Thursday, June 4, 2009

Conditioning

Ok, this is my first post from my iPhone, so first off please excuse any misspellings. I am waiting to get my laptop back from bluescreen of death heaven!

Last week I started training for a 5k run. A friend sent me an 18 wk training program and told me to start on wk 10 since I do spin regularly. Now first off, I do not consider myself a runner.....in fact when I run I think about that Friends episode where Phoebe teaches Rachel to run with her arms and legs flailing all over the place.

So I start off with wk 10 last week where you run 7 min, walk 3 min and repeat 4 times. Well, I could do 3 reps of that, but doggone if I couldn't go 4. I emailed my friend and asked if I could back it up a few weeks. He put me on wk 7 where you run 4 min, walk 3 min at 5 reps. Much better!

I am getting ready for camp, so I am doing spin and running to build endurance for the ominous Crest, the hardest, steepest hike Blue Haven has to offer. I have never climbed the Crest in all my years at CBH. When you get to the top you get your picture taken brushing your teeth with.....that's right, Crest toothpaste. It's quite an accomplishment.

Since we have been studying 2 Pet the idea of conditioning has been plaguing my thoughts. Peter talks about adding things to our faith; goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. In my mind it is a sort of building block process of conditioning our spirits.

When I was trying to bite off too much with running last week, I didn't get far. I so desparately want to possess those spiritual qualities, but sometimes I wonder if I would be better off focusing on one building block at a time. Paul talks a lot about preparing for the race. You don't just do that by signing up for the marathon without gradually building up to it. This is where my lack of patience waylays me!

So I ask for your prayers, both physically and spiritually, that I can prepare myself for the race and that God will give me the discipline and perseverance it will take to accomplish these things. I know the training doesn't come without pain and doubt, but I've got the best coach getting me ready!

7 comments:

cemotosnack said...

I hope that camp goes well and that you finally get to brush your teeth! :)

Funny that there are things we know and apply to other areas, but we fail to apply them to ourselves.

In teaching we are well aware of the foundation that has to be present. If a student is missing the basics then there's nothing to build on.

It's the same way with us. We have to have that firm Foundation or we have nothing to build on. Reminds me of the wise man building that house. Build it slowly and build it strong ... and never ever stop the building.

Good thoughts Sarah ... thanks.

Lisa said...

Just remember: You're an ANIMAL!!!

I know you're going to exceed even your own expectations in both your physical and spiritual conditioning. "For His divine power has given us everything we need . . ." It has always been in you and He will be there every step of the way. You know I pray for you daily, dear friend.

Su said...

You can totally do this. The more I run, the more I get why Paul used so many sports metaphors, because running & life have a lot in common.

I started running with a 2/1 run/walk ratio, and I thought going to 3/1 was so hard. Then, a couple of weeks later, I went to 4/1, and I thought I would die! But after that, the increases were no problem at all. Have fun! You will own that hike!

Anonymous said...

Just as you dedicate yourself to physically training your body, I see you dedicate yourself to training your mind and heart. We know that it takes work to build our lives in the way God wants it done. It doesn't just happen, we must build it. We can't jump too far ahead and expect to be an expert at that level. But we can do it..God's way...step by step.

Go get 'em!!

Sarah said...

Hey ladies, thanks for the encouragement! I am really enjoying this new adventure! I started wk 8 today and increased run/decreased walk time. I thought it would be tough, but honestly it was fun! I think wk 9 & 10 r gonna rough because I will be running in the mountains. Pray for my lungs!

Love all of yous!

Mommahen said...

Sarah I love you and am praying for your on-going conditioning.

barry said...

As a track coach, I know the training that goes into an effort worth succeeding in... And I know mountains. There is nothing better that you can do than to train for the mountains and train in the mountains.....High altitude training is why the US Olympics teams train in Colorado Springs.....You need to hit Wheeler next.....I know a guide who knows those mountains well. Praying for you and I know you climbed Hermits' today....