Running Again

I was talking with one of my kids a week or so ago and realized I still have the desire to run. I haven’t really run, or even jogged, for some years. I used to be fanatical about it; I ran a few marathons, I enjoyed being on my treadmill for 40 miles a week. I’ve never been fast, but once I decided to be a runner, it’s taken multiple surgeries on my spine to keep me from it.

So I’ve traded the treadmill time for elliptical time. It is…alright. I still can get the blood pumping, get a sweat going. I read on my iPad, and I feel like I’m getting a couple good things done at the same time, while not being distracted with all the other responsibilities in my line of sight.

But I think I’ve caught bug to try to run again. I’m not sure that running another marathon is appropriate for a man with my problems, if it’s testing the Lord in the wrong way, but I’m thinking about it. I tried for 15 seconds one day last week, and realized I needed to shut it down. Ha.

I bring it up because, among all the small steps that would need to happen, losing some weight would be included. I ran my first marathon weighing a little more than I weigh now, and that put me in the category called “Buffaloes.” Weight adds up step by step, mile by mile.

And there are other weights we carry around that are brutal burdens for our run of faith. Hebrews 12:1-2 uses the imagery, and calls us, in Jesus’ name, to lay it aside the weight.

let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1 ESV)

Brothers, it’s one thing to go rucking around with the extra pounds on purpose, but that is not how to carry yourself around the house and with your people. For godliness’ sake, put off your sin.