I’m about to admit something to you that I’m not proud of. not at all. Yesterday I stayed on the couch. Yes. I stayed on the couch instead of going for a run. I’m not happy about it… Last night I mulled life over. I tried to write 3 other blog posts – all of which my fingers refused to type. All I could think about was my missed opportunity. I didn’t go for the run and I couldn’t get over it.
Growing up running never was my thing. I wasn’t good at exercise and I certainly didn’t enjoy it. Sometimes those emotions from all those years ago take over and I’m immobilized. on the couch. staring at pinterest or watching the news. ugh. That’s exactly how it all went down yesterday afternoon. no run. just stuck.
It wasn’t because of the weather – it was beautiful outside. It wasn’t because Mackenzie was napping- she was up, even asking to go to the park. It wasn’t because Michael was about to get home- he worked late. Nope. I had no excuses.
I was afraid.
In a moment of insanity a few weeks ago, I committed to running a 5K at the end of March. Currently, in an attempt to follow through on that commitment, I’ve been running and walking through a program called “C25K” or Couch to 5K. Yesterday was supposed to be a big day, but the couch got the better part of me. Week 5 day 3.
On Week 5 day 3 I am scheduled to warmup for 5 minutes and then run for 9 minutes straight. Outdoors. feet pounding pavement. cool air burning my lungs. legs muscles throbbing. for 9 minutes. and there is a walk for 2 minutes, followed by 5 more minutes of running, one minute of walking and 2 minutes of running – then the 5 minutes of cool down. That’s the plan for week 5 day 3.
(Now I should explain this: in my heart of hearts I know that I am young and healthy. There is no reason that I can’t run. None. other than my own fear – and maybe a slight ache in my left knee. It was completely reasonable for me to make this commitment.)
But, there was this fear brewing in the pit of my stomach. And finally, after a full day of denial and trying to ignore it, I had to talk to someone about it. Of course, He was there – He knew I’d need to chat. “What if I can’t? What if it’s impossible? What if I fail? and what will people think of me if I have to walk? or worse, what if I see someone I know?” All of my fears tumbled out right then and there.
Gently He reminded me, “My strength is made perfect in your weakness.” and “You can do ALL things in my strength” and “Be of good courage, because I am with you.” and mostly, “I love you, no matter what.” He knew exactly what I needed to hear.
I’ve renamed my running program this morning – C25K is no longer couch to 5 K – it is Courage to 5K. He’s given me the courage to keep going and I know that in Him, I can do it! No more couch time. Instead, just enough strength to put those shoes on and go!
Thank you Heavenly Father for giving me the courage I need. I don’t know why I find your love so surprising, but it fills me with the power and energy that I need! Help me step up to the challenge in your supernatural strength today! amen
daily portion 
That’s it, Melody! Courage. I’d say it took some courage to admit it and write it. We all need to seek God for courage in many areas. I’m thrilled for you in this goal.