Friday, February 13, 2009

More than a Marathon


I started out on this journey to the marathon not knowing that that was the goal. I started running again in May of 2007 and after being spoiled with the slow moving streets of New Braunfels it took me a while to find a place I was comfortable running in Austin. I started my running program from running a minute walking a minute 7 times. I followed this slow moving training program for 10 weeks with the final task being completing a 20 minute run. I remember finding that difficult. The next 10 weeks built up to running for 30 minutes. The weeks following that I was comfortable running for 30 minutes 3 times a week and then I would add in a longer 45 minute run. Then something WAY beyond myself started happening. I realized I couldn't wait for these "alone" moments and found myself praying through things that had needed to be dealt with so very long ago. I felt that pains of the past were literally falling off of me as I ran. I ran through the summer heat of 2008 and remember loving the feeling of the hot sun and piling on the sunscreen. 
In early August I stumbled upon The Austin Distance Challenge. I was wrestling with the idea of beginning another 16 week program to complete my first half marathon. The Austin Distance Challenge offers 6 different races that help to build a runner up to the final task of completing a marathon. I remember feeling a spark of excitement with the idea that maybe I could finally train and complete THE marathon. That night I signed up for the challenge and have now completed a 10K, 10 Miler, half marathon, 20 miler, another half marathon, and this Sunday I will run in my first ever marathon right here in Austin. 
I write this because the Lord of my life gets all of the glory for every step I have completed. I have fallen head over heels in love with Him and how He believes so much more for my life than I do. As I was running my last training run 2 days ago (an easy 25 minutes) I had goose bumps all over my body and tears in my eyes for the last 10 minutes or so. He has been with me every step and in every situation and in every breath since before I can remember. He has been beckoning me and loving me and accepting me through every sin, celebration, and heartache. He doesn't let me down. He cheers for me. This is not about running a marathon. This about much more than I can even comprehend. God is calling me to this 26.2 mile journey with Him and I cannot wait to put on my shoes on Sunday morning. I have this huge understanding that He will literally be running WITH me that day as He has been faithful to do through all my days. 

3 comments:

  1. You are going to do great! I look forward to the blog that tells us all about it. When you get weary, that is when He will carry you. Godspeed Jenny!

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  2. This time tomorrow, you'll already be running! Go girl.

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  3. I am so proud of you! You did it! You started and completed it and you did something bigger than you. I can't wait to read your blog for the race.

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