Getting Into Shape

About 3 weeks ago I decided that I needed to start getting into better shape. So I did what I've done a bunch of times before and went for a jog. Usually the first jog after being in poor shape isn't too bad, because I'm motivated. The next day I wasn't very motivated, but I went out anyways and jogged a mile and a half very slowly. I kept doing that and I realized that I was starting to get into shape. The course that I ran slowly was becoming easier. Once in a while I even ran fast (for me). Then I saw an ad for a 5k race at the Cheese Fest in Arthur on Labor Day. I thought that I'd love to run it, but I better make sure that I can run that far first. So I ran that distance twice and I determined that I was going to run it. I still was a little chicken so I wanted my daughter Alyssa to run it with me. She runs that kind of race all of the time in Cross Country. I just wanted someone to run with me (slowly) so I'd be encouraged to finish it. So we got there and we were at the starting line and I got a little nervous. Not because I thought I'd go too slow, but because I thought I might run too fast and get tired out. As the gun went off EVERYONE seemed to be passing me. I ran the first half or so with Alyssa until I knew she was like a caged animal ready to be let out to run. In just over a mile she passed 22 people. As for me on the other hand, I think I only passed two people. One young boy who was out of shape and a man about 20 years older than me who basically did some kind of super power walk. I learned some things on that race day! 1. It helped having an experienced runner like Alyssa with me giving running advice. 2. I really needed this other runner whom I didn’t know to encourage me after Alyssa took off to run fast. 3. Don’t freak out at the starting line! 4. It’s always easier to be a spectator than a runner. 5. Some people will cheer you on even if they don’t know you. 6. I thought that I’d run really fast when I saw the finish line, but I could only run a little faster. 7. It helped that people were cheering me on! I also thought about how we all need to have these things in our lives spiritually. It was a cool experience and I accomplished one of my life goals. I ran and finished a 5k without walking. Next up a few more 5k's, then hopefully 10K & mini marathon. I'm way ahead of myself but I'm just hoping & dreaming of doing those things right now!