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

NEW Book Release! Lady on the Run is published!

Lady on the Run is now published!

Rosie ... on the Run!
(the cover tells a story)

My journey to have my latest novel published

has been a long one, but so rewarding in many ways.
I compare it to running a marathon and finally crossing the finish line!

I have learned (over and over)
the importance of God's timing.

In fact, He gave me the last sentence of the book
the night before I was to have my manuscript formatted!

A little history of this story ...

I wrote Lady on the Run in the 70's as a non-fiction,

but due to several 'life-happenings'
I tossed my manuscript in a box ... until a few years ago.

As I sat and re-read the forty-some-year-old typed pages

I knew the story would become a novel.

That's when Rosie's journey began ....

Lake Tahoe 1977

Rosie's running days began in the mid-70's.

Years before she traveled the world,

Rosie was a stay-at-home Mom 

who by happenstance became an avid runner.

Her inspiring story will find you laughing on one page,

perhaps crying on the next,
and like Rosie, challenging you personally to ask,
What am I running from? 
and more important,
What am I running to?

If you're already into health, fitness, and fun,

or thinking about health, fitness, and fun*,

or would rather just read about health, fitness, and fun,

then Lady on the Run is for you.
(*A Ladies on the Run Handbook in the back of book)

Here is one of several reviews:

"Sharon Leaf's 40 years of running experience, quirky characters, and engaging story produce a book guaranteed to motivate, educate, and entertain.  Lady on the Run will inspire wanna-be runners to take their first steps toward physical (and spiritual) health.  Those who already run will be challenged to set new goals and  train not just for running their physical races, but for running their spiritual race--at their own pace!"

              Lori Slice Hatcher, author of Hungry for God, Starving for Time, 
              5-minute Devotions for Busy Women

You can now order
Lady on the Run
Paperback and ebook
on the following links:

www.amazon.com/dp/B08BMKCGH5

amazon.com/gp/product/B08B379FBY

My Author Page:

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


I wish you oceans of joyful Reading, wRiting, and Running blessings!


Smooth out your road in front of me,
straight and level
so that I'll know where to walk.
Psalm 5:8

The Los Angeles Marathon 1978
My first 10K ... 6.2 miles ... running in my baby blue Brooks!
The finish line was in the Los Angeles Coliseum
Home of the 1932 and 1984 Olympics

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

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

Traveling through Time

Jacquie's 48th Birthday
Me, Jacquie, and Destinee (my granddaughter)

As we travel on life's way, we meet with angels everyday.

Our daughter turned forty-eight last week.  

When did my sweet little girl grow up to become this 

charming, beautiful woman?  

If we could only hold time in a bottle.  

If we could remember every moment.  

But life isn't that way.  

Where was I when I was forty-eight?  

On the WWII ship, MS Restoration, as a 

volunteer on the maiden voyage from Seattle, Washington, 

to Stockholm, Sweden, and 

ultimately sailing to the Black Sea to 

transport Russian Jews to Haifa, Israel.  

Wonderful memories.  

Glad I can remember.

in my little cabin on WWII ship MS Restoration 1994

I'm not feeling poetic today.  

Words are not coming smoothly.  

In fact, my mind is a bit cloudy from all of the 

different directions it is going 

... planning Rob's mother's 90th birthday ... 

... planning our Costa Rica holiday... 

... attending meetings for the opening of NewSpring Church-Lexington ... 

... making doctor's and dentist appointments ... 

... just your ordinary daily activities.  

I have mine.  You have yours.

In the midst of our daily routines, we must 

take time to sit, relax, reflect, meditate, and pray. 

That is where our peace flows from.  

The Lord is waiting for us to calm our minds and focus on Him, even for ten minutes.  

He enjoys our friendship. 

Before I sat down at my iMac, 

I had so many great thoughts to share.  

Now I cannot remember them. 

Happens a lot lately.  

So I write what's on my mind at the moment.  

Take time for loved ones.  

Send a note.  Make a phone call.  

Take a short visit.  Plan a lunch date.  

Surely you can think of a kind gesture to make someone happy.  

I did.

Mary and Me
Morro Bay, California 2013
We haven't changed much!

Mary and Me
Half-marathon day 1982

The other day I picked up the phone and 

called my 90-year-old friend, Mary, who 

lives near Morro Bay, California.  

She was so happy to hear from me so that made MY day.  

We didn't talk long, just long enough to share our love. 

 I love traveling to see Mary.  

You see, she has been my mentor for years.  

We ran our first half-marathon together 30-some years ago 

when we both lived in southern California 

(I write about it in my upcoming book, Lady on the Run). 

 That's one great way to bond, wouldn't you say? 

Whether near or far, I see Mary's smile, hear her laughter.  

She loves the Lord, has a glass of evening wine, and has 

stayed active through the years.  

Mary still takes short hikes up the hill behind her house 

(with an escort now).  

She didn't know she was my mentor until I told her on the phone.  

I wanted her to know how much her life had influenced me.  

She was stunned and happy at the same time.

Today's Tip: 

Make someone happy today.  

Has someone influenced you?  

Have you told them yet? 

 Lets remember, it's not all about us. 

I sometimes need someone to remind me of this.

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, 

for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.  Hebrews 13:2