RAIN

was a welcome sight and sound to which I awoke this morning early and sleepily! In fact, the darkness seemed to contribute to my extra-sleepy state! Since it was raining, I had no need to rush getting ready to walk and could take my time. The temptation to skip walking was growing strong, admittedly, yet I knew the rain would cease eventually, and I had faith I could walk shortly afterward. I would end up being correct. However, with a slight delay...another NAP! I enjoyed a nice Quiet Time, and the last thing I remember after I'd finished my Bible reading and meditating was my praying, but NOT the finishing! Oops! I remember Barney trying to paw me awake once, but I just could not open my eyes--I was VERY sleepy. 10:30 chimes were the next thing I recalled hearing! I sprung up to peer out the window at the status of the rain, and it had quit, although it was still cloudy. I looked at our indoor/outdoor thermometer gauge. It ready 80 degrees, which was VERY reasonable for walking, so I was off! I left the house at 11 o'clock! Still had pain in  my left shin, even after stretching.

PERSEVERANCE, NOT SPEED...

I made it to the trail in 15 minutes--a record for me! I stretched again. Today I decided to take a few more photos, especially since the clouds and rain puddles were such rare sites lately! I was the ONLY one on the trail today for the entire time. One thing I did differently, which may be a strategy I employ again, is stopping half-way around the trail. I actually stopped to take the photo to the right, but realized when I started back walking how much it helped ease the pain in my left leg (shin and ankle). It dawned on me that I do NOT have to walk constantly the entire time to gain benefit from walking! It occurred to me that I am NOT in a race--I set my goal to WALK FOR AN HOUR EVERY WEEKDAY MORNING...NOT to walk a certain distance within a certain amount of time! So, why am I killing myself?

For TURTLES like me, the goal is to simply FINISH the walk, NOT win the RACE...even though Paul tells us to run as if to win the race...he's a man! Ha! Whether I win the race or not, if I didn't finish, my speed would never matter! Thus, learning to pace myself so I can build up my strength, stamina, power, endurance, and flexibility is more valuable at this point of my fitness progress than getting a major cardiovascular workout! I could hear God telling me to consider applying this lesson to my entire life! Whew! And what a lesson to apply! My world is filled with ducks and rabbits! I had taken on their philosophies for walking as well as living, but I am a TURTLE, which I need to always remember!  I need to take a cue to take a break during my walk/race from our sweet "outdoor" kitty, Freedom (see photo below right)! God reminded me today that is how He made me! By the time I got home, I felt NO pain in my left shin! God sure knows His Turtle Girl!

Tootles,
Turtle Girl