A Snail's Pace

From a woman who has not been shy about hiding her dislike for exercise, this post may seem a bit odd. But, from a woman who has been clear about her desire to challenge herself, it will make perfect sense.

My typical exercise routine, during the school year, consists of Wii fit exercises during the week and walking on the weekends, weather permitting, of course. From the latter part of 2012 through the middle of April, I had been inconsistent with exercise. I had many reasons for this, most of them valid. But, by mid-April I was not happy with the state of my body and wanted needed to get back to this exercise routine.

While I walk for exercise, and it was one of the things contributes to my ability to feel fit and healthy, I also enjoy the time alone that walking provides. It's during this time that I am able to listen to music and spend time talking with God. It's in this quiet time, without distraction, that I can not only talk, but really listen, to what God has to say to me.

I have always been a walker, never a runner. I have had no desire to train for more than my 2 to 3 miles. I have been content and comfortable. 

When Kristine from Heart Shaped Sweat shared her idea of having a virtual 5K to kick off the summer, I was not eager. But, as I read more about the concept, I realized I liked it. I could walk the 3.1 miles. I could do it alone. It wasn't a race. Yes, I could do this.

On Saturday, June 1st, as part of my morning walk, I participated in the Summer Kickoff virtual 5K.

I walked along my normal path, and knew exactly the route I needed to take to complete the 5K. The path I walk is along a fairly quiet road and is lined with trees. On some days, if I am out early enough, I may even catch the sunrise.

The most annoying thing about this path is the snails. They are everywhere. I am constantly, nearly stepping on them throughout the entire walk. The thought of stepping on a snail is so disgusting to me.

I had no goals or vision for my walk on June 1st. I simply wanted to do it. However, when I completed the first mile, the voice on my imap my walk app told me my pace. It was faster than it had been since I began walking again in April. Maybe I could beat my time, getting a pace of under 14 minutes per mile.

My second mile was even faster. I was excited.

Something happened in the third mile. I got tired. I slowed my pace. Here is my final time.

As you can see, it is just over 14 minutes per mile. I was disappointed. I had wanted to beat my best time. 

So, back to the snails. In addition to being disgusting, they are also slow. Sometimes you can't even tell that they are moving, except that they leave a trail of slime behind them.

As I thought more about the snails and my slower pace during the last mile of my 5K, I realized a few things about going slow.
- Just because you are going slow, doesn't mean you don't have a destination. Those snails, they have a purpose. They know where they are going. And, they still get there.
- Going slower may make it easier to leave an impression along the way. Even when those snails aren't visible, their mark helps you know that they have been there. We can make marks like that, too. Next time you pass a friend on the street, stop and roll down the window, take a minute to chat, instead of merely honking as you drive past.

I am looking forward to the slower pace of summer. To the blessings of not feeling rushed, catching up with friends, and spending more time with my kids. This virtual 5K turned out to be the perfect way to kickoff my summer!