In hindsight, I ought to credit the Holy Sprit — as in all things — for making me a runner. I never intended to be one. It was something that just sort of happened, about two years ago, when I decided I needed to find a way to exercise that would fit into my busy life. Running seemed the obvious answer: I could do it from my own home, whenever I had a free moment, without too much of an investment of time. From thence it began. My first “run,” a 2.6-mile loop through town that begins and ends at my front door, consisted mostly of walking. But over time, it became and honest-to-goodness trot. Then one day I tried doubling the loop and going 5.2 miles. Then 7.8. Two years later, I ran my first marathon this past Memorial Day. Despite a nagging knee injury (the result of over-training), I’m hooked.
What I also never expected — but what the Holy Spirit no doubt intended all along — was how running would contribute to my spiritual growth. I will write more about this as time goes on, but by way of my treks through the hills of my hometown, I have been blessed with some wonderful spiritual insights: a real sense of my utter dependence on God for all things, a fuller notion of what it means to empty one’s self, a greater appreciation for the redemptive value of suffering, and a deep joy that comes from discipline, patience, and prayerful solitude. I started running mostly for physical reasons; I now run mostly for spiritual ones.
Thus this blog. Here I hope to share and learn from the insights of other runners. I hope to highlight techniques, causes, races, and lessons that will serve Catholic runners — indeed all runners, all Catholics, or anyone with a love of truth and/or a passion for fitness. God willing, one day this blog will feature other bloggers besides myself, podcasts to bring along on the run, gear that reminds us of the only finish line that matters, and links to help us all run with endurance the race that is set before us. Till then, it begins with this post — may it be the first of many.
In Christ,
Chris
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Very well articulated, Chris! Running is a great time to pray and appreciate all that the Creator has done! It's a time to experience freedom and marvel at God's awesome work, which of course includes the workings and complex functions of the amazingly designed machine we refer to as the human body as it gobbles up the miles. Thank you Lord for every step and every breath, Amen!
ReplyDeleteHi Chris,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog! I am happy to see someone combine their spirituality with running. I hope the Holy Spirit will help me put these together too. I look forward to reading more of your blog.
Cherrie