Thank you Jesus

I have no excuse for not having posted a running update since last weekend...except for the crazy internet/computer problems we've been having. Either way...here it is.

Last weekend my sweet hubby and I ran the longest our legs have ever carried us. I am constantly reminded of how much running is a mental feat as well as physical. It's all about perspective. Last week our second longest run of the week was 10 miles on Wednesday. It was a tough run, and there were times where I didn't think we could finish. And we didn't. We ran 9 instead. We were running out of time, and our legs were just so tired.

Then Saturday comes, and we killed a 20 miler. I am amazed at what our minds can do when our bodies just quit. We started off fairly strong, but by mile 3 I was little concerned. I was having some leg pain and of course thinking how can I finish this if I'm already in pain?

But we continued on, and by mile 5 I was feeling better. I think I pretty much leveled off after that. I zoned out with my music and just kept running. Finally at about mile 18.5 the serious pain started to set in. It's at that point, however, that you know you can make. There is a distinct moment at which something clicks and it goes from being physical to mental. It was a matter of my will, telling myself that I wasn't going to quit, that I wasn't going to let this run beat me. That's all that carried me to the finish.

And the finish is when you realize that it was all worth it. We collapsed in the grass, looking into the sun, feeling so euphoric. Amazing.

Then the pain sets back in. And we had to get moving. It hurts so bad to move, but it hurts worse not to move. So, we make it back to the car and drive home. The rest of the day feels special in a way. We have to remind each other that we really did run 20 miles. Yes, we did it. We finished our longest training run. And if we can do that, then we can without a doubt run 26.2. I'm so happy.

This weekend we taper down to a 12 miler. You would think that would be a walk in the park compared to last week. Somehow, though, the runs are always hard (past about 9 miles at least). 12 miles will seem almost as hard this week as 20 did last week. I don't understand why it works that way, but it does...at least for me. I'm just so ready to take on the actual race. April 26th can't come fast enough!

On a completely different note...please say a prayer for my fellow Oklahomans. Last night there were some terrible fires all over the state, and hundreds of houses were burned. I can't imagine waking up this morning, and having absolutely nothing...just like that. One of my sets of Grandparents was just outside the evacuation zone, and the other set was in the evacuation zone. I haven't had the chance to talk to them yet, but I'm praying that their house is okay. There are still some fires burning, but the bulk of them are under control I think. Please just say a prayer that the wind dies down and we get some rain soon.

Happy Easter to everyone! We are going to J's parent's house tonight and we'll be coming home Sunday. I'm looking so forward to having relaxing time with family. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday whatever you do.

And let's all remember what this holiday is about.

Thank you Jesus for rising from the grave so we can have salvation and a relationship with the living God! Thank you for loving me and desiring a relationship with me. Thank you for being my provider, my strength, my purpose, my friend, my guide, and my deliverer! All praise to you, Lord.