Everything I know about Life, I learned Training for the Freewheel - Part III

Part 111

If you are just joining us, my two previous posts have been about what I am learning from training for a multi-day bike ride across Oklahoma. 

Today’s points are ones that do not directly relate to the activity at hand but do help when training running with “persendeverance” the race marked out for you in life. 

Tunes:

Pretty much anyone who exercises can tell you that it goes better with some slammin’ tunes. Yesterday while cycling the backroads around lake Thunderbird, I listened to “the Eye of the Tiger” (Rocky will get your blood pumping), James Brown singing “I Feel Good” (which my French cycling buddy likes to sing whenever we reach the summit of a big climb), the aptly titled Audio Adrenaline’s “Free Ride”, some dc Talk and Toby Mac, a touch of U2.

It helps if it has a beat that you can focus on as you crank out another rotation, rep, or just pound the pavement.

The point of music when you are out for the long haul is that it focuses your attention off of yourself and the drudgery of the long road ahead of you, the pain in your legs and the unbearable heat and onto something else.

The parallel in life is music that turns our attention to God whether that be hymns, choruses, praise music or some of the rocking tunes above.

Stretching:

Stretching before you set out for your run or ride is something that gets a bad rap. Young folks will just entirely skip stretching – I know I did for many years and kinda laughed at those who did.

Stretching prepares all your muscles for whatever might come at them. It prevents injury or pulling muscles. And keeps your core from being “tight”

So what does this correspond to in our spiritual life? I’ve thought on this and think it corresponds to the discipline that I tend to neglect on the spiritual side: contemplation. Sitting quietly, being still, reflecting on God’s word or something we’ve read or seen.  Like stretching, it takes time and can not be hurried. If done correctly and regularly, you will be ready for what comes at you in the day.

Hydration

Your body needs fluids and lots of them especially in endurance sporting events. If you don’t get them, you become dehydrated. Your electrolytes get out of balance and your muscles cramp.  A cyclist needs to drink a lot, one bottle per hour at least and more if it is really hot. If you wait until you are thirsty, they say it is already too late.

The parallel here would be prayer – communing with Jesus. This should be consistent and ongoing, tapping into the source, the streams of living water flowing from within. John 7:28. Without that, you will be quickly sapped and your thought processes will become unbalanced just like your body becomes without electrolytes.

Tomorrow – the last and final thoughts: nutrition and fuel