When I was a young man in my twenties, I decided to take up running. I discovered that I not only loved the sport, but I was a halfway decent runner. I built up my endurance to the point that averaged about 40-50 miles of running each week. I was strikingly thin at 5′ 11″ tall and 145 pounds. I often won my age divisions at local races and occasionally won the entire race at small events around eastern Kentucky.
Well, that was then and this in now! I’m still 5′ 11″ tall, but the rest is none of your cotton-pickin’ business. Let’s just say, my waist size has increased three inches since those days. Recently, I decided that enough is enough — I’m gettin’ in shape!
When I was in shape, I would often take long training runs up to 20 miles in length. Now, it’s difficult to even jog around the block. I realize that it’s going to be a long, slow process, but I’ve got to start somewhere.
Many times, our spiritual journey is a lot like my physical journey. We fall off after a period of spiritual fitness and frankly, we know we’re not where we should be. In order to regain our fitness, we have to become more disciplined in our spiritual lives. Does that describe you? I have committed to become more fit it all areas of my life and I invite you to join me.
Will you join me in this journey? I’m writing about it here to build in some accountability.
Give me a shout-out here on the blog if you will join me to provide a level of accountability with your decision. May God bless you in your efforts. Keep pressing forward Here’s a great theme passage….
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
Steve Rice 
I’m in, Brother Steve. As my kids would say when they were little “pray for me & I’ll pray for you.”
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I feel that I have been exercising my spiritual walk with the Lord lately, but am all about entering into more physical exercise!!!
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I may be interested.. I’m sure you’re way more advanced than I am… Let me know what training will be involved.
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Laurie, I hope to start by eating more healthy and adding moderate exercise. Walking, jogging, biking…..anything to get me out there and sweating a little. I’ll try to blog about it some as I go along to create some accountability. Let me know what your ideas might be as well.
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I know you can do it!
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The wonderful people at FBC have been such a boon to my spiritual health since I arrived in Shelbyville, I’m inviting you all to join the increasing number of FBC members and Shelbyville folks who work out at Shelby Fit for Life. We try to make it fun and not such a drudge to workout. Come in free for a week and give it a whirl. Or if you just need a jumpstart, we are doing lots of good programs on healthy eating & smart exercise in January. I hope this doesn’t sound like an advertisement, that is not my intent. Just know that there’s a safe, fun place to get the physical part of you in shape (and we get the emotional side on the upswing, too). We have amazingly talented trainers who offer support. We are doing a fun “Resolution Solution” club to help keep folks motivated. Join us!
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Lou Elliott has initiated the “pickle ball” game in the FBC gym. No, it doesn’t have anything to do with a pickle. It is like tennis/bad minton/ping pong. if anyone is interested in this fun game and a great workout, let me or Lou know.
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There are a group of nice folks who run every Saturday morning together. They meet at the Kroger parking lot pretty early and run through town. Not everyone is at the same level. (Some run a lot longer than others) I hear its a great group!
Maybe as you build up you could run with them.
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