SEVEN MILES IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

SEVEN MILES IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

I have a long way to go.

I am supposed to be training for a half marathon (13.1 miles). With only nine weeks before the half, my friend asked me to join her because her running partner had to bail. I knew I wouldn’t be ready in time, but I agreed anyway.

Life didn’t get the memo that I needed more time to run. I have only gone running here and there, doing my typical two or three miles. A couple of weeks ago, I snuck in a little over four miles.

Let’s skip right over what I should be running to train for this and talk about my run from earlier this week.

I ran 7 miles… maybe.

We were on vacation in Florida, so I decided to use some of my free time to get some good distance in. Here is how it went:

.5 miles- I love the flat Florida terrain

1 mile- I feel great. Vacation is amazing.

1.25-1.75- Mapmyrun thinks I’m the fastest person alive, “Time: 15 minutes, Distance: 9 miles, Pace: 1 minute 30 seconds per mile”…. Okay, time to turn that off. I know I have run for 15 minutes…. I’ll just assume I am an 11 minute mile and run for 77 minutes.

30 minutes- I love the new scenery. This nature preserve is gorgeous.

35 minutes- Am I really going to do this for another 42 minutes?!?!

40 minutes- Maybe I’ll go on this little grass path that is obviously not part of the official trail…. Wait, are there alligators in here?!?! I’m getting back on the real path.

45 minutes– How can we increase our team’s commitment to praying for the church? Is there a way to get us all praying consistently without adding meeting time?

50 minutes– God, thank you for this amazing weather and your gorgeous creation all around me.

55 minutes- I’m sick of this nature preserve! I am not sure about venturing into unknown neighborhoods. I’m too tired to run away if I get into trouble. Another lap here it is.

60 minutes- My achilles are tight. I just want to finish this run.

70 minutes- I’m really doing this. I can run 7 miles or so….

77 minutes- I feel great. Vacation is amazing. Thank you, God for the ability to run.

Running is amazing. It lets me think about everything and nothing. I plan lessons, work out frustrations, pray, and think about nothing more than running the distance.

When I am done, my head is clear, my body is wonderfully exhausted, and I feel like I can do anything I set my mind to….. Like run a half marathon for which I haven’t trained properly.

I’ve got a long way to go, but I’m moving in the right direction, even if it includes going in circles a few times to avoid the possibilities of alligators and people looking for tired, unsuspecting travelers.