It's tomorrow! It's tomorrow!!!

I can't believe I am even saying this but we are officially running our first half marathon tomorrow. Yes, I know we ( my running partner, Teri and I) have been training for what seems like eternity. We have endured the cold, the dreaded long runs on the treadmill and the hot spring mornings when we have run too late in the day. We've battled trying not to toss our cookies, IT band issues, side cramps, and the feeling that we just can't go anymore. The day after pains, the nasty GU energy substance we've swallowed and the hunger pangs we've had from all our long runs could just be enough to stop us in our tracks. Yet, for some crazy reason we have pressed on to reach this moment in time.
It seems insane to a non-runner. And granted, some days it seems insane to us that we voluntarily put ourselves in this position. However, it's not completely crazy! Through this process we have discovered much about who we are and who we aren't. We have found what we are capable of pushing ourselves through and when we have to step back and let our bodies recover the way God intended. We have been encouraged by our cheerleaders and we have inspired others in our journey.
So that doesn't sound so crazy after all right? For me, that is just kind of how life is? I'd say it runs parallel to the kind of journey God has set before me during my life. Life has not been easy. There have been times that I just wanted to give up and there were times I did. I choose pleasure over what was best or choose things that lasted in the moment over pushing past to what really mattered for a life time. I haven't traveled this training alone and I'm so thankful God doesn't want us to do life alone. When I've been weak, Teri has pushed me. When Teri was tired, I've been able to encourage her to press on.
This time I have surrendered my body to what God allows it to do. I have tried to listen to His voice as I just have to breathe to get through the next moment. God just telling me the very simple things like breathing Him in was what would sustain me. I didn't have to do cartwheels while I ran, I didn't have to do front rolls, I just had to keep moving in the forward direction and BREATHE!
That is hard for a girl that likes the flips and extra things in life. I still often fail at getting the simple things right. But, I am a new creation. I am learning to just breathe because sometimes that is all I can do. I'm learning to back off of all the extracurricular things and learning to trust the decernment God has given me. If I'm quiet, I hear the still small voice. When I obey, I hear the wisdom flow form my Father's heart.
So while the distance seems insane I wouldn't change any of this because He has taught me so much through it. Sometimes I think we. Have to run just a little further than normal to see how much God is capable of though us.
I love that as I run I can press into my Father's arms. It's like He is waiting for me right there at the finish line, even though I know He is right beside me the whole way!

So pray for us tomorrow. It's a big day. It's early, early...but it's gonna be GREAT!

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, 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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV)