What feels natural....

The Mini Marathon is coming up in 2 weeks from Saturday.  I'm getting a tad nervous.  I think because I feel like the past few runs have been going down hill instead of improving.  But trying not to focus on the bad, just the positive & just visualize that finish line... that's all that matters - crossing it.

I have noticed something though with every run I've been doing though lately.  When you start off, you'd think that's when you feel the strongest - right?  Well, not so much.  Every time, I notice that first mile is HARD - & by hard, I mean in breathing. 

You get going & your body knows its not the same rate of speed you normally take in air.  Its more like you are gasping like a dead fish on land - trying to get more air then you needed just a few minutes before. 

The heart rate shoots up to a much higher rate then it normally is (mine will get up to around 150-160) & the body just feels the changes....

...& the body RESISTS...

Everything in you wants to scream - STOP!  Just walk!  Just stop & take a few deep breaths & get back to the way your body normally feels.

But then a weird thing happens... you get over it... for me, its about mile 3 & then next thing I know, I'm breathing at a normal pace, my heart rate is still at 150-160 but it doesnt bother me, it all just feels normal.  My legs will be moving & I am actually not even paying any attention to them... I'm more focused on the scenery or what's going on around me.....it all just feels natural....

I thought about that the other day & how when we start in our Christian walk, our bodies & minds & hearts almost start to panic, like the air isnt there to breath.  "You mean I have to follow this rule?" ..... "You mean I have to give THAT up?"... "You mean I SHOULDNT do this anymore?".....& our instinct is to jump ship... go back to the life we lived before...

But you know what... the more you do it, the more you hang in with it - it all just feels natural.  Afterall, God created us to worship Him.  Its in our blood - its in our breath... its just finding that pace & then sitting back & enjoying the scenery & what's going on around us...

This Christian Lifestyle is one race I'm excited about being in... how about you?

Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they've got a second.

-William James