The Source of the Invisible

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Some important questions remained unanswered from my previous article, The Power of the Invisible. These are questions that I normally get from beginner runners and people who just started an exercise program. They ask, “Why is it that I do not have energy?” “Why am I not strong enough?” or “Why do I not recover as fast after a long run as I should?” I would like to propose an idea with the intention to not oversimplify such complex subject, but to point to at least one possible direction.

It is a matter of going to the right sources. Many of our bodies’ critical processes are sustained on and optimized by what we eat. A balanced diet that includes the right type of foods and supplements will fuel the body for its best functioning. Let me explain by following the same topics discussed in the previous article.

ATP gives you energy
Phosphorus, the basic element of Adenosine Triphosphate or ATP, is the second-most abundant mineral in the body – second to Calcium, and we need to ensure the body a steady supply of it through proper nutrition. ATP is synthesized from all three major food groups and therefore another good reason why we should eat a balanced diet. Make sure to include carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, proteins from beans and dairy products, and fat, especially from sources rich in fatty acids like fish, nuts and seeds. Do this and you will have a sustained level of ATP energy throughout the day.

D grows you stronger
Vitamin D is produced naturally by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from the Sun. Running is a great source of Vitamin D. Fifteen minutes of sun exposure, three times a week, can produce the daily recommended dosage of 1000-3000 IU. Other sources include Vitamin D fortified milk and soy products, canned fish, and all dark greens, especially spinach. The best vegetable source is mushrooms, providing 400 IU per serving. Good levels of Vitamin D will make your bones and muscles stronger. So, it is true: run, eat your spinach and mushrooms, and you will be strong as Popeye.

EGCG gets you protected
Many antioxidants like Epigallocatechin Gellate or EGCG help your immune system maintain a high level of protection and fast recovery from cellular damage, muscular and otherwise. Drink lots of EGCG-rich green tea. It “lowers cholesterol, helps with weight loss, and protects skin from sun damage”1 as you take in your Vitamin D while running. Other antioxidants include Vitamins C and E, and other food sources include wild berries, whole grains, beans, spinach and cabbage. Nutritional supplements are also recommended to increase our daily intake of antioxidants.

Invisible Sources
As we have identified the sources of ATP, D, and EGCG, the same concept applies to our spiritual race of faith. We must ask the questions: How do we obtain the unseen things of the Spirit? Where do we acquire the invisible gear we ought to carry in our race of faith? What is the source of the spiritual values that propel us, strengthen us, and protect us? If I follow my own trails from the previous article in quoting 1 Thessalonians 1:3, how do we obtain faith? How do we obtain love? How do we obtain hope?

The source of faith. Faith depends on fulfilling promises. You know you will be paid this Friday because your employer promised to pay you every other week and has done so for the past four years. You know you will obtain a degree from the university you are attending if you complete all academic requirements because they have guaranteed the graduation promise for over fifty years. Our faith in God also depends on His promises. This is exactly why St. Paul wrote, “So then the faith is by a report, and the report through a saying of God” (YLT: Romans 10:17). God’s sayings are true. Report has it that He has done a great job fulfilling his promises in the past. He will continue to do so in the future. We nourish our race of faith by a daily dose of God’s word.

“…man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD” (NIV: Deuteronomy 8:3).

The source of love. Love depends on satisfying relationships. You know that sharing with your spouse tender words and acts of respect and admiration will strengthen your love relationship. You know that your friend in the hospital will appreciate you even more for being there when he or she needed you most. You can even gain new unexpected friends if you follow Jesus’ advice to “…love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, [and] pray for those who mistreat you” (NIV: Luke 6:27-28). Remember that God is love, and our love is possible because he loved us first. We nourish our race of love by sharing with him tender words and acts of respect and admiration and by attending to the needy.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart… and Love your neighbor as yourself.” (NIV: Mark 12:30, 31)

The source of hope. Hope depends on rewarding plans. You can plan progress in your work by acquiring job skills that will make you more valuable. You can make plans to improve your health, for example, by watching what you eat and including ATP, D, and EGCG sources in your diet. Plans are necessary to direct you, to inspire you, and to help you reach your potential. God also has plans for your life. Discovering them is your adventure. We nourish our race of hope by searching God and understanding the plans he has in store for us. He has promised:

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (NIV: Jeremiah 29:11).

Remember, practice makes perfect. This is even true when we practice the invisible virtues of the spirit. Abide in the promise that God has good plans for you. This will help you exercise your faith, love, and hope and your energy, strength, and endurance will multiply.

^[1] Kidder, David S., et. Al., Epigallocatachin Gallate, The Intellectual Devotional Health (Rodale Books).

Vladimir Lugo