Last week at a women's breakfast, my good friend Debbie Pineda inspired all those in attendance to "stay the course." She encouraged each one to do as the apostle Paul instructed in Philippians 3 - to forget what is behind us and strain toward what is ahead." She compared her training for the grueling 1/2 marathon she ran the week prior to the Christian Race - our prize being heaven. She shared the difficulties she felt towards the end of the race - how those she started out with were no longer with her but were waiting for her at the finish line. She struggled but when she turned a corner, she was encouraged and found the strength to continue. At the finish line, her friends awaited and cheered her on. It didn't matter who finished first or when they finished - they were all encouragements and praises for one another because they finished. Just like the spiritual race - we encourage one another.
So just like everyone present, I was inspired and felt my spirit strengthened to continue the good fight in our Christian journey. But I was also inspired to do something else. You see, Debbie was my running partner several years ago. We trained together to run our first 5K run (the PacStar in 1995). Well, the running pair split up that summer. Debbie got married and I ran a different race (actually it was a chase - I chased after the man everyone now calls my husband). So Debbie's perseverance in the physical race made me feel that I could do it again. I will start in square one - but I will start.
Runner's Magazine says anyone can run. Suggested plan of attack - start with 30 minute walks. Then change one minute of the thirty to a job. Then proceed to changing two, then three, then four and so forth. Keep going until you can run the entire 30 minutes.
Statistics: Helen Nishihira, age 41 (42 in two weeks) and 186lbs (thats 76lbs over weight) And yes, I will run a race. First race: Kick the Fat 5K sponsored by Payless Enterprise. I will finish. And then I will move on to the next race. I've been going to the gym the past two weeks - 40 minutes on the treadmill.
My goal: to be able to run 40 minutes straight (no need to worry about speed or how far I go) and to lose my extra pounds. Yes I have a long ways to go but I'm gonna move TWO STEPS FORWARD - no turning back.
Helen, glad to hear you are motivated to "move forward". As you continue to move forward you will have doubts of your ability, as well, as your conscious telling you negative things. Do not be defeated but be encouraged, knowing you by exercising you are taking care of your body, the temple of God, and in doing so will be setting an example for your children, and for others to follow. One good thing about walking, or running; no matter the distance you do it is the same amount of calories being burned. So if you start to run, and feel you need to walk, then walk. Bottome line, you are MOVING FORWARD. God bless.. FYI...This is Bro. Art but don't know how to use the Comment as: field.
ReplyDeleteGood job Helen! :D Hey, would you want to be a guest blogger on my blog one of these days? Your blogs are always so inspiring...I could sure use some of that for my viewers (not that there are many but you know every little bit counts...)
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