So I know it has been quite some time since writing on this page! I apologize for that. I didn't always have time available as I was traveling to be sitting down and writing out my thoughts. So update on the last month in 100 words or less! :o) Ok so Niagara Falls Marathon is and AWESOME race! I loved every minute of my 3rd and fastest marathon! It was a beautiful day, beautiful course, and just so awesome! I think so far it is my favorite marathon! All I can say is training after a marathon was quite fun. Knowing even though I was on vacation I couldn't stop training due to the fact that my next marathon is Dec. 2nd. I had a blast seeing the places I was visiting from the view of a runner and a cyclist. I pounded the pavement wherever I went and I have to tell you that I was captivated by all the beautiful creation that surrounded me. Most of my time was spent running the mountain trails or riding the country roads of MT and it was just so awesome to see places that I had never seen before even though it was right in front of me my whole childhood.
I have titled this post "Still Challenging" for a reason. My last long run in MT was an 18 miler, and I have to say it was probably one of the hardest runs I have ever had. I don't know if this will be an encouragement or a deterring read for you all. It was quite interesting to be feeling my body go through things that haven't happened in a long time on a long run. I don't mean that my body was shutting down or anything but people think that since I've been running for so long and do marathons and everything that running is easy. Well hate to break it to you, but I still have to work at running A LOT! It was just a tough run and the thing that God revealed to me so strongly was this simple phrase "Everything Matters." If you are an athlete you know this all to well, if you aren't well let me break it to you like this. EVERYTHING MATTERS! I was given the reminder that everything matters in my training physically and spiritually. I had 18 miles to try and figure out why I was struggling and as I prayed I got insights for sure. SLEEP, it matters! I didn't get a good solid nights rest the night before and my body was tired. I didn't eat enough probably because I was running at a different time than usual and had been awake for longer than usual. There was a great increase in elevation and decrease in temperatures! These all factor into how well I can run! However the more important parts that I want to focus on would be my spiritual life.
There were areas in my spirit that weren't lined up with the Lord, and I believe this played a part in my performance. I think God honors us and loves to bless us when we are drawing closer to Him and doing all we can to grow in our relationship with Him. Sometimes I stop pressing in, I start coasting, I start returning to old habits and this affects my life. Every area of my life is affected when my spirit isn't in line with God's will. When I am doing life on my own and trying to live according to my thoughts and feelings I lose sight of what God could be wanting to do or asking me to do. I feel like this was a little bit of where I was that day, just not really pressing in, trying to do my own thing and not really seeking for God to guide or direct me. It was a powerful reminder to me that God cares about me and desires to have intimacy with me. He longs for me to come to Him and rely totally on Him. To be surrendered, totally abandoned, and dead to myself is what He wants from me. I finished my run 2 miles short of the goal, tired, hungry, and with a new appreciation of the mighty strength and power of God. He is the one that gives us everything from the breath in our lungs to the ability to move our feet. I was totally relying on Him to take me through that run and it was amazing! Time wise, it was a terrible run compared to how I have ran in the past, but my spirit was encouraged, and challenged to remember that EVERYTHING MATTERS. Whether it is a physical act or a spiritual act its all connected and it all matters to God!
I have a week and a half before my next marathon and I am so excited to see God work in my life. I have never done 2 marathons in a year, let alone this close to one another. It will be an awesome experience and I am just looking forward to the ability to run with friends and encourage them along the way!
