Training in the Valleys and on the Mountaintops

Having walk/run three half-marathons at this point, it's important to be faithful in training for a successful race. But faithfulness does not mean perfect adherence to the rules of training, but obedience to one who has obeyed all the rules and now has authority to teach those rules.

I follow Hal Higdon's training advice on half-marathon preparation because he wants people to finish their race regardless of whether they are strong or struggle the whole way. As a disciple of Christ, I follow Christ who followed God perfectly. So I listen. He is also my Coach, my Partner and Encourager as I train spiritually.

He is a good coach and teacher who teaches understanding that a new student grows into being a good student. No student starts as strongly as their teacher, but in time, students can grow to be strong in the traits the teacher is conveying.

Now that I have my coach, how do I deal with my questions and doubts? Some thoughts from my arsenal of mental gymnastics which have also served to help me spiritually.

Isn't training unnatural? Yes, but the new habits formed eventually become natural.

If I start training during a mountaintop season of life, what will I do when I come to a valley? You'll set up good habits when you find a valley before you. One rule to count on: Valleys are always unexpected, but there will always be at least one in any training period of your life; be it small or great.

If I start training during a valley season of my life, what do I do if I never come to a mountaintop? You will build muscles that allow you to run faster when you're on top of the world again, having been set free from former bondage!

If I succeed where others have failed, won't I become arrogant? Not if you harness the arrogance, turn it into genuine humble thanksgiving to God for the opportunity to grow strong and use it as a tool in God's service. And when people compliment you, just hug them (if you're a hugger), say thanks and no more.

Every day is going to be different, but there is something every day that can train us to become better at who we are as humans and as followers of Christ if we allow it. Physical training requires cross training, as does spiritual training.

In physical training, cross training pays attention not only to the major muscle groups and motions used in an activity as well as the seemingly minor ones. If a minor one is weak, it tends to affect even the strong muscles and motions of the body. So cross training works different body parts with different exercises under different conditions at different intensities for the sole purpose of becoming stronger and better at your activity.

Spiritually speaking, this means that we are always in training. That is, training different spiritual disciplines against different life backdrops for God's glory. Feeding our minds on what is important spiritually plays into how we work out our life practically. The apostle Paul says that physical training does some good, but Godly training is the best training!

Does this mean it's always an either/or proposition; meaning if I have time to work out or read the Bible I should always chose the Bible? Maybe.

One idea is to exchange the comfort food of media surfing for some hearty reading of God's Word and a walk or weight training. You can do both if you have a Bible or other good Godly books, sermons, thoughts and music downloaded on your smartphone.

It is best to train what we have, while we can, when we can, even if it's a small amount of time, for it eventually gives great returns.

But what about that guilt that comes because I wasn't prepared for my work out? I should have been doing this all along and then it wouldn't be so hard! What I've learned is that even guilt can be used for good if processed correctly. But this only works if it's Godly guilt, and not that nagging guilt that likes to hold us back.

Godly guilt may be a good and necessary motivator to start any discipline, but once the new habit is started, Godly guilt has done it's job. The guilt one feels going forward is just plain old unGodly baggage guilt. This guilt is a horrible coach. It is now our loving Christ's job to step in and finish the job!

Jesus helps us to get rid of any regret and other baggage once starting on any new regime. Remember to be thankful and glory in the ability to finally do the thing you should have been doing all along! As it becomes habit, you will now be prepared for the next challenge, whether a mountaintop or valley, and the new lessons it will bring.

This post is dedicated to my friend Denell Dennis who is on a fantastic journey of lifetime fitness!