Pain Is Inevitable. Suffering Is Optional.

Thoughts on a breakthrough run.

“Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.” (Unknown author. I found this quote in Priscilla Edwards’ devotional after she was killed in a wreck. It was taped on the handle bars of every bike I rode in Ironman.)

I didn’t feel much like running today. Truth is I haven’t felt much like running most of the week. I’ve been in a bit of a funk. Most days this week that feeling won and I didn’t run. But I forced myself to get up today and at least run a couple miles just to say I did it.

The first half mile felt terrible. My calf was tight. My hamstring was tight. My back hurt. My left sock was rubbing my ankle funny. I just wanted to stop, tuck my tail between my legs and walk back to the mom sedan and go find a breakfast buffet. I decided I would at least run to the stop light before I turned around.

But, before I got to the stoplight, my whole mindset changed. I remembered the quote above. I thought about fellow firefighters who are pushing themselves on the journey to fitness. I thought about fellow church members who have been killing it on the same journey. I thought about my firefighter brother who has been fighting for his life over the last month. I thought about mom who is 90% gristle. I thought about all the people who love me and that I love. I thought about that mountaintop experience with God in Colorado I had three months ago. I thought about how grateful I am to have the health to do this.

When I got to the stoplight I wasn’t miserable anymore. Don’t get me wrong, my calf and hamstring were still tight and my back was still hurting. I was in pain. But I wasn’t suffering anymore. The difference was my attitude. So I decided to keep running to the next light. Two more times I ran past where I intended to turn around and made it out to the turnaround that was my end of summer goal.

Today I ran the farthest I have run in 12 years. I was 6 minutes slower than 12 years ago. I’m sure it will take me a lot longer to recover than 12 years ago. Still, I am proud of the discipline over the last two months that gave me the freedom to run a 10k today. And I am so grateful for the grace and health that made the discipline and freedom possible.

Some thoughts from today:

◦ You can have joy in the struggle. It’s a matter of attitude. You get to choose your attitude.

◦ It’s often darkest before the dawn. Don’t let the present darkness win. The light is always there it just takes a minute for you to be able to see it again. The sun has come up everyday of my life; it’s not going to stop now.

◦ With regard to fitness, start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.

◦ Cheer others on as you run. Your easy workout may be somebody else’s Everest moment. Cheer for them as if it is.

◦ Getting outdoors is just good for my soul. There are a thousand opportunities for life and joy along the run every time.

◦ Don’t keep score with fitness by comparing yourself to others. Keep score by comparing where you were last month to where you are this month. Instead of feeling less than, you will find yourself smiling.

◦ Speak to the dogs too, not just the humans walking them. Puppy kisses are better than ibuprofen for old knees.

◦ Give yourself a break. Do the best you can.

◦ Often the body can go a lot farther for a lot longer than the mind can push it. Learn to tell the voice in your head begging to walk to shut its face.

◦ It is a great gift to get to the point of true physical exhaustion. At first it feels like failure but then you remember most folks never push to that point and understand it is a victory.

◦ Great music can be a powerful inspiration. My running playlist is very dear and personal. It is a reminder of grace, hope, faith and love. It is an intentional reminder of the ones I love so much.

◦ Love and acceptance is a powerful inspiration. It is far greater than ambition, achievement or approval. It is far easier to run from a place of approval than to run for approval.

◦ A little exercise and hard work is a small price to pay to be the best me I can be for my loved ones.

Why do I share this? Am I just low key bragging? Listen, I am proud of the accomplishment but truth is, I didn’t want to post the distance and time because I wish it was faster. Comparison and vanity are harsh masters.

I share for two reasons. First it creates some accountability for me. When you blab about your running journey online you can’t just quit and go back to eating Oreos can you? Second, and more importantly, if I can get back to exercise at nearly 50 after taking a really long time off, surely you can start too. You can do it. I believe in you. It’s worth it.

Let me know how it is going. I look forward to hearing your journey too.

As for me, I intend to celebrate with Krispy Kreme donuts today. 😁

Keep on running,

Carl