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Embrace the Possible: Lessons from a Half Marathon
“Nothing is impossible; the word itself says, ‘I’m possible’!” This quote by Audrey Hepburn is one of my favorites, because so often, the difference between success and failure is our perspective. A decade ago, I equated running a mile as an impossibility, thanks to a curvy spine and the enablement of doctor’s notes excusing me from my physical education classes in college. Then, after graduation, my brother dared me to run anyway and get in the best shape of my life. I accepted the challenge, pushing through shin splints and back spasms. Eventually, I plateaued at 3-4 miles. In other words, I became too comfortable with my routine, until a…
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Thankful for Finish Lines
Thanksgiving is a few short days away! Many people are talking about what they’re thankful for, and today, I’m adding a new item to my gratitude list: finish lines. Last weekend, I ran my first half marathon. Thank you for letting me share about this journey with you here! Today, I just want to leave you with a few pictures and a simple challenge. Ecclesiastes 7:8a says, “The end of a thing is better than its beginning” (NKJV). This verse is a favorite for students at the end of a school year, but it also applies to many other aspects of life – half marathons or otherwise. However, no matter how great…
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3 Essentials for Race Day Readiness
My first half marathon is less than a week away! After months of following a training schedule and tracking mileage, I am beyond ready to start the actual race and reach that finish line. However, as I look back over my half-marathon training, I see practical lessons that apply to more than just race day. I hope they’ll encourage you in your personal goals and spiritual walk. #1: Get rest. The first time I ran 10 miles, I nearly passed out in the grocery store a few hours later. I was waiting behind another customer in the check-out line when a tidal wave of fatigue swept over me. Of course,…
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Run to the Word
Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statues, And I shall keep it to the end. (Psalm 119:33 NKJV) My half marathon is just over a month away. One. Month. Away. Last week, I ran 7.3 miles and was feeling pretty good about my mileage, until I did the math. 13.1 – 7.3 = 5.8 Did I mention I never liked math? (Hence, I teach English.) The good news is I’m over half way there. The bad news is that I almost need to double last week’s distance to reach the finish line. *Groans* Don’t worry. I’m not quitting. I will cross that finish line. There just might be…
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3 Reasons This Christian Girl Runs
I get it. Some people hate running. I once was one of them, and some days, I still am. When I tell people I’m training for a half marathon, I get a variety of responses. Most fall into one of the following categories. I’d be curious to hear yours, and I promise, you won’t hurt my feelings! [polldaddy poll=9817788] Asking the reason why Whether you’re setting goals or getting ready to make a decision, pause to ask, “Why am I doing this?” That’s a healthy question. Last time when we talked about goals, we determined the bottom line for doing anything is to glorify God (I Corinthians 10:31). Let me…
