From running to biking with God's help

[Goggatjie]

My 'hobby' was longdistance running. Now I know that it should be considered a sport, but to me it was a whole lot more than that - it was a part of my life, and something I loved dearly. It was as though it was a part of me, It was my biggest dream to run the comrades and my biggest fear to never be able to run again.
I have been running for 8 years, when I started getting one injury after the other. I first suffered from shinsplints for the whole of last year, tore a ligament in my foot, then I broke a piece of my kneecap (patella) of and then last but absolutely not least I injured a muscle in my shin - but have now idea what it is. I still suffer from that last injury, I cannot even run 20m, for then I can't walk for about a day.(all the other injuries happened this year) The problem that I simply could not grasp, was their causes - doctors could not explain either one of them (exept for the shinsplints, because that was obvious).

I then descided to go to God. After longing a answer about why I can not run anymore - I mean it was my passion, it formed part of my biggest dream - I got my answer. Unfortunatlit was not what I wanted. You see, God told me that when I run, I clear my thoughts, and that is meditating the way He dispises. I was broken at first, I did not understand it. But because I love God and want to live life the way He wants me to, I went to my parents and told them I want to stop running (after I explained they understood and supported me).

I can gladly say that after 4 months of not running, I feel great. God has truly helped me a great deal. I am also starting mountain bicking and can't wait for my first race. :icon_razz:

I wanted to share this with you because our God is an awesome God. He will NEVER put you through something that you can not handle, He will provide you with the strengh, preserverance and He will most certanly prepare you before you enter the struggle. All you have to do is believe, love and have faith in the only One who can get you through...

 

[Dreamer]

I don't know what I'd do if God took running from me right now---I've come to rely upon it to relieve stress---I hope He doesn't take it from me the way He did you. It's all I've got right now. I talk to God in my head while I run, and let go of stresses and anger.

How is running like meditating? I'm sorry, I don't comprehend that.

Well, my running's just a small hobby---you were doing so much of it, it started to wear your body down. I'm glad you found biking and that you enjoy it.

 

[Goggatjie]

The thing with medatating is quite simple. When ever I ran I cleared my thoughts completely. I did not think at all. You see when I don't run I have a way of thinking too much. I analise everything. But that is not the point...

The moment that I cleared my thoughts I basicaly gave satan full control of my mind - wich is what God doesn't want. While I am doing that, I do not let God occupy my thoughts - wich is against His will. (colossians 3:2)
I also would have rather went out for a run than spend time woth God.

A year ago I would have reacted the same way you do - I would not have been able to live without running - but God is means more to me now. It is still hard sometimes, (like last month when I missed the 18h marathon and in June with the comrades) but with God everything is possible!!

 

[Dreamer]

I admire your obedience, courage, and pliability, Goggatjie. You truly sought God's face on this one, and went His way.

Right now I'm running to prepare for a 5K. It's tomorrow, in fact, so I won't be running today. But I've worked hard to get in shape, so I'm going to continue to run longer distances. Sometimes I run just to get out of the house and away from my husband. He has a critical spirit.

When I run, no one tells me how to run or that my gait is wrong. No one tells me to slow down or speed up. No one tells me what route I have to plan or when I have to return home. It's something that belongs to me, and in a house with a harping husband, a growing teenager, a demanding toddler, and two house cats who scamper all night and wake the baby....I need running.

 

[Dreamer]

Okay, well I got 3rd place in my age group today in 5K. And it, well....feels pretty good, but I know God helped me and guided me.

 

[EuphoricForest]

Congratulations Dreamer! I run track and cross country for my highschool, and Ive been through many 5ks..

I know they can be difficult and painful at times, but obviously you got through it with your training and God's help. That is awesome.

and thiird place, out of everybody in your age group?!! thats pretty darn good, if I do say so myself .

And also, Goggatjie, that is very admirable that you were able to put away the one thing you loved so dearly, for the sole purpose of being able to have more time for God. That is awesome. and good luck with your new found hobby, mountain biking.

Great job to both of you!!
God Bless.

 

[Sybs]

Hi gog, you did the right thing and im sure u know u did. A simular thing happened to me. I idolized every sport which i practiced, particularly rugby (you know how it is in SA). I didn't make time for anything else, not even God. Then one day i tore my legiments in my knee and my sport came to a grinding halt for a year and a half. In that time i became a devout christian and came to love Jesus my Saviour. Looking back at that, if i didint get that injury, i would probably be on a sport field practicingright now, orin a bar drinking. I know that God himself did not injure me, but He allowed it so i may find Him.

And btw gog, i did adventure racing (mountain biking,running, swimming etc.)this year and i tell you mountain biking rocks!!! Its really fun and you get to be in the nature for a whole day or so, thats where i feel closest to God.

I want to start paragliding this next year, but im scared ill idolize parragliding because flying in the clouds has been my dream from childhood. I know temptation is not getting something you don't have/musnt have, but it's misusing something you already have. God wouldnt mind me parragliding, its just that im scared ill misuse it, having the dicipline not to misuse it is the key, but easier said than done.

Greets
Sybs