Running our Race -- at our own Pace! Part 3 ~ Boredom

Running our Race -- at our own Pace!

 Boredom is a terrible thing!

Part 3 ~ Boredom

Similar to Rosie's blue Brooks running shoes on cover of Lady on the Run 

(these are my walking shoes that Robinski bought me)

Exerpts from original manuscript  Lady on the Run:

Boredom can be another obstacle.  I've met women who absolutely dislike running.  If you've been running for several months and still dread the thought of having to run regularly, perhaps you should try another aerobic exercise program, or mix running with other aerobic activities.  I play racquetball or tennis on those off days.  I've also added swimming to my list when I'm near a swimming pool.  Winter sports like skiing is an excellent aerobic activity, especially when you're eating all those delicious dinners at the end of a day on the slopes!  Remember, God won't call us to do something we detest.  Instead, He will direct your path to an aerobic program that best suits you.

Boredom, if not dealt with, can easily cause one to become an ex-runner.  When we discussed this issue in our class, we discovered that we all had been plagued with boredom at one time or another.  We also agreed that running can depend more on our mental attitude than on our physical ability.  In running our physical race it seems that the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.  We desire to be in good physical condition while our body and mind resists, refusing to put forth the effort.

Our class came up with some solutions to this problem, but I still needed some spiritual insight to the situation.  While running one morning I asked my heavenly trainer, Why is keeping physically fit sometimes such an effort?  Why do I even have to run at all?  He answered through His word.

... for unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.

Luke 12:48b

The answer was clear.  I have been given a healthy body so He requires me to maintain it.  He doesn't require as much from those less fortunate, although I have seen many who are less fortunate run circles around little ol' me.  I've often taken my good health for granted, not realizing my total responsibility for the upkeep.  So I prayed, Thank you for my health, Lord.  I won't complain again about having to put forth the effort.  I'll show you my gratitude by keeping my body in condition.

Here are a few suggestions when you feel you're on the threshold of boredom:

• If you run in the morning, try running in the afternoon or evening.
• If you run around your block, go to the local school track, or run around a different street.
• If you run around the block clockwise, try running counter-clockwise.
• If you always run one mile, go for two.
• If you run for twenty minutes, try thirty.
• Be a little competitive--take off to places unknown. Of course make sure it's a safe place, be sure to tell someone ... and carry your cell phone.
• Try counting all the blue--yellow, purple--houses in your neighborhood.
• If you always run at the same pace, slowly increase your speed.

Boredom is one of many obstacles that Satan uses to discourage us in both or physical and spiritual races.  Most often we submit to these obstacles when we have become lukewarm.  God warns us of becoming lukewarm in our spiritual race.

So because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold or hot,

I will spew (spit) you out of my mouth. (ouch!)

Revelation 3:16

It's dangerous to become lukewarm in either race because it gives Satan an open door to destroy the good work that God has begun in us.  We must always be ready to stand against our enemy when he attacks.  When we have our armor on, as mentioned in Ephesians 3, we can overcome those obstacles in our path.

When I begin my daily run, my heart rate suddenly speeds up, I'm breathing faster, and I might start feeling a minor ache or pain for approximately ten minutes.  This is when I can easily find an excuse to stop.  Well, it's another one of those days again (seems like I said that yesterday); My right knee hurts (last week it was my left one); I  better stop because I don't want to do any permanent damage to my ankle (or foot, or ... ).

The first mile is the hardest but as I continue running at my own pace, a relaxed feeling begins to come over me by the second mile.  When I reach this point, I'm happy that I pressed on.

Jesus taught us about going the second mile in our spiritual race.  Many times it's convenient for us to go the first mile but to go the second mile?  I don't have enough time.   I'm not ready.  We always seem to have excuses.  Need an example?  I'll call Debbie and invite her to the running class, but go pick her up?  Oh, no, I don't have enough time.  What I'm actually saying is, I don't want to go the second mile.

I've learned that the more we start replying, Okay, Lord, I'll obey and go the second mile, is when it will become second nature.  It won't be long before we'll find ourselves wanting to go the third, fourth, and beyond.  That's obedience, endurance, and victory!

Endurance is the theme for my next blog.  Until then, keep reading and keep that body movin!

And whosoever shall compel thee to go one mile, go with him two.

Matthew 5:41

www.amazon.com/author/www.sharonleaf.com

Running our Race -- at our own pace! Part 2 ~ Goals

 "When the going gets tough, the tough get going ...

... whether they feel like it or not!"

Part 2 ~ Goals

My medal for running a 5K with daughter Jacquie and granddaughter Destinee in 2006 in Huntington Beach (Surf City) CA when I was just 60! Of course we were awarded a t-shirt!

I attained my goal to run the Rose Bowl 1/2 marathon back in the 70's.

And just a few weeks ago I reached another goal -- I turned 75!

"Alive at 75!" is my latest motto!

When my Mama went to heaven at the young age of 66 

I made a goal to reach 66 ... and I did!

Since then, every year I make a new goal ... 70 ... and now 75!

The path wasn't easy. I suffered a heart attack at 49, a knee replacement at 70,

and now I have issues with my back, right leg and hip.  Ugh!

I still have goals. I don't have a goal to run another 5K

but hopefully I'll reach my goal to 'walk' a 5K!

Here is another excerpt from my original manuscript, Let Us Run that is included in my published novel

Lady on the Run

Goals bring forth another quality to our race.  Strength.  When we gradually extend ourselves to reach our physical goals, our body continues to strengthen.  The higher the hill, the harder we work.  And as we patiently run towards that goal, our legs, heart, and lungs work together, giving us the ability to forge ahead.  Finally, we reach our goal, and how do we feel?  Most likely tired.  But much stronger!  We reached our goal.  We are physically fit and prepared to fight off any obstacle that should try to attack our body.

And so it is with our spiritual race.  We approach that hill, which often seems like a mountain, and we begin to seek God through His word, prayer, and fellowship.  You can hear Him with your spiritual ears saying, You can do this.

The higher the hill--no matter how high--the harder we have to fight.  As we patiently run towards our goal, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit works together through us, and we forge ahead.  And guess what?  We reach our goal!  What a challenge!  What victory!  How do we feel?  Most likely tired, but much stronger.  We are spiritually fit and prepared to fight off any obstacle that Satan puts before us.  Through the years, I've had to fight spiritual battles regarding my family.  I'm sometimes blindsided so my mind starts to play tricks on me.  I worry.  Then fear hits.  That's when I adjust my spiritual armor and pray!  When I see the results, I raise my hands in victory!  Another battle won!

After running The Los Angeles Athletic Club 10K race (my first 10K race) I was inspired to set a goal to reach my dream of running the thirteen-mile Rose Bowl half-marathon.  Another challenge.  Another victory!

Perhaps you have no desire to run six miles, or even three, you might want to set a goal of one mile or two miles several times a week.  Perhaps you'd rather increase your speed, or your time.  Whatever suits you and your schedule will work best for you.  Make your goal attainable, always building up gradually.  Your heavenly trainer will take you one physical step at a time, just as He does in your spiritual race.

For it is precept upon precept,

line upon line, here a little, there a little.

Isaiah 28:10

As you reach one goal, you may want to set another.  A few women in my running class who started with a goal of two miles ended up running several 10K runs with me.  Some women increased their speed, while others increased their distance.  My mentor and forever friend, Mary, chose to train with me to run our first half-marathon.  At 56, she always kept up with my 34-year-old body!

There more you run, jog, or walk, as millions of women testify, running can be addictive.  From my personal experience and from those of other runners, a warning is due.  Just when you're settling in a great running routine, Satan will try to hinder you from reaching your goals.  He will put obstacles in your path to keep you from running the race that is set before you.

My first 10K run in Los Angeles 1978

Oh the joy as I crossed the finish line in the Los Angeles Coliseum!

Home of the 1932 and 1984 Summer Olympics

My first obstacle came while training for my first 10K.  I had been running before, during, and after my runs with an annoying pain in my right ankle.  There were days when I was tempted to give up.  Recognizing this as an obstacle, I iced my ankle and declared, "I'm not giving up and I claim victory in Jesus!"  Slowly, the pain disappeared.  I thanked Him, and continued pressing on to the L.A. 10K race.

What victory we often forfeit in our lives by giving up too soon.  Many blessings we'll receive as we overcome the obstacles in our path.  When our goals are finally reached, nothing can take the place of that feeling of victory.

However, I must add that if or when you are in continuous pain in any area of your body, you should consult with your doctor.

I'll be talking about Boredom in my next blog.  Yes, we can get bored running, walking, just with life in general.  So tune in next time.  Until then,

Whether near or far, keep reading and keep that body movin'!

www.amazon.com/author/www.sharonleaf.com

 

 

Lady and the Sea vs. Lady on the Run

 Lady Traveler answers the question

I've been asked this question over the last few weeks:

"Which book should I read first?

Lady and the Sea

or Lady on the Run?"

My answer:

It doesn't really matter.

Set in the '70s, Lady on the Run is a prequel to 

Lady and the Sea (set in the '90s).

Both novels will encourage and inspire you to

inhale deep breaths of faith, exhale out all the fears

then run toward your dreams!

A note from Rosie to Sharon:

"You really never understood me.

What I really want is to run free for the rest of my days.

Simple freedom to run where my body and spirit take me.

No car.  No plane.  Just me."

If that's you, then read Lady on the Run first.

Then you'll be ready for Lady and the Sea

where Rosie and the MS Restoration--two resilient ladies

who find their lives re-purposed--set on new courses

as they share a transforming journey from dry dock to

crossing the open seas.

I wish you oceans of reading blessings, and remember ...

... keep that body movin!

Therefore we don't faint, but though our outward man is decaying,

yet our inward man is renewed day by day!

2 Corinthians 4:16

http:/www.sharonleaf.com

http:/www.amazon.com/author/www.sharonleaf.com 

"Lady on the Run" is running!

I'm late in posting this blog because

I FORGOT to post it!

Did you ever have those days, weeks, or even months of forgetfullness?

Well, this was my month.

But here it is anyway.

And Be sure to read the last paragraph!

My first 10K run 1978
The Los Angeles Marathon
finishing in the Los Angeles Coliseum!

My first half-marathon with my friend Mary.
Rose Bowl Marathon 1979

My running days in the '70s


This was a special week for me.
I finished my proposal for
LADY on the RUN.
I emailed the proposal
to an agent who was referred to me.
Scary and freeing at the same time.
Click!  Send!  Done.

Now I'm taking a few deep breaths,
throwing a few items in my carry-on,
and flying to California
to my 55-year-high school reunion!

In my spare moments, I sit here and
create a new FaceBook page titled,
Lady on the Run with Sharon Leaf
Not much on it yet, but it's fun to
DREAM.

As all writers know,
there are many facets of writing.
Dreaming.  Creating.
Writing.  Working.
Re-writes.
Marketing via
Facebook.  Blogging.
 Instagram.
Pintrest.  On and on and on.
Editing.  Submitting.
Waiting.
And of course a few (or more) rejections.

Many women tell me,
"I want to write a book but I don't know where to start.
I answer,  "Just write.  Write.  Write."
You can do the rest as time goes by.
Keep writing.
Join a critique group.  A writers group like  Word Weavers.
Attend writers conferences, workshops, retreats.
Always read.  And learn.

And with that, I shall close for now.

I wish you oceans of blessings!


"Let us run with patience the race that is set before us.
Hebrews 12:1


UPDATE:
My So-Cal trip was a blast!
It was a wonderful experience seeing my old Downey High School buddies!
We had a blast recalling all the memories.
Because of FaceBook we can chat and visit
when we have a few minutes here and there in our busy lives.


BIG UPDATE: The day before we flew to So-Cal we ...
sold our house ...
and bought our long-awaited condo on Lake Murray!
And that's what my next blog is about,
so stay tuned!
At the moment I'm neck-deep in boxes~
moving day is this Thursday and Friday!
EEEEEEK!!!!!

www.sharonleaf.com 

To order LADY and the SEA  and/or  LADY on the RUN go to:

www.amazon.com/author/www.sharonleaf.com

Lady Traveler asks, What are you wRiting for? and Who are you wRiting for?

Stay focused

Whether you are a wRiter, fRiend, aRtist, or just like to stop by my blog, I must share a story that will make you think twice before beginning your next venture.

One winter night composer Johann Sebastian Bach was scheduled to debut a new composition.  He arrived at the church expecting it to be full.  He soon learned that no one had come.  Without missing a beat, he told the musicians that they would still perform as planned.  Bach raised his baton, and soon the empty church was filled with magnificent music.

Doesn't this story make you want to do some soul searching?  I closed my laptop and asked myself, would I write if God were my only audience?  Would my writing be any different?

Bach's story reminded me to stay focused on what God has called me to write, whether anyone shows up or not.  The stories will fall into the hands of those who need to be encouraged along their spiritual journey.  That is why I wrote and published Lady and the Sea, and that is why I am continuing my writing journey with Lady on the Run, a book to help women run their physical and spiritual race at their own pace.  Believe me, I'm writing from my own personal experience--I know the importance of not comparing our race with others.  From walking to jogging, from jogging to running, we can run our race successfully if it is at our own pace.

That my ways might show forth Your glory,

That You, dear Lord, greatly deserve!

With Your precious blood You've redeemed me--

In all my days, You I would serve!  ~  Somerville 

God's Word reminds us,

Do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them.  Matthew 6:1

I'm writing for you, Lord

To order Lady and the Sea  and/or  Lady on the Run  go to:

www.amazon.com/author/www.sharonleaf.com

www.sharonleaf.com