Running Sucks... Until it Doesn't.

Running is one of the least pleasant things I look forward to during the week. I never wake up saying, "Yes! I get to do (fill in the blank) miles today!" It's particularly bad when the temperature is around 10 degrees outside, but the house is 70. On morning's like this I literally crawl out of bed, forcing myself to do what I want not to do.

This all changes after about half a mile. Once I get out there, adjust to the cold, and settle into a rhythm, I find it to be a very serene, and often rejuvenating, experience.

The cold that made me want to stay in, becomes an ally. It keeps everything away that usually makes the actual run a chore. For example, when it's cold outside their are no annoying insect, no humidity that makes you want to die, and above all everything seems extremely still when it's cold. Not dead, but still; as if in reflection.

I run in an area where there is a lot of farm land. I can count the number of cars that pass me on one hand most mornings. So when I am out there it is usually completely silent, and the only thing that moves does so in an unhurried fashion—including myself, but I'm working on it.

Even the squirrels just kinda stroll along doing their thing. It's perfect.

But it never seems that way at the beginning, does it? It's remarkable that the things we do that are most transformative often make us want to stay in bed and not even be bothered with it.

We have, indeed, been lulled into a "bread and circus" mode of living. We are easily distracted from what we truly want, and instead seek to engage in what is trivial rather than what has meaning. The thought of engaging in something that might include a bit of discomfort or effort is enough to have many of us pulling the metaphoric covers more tightly around our bodies while we promise to do it later, when it's more convenient.

But it will never be more convenient. The comfortable moment will always seem more desirable than the alternative. And to be honest, in that moment it is. But we don't live our lives in that moment. We live in the cold, noisy, hurried, whatever, areas of life. Our lives are demanding—unlike the covers. They are constantly wanting us to be someone that is suitable to live them, and do so excellently.

Running helped me see this. It helped me experience what I knew to be true. That is, real freedom and excellence only come through a life of discipline.

Now, as I gaze upon other areas of my life that will require discipline and effort, I approach them with a different attitude. I understand that it will be difficult, but I have learned to desire the end result more than the present comfort. So, God help me, I will get up and get going. Not just to run, but to become the kind of person I was created to be.

Now it is difficult for me to explain all the things I do not mean by this post. I am simply pointing out that the person who desires to do something, or become someone, great can do so if they have a solid vision, they intend to reach that vision, and they access the means available to them to get there.

Happy New Year folks.