I think it’s human nature to complain.  We like the attention that it generates, we like the feedback it can get, and we like to feel like we are not alone in whatever it is that ails us.

And so I’ve been like that lately with Facebook with regard to my plantar fasciitis. Complaining about the pain has been a bit of a release for me and it has generated good ideas and support from my many friends who have been there, done that, and rolled the water bottles on their feet.

However – I was stopped short by the unintended consequence of my actions.

This morning at church, a friend, Sue, came up to me and said, “See I always knew running was bad for you – look at all of you with your injuries.” She was talking about my recent Facebook posts – as well as those of a mutual friend who just fractured a bone during her last marathon.

I was immediately sad and chastened by her comments. Now – she wasn’t trying to be mean or rude about running. She was just stating an opinion – one that was easily reached had you been reading my Facebook updates.  But wow.  That was not my intention.

I started running back in February.  For very personal reasons – health, exercise, shiny medals.  (You can start back at the beginning of this blog for more details….)  And you know what – there are good days and there are bad days.

On the good days, I believe my cute mental image of myself in running shorts is close to reality. On the good days, I hit a stride that feels comfortable – that I’m in the zone and I’m moving in a physical way that feels amazing. I’ve never really been an athlete – but sometimes, just sometimes, I feel like I have physical abilities that are better than an average elementary kid on the playground.  On the good days, I spend the time running thinking about life and the people in it.  I work out frustrations, give thanks for those I love, and enjoy the ability to be outside and moving. On the good days, the sweat feels right and I finish a run with an abundance of energy and adrenaline. I once finished 8 miles and then felt like dancing right then and there in the parking lot next to my car. (So I did.)  On the good days, I am excited, I’m happy, and I relish the challenge.

And that’s why I blog. I like to to share those feelings with others – whether they are runners, or family and friends, or just nosy. I want people to get why I like running.  Sure I’m not the most inspirational runner. I don’t have ultra marathons in my sights. I’m not overcoming physical challenges and other barriers to excel. I’m just doing what I like and trying to recruit some people to join me along the way.

But I think I forgot the most important part about selling your product.  You lead with the good stuff.  And you do share the bad days – but when you have to talk about the bad stuff – you need to be mindful what lesson you’re really telling people.

As I walked away from Sue this morning, I went off to my Sunday School class.  With half my brain on her comment, I tried to tune the other half on the lesson – about gifts that God gives us.  Not food, shelter, clothing, but the gifts of teaching, mercy, giving, and even encouragement.

Encouragement….!  Ah ha. The whole “if I can do this – just about anyone can” is my general motto.  I write and blog and post to Facebook about my running so that others can see that even an overweight, over-forty, over-tired mom can take on the challenge. But how encouraging am I if my message is often one of aches and pains?

If I want people to run and be active, do I lead with the headline “Running causes foot pain”?  If I want people to come to my church, do I start with a listing of the occasional long meetings or the times I might not be happy with someone’s decision there?  If I want people to bring their kids to the same karate and dance studios my kids go to, do I tell them first about all the people that I don’t like there?  If I want my husband to enjoy the evening after work with the family, do I whine first about all the fights with the kids over their homework?  If I want to share things with those that I love and cherish – what’s the first message they get from me?

Sadly – I do fall into that pit of complaints from time to time.  (Okay probably more times about the homework arguments than I want to admit.) And yes, sometimes we need to get things off our chests. And we seek comfort and empathy from those around us.  I did need feedback about how to best deal with my foot pain. But as a psychologist – I know people tend to remember the negative things easier.  So I need to be more mindful and wrap those issues in a deep layer of “this is just a small slice of running.” Because it is – a small slice of a thing that is much more positive for me than negative. Just as the meetings, the people who I don’t agree with, and yes even the homework battles, are just a small bite in the very large pie of blessings that are my life.

I read a quote somewhere once that indicated the speaker would take up running if only those running looked happy when they ran by.  Maybe we runners need to focus on the run – but also on the opportunity to encourage others in doing what we are so focused on. And maybe that means a few more smiles.

So Sue – I apologize for leading with my weak foot and doing the complaining thing. I love running. In fact, I love it so much that I want this nagging pain to go away so I can keep on running.  A lot.  But I thank you, dear friend. For reminding me about encouragement and keeping that at the forefront of all I do. I intend to be better about that….even in the midst of pain, I’m going to be putting my best foot forward.