This week marked the beginning of training for my fall goal event: Capital City River Run Half-Marathon 2012! This is a special event for me because last year I ran this race for the first time. It was a huge personal accomplishment because I had been through so much leading up to the event itself – months of unemployment, then adjustment to a challenging job; breaking my left foot and healing for six weeks; completed by three months of hard running. Crossing the finish line of that race symbolized all of the perseverance I maintained through the growing pains of that year. It was an incredibly humbling and victorious experience and since then, I’ve been HOOKED on the 13.1! So far this year, I’ve done two additional half-marathons, breaking 2 hours for a new PR! I’ve also completed some smaller races, including my first ever 7K and 10K races. It has been an adventure!
Running for me is such a release and an opportunity to break free from the constraints of this world. It’s increased my self-confidence as I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and allowed me to achieve things I never thought I would. It has reinforced two truths for me: 1) Nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37) and 2) I can do ALL things through Him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13). I am so grateful for this gift I’ve been given and do not take it for granted.
I look forward to the coming weeks of training and hope to boost my performance physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I pray that I will bring glory to God through my running and reach new heights with Him. Here’s to fall…Happy Running!