Run the Course

I hesitate to call myself a runner, even though I've been running consistently for the last 3-4 years.  Why?  I think it's because I don't consider myself a good runner.  I don't run long distances.  I don't run races.  I simply run 5K 2-3 times a week, at best, and it never seems to get easier.

Recently, I realized that when I see others running, I assume that they are true runners.  I assume that the man in his short shorts looking like all is well in the world has been gliding along for hours without a struggle in his lungs.  I assume that the woman huffing beside the lake is at the end of her marathon training.  I assume that they look at me and think, "Dang, she's struggling," when I've only been running for 5 minutes.

How foolish!

I have no reason for thinking those things.  I have no reason for beating myself up under the assumption that all is well for those I pass.  Nor do I have any right to judge those who are struggling when they have done less than me.  I must simply run the course that is before me and encourage others in theirs'.

Is it not the same with social media?  On our worst days, we look at Facebook and Instagram posts and think, "Wow, life is nice for them.  Their baby is always so happy.  Their husband always says such sweet things.  They write so well.  They have such amazing opportunities.  They're prospering... while I feel like I'm drowning."

Again, how foolish!

So here's to running the race set before us.  Here's to not comparing ourselves to others - for better or for worse.  Here's to contentment.

My one and only 6K race in Dec. 2013

I started this post a few weeks ago and then I came across this article... and it resonated.  I appreciated it and thought I'd share it here, too.