Run and Not Grow Weary

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our 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. ~~Hebrews 12:1-2
Back in February of this year, I decided to take up running for Lent.  Fr. Mike always encourages us to consider "taking up a new thing" instead of "giving up" something. My goal was to run a half marathon in the Fall or Winter.  So, I printed out a training schedule off the internet and started walking and running in intervals.  At that point, I couldn't even imagine running a mile without stopping.  But, little by little my running increased along with my endurance. I have always been the type person who gets really excited about a project, but has a hard type keeping up the motivation--and see the project through to the end.  I was determined not to let my "flighty ways" strike again! The Clarion Ledger wrote an article about me taking up running for Lent.  The article proved very motivating throughout my journey and it also held me accountable since now everyone at work knew about my goal and constantly asked me about how I was doing.  There was no stopping now!  My first 5K was at the St. Paddy's Day parade in Jackson.  I was a nervous wreck--but was so proud to finish.  I ran another 5K in Madison and then started training for the Renaissance 10K.  That was a wonderful experience!  The weather was beautiful and I got a medal at the end!! (I'm just like a kid when it comes to medals!! haha)......A few weeks after that, my IT Band on the right side gave me fits and I had to sit out for 3 weeks.  I felt defeated, but stretched, iced and started again.  I ran another 5K at St. Anthony and John Parker ran the Fun Run.  My original plan was to run the St. Jude half-marathon, but since it conflicted with another event, I decided on the Run for Life half-marathon in Madison.  I continued to get up at 4:30 a.m. 5 days a week and train--doing my long runs on Sunday.  I ran the 300 Oaks Road Race 10K in September.  It was probably my best race to date.  My time was great and I felt great after the run.  I was glad to have my Dad with me too!  With about a month left to my first half-marathon, I continued to train.  A week before the race, I went for a 5-mile run and when I reached my driveway, I couldn't even walk.  My IT Band problem struck again--but this time on the left side!  I cried.  I couldn't believe that this happened one week before the race.  I decided to stay off of my knee until then and continue with stretches, ice and ibuprofen.  I also bought one of the IT Band straps that goes right under the knee.  The morning of the race I still had twinges of pain, but decided that I wouldn't let it get me down.  I was really nervous, but felt confident and prayed ALOT.  My knee started hurting immediately into the run, but I prayed and tried to remain calm.  The pain eased until mile 6 when I couldn't even run without limping.  I stopped at the water station, took a deep breath and tightened my knee strap.  It may have only been psychological, but I really felt that it helped.  I continued to pray and carry one.  Every time "Glorious Day" by Casting Crowns came up on my ipod, I remembered why I was doing this and pressed on. By mile 8, the pain subsided and didn't return (until after the race).  I had hoped to finish the race in 2:20, but my knee slowed me down to 2:44.  I didn't care.  Along the way I thought many times about how Jesus suffered for us and the little pain that I was going through was nothing.  At those moments, I really felt like I had fulfilled my Lenten journey.  Finishing that race was one of the best experiences of my life!!  I will continue to run and use that time to pray for God's guidance in my life.  It has been a wonderful journey!!!