Running, the News, and God

On my last post, I mentioned the violence in Kenya. Click to read an article about how the world class distance runners in Kenya have been affected.

On a lighter note, I know that some of you out there haven't yet chosen a candidate that you would like to support for president. I haven't. I know that there are weighty issues to consider, like the war in Iraq, abortion, and the environment. However, here are a couple of interesting articles about Huckabee and Edwards and their lives as runners. Their stories give some neat insight into the character and personal side of these men.

Edwards
Huckabee

I have been starting to run consistently. It was nice to go last week when Ryan was home to babysit. This week I've been running with the baby jogger. Julie and I are facing the challenge of finding a good (read: safe) location to run side by side with our joggers. The river trail that goes by our place is a good option for us.
I'm slowly getting in shape. At the end of the run, when I'm the most exhausted, I only have to rest maybe 10% of my body weight on the handle of the jogger. I'm sure it is quite a sight to behold- a woman hunched over the stroller huffing away and trotting along.

I'm remembering why I love running. How my body and mind feels during and after a run is amazing. Dr. Oz calls endorphins the body's morphine. (Running is much safer, but can be addictive.) Speaking of endorphins... did you know that your body releases endorphins when you eat spicy food? The "pain" of the hotness is which triggers the release. Again, the endorphin high can be addictive; alas, spicy foods are addictive.

Back to the running topic... one final thought: if we are made in God's image, then He must be a runner. It feels so natural and freeing to go for a good run. Surely this part of our design is modeled after our Creator. It just feels spiritual. (Maybe not the haggard woman described above!) So, as I run I thank God that I am made in His image and ask for strength and health to continue to run and to "feel His pleasure."

"I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel his pleasure." Eric Liddell

but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31