Keep fit. Stay fit.

My children’s school had their inter-house sports competition last week. When I was younger, I looked forward to 2 things in an inter-house sports: Parents race and teachers’ race. Most times, it’s the mothers who participate. It was always funny to see mothers run against each other, trying real hard to win. The pupils usually had a laugh at school afterwards, talking about how each mom ran! My mom never ran and I was always disappointed.

So this time, I told my hubby and children I was going to run! My daughter was giggly with joy (bless her heart), my hubby said if you don’t win, don’t come home cos I will tease you tirelessly…..Hehehe I therefore went with excitement and determination to win. All through the children’s sporting events, I was restless. It was a very hot day and I was getting sweaty and tired. I kept looking at the time wondering when they would call for the Parents’ race. Finally, the announcement was made – time to show my agility…lol

With a subtle wink at hubby and my daughter cheering me on, I walked towards the start line with several other mothers (as usual, women volunteered first). There were 15 of us and we were all set to run the 100 metres race. When the whistle went off, off I sprinted! Of course I won, leaving a healthy gap between me and the mother who came 2nd place. I did my daughter proud, as she kept screaming “that’s my mummy!” 

I went home happy and satisfied. Next day when I woke up, alarms went off in my body. It felt as though I had been in a plane wreck!!! My legs were hurting real bad and my thighs felt like I had ‘Yokozuna’ sit on them! Imagine! All the joy I felt at winning was kinda shortlived cos I kept saying to myself “Who send me message o” Till today, I still feel the pains in my legs, and na just 100 metres I run o.

I have since realised the importance of keeping fit. Running the race was not a problem because I had the right mindset and I was determined. But I have harmed myself in the process simply because I didn’t do the necessary things needed before such a race. Any runner who doesn’t keep fit will find himself out of steam during or after the race. You see, life is a race and the way you run it is important. Having the right mindset and determination to make it helps you. However, your state of heart before and when running your race matters a lot. You need to be very fit otherwise you will not have the tenacity to finish your race well. And even when you do finish it would be like one scarred.

Hebrews 12:1 - Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us RUN with endurance the race that is set before us, NKJV

Psalm 119:32 - I RUN in the path of Your commands, for you have broadened my understanding NIV

Isaiah 40:31 - But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will RUN and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint NIV

Are you staying fit?

By sis Deby