Midweek Motivation Training through Trying Times

Hello runner friends! Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series  

 MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog of which I am blessed to write. Now let's get started by talking about Training through Trying Times!

In all my years of running, I have come to realize that there are two types of runners, those who love running alone and those who do not. And while it might be hard for both groups to stay motivated to consistently train amidst the canceled races, changed schedules and the ever-changing rules of how close we can be to one another or how many people can even be in our running groups, one thing is certain... runners have an indomitable spirit and are experts at taking lemons and making them into lemonade. 🍋🍋🍋 

And while I know many of you may balk at the idea of running solo, it may be your only option for the next few weeks. So to inspire you to put a smile on your face and try it (whether it's your only option or not), I want to give you a few great reasons why venturing out alone can make you a better and mentally stronger runner. And for all you solo runners like me who already understand the many ways running by ourselves can serve to make us better, how about reading them anyway and shouting out, "Yep. That one's true. And that one. And that one!" and then encouraging your running buddies that love company to get out there for some solo running. So here we go! Here a just a few of the many benefits of hitting the road or trails alone:

• There's no pressure to meet up with someone at a certain time or a certain place. This is something that might even be impossible right now to coordinate if you work from home and your running buddies don't or vice versa. Running solo will allow you to find a new routine that fits into your new schedule. 

• Over time you'll develop amazing mental fortitude, something you'll need to run longer distances, to stay committed during times of injury and to press on in the midst of pain and fatigue. You see when you run alone, you don't have a running buddy to give you support and encourage you to press on when it gets hard or when your legs feel like lead and your mind tells you to stop. Running alone is where the rubber meets the road and you alone get to decide whether you will muster up the mental strength to keep going or give up. And you can be sure that each time you resist those voices telling you to quit, you've achieved a personal victory, the benefits of which will spill over into other areas of your life.  

• You can totally disconnect from the world. If you're like most runners, you spend the majority of your waking hours associating with people. That could be your family, your coworkers or your friends through one-on-one contact, email, phone, videoconferencing or social media. Giving yourself one hour to get away from it all can allow you to take a deep breath and relax. It will give you 60 minutes to just live in the moment and relish your blessings. And don’t we all need that??

• You can allow your feet to be your guide. You get to make the decisions. In a world where you might be limited to what choices are yours to make, running alone gives you the power to make all the decisions (for a while at least). Feel like going left? Then go left! Feel like slowing down? Then slow down! You have the power to choose! And doesn't everyone need that every once in a while?

• You'll renew your commitment to running. By running solo, you're saying "I am a runner. I don't need a reason to train. I don't need a group to train with and I don't need a race to train for. I run for the joy of it and for what it does to make me healthy physically, spiritually and emotionally." 

• You'll grow as a person and never feel more alive. For real! You may have run a trail or road 100 times with a group but you will see it with more clarity when you run alone. The chirping of the birds will be louder, the movement of the wind more distinct, the rustling of the leaves crisper and the clouds and sky will appear as works of art. You will see, hear, feel and experience things at a heightened level! 

• You will learn things about yourself. As you run alone and face struggles, negative thoughts and pain, you will have to look for answers within yourself rather than seeking the advice from your running partner(s). You will discover what your strengths and your weaknesses are and have no option but to address them if you want to grow as a runner and a person. Running alone can definitely lead to some big life changes. So be ready!

• And finally...  you can go at your own pace. You can let the way you feel that day dictate what type of workout you will have and how far you will run. Once again, you will have the choice to do what you feel you need to do. And face it, there are days when we need a longer run simply because life's challenges (especially at this time) become overwhelming. And while we may not be able to run from our problems, the time spent alone can usually allow us to come up with some pretty good solutions to those problems or make us realize they weren't really problems at all. 

And on a final note, while you may long for the days when you can run with a group of friends again, I do hope your solo runs will leave you saying, "You know, that wasn't so bad. I'm actually grateful for those times when I had no choice but to run alone." And you know, at the end of the day, if you have placed your trust in Jesus you never really run alone anyway. Isn't that a comforting thought? So be encouraged, be refreshed and get out there and get in your run! Spring is calling!! 😉

Happy Running!!!

Joshua 1:9
Another in the fire