Fit Movement into your Life

“‘Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.’” 1 Timothy 4:8 NLT

In a heartwarming story published last week proving that a person is never too old to take up running and setting goals, it was reported that Guinness Records officially deemed Mathea Allansmith to be the oldest female to ever run a 26.2 mile race—something she did in December 2022 when she crossed the finish line of the Honolulu Marathon in 11:19:49 at the age of 92. Rain or shine, Allansmith, now 93, runs six days per week all throughout the year, maintaining a training volume of about 36 weekly miles, even on vacation, and steadily increasing her mileage about 18 weeks prior to a marathon. The retired doctor lives in Koloa, Hawaii, and didn’t start her running journey until she was 46 years old, after a colleague suggested running two miles per day. “I took up running in 1977 and fell in love with the feeling of exercising outside,” she told GuinnessWorldRecords.com. She credits her healthy running lifestyle with her high quality of life, and while her stamina has decreased over time, she’s making the most of what she’s got at any given moment. “I see the direct connection between moving and health,” she said.

And you know when it comes to moving and health, the Bible is clear that “physical training is good.” In fact, it’s so good that if you ask any Christian athlete (me included) about it they will tell you that the benefits of exercise go far beyond what can be seen on the exterior. A habit of daily moving the body gives a person a clearer head, a relaxed mood, and abundant energy. It also decreases the risk of many diseases and ailments that can get a person down. Which is the very reason Christians of every age (and it’s never too late to start) should adopt an exercise program. After all, when our health is the best it can be, we can serve Christ to our fullest potential—working hard both at home and in the missions field (which is right where you are). 

So vow to do what it takes to fit movement into your life my friend. This daily discipline will reap enormous rewards. But before you head out for that morning run or walk, get your spiritual training in by reading the Word. This is most important and will have benefits both now and for eternity. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we can only serve You to the extent that we have the physical ability to do so. Help us to view exercise and eating right as things we must do—both as an example to others and to strengthen our temples, always remembering, though, that training for godliness is much better and always our first priority. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!