Running and Race Decisions

I've been in a 4 mile running rut the past few months. But there's nothing like the start of a new year to think about breaking out of the rut by making some race decisions. My biggest decision will be whether to run my 2nd 1/2 marathon this April. I must make the decision within the next couple of weeks so I can be on target with my training plan.

Today as I ran I knew that if I make the decision to go for the 1/2 again it would at least rescue me out of my 4 mile rut. Training for a race of that distance offers great accountibility. Your milage simply has to steadily increase. No staying at the same ol' same ol'. Today I didn't feel too bad and it makes the decision to say yes a little easier. But I know tomorrow could be a different story causing mental indecisiveness about the thought of going that long. A 1/2 is quite a feat for me. Today I feel like making the decision to go for it, but until I register and pay the fee it's not a done deal.

Decisions! Decisions! Life is just full of them. Even in the spiritual race of faith. Every day I must choose to make those decisions which will honor the Lord Jesus. And as I look to my training plan, the Bible, I will keep from not only making the wrong decisions, but I will stay out of a rut. Increase or growth, for the better as a Christian, or for the distance as a runner, means making wise decisions. Decisions that mean hard work, diligent training, and sacrifice. Am I willing to pay the price? Ultimately, that will be the decision to be made in both races.

My deepest desire far more important than running a 1/2 marathon or not is to always respond like Joshua when he made this proposal to the people of Israel -- "...choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)