 |
| Mr. Personal Trainer - Brandon Armstrong, me, and Mrs. Personal Trainer - Megan Armstrong |
As you know I have been flirting with the runner's world of life. I have to be honest with you. I met it with some resistance. Not because of the activity itself but for my lack of belief in my skills. I had no confidence in my abilities.
Enter Philippians 4:13. It was the very verse that I was quoting to myself when i was in the last mile of the Pistol Pete 5K on Saturday. I had already passed the 30 minute mark on the clock, I had been running longer than I had all week. Let me tell you..30 minutes is a while to do anything vigorous, especially as a beginner. There was one more hill to go. I had my personal trainer Brandon by my side speaking words of encouragement. My lungs were spent, but my legs were surprisingly still going strong. If there was an extra boost of energy that was needed, it would be now. I was mentally calling 911.
My flare prayer at that moment was "God, I just want to make it up this hill". Then I recited Philippians 4:13. "I can do everything through Him who gives strength." And it happened, I swallowed God's truth as my energy pill. As I rounded the corner I could see the finish line. I was focused, intent, driven. And then...I heard myself say..."I can't." Brandon said, "YES you CAN!! Go Janelle!" And go I did...(he might have given me a swift kick..I am not sure.)
The next thing I know I heard cheers...clapping...shouting...people lined the sides of the course...telling me to go, go, go. If you are a runner, there is nothing like strangers showing their appreciation for your sweaty efforts. The finish line held promise. The next few minutes were a blur...I was nothing but an orange streak. I ran..and ran fast. Brandon says that happens...I guess that's why you eat pasta the night before. I finished the race! I crossed the finish line running a 5K in 38 minutes. Not bad for practically no training. Again, I remembered what had just powered me through.
There is a sense of accomplishment that comes with knowing that you overcame something really hard. This was hard for me, because I am in the beginning stages of running. As I progress, I have hope that the difficulty will get easier. That's what Brandon tells me. He tells me a lot of things about myself. He sees my potential. I am starting to believe.
Philippians 4:13 strikes a soul chord that strums hope. When I am facing something impossible in nature, I can step forward with confidence. Running is not a natural thing. BUT now... "I can do...." regardless of what the finish lines holds. I received a medal! I still think it was a pity vote, I won in the "celebrity" category. I really didn't do anything extraordinary...I didn't expel any special powers or rock any kind of running skill. I just tried, I put forth a little effort and I became a believer.
What verse has helped you "power through"?
P.S. My personal trainers have blogs too! Read them...Brandon Armstrong & Megan Armstrong
1 comment:
Same verse, can't run though, last time I tried tore a hole in something in my left knee but it helps me with the exercises that I can. You have even got me thinking, maybe I should give running a try again but right now walking and the exercise ball is what I can muster!
Post a Comment