Accountability & Encouragement

Most Saturday mornings, I get up early and drive into Rochester (about 45 minutes) to do my long distance runs with a great group of people at Fleet Feet Sports.  I've done this for a couple of years now.  

I'm often asked, "Why do you travel so far to go running?  Aren't there any roads where you live?"  Well, there are a few roads out here in South Alabama, NY.  And, yes, they ARE paved.  In fact, I do sometimes run out here, and it's a very beautiful area for running.

The reason I make the trek into Rochester is simple.  I enjoy the camaraderie and encouragement of others who share a similar passion.  

I need the encouragement and accountability that comes from running with others.  There are days I'd rather sleep in.  Knowing others will be running helps me to get up and get going.  There are times I think I've reached my limit.  My group pushes me to go farther and faster than I would on my own.  

This was especially true when I first started running.  Like any new discipline, running is hard.  I needed LOTS of encouragement to stick with it.  But with the encouragement and support of others, I was able to progress from running a 1/2 mile to running marathons.

But there's more to be found in running with a group than just encouragement.  I've also made some very good friends.  We look forward to seeing each other on Saturday mornings.  We cheer for each other at our races.  We connect throughout the week to offer advice, encouragement (there's that word again!), and support... along with a few laughs.

Having been on the receiving end for some time, I recently took on the role of being a pace leader for one of the groups.  Now I get to provide encouragement and support to others as they push themselves to new levels in their running.  It's exciting to hear someone in the group say, "I've never run that far before."  

One of my favorite Bible verses is found in Hebrews 10:25, "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching."



Regardless of the journey you're on, we all need encouragement.  Life isn't always easy or fair.  Sometimes you reach the top of one hill only to discover there are several longer & steeper hills ahead (think Mendon Ponds here).  A little encouragement goes a long way.  A smile, a kind word, a little advice, perhaps even some needed correction.  

Do you need some encouragement in your life?  Link up with some others who will help you in your walk today.  Have you been encouraged by others?  Then share that encouragement with someone else.  You'll both be glad you did!

BTW... our group has been training for the past few months to run the MVP Half and Full Marathon in Rochester this Sunday morning.  I'll be leading one of the pace groups for the marathon.  I'm excited to know that we'll be there to support & encourage each other to the finish line.