ITBS & Spiritual Disciplines

I've recently noticed the development of Iliotibilal Band Syndrome (ITBS).  The tell-tale signs of pain on the outside of my right knee have appeared once again after being pain free for several years.  The cause?  Common to runners, ITBS can be caused in a variety of ways... pregnancy, aging, pronation, road camber, worn running shoes, and muscle imbalance. (For more info on ITBS, see http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=3528)


Having ruled out pregnancy, pronation, road camber and worn running shoes, that leaves me with two probable causes: aging and muscle imbalance.  While I can't doing anything to stop the advancing years (though recent studies have confirmed that running & coffee drinking will add years to your life), I'm left with working on muscle imbalance.

During my recent marathon training regimen I focused only on running.  I did little to no cross training, especially anything to strengthen my hip abductors.  This little flare up served to remind me of the importance of cross training.  So this week I hit the gym once again to add in some long neglected weight training and stretching to help strengthen and stabilize my deteriorating body.  What I'm learning, albeit a little too slowly at times, is that cross training is not optional when it comes to one's physical well-being. 

The same is true for a person's spiritual well-being.  God has given us a variety of spiritual exercises that are essential to our growth and success in the Christian life.  These include worship, Bible reading, prayer and service to others (just a name a few). 

I'm not sure if there is a spiritual equivalent of ITBS, but focusing on one or two of your favorite "exercises" will hamper your spiritual health.  We need to make sure to develop a well-rounded regimen.  I'd recommend the following book by Donald Whitney for anyone wanting to learn more about these disciplines.

While there are definite advantages to tending to one's physical health, I'm reminded of what the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 4:7-8, "Train yourself to be godly.  For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." 

Let's keep our balance as we continue to run with perseverance the race marked out for us (Hebrews 12:1).