Ran My Race and Finished My Course

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."  2 Tim 4:7
Today, I fought the fight of laziness, ran my course of determination and kept the faith.  I enjoy my couch as much as the next person but have high hopes of living a healthy lifestyle.

I am ultimately responsible for my health.  More and more this has become a reality.  As my family has battled different health issues and watch different family members make excuses, I have seen myself in them.  I have to stop making excuses and make action toward my health if I want to live a long life.

I have friends and family member who run, walk, and workout.  I thought it's because they like doing it until my Aunt who is pretty fit and always tries to motivate me said she does it because she has too not because she likes it.  Sometimes in life we have to do things because we have to and not just because we like it.

I've been thinking about how I want to run a 5k.  It seemed like everyone was doing it but definitely wasn't a reality for me.  At the beginning of the year, I decided to sign up for the...

It was today March 24, 2012.  I had been preparing in the gym and walking the treadmill and conquering the elliptical machine.  I had made my way up to 3 miles on the treadmill in an hour.  For me that was an accomplishment and I was super excited.  I had heard from many people that walking the treadmill is different that walking outside and that I needed to get out and walk.  Well with the weather not being the best, I wasn't able to get out.

For my job, I have to pass out newsletters at an apartment complex so I thought I would try and get a outdoors workout while doing it.  I took 20 steps and about passed out.  I got really discouraged because I felt like the treamill was a big set up.  Then I started doubting that I could do this dash.  So I stopped working out and doing anything two weeks before the run.

So you can imagine this morning, I was extremely nervous and become nausated.  I pressed through anyhow.

I met up with a couple of friends who were also running the race.  This is our before picture.  All refreshed and ready.

I positioned myself in the beginning of the race so that I could be at least ahead of the gang a little bit.  There were over 1500 women at this race from all different ages and background.

So I forgot to add, I picked up my registration packet yesterday and picked up a little reward too.  Yummy cupcake from Cupcake A La Mode.

Of course with any course, you have roadblocks that will hinder you getting to your destination and you being the best you can be.

  

I so wanted to stop along the way and I got emotional because it was tough but I just kept calling the name of Jesus to get me though.  I told the cop who was out directing traffic to go ahead and take me now because I know I'm crazy for doing this.  He just laughed.

   

I loved the motivation along the way!!  This put a smile on my face.  It felt good to pass something along the way.  I ran right past him. 

We will face roadblocks and trials during our race but we need to keep on the lookout for those positive things that are strategically placed along our path.  And don't give up because our blessing is right around the corner!

"Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven."
-- Phillipians 3:13-14.

Dear God,
I realize that You made me for a purpose and that You have a race for me to run. Please help me to focus on the finish line.  Lord, make the rest of my life count. Forgive me for all those times I’ve gotten distracted.
Help me to resist discouragement. Help me to renew myself daily by spending time with You and just being quiet. Help me to rely on Your power to do what You want me to accomplish with my life. Most of all, help me to remember how much Jesus loves me.  Help me to serve you and fulfill your purpose in my life, in this generation.
In Jesus name...Amen.