recovery: 2.53 miles with the double jogger, 25:00 @ 10:00/mile. Ran to the park with the boys!

8/11 T - Speed Intervals: 4.5 treadmill miles , 37:00. Intervals were 400m @ 8:30, 8:00, 7:30, 7:00, 7:00, 6:45, 6:45, 6:30 with 400m easy jog in between.
.
8/12 W - Strength: Pump & Burn DVD.

8/13 H - Tempo Run: 5.55 miles, 45:02 @ 8:07/mile average. Eased into the run and the last 2.55 miles were in the 7:00's.

8/14 F - Rest.

8/15 Sa - Easy: 3.25 miles, 30:03 @ 9:15/mile. Hot and humid by 6:00 am!

8/16 Su - Long run: 13.1 miles, 1:50 @ 8:23/mile.

Total Mileage: 28.93 miles

A photo posted by Amy Will (@creativeaim87) on

How do you keep your thoughts in check?

Linking up with the Fit Switch, Jill Conyers and Faith & Fitness Friday. #dishthefit  #FridayFaithFitness

Comments

  1. It's so rewarding to work out and know that you had a reason to skip working out yet you still did!

    www.artadorned.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. This was a lovely post! Thank you for linking up with me and Rachel and contributing your thoughts. I absolutely loved the point you made about how our thoughts influence how we treat others! I noticed that when I am reading the word every day or praying at night, it makes me much more patient and kind and enjoyable to be around.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Same here, Raechel! Filling up with God's Word makes it easier to give more grace to others and ourselves!

      Delete
  3. great post! negative thoughts ruin the day, the week and most of the time someone else's day too! Great reminder on how to look at those doubts and negative thoughts!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love the idea of running everything through this scripture!! Our thoughts really do influence how we live our lives. So excited to link up with you!! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me, too! God's Word is the perfect filter for our thoughts and everything in our lives :)

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  5. Very inspiring post Amy. Physical and mental health go hand in hand to feel and perform your best.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great post, your running is very inspiring!

    ReplyDelete

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