St George. A Half that was Full.

I'm told not just once before but several times now that running is 90% mental. That percentage may be somewhat adjustable, but I have heard it used in relatively similar ranges. Far be it from me to argue the point as I faced the St. George Half marathon last weekend with some significant burdens plaguing my mind. The run turned out decent as the scenery was something to see. The paved river trail that bordered the Dixie convention center served as a great back-drop for runners to have some visual input while the pounding produced the normal effects of sore feet etc. It was an enjoyable run.

Yet this whole thing about mental clarity comes to surface. It is absolutely amazing how much power there is inside the human mind, held captive in ideas and released through the imagination. Circumstances and events that hold sway over our attention managing to direct our thinking patterns into realms that eventually cripple us not only emotionally but when it comes to running....physically as well. 
In endurance running, time is an enemy that constantly follows you, attempting to devour you and the goals set before you. Even a gifted runner with speed will be on the course for over an hour during a half marathon, over two hours in a full. for the average runner a full is looking at four or more hours. So it was when I entered this half marathon my brain simply would not shut down. Yet it wasn't only the race that was effected but the training runs prior to the race, where my energy levels have been drained, motivation lacking any kind of signs of life, and my body hurting in areas it really should not have been. Each factor in and of itself not enough to weigh heavily upon me, but together it has been one combined mixing bowl of disinterest and anxiety. So when it comes to my brain, I know the pains I put my coach through when he tells me again and again to turn off my brain. And he would be right.
If it is in fact true that running is 90% mental, then endurance running is more about how much I can endure mentally and how it directly relates to my running than how my legs can keep moving step after step. Deep down inside I know the secret to turning it off lies in the knowledge of the peace I have not only in this life but the life to come. My trials I have to remember are temporal at best, and the rejection or disapproval I receive from others are worth no more than the approvals I receive as well. So its in the approval of my Creator where I find my true peace, and in His peace I know I can find the clarity of mind that will set me free.
So I run slow. I have about ten more pounds to lose. I need more strength training. I need more this less that. Got it. Thats the 10%. How about the 90%? I have been carrying so much ecxtra weight in my brain that my running has suffered. The baggage comes in manyh different forms and from sources that number from anytime to anywhere. So what is the solution? How this thought to ponder: There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ.

And with that I just lost about thirty pounds of garbage.  

Yucky gatorade.