Running again

It certainly feels good to run again.

Four months ago, I had such a bad injury on not one, but both knees, that the doctor pronounced me unable to run again, ever. She calmly told me that the knees can give way any time. I felt devastated back then as running is something I have grown to enjoy. In fact, months earlier, another doctor firmly told me to refrain from running or taking part in any vigorous sports, and recommended me qigong instead. It was in response to some vertigo spells that I had.

Now, what's a man in his late 30s to do when faced with such pronouncements? I haven't climbed mountains or trekked to the Poles yet. I still have marathons to run!

The 4 months crept by. Each Sat, I thought I would be able to put on my running shoes and just try to run a little, but the best I managed was a power walk. I felt my knees about to give way on a couple of occasions while running to catch a bus.

A few weeks back, I tried running again. I would do about 2 km, then rest for a few days before trying again. I upped the distance to 6 km, and then 2 weeks ago, I pushed myself to complete 10 km. That last run took every ounce of my strength before pain started shooting out from my knees and feet. It was a humbling experience, but well worth it. I recovered some days later and I know that I am back in the running business.

Life is a lot like running long distance. The apostle Paul frequently made references to running in urging believers to keep their faith. He says in 1 Corinthians 9: 26-27 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

And again in Galatians 5:7, Paul asked "You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?"

Many things can keep us from running a good race. We can get distracted by negative thoughts, we can give in to the demands of our bodies, or we can be discouraged when overtaken by others. This is especially true in running long distance when there's ample room for such feelings or thoughts to surface. The only way to overcome is to press on and know why we are running.

In Hebrews 12:1, Paul said "... let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." This is our race, our event. So, let's persevere, focus, and press on. A race isn't over till it's over. I am glad I pressed on. I have got mountains to climb and Poles to trek to. My race isn't over yet.

May God bless you,

Thomas