Why do that?

Often, especially around the start of the New Year, we may set ourselves a target of getting fit. This might involve going to the gym or taking the four legged friend for a walk, or even going for a run. I find gyms expensive – although I can see the benefit of a community, the cat wouldn’t appreciate the walk, so it is running for me. But why do that?

Listening

I may try to manage my running, act like a trainer, when I say I’ll do this many miles on that day, that many miles on that day, and then wow, that many miles over the weekend. In reality, it is very much dependent upon how I feel. I have to listen to my body, to realise that not every thing is possible, but it can still be fun.

I was reading some back copies of Runner’s World recently. One article leapt out at me as the runner, one of the best in the world, described how she had a horrible accident over craggy outcrops, falling 150 feet down a Norwegian mountain whilst out on a run. It left her with multiple fractures and a long recovery period: both physically and mentally. For such a runner, she desperately wanted to return to the trails but just couldn’t – it was impossible.

Reflecting

Time away from something is the best way to know if you really love it. She wrote:

“I realised then how much I enjoyed the sights, smells and sounds of nature along the way and how it makes me feel connected to myself, my body and the world around me.
Running is my church“

Hillary Allen, Runner’s World, December 2021

Observing

I now look to spot the merging signs of nature around me on my run. The crocuses peeking out, the squirrels and even the odd deer watching the world go by as they forage for food. I love looking for the sunrise as the sunlight reflects off the Glasgow skyline and the River Clyde. There are interesting perspectives possibly unnoticed by the shoppers above.

I listen to my body as it creaks around the route, hearing the call to cut short or, very rarely, go further. There’s opportunities to take time to pray for those people I know as I pass where they live, and also cast a thought for those whom I see as I pass. If prayer is not about asking for what I want, but knowing more of God, it is a good time to pray. I share a greeting with those who are out at this time of day. I’m out of the church building.

Perhaps this is my community.