Lesson #12: I loathe the treadmill

Here are the many reasons I strongly dislike the treadmill.

#1: I don't like feeling like a hamster.

#2: I don't like the intense perspiration that falls from my face, neck, back, and legs while in a confined room with limited air flow.

#3: I don't like how 3 miles feels like the time it takes to run 10.

#4: I don't like looking down and realizing I've only been running for 5 minutes. ugh. Am I done yet?

#5: I don't like how I can't spit on a treadmill.

#6: I don't like missing the beauty of God's creation.

#7: Read below...

Yesterday, I decided to try the treadmill because of my foot issue. I didn't know how far I would make it and so staying in one place seemed better than getting stranded miles out from my house and having to limp back. Now, I think I would have preferred the latter.

If I want to make it through a treadmill run, it is critical to have music. The ipod I used didn't have a clip and so it has to sit in the cup-holder on the treadmill. This means the headphone string has to hang between my body and arms. Well, As I was adjusting the speed of the treadmill, my hand hit the headphone cord. Can you predict where I'm going with this? Yup. The ipod jolted up, the cord detached, and it hit the moving treadmill and became a flying object in the abyss of workout machines. It took me a couple seconds to pause the treadmill so that I also didn't fly off while trying to retrieve my ipod. While doing so, I forgot my headphones were still on my head and the cord was now wrapped around the handle of the treadmill. As I jumped off the treadmill, the headphones came painfully flying out of my ears and now also hit the belt. I picked up my ipod, grabbed the headphones, and avoided ALL eye contact with the fitness machine novices who had their ipods securely fastened to their shirt. As dignified as possible, I quickly hopped back up as if nothing happened.

Yet again, I gained another reason why I loathe the treadmill. I'll take honking cars, barking dogs, and pavement any day.

#7: The dangerous hazard of flying musical technology.

Lesson #11: Only of little profit

I haven't been running due to the nagging issue of plantar fasciitis. 2 weeks of NO running has seemed like a year and I honestly can't remember how good it feels, but I miss it greatly. Instead, I've been swimming, doing elliptical, cycling, taking strength classes, etc. All of these are great activities, but nothing quite compares to running for me. Anyone with me on this? :-) I'm confident that this too shall pass and I'll be back on the road again, but until then, I've received a great peace in a perspective from the book of Timothy.

I was once again reminded in Timothy 4:8 of this much needed verse: "For bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." Every time I read this verse it hits me hard on the head. All the hours I put into bodily discipline will only benefit me for a short while...that being the time I am on earth. Now, I argue that bodily discipline teaches you about spiritual discipline and it enables one to actually fulfill the calling God has given them on this world. So, it is important. But, our time on earth is quickly fleeting, like the withering grass. The hours I spend training for races, wiping the sweat off my face at the gym, and inhaling chlorine as I attempt to swim laps, will not account for anything when I stand before my Savior in Heaven. This verse tells us that the spiritual discipline of godliness will profit me in ALL things! That phrase 'all things' means now and the life to come in glory with Him. Doesn't it put everything into proper perspective? Really, if you miss that 6:00 a.m. morning run, it will be okay...God's word says so.

I was just at the gym for 2 hours. Have I spent two hours in God's word and in prayer today? Can you think of the possibilities if I did? I typically feel more frustrated and shamed if I miss a workout than if I miss a day in bible study. It is time to reverse that thinking and let God's word and prayer be my endurance and strength builder.

Let's be fixing our hope on Him.

Lesson #10: Dynamic Stretching

I believe I may have unclear with my tip on stretching in lesson 9. Here is my attempt to clarify and give you some helpful information. I had stated that static stretching, or stretching without warming up, offers no value to your body and can possibly lead to injury. Before every race, I jog 1-2 miles slowly to warm up my muscles and then I stretch. And I always stretch for a good 10-15 minutes after every run. If you are looking for something to do before you run, please see the link below to learn about 'dynamic stretching.' This uses movement to loosen up muscles and increase blood flow. I hope this helps as you continue on the run!

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/1,7124,s6-241-287--13442-0,00.html