Pushing through the Tough Times

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you now that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.  – James 1:2-4

I am in the midst of training for the half marathon that I run on an annual basis.  I try to stay in decent shape throughout the year, participating in some smaller runs here and there, as well even testing myself with obstacle course races and the like.  This morning was the longest run I have been on in some time, six miles.  Unfortunately, the humidity was over 90% and the run just sort of went south after the first few miles.  There were times during the run I just considered cutting it to a four mile run and coming back another day to try again.

When my runs go south, like this one did, I tend to talk to myself.  I talk to myself about quitting.  I talk to myself about why in the world I am even out there, I’m 43 years old.  I try to remind myself of the benefits of grinding it out and even encourage myself with the fact that most people just opt to take it easy and not even try.  When I get past all of the whining, I try and remind myself of this, even though I wanted to keep my pace under ten minute miles and I am now pushing eleven minute miles, even though my legs are screaming and my lungs are burning, even though I just about need gills to breath in the over saturated air, it is these tough runs where the difference is really made.  The cool, brisk, dry mornings are great, but it is here in these tough runs, that the real difference is made.

I know that in life things are much the same.  Tough times are never fun.  There are times that everything within us is screaming quit.  It is hard for us to see how we can possible keep on pressing.  But I am reminded that scripture tells me to count it all joy when I meet trials of various kinds.  I am reminded that these seasons of testing are working out something in me.  I am also reminded that as things are being worked out in me, I am moving toward the man God would have me be.

I finished the run this morning, it was slow.  My average mile pace was 10:50, about a minute slower than I hoped.  But, I got it done.  I got some hill work in and I will definitely be running my half marathon in much better conditions, as it is in November.  How do you finish such a run?  Keep moving.  Without a doubt some are going through some difficult trials.  How do you make it through?  Keep moving, talk to yourself, but most importantly talk to the Lord.