Courage

“Sure!  We’d love to go for a run with you,” we said.

Even as the words exited my mouth, Beth and I were thinking of a way to get out of it.  Another couple asked us to go for a Saturday morning run with them.  He was a “Wilderness Triathlete” meaning that he ran triathlons through wilderness-style terrain, as if it were not difficult enough under normal circumstance. She had just finished placing first in her age group in her last 5k.  We were experts at napping, lounging, and general leisure.

“We’ll just go for a short run.  Maybe two miles or so,” they replied.

I had never run two miles in my life.  If my life depended on it, I was not sure that I could physically pull it off.  Beth was in better shape than me, but two miles was still a stretch.

“Sounds good” was what we said.  “Get ready to be embarrassed” is what we thought.  For the next couple of days we tried to think of excuses, but none sounded like they would stick.  Besides, if we dodged the other couple this time they would just ask again.  The truth was that we really enjoyed the other couple, but didn’t think we were up to the challenge.  Trapped with no other place to turn, we showed up on that Saturday morning and went for it.

All of us have been there at one time or another.  The desire to get in shape is eclipsed by the fear of embarrassment.  Thinking of going to the gym seems like a good idea until you consider the person next to you who is lifting twice your weight.  Jogging around the neighborhood sounds like a good thought until you begin imagining what the neighbors will think of you as you roll on down the roadway. 

Fear of looking awkward or out-of-shape keeps many from beginning their journey toward improved physical heath.  Sadly, this is a downward spiral.  The more that you feel awkward about physical activity, the less likely you are to do it, the more likely you are to feel awkward about it.  At some point the cycle has to be broken.  This requires a word that many people associate with heroic deeds, but few count as important to get in shape… Courage.

Courage does not mean that you are unafraid about what other people will think.  It simply means that you do what you have to do in spite of how others may react.  Being courageous is an important part of taking the first steps toward improved personal fitness.  Without it, you are liable to shy away from bettering your health forever.

Each of us would like to think that when everything is on the line and there are no other options, we would do something courageous when called upon.  There is a desire to be a hero in our hearts, if the situation calls for one.  Well, truthfully, when it comes to your health, everything is on the line.  It is time to stare down the fears that keep you from taking steps to better yourself and act in spite of them.  Be courageous!

By the way, we did finish the run with our friends.  It wasn’t pretty and we were definitely out of breath.  To our surprise, our friends did not laugh at us, chide us, or revile our lack of physical ability.  Instead, we went to breakfast.  I ordered biscuits and gravy… After all, I just ran two miles…