Around the start of the new year, I decided that I wanted to run the Cooper River Bridge Run in Charleston. I needed a time bound goal that was going to push me to commit to something that was going to happen whether I was ready or not. So, the Bridge Run it was. I downloaded a training app, chose the 10k plan and got to it. Now, a few weeks in, not only have I learned so much about running and how to do it in a healthy way, I have also learned so much about life and how to pursue goals and purpose even when its hard.

Today’s run, was a short two and a half miles over about 20 minutes. Let me tell you, today was hard. It took a lot of effort and there were times when I wasn’t sure I would even finish the workout. Honestly, at four weeks in, that shouldn’t be THAT difficult. That level of challenge really doesn’t make sense if you know that I ran over six miles just a few days ago. So, what happened? Did I backslide, regress, or just stink today? None of the above. I was just running a different type of run.

When you’re in the midst of race training, you find a variety of runs to switch up your routine and keep your progress moving. First on the list, we’ve got distance runs – the ones where you test the boundaries of how far your legs can carry you. Picture a steady pace that you can maintain without feeling like you’re going drop dead.

Next, let’s talk about recovery runs – the easy, relaxing ones. These are the runs that don’t demand much, allowing you to hit that sweet spot where your heart is pumping, but you can casually chat or belt out your favorite tunes without gasping for breath.

And then, there’s the grand finale – speed runs. These are the ticket to becoming the speedster of your neighborhood. They’re all about pushing your limits, cranking up your stamina, and becoming a faster, more agile version of yourself. Guess which one I tackled today? Yep – a speed run.

In this particular speed run I began with a five minute warm up followed by fifteen one-minute intervals in which I would would run for 30 seconds at my eight out of ten effort (about 8 miles an hour) followed by a 30 second recovery pace (about 6 miles an hour). Around interval ten, things start to get difficult, but I made it. At the end of the run, I was spent. But I know that run will make a huge impact next time I take the line for a longer run.

As we go through life and pursue our purpose, our dreams, or our goals, we’re going to experience changing seasons. There are going to be seasons in which we have to settle in for that long haul, we have to cover a lot of ground and the best way to do it, is by settling in to that long-distance pace, keep our eyes on the finish line, and just keep going. I think about getting my college degree, writing my book, or the time between saying yes to moving to Asheville, and actually moving to Asheville. All of these big moments were the result of that steady pace and a commitment to finish that leg of the race.

Then, there are some seasons in which its an all out sprint. The times when you run hard and fast to attain a short term goal or just get something done. These remind me of things like prepping for a last minute speaking engagement, an unexpected change in a job or loss of a loved one, or just getting the kids out of the door for school in the morning. This pace isn’t sustainable for the long haul. If you try, you will crash. But these seasons do make us stronger, increase our endurance, and help us increase our capacity for those longer seasons.

And finally, there are those seasons of sweet, sweet, recovery. And like an actual run, these seasons often feel too far apart and never last as long as they should. But, it is these seasons that we must fight for. It is these seasons that we must press in to and appreciate. These are the seasons that allow our bodies to recover but not grow cold and tight. At the beginning of a run, the coach in my app always says, “If there’s a mistake to be made here, it’s running too fast.” It’s like he knows me even though he is an automated voice. Too often, my recovery seasons feel like more of a trap than a gift. I want to run fast but God, and my robot coach, know that I cannot sustain that pace over a long period of time. They both, in their own way, remind me that it’s ok to slow down. It’s ok to rest. And it is actually what my body, mind, snd soul need to be able to run my race with endurance.

The book of Ecclesiastes says,

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. What gain has the worker from his toil? I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. He has made everything beautiful in its time.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 (NIV)

No matter what season you are in, God is at work to make everything beautiful in it’s time. Don’t try to run a distance run if you’re at a speed pace. Don’t try to push your recovery run to be about speed. And in the midst of a speed run, don’t give up and phone it in.

What kind of season are you in right now? Are you running it at the right pace? What adjustments do you need to make so that you can endure this season?

No matter what season you are in, you got this. Recognize the season and set the pace with that goal in mind. See you at the next starting line!

Author’s Note

I must warn you: I am going to write about running a lot over the next few weeks. I recently started training for a race, which means my sneakers have seen more action than my Netflix queue. Over that time, I have learned a lot about commitment, endurance, perseverance, and doing hard things that matter. God has been speaking to me pretty clearly during these morning runs and I have been very encouraged. I hope to share that with you. So, whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or the closest you get to running is chasing the ice cream truck, stick around. There’s a lot to learn, even if you’re just running late!