Still Learning, Still Growing

Still Learning, Still Training, Still Growing
I wanted to pen a recent 8 mile training run. Maybe just express some road lessons, life helps, spiritual undertones.
For starters, an 8 mile early Saturday outing may not be your cup of tea, may be a bit much for some, and for other road running warriors-it is a sneeze; But when you're out there just trying to be consistent-IT'S SIGNIFICANT!
On those early mornings when the legs are still wishing to rest, the training groups typically meet up at a designated place for sign in, course direction(maps of the running course), & to find a group to pace you for the big day.  I've learned to grab the course map just in case- I've misread the route a few times & I've also arrived  late; both experiences have lead to my running more than scheduled and running all by my lonesome.
LEARNING: Stay close to the others when you're not sure where you're going. Make sure you have
directions, arrive on time-things start whether you're there or not.
This morning I tucked the directions in my jacket pocket.  I had arrived as the last training group was being released.  I was okay--I had made it. I didn't connect with a group, so I planned to just run with groups randomly. I had passed a few, was behind many, but the sun was out and it felt good. Not far into the run, I missed a turn that was not clearly marked. Uugh, not again! One minute I could see folks out front, I had just passed some; but now I was alone. I crossed a street that we had already ran-
I kept running. Started heading toward an isolated area-still kept running. Feeling frustrated that once again I had missed a turn- I told myself I was okay. It's not easy trying to read and run.
I noticed someone in the distance-bright colored jacket--Aaww-it's all good. There's another runner, an approaching biker possibly, or a service worker waiting to begin their day. I couldn't make out the figure, but I heard a soft voice tell me to turn around--I kept running. I heard the voice louder now---"You've lost the group, and there's no one ahead but the person you see---TURN AROUND NOW"!
It was as if I saw the figure in the distance and he saw me. I DID WHAT THE VOICE SAID!
I don't know if I was in danger, but something did not feel right. I immediately did a U-TURN, and thanked The Voice for speaking clear, loud, & firm.
LEARNING: Be in tune with the caution signs (warning signs). If it doesn't feel safe--maybe it's not.
Watch what's  ahead of you.
I doubled back - catching up to groups that I had recently passed. I noticed it took a lot more effort to catch them than it did the first time. I huffed out that I had missed a turn--they encouraged me--"it happens."
LEARNING: Sometimes in life you may pass some folks--be respectful; they may be the expression of kindness when you get back on track.
A little further into the run, I reached for the directions in my pocket---NOT THERE. Oh REALLY!
The little piece of paper had slipped out--I knew it was not deep enough, but I could retrieve it quickly in my outer jacket pocket.
LEARNING: Hide the Word deep, remember some of the turns before you get to them.
I was nearing the last 3 miles - I was not doing more than my 8 miles today.   Aahh,  a sigh of relief as I caught up to three runners.  SOOO glad to see them! They too, encouraged me as I passed by.
LEARNING: If you can't find a chord of three, that's not easily broken-find at least  find one.
There's direction, accountability, motivation, encouragement, companionship, & safety in the company of others.

I  coasted in the last mile,picked up the pace as I neared the end, & I reflected more as I regrouped;
-Traveling companions are important.  -Fellowship is refreshing-pleasant.    - Encouragement is vital at some point on the road.   -There are times that you will get off course, get turned around, get confused.   -Be open to the voice within you.
SPIRITUAL NUGGETS:
 -Training is necessary.   -You will make mistakes, Let others encourage you.
 -Don't forget to share encouragement on the journey.  -Be kind to those you pass.
 - Don't give up-the end is within reach.  -When you reach the finish line, take time to reflect on the process.
 -Real Life begins when we cross over---WHEN WE HEAR WELL DONE.