MY FIRST 10 KM

Yesterday I was initiated into the wonderful world of 10km road races. I can't believe that, after only 5 months, I have acquired the fitness level to attempt such a race. Obviously such a feat is indeed possible!

I am not naturally an early riser but, on this occasion, I had taken the decision to defy my 'public holiday' sleep-in option. So I buzzed around the sleeping household (including the dogs) trying to gather the necessary things for my race. At 4.30 I presented my hubby a cuppa as he had agreed to accompany me to the start of my adventure.

The ride to Clearwater Mall (the starting point) was a beautiful glimpse into the early morning world of dusk. God's stars were still flickering and there was a chilly wind blowing. The butterflies in my stomach were however not flying in formation.

After registering and gathering my race number, I said goodbye to my hubby and joined my encouraging running partner at the start. We huddled behind a wall in a vain attempt to defer the biting wind. One of the funny sights at the start was an official who was walking amidst the gathered runners offering lubricant from a tub held high. Chafing is apparently common and preparation for avoiding this condition usually made beforehand. I was tempted to dive into this jar but was uncertain.

When Ginny and I heard the start gun, we emerged from our hiding place, and started moving along with the tight crowd. Indeed, we ran the first one and a half kilometers to ensure a smooth merge.

The "Flat race", as this race is commonly termed, is anything but flat! Most of the route winds its way along the steep roads along the mountain ridge running parallel to Hendrik Potgieter Road. We decided to run the downhills and walk the uphills. The ambience was fun and happy; participants joking, encouraging each other and generally chatting. What a privilege to be amongst like-minded folk.

The route itself is very pretty and it makes it way past some spectacular houses. At times the view stretches right across the spanse of the Cradle of Humankind. The birds serenaded us and the two watering points were well stocked.

Ginny and I reached the 6km mark around 56 minutes. To our surprise, the leaders of the 21km race past us at this point (having completed 16km in the same time). Those runners are truly amazing; they are running at a time of around 2.8 minutes per kilometer. Although we couldn't possibly ever run at those times, they were nevertheless totally awesome and inspiring.

We completed the race in the Clearwater Mall's parking lot at a time of 75 minutes. I really enjoyed the run, the atmosphere, the experience and the company along the route. I am so grateful too for my running partner and her husband and for all their encouragement. This encouragement is so common in the Walk /Run for Life family and is the catalyst for achieving many small goals which are often overlooked. And, of course, I am grateful for my faithful husband who arrived donned with our previously discarded jackets.

Today my muscles have recovered and I have registered for the Spar Ladies Race on the 12th October. Would you say that I am hooked yet?

THE VALUE OF OPEN COMMUNICATION

A lot has been said about the importance of listening. On the other hand, very little has been said about the importance of speaking up and actively sharing oneself with others. Yes, I agree that there is a time for everything; a time to listen as well as a time to speak but it is just as important to speak/share as it is to listen. Both listening and speaking go hand in hand for the purpose of good human relationships. The importance of speaking and sharing oneself is often discounted and I feel that it needs to be highlighted.

Let us first look at what exactly is speech? Our speech is what defines us as human; whether we have evolved or been created, our language is what distinguishes us from other creatures on this planet. Speech is integral to effective communication. Yes we choose our words, but the choice of words is what clarifies our individuality. It is a tool that we have been given to convey to others who we are, what our values are, our likes, dislikes, knowledge, aspirations, beliefs, hurts, joys, etc and it enables our communal nature. Our language and our speech allows us to laugh and share the joy of the moment. Our language helps us to make meaning of our lives and the lives of others. Our speech helps our listeners to avoid assumption or to rely on stereotyping.

What happens with people who are shy or reluctant to speak? Whilst it is the individual’s right to be whoever they want to be, let us look at the consequences of choosing a path of quietness:

Human beings, by nature are social creatures and are bound by certain social norms, customs and actions prevailing in their communities. But it is through our speech that we get to know one another, share ideas and gain new insight and understanding. Speech allows opportunity for guidance, reflection and affirmation. Electing not to speak means one gets no responding guidance, no reflection and no affirmation. No speech enables the person to operate in a bubble; it is a selfish ideal which cuts those around you off from the opportunity of a relationship with you.

Be bold…Share yourself! Share who you are and give the other person the opportunity of getting to know you. You can’t possibly expect them to simply know you without speaking. Indeed, if you don’t share anything of yourself, the other person will simply assess and respond to you by the assumptions he/she makes about you. This is dangerous territory since you lay yourself open to assumption, prejudice and stereotyping.

Obviously one needs to choose one’s time to ‘share’. Does the other person really want to get to know you? Indeed, if the answer is ‘yes’, why hold back? This is the essence of human interaction and relationship!

Let us look at prayer and why we pray? It is an opportunity to communicate to God what lies on our hearts. It is also a time to give something to God, to allow a relationship with Him and to allow Him to correct our thoughts and therefore our actions. A life without prayer or meditation means a life without a relationship with the Almighty.

The same goes for human relationships. Speech is an opportunity to communicate to another human being; a time to give something to that other human being, to allow a relationship with him/her and an opportunity to discuss thoughts and actions.

When you speak to someone, you are sharing your own frame of reference; this is a gift to the other person. Admittedly by speaking you make yourself vulnerable, but communication holds the key to the attainment of a relationship and of ultimate knowledge.

What happens, however, if you share something intensely personal and don’t get a response at all? Well, it’s a violation of your hope which you have in the listener. When you make the effort to communicate you expect the person to consider what you are saying. Where there is no response or one of apathy, you get the message that they are reluctant to access what you are trying to say. It says; “What you have to say is of no value to me and what I have to say is of no value to you. This relationship is pointless.” If others don’t respond, it’s like talking in a bubble; isolated and alone!

Unfortunately this is the risk we all take when sharing our inner, personal thoughts with others, but like everything it is a high-risk, high-return situation. You might just be surprised by the other person’s compassion and the value they place on what you have said. Speech allows someone else to access your personal frame of reference and it gives your listener a chance to respond to your personal reality.

In summary, I would like to suggest that if you are shy, reticent, quiet or prone to isolation, to take time to think about your stance. An image of ‘apathy’ or ‘hostility’, which is sometimes conveyed through quietness, is a path chosen towards isolation. So, take the risk; share yourself! You are God’s creature and purposefully placed amongst others. We are all vulnerable and it is by our speech and our communication that we have access to social interaction, support and personal growth. So, don't be shy, SHARE YOURSELF!

SPRING

It’s spring!

I find this the most amazing time of the year. Somehow the winter cobwebs of the psyche just seem to fall off and reveal new ideas, energy, opportunities, interactions and pursuits. Like the deciduous trees, I shed the clutches of winter and embrace God’s beautiful creation.

The white stinkwood tree, in our garden, is covered in fresh emerald leaves. The weaver bird has six nests and has already reared a clutch of chicks. His twitter is constant as he wards off other winged creatures. If I walk out into the garden, the aroma of jasmine wafts all around me and is tempered by the smell of newly laid compost. It really is so beautiful!

In the distance the noise of the highway remains a constant reminder of the world’s routine. How many people immersed in routine are missing this awesome display of new life?

I take this moment, again, to be grateful for my life, my health, my loved ones and all my blessings. Spring is just that… earth’s coil unleashing new energy!

Have a wonderful day and enjoy SPRING!