(Publishers Note: When this piece was originally posted, I made a commitment that on my 55th birthday to run at least the length of a half-marathon, with a marathon to be run later in the fall.
Tomorrow is that day. I exceeded that length of miles ahead of schedule, so the revised mileage tomorrow will be sixteen miles. Then the 26.2 miles in November.
Why I am writing this? Because as this entry says, you can do way more than you think you can do, if you get your mind right.)
John
Over the course of the last several days, in my return to running, the progression of miles has been as follows, 4.2 miles, 4.7, 5.2, 3.7, 8.8 and 8.8 miles.
Except for the night I ran 3.7 miles there is one common denominator.
Each day the distance either levels out or lengthens.
Application?
My body will do more than I think it can.
In fact, my mind is the greatest obstacle. And it may be for you as well.
You can walk, or run, more than you think you can..
You can eat less, than you think you can.
You can read more, than you think you can.
You can watch television less, than you think you can.
You can say more positive things, than you think you can.
You can think less negative thoughts, than you think you can.
You can increase your time alone with God, and pray longer, than you think you can.
You can decrease your anxiety, much less, than you think you can.
Consider others more.
Consider yourself less.
The more or the less is determined in your mind.
And the results are developed in your heart.
That which is developed in your heart will come out of your mouth, for, “out of the heart the mouth speaks.”
“Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about.”
John
Amen. Thanks for the reminder.