Finishing the Race

I hate to beat a theme to death, but this whole running thing has been a big part of the last 8 weeks of my life. It's kinda funny, I was talking to someone at church on this past Wed. night and he was saying that he just hated running, but asked if I was enjoying it? Enjoying?? Well, I had to think about that a minute before I answered him. And honestly, at this point I would say that I am, because I actually find myself looking forward to my runs on most days. But the actual ACT of doing the running -- is that enjoyable? Actually it's ususally pretty painful. ha But I really do love the feeling that I have when I've just FINISHED a run... now that feels good. :-)
Then I had someone ask me yesterday what I was getting out of my running -- what I liked best about it? [Yes, you see what I'm talking about with people -- this really is consuming my days lately - haha.] Anyways, back to the question. Well, there is obviously the fitness part of running -- it's helping me stay in shape and I feel physically better than I have in a long time. So that's a huge benefit. Plus it's a good family activity for us -- I may never run marathons like Jack or be able to keep up with Anna, but we're having a good time running these little races around town together. But honestly, the answer to the question yesterday - what was I really getting out of my running? boiled down to this: I am most excited that I actually made a goal to run a 10K race *sometime* this year -- and here I am on eve of that race and ready to do it -- and it's only been 2 months! To set a goal, and be on the verge of achieving it, is probably the best part of this running thing I've been doing. I tend to shy away from goals because of a fear of failure, so this is a big deal for me. :-)

So this thought from Paul came to mind today:

"For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." (II Tim 4:6-8)

You know, I wonder if he was a runner, because he sure liked these analogies :-)

Now, here's the interesting part about this run tomorrow. Earlier in the week I was watching the weather because I had a vested interest in what tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 is going to be like. :-) So my friend, the weatherman, said the forecast was partly sunny and a high of 56! Perfect!! You can't ask for better running weather than that.... well, as we all know, weathermen (fortunately for them) don't make their living off of always being RIGHT about the weather! So as of today, here is the forcast for tomorrow:

Windy. Light snow during the morning followed by clearing during the afternoon. High 43. winds NNW at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of show 70%. A slushy accumulation of less than one inch.

Ok, well, this really wasn't what I had in mind at all! My LEAST favorite thing to deal with when I run is the wind -- it's just hard to run into the wind -- and cold. And snow? Does it finally have to snow NOW? sigh. But I have to laugh and ask myself if I really thought it was going to easy to do this -- to finish the race? Because it never is. There are obstacles and set-backs -- and difficult things that you know you just have to face up to. Just like life... And so, tomorrow I will suit up in my winter running gear and be at the starting line -- and God willing, I'll make it to my goal and cross the finish line. So check back in on me in a couple days and I'll let you know how it goes... ;-)