A Training Update

Praise be!

I ventured out to Pinkertorn Park this morning for this week's "long run Friday". Cliff had an early team breakfast at Cracker Barrel with the folks from his work, so I was on my own for today. (Believe me, though, he's running this evening while I'm at class because now he doesn't want to be shown up!)

As most folks in middle Tennessee know, it rained cats and dogs last night, so I was a little hesitant to actually run outside. I knew the treadmill was an option (it always is, isn't it?) but just couldn't bare the thought of four miles on rotating rubber. Fortunately, the air had warmed to just nearly 47 degrees or so, the sun was peaking through the clouds, and the only sign of rain was that which remained in pools on the uneven pavement. So I decided to give it a shot.

And boy, were those ten minutes of prayer I had on the ride there useful. It was an incredible run. I ran two miles and then made a pit stop at the Gatorade bottle waiting by my car to stretch and refuel and then ran the last two miles just reminding myself with every step that I was (after the 3 mile mark) going further and proving myself (and mostly the Lord, who was with me the whole time!) stronger than I've ever been. I stretched and sipped on Gatorade for awhile and then hopped in the car and the tears just came. I bawled like a baby. I just couldn't help it.

I was just so grateful, and not because it was easy. That run was hard. But that's not the point. This is physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional, for real. I pray this is making me a better person in all ways, because I can't help but notice the small ways each of those areas are affected by these runs.

Thank you for praying for me... for us... if you are. It makes such a difference!