Running feeds my Soul - it is because I am able to hear Him so clearly when I run. No matter what is on my playlist, I can hear Him talking to me. No matter how hard the run is, I know He will carry me through it. Just the way He does in my daily life. Running involves discipline and I think our faith does as well. Running requires me to be disciplined about my food as well - keeping my body the temple of God requires me to eat clean and keep it healthy. I have found that eatting clean is the best thing for my body, my weight and self confidence.
I follow most of what typical clean eatting is all about - a lot of raw veggies, certain fruits (blueberries & strawberries mostly, with the occassional apple and clementine), lean meats (venison is a fave, followed by tilipia and chicken breast). I love it. It is easy to remember what is good and healthy for my body and what is not. I avoid sugar, and anything white (no potatoes, no pasta, no breads). I love whole grain, dark breads, sweet potatoes about once a month, pasta only the night before a long run and pop chips when I'm having a craving. I know it sounds very strict, but it is super easy for me. I take all my food with me to camp as they serve food I'd never eat, and now that McDonalds has oatmeal, I can even stop in there on a long road trip!
One day I'll ist my favorite foods! You'd be suprprised at how much I eat in a day! I have several running goals set for this year. I wanted to do the livestrong half marathon but I have camp and have decided that I'll do the Capital 10K in Austin as it is the first run of the year that I won't have camp! I'll also tackle the infamous Warrior Dash in April and have recently been asked to participate in the Beach to Bay in honor of the marines in our family that are being deployed! So excited about that one.
Running keeps me focused and helps me connect with God when life is getting too loud to hear Him anywhere else. It has given me self confidence I have never had, and has helped me realize the importance of my body as a temple to Him. I have finally learned that I don't have to hate my body but instead can admire it for the accomplishments that it has achieved, for the things that it helps me accomplish. Running feeds my soul, and my spirit. What feeds yours?
