SECOND WIND

“Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out that they’ve got a second.” William James PRACTICE: When has life’s circumstances left you totally deflated? What provided the second wind?

When I go to the gym, I want to make it count. My everything is geared toward getting the most that I can get for being there…push and push more. My body lately has been rebelling. How do I know? My recovery time has gotten longer.

I arrived at the gym a few weeks ago in a time crunch. Instead of warming up properly, I got on the treadmill, walked briskly for 2 minutes and decided to see how quickly I could complete my two miles goal so that I could move to strength training. Hooray …I met my goal -2miles in less than twenty-four minutes. I paid a high price for the accomplishment. I have not run on the treadmill since. My lower back warned me of impending danger. I didn’t listen. I became winded. I didn’t listen. I got the second wind, which is defined as a return to relatively easy breathing after initial exhaustion during continuous exertion. I celebrated internally and kept going. By the time I finished the treadmill and started the weight routine, I was feeling pretty good about myself. I was on schedule to get everything done in the time frame that I had allotted. It was an amazing feat for me but was it worth it?

I have paid for those 40 minutes in more ways than one can count. 1) Driving, which is not an option for me, became uncomfortable – uncomfortable- my lower back screamed. 2) over the counter pain killers and I became intimately acquainted 3) the intensity of subsequent workouts diminished significantly. The discomfort was real. Was it worth it?

Here is what I learned during the intense workout, a second wind is possible and were I training for a marathon, pushing through to the second wind would be necessary. I am not training for a marathon. When I apply the second wind theory to daily living, there are areas of life where I must push through when I want to give up. I can’t give up on a relationship with a sibling because it is hard. I can’t give up a project at work because the answer is illusive. And I can’t give up on eating properly and trying to live a wholesome and health lifestyle because I become exhausted and have an unsuccessful day or week. The second wind allows one to return to relatively easy breathing and to continue with renewed energy or strength. So, was my experience worth it? Yes and No. My heart says yes! My body says No. I choose to follow the heart.

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.

PONDER THIS THOUGHT – Second winds are a result of the total exhaustion of the first one and a desire to continue.