1 Corinthians 9.24
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.
This year the Lord blessed me beyond measure with my running. I ran fewer miles – by a lot – than I have in the last 4 years. With that came rest and many PRs(personal records) as well as 3 marathons. Never did I imagine I would be able to attempt, let alone complete 3 marathons in 62 days… if you told me on December 31, 2014 I would run 3…I would have called you crazy! (I hear I am crazy all the time!)
Ephesians 3.20
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,
By God’s grace I did just that. I ran two world major marathons and an awesome small town marathon!! I also set PRs in all race distances(1 mile, 5k, 8k, 10k and Half marathon) expect the 15k and the marathon. I will get the times I am after one day! In His time!
Ecclesiastes 3.1-8
A Time for Everything
3 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
The miles He has given me represent the strength and the struggle…the ups and the downs…the loss and the victories of life. My running journey mirrors life. I love the parallel. During many of the miles of the journey I have my amazing family and friends by my side and at other times it is just God and me.
God has taught me so many lessons on the roads. This year I would say He taught me less is more. When I started pose running over a year ago, I had no idea how it would affect my running as a whole Well, now, I know. It works. Fewer runs – but quality runs – work! I have not been as tired and I have been able to slow down and smell the roses. 😉 I had more time on my hands this year because I wasn’t running every day. (and I am not knocking running daily – at all!) I just know for me I had lost the joy in running. This approach helped me find my joy as well as help me be successful in my efforts. I also have had more time for family and friends. Joy!
In the spirit of the shorter runs(the ones I hope to focus on in 2016), I am keeping this running recap short and will sum it up by saying ~ 2015 was out of this world!
Hebrews 12.1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Happy New Year! Here’s to running blessed in 2016!