Pre-Run: Warm Up

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Begin by breathing in and out, slowly filling your lungs with air and then releasing it.

As your diaphragm lowers to fill your lungs, allow your chest to gently expand upwards and your shoulders to slide downwards and back.

As your diaphragm rises to expel the air, allow the same muscles to return.

It is God’s good air that you are breathing, filled with life and light, the oxygen that will freshen the blood in your veins as you begin to move. So give thanks to the one who gives you the air that you breathe, and give thanks for your body that breathes it.

As you gently begin to stretch your muscles one after the other, pay attention to each one. Notice whether they are loose or tight, relaxed or tired. As you do so, let your reasons for running flow through your mind. They might be the same as before, but there might be something new. Ask for God’s light to deepen your motivation and energy. Focus upon the motivation that God has given you and let the movements of your body respond.

As you start to prepare for your run, recall your last run. What were the highs and lows? Was there anything you needed to change? How far and how fast did you run? Listen to what your body is saying to you today. Don’t push yourself too hard, or too little, but rather let God show you what your limits are and gently allow those limits to expand.

Today, what gift do you desire from God? It might be strength, or lightness or joy. It might be a tension in your life that you want to ease. Whatever it is that you want, ask God for it now.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.