On Saturday, Aug 8th I left my home planning to do my longest run ever....10 miles. I was nervous and doubtful that I'd be able to do it. I felt a bit of pressure to accomplish it without backing down because the race was scheduled for Sept 12th (more on that later). I didn't have many more runs to attempt these longer distances before doing the suggested pre-race taper to let my body rest a bit.

It was a beautiful morning here in the desert, not too hot yet and there was a very pretty sunrise. I didn't even feel as tired as I had some times before. I ran up to the bike path intending to get off at one exit but I missed it so went a little farther. I was absolutely amazed when I looked down at my iPod and saw I'd already gone 8 miles and wasn't that tired yet! I decided to go farther instead of turning back to go home. I just kept going. I was even running on some hilly routes and it was amazing that I was keepign a consistent pace! My total distance for that day was 12.5 miles in 2 and 1/2 hours!

When I walked in the door of my home I was totally excited. I felt amazed, blessed and more confident. Events may be easy but pushing yourself to do more, or be faster or improve can be hard. That's what training is for. It's getting ready for a different level - mentally, physically and spiritually as well. It isn't just health and fitness that's improved, but confidence levels and for me even spiritual realizations about not giving up when struggling. There are a lot of lessons to be learned insetting difficult goals and working towards them bit by bit. There are surprises along the way...like breaths of fresh air given to invigorate us when we are doubting or tired or confused.

I am looking forward to more long runs that will challenge me...and the same with cycling I've started doing. I did a very challenging 8 mile route with a friend. Even though I wanted to give up I didn't! There was a long hill (about 1 mile long) that is about a 5-6% grade. I so wanted to stop but he kept encouraging me to get to the next leveled off place and then we could rest a bit if I wanted. So I pushed myself to keep going. Tackling something that is hard and succeeding helps me be more confident at home with all the projects that I'm faced with - including school (in those moments when I don't know whey I am teaching my kids!)

The half-marathon may not happen - there are some issues the group is trying to work through. If it's canceled it will be ok. There will be another one at some point and I know I can be ready for it. God is teaching me to keep moving.
Marie





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