Archive for category Running
You Light My Path
Posted by Stephen C. Rice in Discipleship, Running on October 8, 2010
I could hardly sleep last night because of the anticipation of trying out my new Petzl Tikka Plus 2 Headlamp at 5:30 am this morning. I went with this particular model because it had great reviews and was very affordable. Until this morning, I had never run with a headlamp. On several recent morning runs, I ran along the unlit path blindly–hoping that I did not trip or step on something.
BUT….this morning, thanks to my Petzl Tikka Plus 2 Headlamp, that ALL CHANGED! I could see! I could see well! Now, I couldn’t see everything because it was dark, but I could see the path well.
I was reminded of the fact that God’s Word is like a headlamp. It lights our path so we can see where to take the next step. God does not always show us the entire horizon in life, but He promises to “direct our steps” and He promises to “light our path.” I have personally found God to be very faithful to those promises in my life.
“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
“If the Lord delights in a man’s way, He makes his steps firm.” Psalm 37:23 (NIV)
Bring on the Rain
Posted by Stephen C. Rice in Church Chat, Discipleship, Life Happens, Running on July 20, 2010
If you saw me head out the door of my comfortable, dry house this morning during a torrential downpour, you probably thought I was BONKERS, CRAZY, CUCKOO, DERANGED, FRUITY, NUTS, SCREWY, UNGLUED…..or just plain WACKY. But actually one of the things I look forward to most as a runner is running in the rain.
Think about it for a minute. When you were young, your parents rarely allowed you to venture outside during a storm and even more rarely allowed you to splash through deep puddles in your good tennis shoes. But now that I’m an adult (I realize that’s still being debated in some circles), I can do whatever I want. My two or three top running memories all involve the rain, so BRING ON THE RAIN!
One of my favorite Christian recording groups, Casting Crowns, has a song called Praise You in the Storm. I couldn’t help but think of the following powerful lyrics as I was having an awesome, soggy moment early this morning:
I’ll praise you in this storm and I will lift my hands. For You are who You are no matter where I am. And every tear I’ve cried, You hold in your hand. You never left my side and though my heart is torn, I will praise You in this storm!
BE ENCOURAGED my friend. The God of the sunshine is also God during the storms of life. Praise Him in all things for He alone is worthy!
Slow and Steady
Posted by Stephen C. Rice in Running on May 22, 2010
Like most runners, Saturday is usually my “long day.” On my long run, I try to run about 30% of my weekly mileage at a slow, steady pace. This morning my goal was simply to keep moving for 2 hours. Although there were times that an observer might have wondered if I was moving or not, I managed to keep moving for a little over 2 hours. I think I covered around 9 miles.
Since I’m just getting back into shape, I used the Jeff Galloway run/walk method. Jeff recommends that you use some walk breaks on your long runs so you can keep moving longer. He says that this method is especially effective when you’re trying to lose weight because you start burning fat around the 45 minute mark. Let’s hope I burned at least 75 minutes of fat this morning.
I saw runners all over Shelbyville on my trek. I could tell that lots of them are in much better shape than I am at this point. Of course, I could easily be discouraged by that, but I will not let it discourage me–I will let it inspire me. More power to them! They have lived a more disciplined life in the area of physical fitness than me, so they deserve to be more fit.
Alright, I guess that’s enough for this morning. Now it time for a big bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios with some delicious skim milk. Thanks for letting me share about one of my passions.
