Building a Base

Start where you are rather than where you want to be. 

I understand that before I can even think about training for a marathon I need to be running 3-5 miles 3 times per week for 3-6 months.  That sounds do-able, doesn't it?  Yeah, until I actually put my feet to the pavement and run.  I just came back from a 1.74 mile "run."  Okay it was 50% run/walk on an 80+ degree day after having only about 3 hours of intermittant sleep last night.  My goal today was to run a mile in faster time than I did last week.  Didn't quite make it, but I didn't bomb out either.  I didn't go as fast, but I went a 1/4 mile longer and burned more calories this time, and if I can do that under less than optimal conditions wait until I get into better shape!  Measuring progress not perfection, and I've definitely progressed.  No reason at all to feel discouraged, quite the contrary.  I'm amazed at the change in my perspective.

It's ony been one week since I became a runner.  Yes, I am a runner!  Got the cute running shorts and neon green-laced running shoes to prove it.  For years I was discouraged, okay intimidated by running because I don't look like a runner, and I don't run very fast.  So what?!  I'm out there on the trail huffing and puffing and heaving, but I'm running farther than I ever have in my entire life.  Not only am I amazed at my change in perspective, I'm amazed at my change in desire.  I never imagined that I would want to literally run a race.  I'm savoring each moment of this process, even thought I'm not sure where it's going to lead.  Across the finish line?  Yes, that, but there's more that God desires to develop in me before this journey is complete.

"Then the LORD answered me and said, 'Record the vision and inscribe it on tablets [i.e. write a blog!] that the one who reads it may run.  For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal and it will not fail.  Though it tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay.'"  Hab 2:2-3

There will always be people who finish before me, and there will be people who finish after me.  The important thing is that I'm in the race and no longer just a spectator on the sidelines.

I need the courage to face my weaknesses and fears head-on.  Admit them.  Acknowledge them.  Then conquer them by the grace of God working in me.  Paul had to come to terms with the thorn, and so do I.  God didn't remove the thorn; He simply said, "My grace is sufficient."