Running is 90% Mental

"You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the One who called you." Galatians 5:7-8 NIV

"...I am afraid that your minds will be led away from your true and pure following of Christ..." 2Corinthians 11:3

"We capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ." 2Corinthians 10:5b

I have been struggling daily with my commitment to learn to run 5 km. I refuse to give up and have committed to perseverance (6 days a week of either running, walking or biking at least 30 minutes), if nothing else. There are some days I feel pretty hopeless that I will accomplish it; other days I have some small hope that I may be able to do it. I have been trying not to focus on my body shape and size, but rather looking at running as a challenge and thinking of exercise as a way to improve my overall health. Keeping my thoughts in line and controlling my mind have turned out to be even more of a challenge than the physical part of running (and that is not easy either!)

I recently conquered my fears around the heavy breathing and gasping and spitting that comes with running. It reminded me of having a panic attack and my mind instantly would tell my body, "Shut down!" After talking with a friend who is an experienced runner, she helped me realize running is an inelegant sport (much like life I think) that can be messy and on the edge. I was elated at having overcome this fear and thought I would have smooth sailing for at least a while. Then I overheard a conversation between two friends that sent me spinning back into negativity. Discussion about weight and some slight condescension from a new running pal made my mind dizzy with negative thoughts: I am far heavier than they are, I have shorter legs and a rounder body than they do, I can never keep up with them, I am slowing them down....right down the drain is where my thoughts were headed.

I had a hard job rescuing my thoughts from the pit, but I prayed that Christ would capture my thoughts, much as a dreamcatcher is supposed to sift out the bad dreams from the good, and make all of my thoughts obey Him. And I focused on the important fact that discouragement, envy, negativity,and hopelessness do not come from God (Galatians 5:7-8) His Word was in fact very direct: You were running a good race! Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the One who called you.


Lord Jesus, capture my every thought and make it obey you. Rescue my thoughts from the pit, where they have a tendency to gather and hang out, and help them rise again to where you call me. Protect my mind so that I will not be led away from You, and let your Spirit encourage me to "keep running a good race".


More Healing Word of God: Proverbs 4:23; 1John 4:1; Hebrews 12:1b-2a