Running With Autumn on the Horizon

Whoops, behind in blogging again. But here's a quick update: this past Tuesday I ran 4 miles in beautiful cooler weather. Autumn is indeed in the air and coming soon. It's the best of the best in running weather! I absolutely love running in the months of September, October and November! Not too many fall colors yet, but I know it's just a matter of weeks when my outdoor Autumn runs will captivate my vision and send my heart into grateful praise to my creative Creator! He is the God of truth, beauty and goodness and it blesses me to see it abound in nature!

After my run on Tuesday, I began having some stomach issues and was unable to run again until Friday. I ran another 4 miles. It was another good run. I am not very happy about only getting in 8 miles, but it is what it is. Perhaps this week I can get in a good 12 miles. We'll see.

I did manage to register for a local Fall Fest Fun 5K Run. I've been running in this race for the past several years and have a blast. It takes place on a October Sunday morning. Last year, in the very last 1/4 mile stretch, I picked up my pace to finish hard and strong. As I did, I caught up to a little girl, probably no older than 12. As I ran passed her I heard her crying and realized she was slowing down. I kept right on running. Then I heard these glorious nearby church bells. Somehow they reminded me of all the brothers and sisters in Christ that have encouraged me to run the great race of faith without giving up. I slowed down and began to run alongside the little girl who was practically walking and crying and I just started to encourage her. I kept telling her, "You can do this! Come on now, you got this. Look, you can see the finish. Don't give up! Keep on running!" I began hearing all these people cheering her on. She started picking up her pace and finally made it across the finish line. After I crossed the finish line some lady came over to me and thanked me for encouraging the little girl. Encouraging that little girl gave me more satisfaction as I saw her overcome her urge to quit than running the 5K myself. Sometimes, we just need to be there to encourage someone. And someday, that someone could be us!