Running Under Ominous Clouds

On Monday, I ran 4 and didn't run again until today. I was busy up until midafternoon doing things that needed to get done. Then I had my chance to go for a run. As I was lacing up, I heard it - big loud cracks of thunder. I looked out the window and saw some pretty dark and ominous looking clouds, but didn't see any rain. I decided to take my chance and go run anyway. God was good and though it thundered a few more times, He held back the rain.

What was nice about running today in these weather conditions is that you didn't have the sun beating down your back. There was also a good breeze going. I thought I would be fortunate to get 3 miles in, but I was feeling pretty good, and it wasn't raining, so I did 4 miles.

I was able to pray about several things. It was good to draw near to the Lord in prayer under the ominous clouds He spoke into existence. I knew He was in those clouds for it says in Psalm 97:1-2, "The Lord reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad. Clouds and thick darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne."

Under the dark clouds, at the throne room of righteousness and justice I laid my requests before the reigning Lord. And I was filled with joy and gladness. All during a 4 mile run that scary clouds almost kept me from.

Running 11 Total and Answered Prayers

Yesterday, the weather had broke from intense heat to a very nice day in the mid 80's and a breeze to go with it. I was game for doing 4 miles and was very excited to exceed 10 miles for the week's total by just 1 more, making 11. Since I hadn't done that for awhile, I was pretty pleased with myself.

I found myself not needing to pour water over my head as I ran. That was also nice. It was a good run and because it wasn't so hot, I concentrated on praying for our Saturday evening Church service a lot. I just wanted the Spirit of the Living God to be evident. I prayed that God would pour out His Spirit upon us as we gathered together. And I truly believe He did!

It was an awesome service. We had two of our missionaries share about their work. It was very moving to me in many ways. I felt inspired to be more about my Father's business in the area of evangelism and more eager to be vigilant to pray for the work I heard about. God does love the world. I read it this morning - John 3:16 could not be more clear. He loves the world and desires to save souls. Those here where I live and those far away. He is not partial.

I was really moved after the service. And I stood there for a moment just taking in the Lord's answer to my prayers earlier when I had run. As I stood there, a woman came up to me and just gave me the biggest hug. I did not know her. In fact, I only met her last week. It was the first time they had come and were back a second time. She pulled away from me and with tears in her eyes she said to me, "This place is just beautiful. The people here are just beautiful." Wow. She then gave me another big hug. At that point, I was crying. She could not have known what her words meant to me. And the timing of them. Then I told her that I appreciated her words and could not help but agree with her. I told her as much as I feel biased at times because I am married to one of the pastors, I believed this was a good Church, and it was good because God was here. I told her that by no means was it a perfect Church and she said she knew that because she said there aren't any perfect Churches. Then she said that even if there were, she would ruin it the moment she entered. I told her she couldn't ruin this Church's perfection because I already had. We laughed. We cried. God's Spirit had touched this woman deeply and she knew it. She saw beauty. She saw goodness. She saw Jesus at my Church. Wow. Just wow.

Running and Pressing Through the Desire to Stop

Yesterday, another hot day, gave me quite the challenge! I went out around 12:30 and set my mind to do 4 miles. I had my water and God sent a nice breeze. Thank you, Jesus. But still, I got to a point in my run and I just wanted to stop, get in the shade and cool off. I forced myself not to quit. I kept telling myself, "just press through it!" And I did! What a happy contented feeling!

Today is an off day, at least in the physical. Mentally and emotionally I have been fired up after getting on the endurance50.com website. At the moment I feel inspired to do a 1/2 marathon in the Lewis & Clark race on September 17. I'm probably just blowing some hot air, but the inspiration and motivation that has come over me after being on that website is fun anyways! I don't really know if I'll do this. I have yet to even decide about the triathlon in August. It's all WORK - HARD, HOT, TIME-CONSUMING and GRUELING. Is this really what I want? It's a MENTAL MOMENTOUS DECISION that once made, your in. Until then, your just a sideliner, sitting on the bench, having grandiose thoughts ABOUT being a winner. So, I'm just kind of sitting here on these thoughts. Hmm..., what is it that will get me up and really going?

Running in the Wicked Hot Weather

On Tuesday, I ran 3 miles in more of same wicked heat we've been having. I ran at about 11 am so it was only about 93 degrees. The humidity remained high and by late afternoon, the tempture had climbed to 99 degrees.

I am planning on running on Thursday and I'll have to run early. We had a good rain and a storm blow in on Wednesday evening. I think it cooled things down a bit, but I heard it was still going to be wicked hot on Thursday and Friday. If it's not too bad, I'll try to go 4 miles.

Running and Lifelines

Yesterday, the heat was in the mid 90's. It was also pretty humid. But I wanted to run and only found time at 2 in the afternoon. I knew I'd need to bring some water not just to drink, but for dousing over the head. I left the house with 2 bottles, hiding one behind a tree for retrieving mid-way into my run.

Off I went. I decided to just stick with 3 miles and go a nice steady pace. No sprint work today. In no time at all, I was pouring the first bottle of water over my head to keep from overheating. By the time I finished my course, both bottles were empty - half in my belly, the other half over my head.

Unfortunately, there were no sprinklers that I saw and I was thankful I had my bottled water lifelines.

Feeling the cool water on my head and dripping down the back of my neck and the side of my face reminded me of Psalm 133 where we are given a picture of Aaron being anointed with oil and how it ran down over his head, face, beard and robe. It was soothing and pleasant, comforting and refreshing. Of course, the context of the Psalm is about Christian brethren dwelling together in unity. And, unity, has that same effect. It is soothing and pleasant, comforting and refreshing - a lifeline of sorts. When there is unity among God's people, we are equipped to go the distance. I could never do this Christian life without my faithful brothers and sisters in Christ. Likewise, I couldn't run in 90+ degree weather without bringing water to keep me going. Unity must be preserved by prayer and a mature love for one another. Mature love extends grace, extends mercy and knows how to cover a multitude of sins. Mature love lets go of pride and embraces humility. May my prayer echo that of Christ's in John 17:21, "that they may be one, even as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me." And in verse 23, "I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be perfected in unity,..." "Perfected in unity!" Now that's one refreshing lifeline! I want some of that poured over my head!

Running and Sprintwork x 5

Yesterday I was able to get another 4 miles in. Plus, an addition to my workout! I threw in 5 sprints, 3 being up hill. It was a gruelling muggy afternoon, but there was a drizzle of rain here and there along my run. I'm not sure how I managed to do that, but I did! I've been trying to hydrate a lot today. I've felt a little sluggish today, but I was out in the heat again, not running, but doing yard work up at my church.

3/4 of the way into the course yesterday, I also got a major sideache. I ran it out lowering my pace. By the time I got to my last sprint, it was gone and I finished strong and hard.

Running in the heat makes it difficult to focus and reflect. But something I read today in the Word has been on my mind all day long. I just finished the last chapter of 2 Samuel. In this chapter David was told to build an alter to the Lord on an area of land that belonged to Araunah, the Jebusite. This man wanted to give King David everything - the land, the beasts and even the wood to offer a sacrifice to the Lord. David had told Araunah that he wanted to buy the land even before he offered all those things freely to him. David responded to this free offer by saying, "I will surely buy it from you for a price, for I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God which costs me nothing." The result? The Lord was so moved by David's offering that He stayed a plaque that was to come to Isreal.

Wow. How often we serve God when it doesn't cost us much. And then when it does, we look for a way out, or an excuse. Our passion and desire to love God, know Him and serve Him should not falter when it becomes costly. We must be as David and not offer Him things that cost us nothing. "God things" come with a price. As do "good things" such as wanting to get in a 4 mile run in the muggy heat, or finish a 1/2 marathon, or just get through a 5K race. Yep, "God things" and "good things," worth the cost - totally!

Running 4 Again, Finally!

My summer blogging has been pretty pathetic. I am behind two running entries. Last Friday I ran 3, but then on this past Sunday, I finally ran 4 miles! It has been a while since I ran 4. The day was a bit overcast and there was a breeze in the air. When I came to the point of my 3 mile turn around point, I just decided right then and there to go for 4. I kept on running and finished beyond that 3 mile rut I have been in. Yeah! I was thrilled!

Today, I hoping to get in another 4. We'll see. The weather is calling for rain and I know it's pretty humid already. But I'm looking forward to my run and will try to get out there before the noon hour.

I'm also a bit thrilled about the possibility of doing another team triathlon in August. I really wasn't thinking about doing the whole thing myself, and my biker from my team last year, wants to do the whole thing as an individual. I wasn't sure if I could pull another team together. But, I think there may be a chance now. I'm working on it. If the other two commit, I'm going to have to hit the pool and beef up on my swimming. More work, I know. But nothing helps motivation more, than to commit yourself to a racing event. I'm hoping to be committed by next week if I can get all my ducks in a row.

Running With Racing Buddies

My 5K Firecracker Run this past Tuesday morning was a lot of fun. I didn't beat my personal best, but I had fun nonetheless because I was there with some running comrades.

The weather was pretty good, but a little on the muggy side. The course was okay. I was told it was a pretty flat course, but it actually wasn't. There were some definite inclinations. I'm guessing that is why I got the time I did. I didn't even break 30 minutes! I felt pretty good on the run, but I guess I just didn't push myself hard enough.

I was happy to see my friends make it through the finish line. I'm proud of them all and look forward to doing more future runs together. And for any of you reading this entry, remember our running covenant - "what happens at a race, stays at a race!" Especially our lovely early morning looks and post race aroma! Good thing our Christian love of the brethren is unconditional! Great job, all!

Running and Race Readiness

I had a good run yesterday in spite of the hot and humid weather. Fortunately, there was a good breeze in the air. I got in my 3 miles and will now rest until Tuesday a.m. for the 5K.

Since I do not know how the course will be, my plan is to start out nice and steady, not thinking about all the other runners around me. Sometimes it helps to just imagine I'm on my own home course. It helps to settle down those race day jitters. My goal is to remain focused, calm and remember just to have a good fun run. I would like to do my personal best, but I don't feel too competitive about it. I will be happy with anything under 27:30.

I have been feeling very good in the physical sense and I am so grateful for that. I am not taking anything for granted. I feel good. No health issues at present and I am sooooo very grateful.

In the spiritual sense, God's presence has been abundant, His grace ever sufficient. His Word has been alive to me. It is interesting to notice or map out the ups and downs of one's Christian pilgrimage. I certainly had a valley time a couple of months ago. It was difficult, but it's as if those valley times, where weeping lasts for the night, make those times, when joy comes in the morning, much more pronounced and alive. The valley hides God's presence even though He isn't hidden. You grope in the darkness and the showers of your own tears and feel that God is far away. It isn't a pleasant feeling. Your emotional and vulnerable to things that cause your mind to dwell on falsehoods. But somehow you stay the course, you weather the storm, you persevere through the valley and before you know it you have reached a glorious summit and you see God absolutely everywhere. It causes you to appreciate the valleys because somehow it does a good work for your faith.

I am up and running - physically and spiritually. Am I ready for a race? You bet I am. Because God has been at work in my soul!