Cross Training

It was almost exactly a year ago that I first considered running for the STARS. I have shown up, hung around, and cheered for runners every year since this great event started. Two years ago, I walked the course. One year ago I decided in early June to give myself a week to see if I could run 5 kilometers. And when the day came - rain and all - I showed up and participated in my first organized running event.

I fancy myself more of a cyclist. I have always insisted that when runners get old, they become cyclists, so why not just cut out the running thing altogether? There was no reason why, at age 53, I should all of a sudden put on a pair of running shoes and try this thing out. But it was for a good cause, and there's nothing quite like doing something with some 300+ enthusiasts, of all abilities and descriptions.

I was pleased by my time in last year's Run for the STARS. But I was surprised by the comments of supposedly knowledgeable people who thought it was a really good time, and who seemed to question that it really was my first 5k race. Hmm ... maybe I should be running?

As some of you know, that question lingered, niggled, and finally got under my skin. And about 5 weeks ago I ran my first marathon. So, what happened to my cycling? Well, I like to say "cycling is my love language" - it's what I most prefer for physical exercise. During the winter weeks of 2010, training for a spring marathon, cycling became the other sport. Now that the marathon is behind me, and I still enjoy running, cylcing is the main event, and running is the other.

In the world of exercise and sport, this alternating of activities is called "cross training." An athlete (and no, I do not put myself in that category!) trains hard at her sport, and on off days does a different activity that will still keep her fit but give her a rest of sorts. A change-up. So, during the cylcing months, running has now become my "cross training."

I know many musicians reading this column are engaging in ministry "cross training" this summer. You are giving time in a nursery, with a children's Sunday School class, hosting a Back Yard Bible Club, or helping out in some other area of ministry. When choirs and ensembles pick back up in the fall, you will return to your main event.

But we also see what we do as "cross training" in a very different way. Our work together in ministry is a very real participation in taking up the cross and following Jesus. It involves sacrifice, dying to ourselves, and living for others. It brings us out on cold winter nights and snowy Sunday mornings; it keeps us in stuffy rehearsal conditions and in warm robes or suits. It drives us to prayer and to mutual dependence on others with whom we serve. And ultimately - I pray, purposefully - it is all to the end that the Cross of Jesus would be displayed, preached, responded to, and lived under.

Sing on!