Finished!

This month I completed my 2nd half marathon!

After my second child was born 7 1/2 months ago, I needed something to motivate me to get out the door to exercise.  It's way more difficult to get out the door to workout with two sweet little ones at home so this was a great goal for me.  I love running, it's me time I use to clear my mind, pray, drown myself in music or worship, or a good audio book.  We have a great trail right by our house that goes around a pond and through a beautiful nature trail.  I ran usually 2 to 3 times a week.  Not as often as I would like, but I maximized my time by running 5-8 miles each time.

The morning of the run was really cold.  I am cold natured so before the race when I was waiting for the race to start I was freezing! As I'm trying to warm up, my sister and her friend find me out of the thousands of people there!  So we were able to start the race together and run a few miles together.  Unfortunately, I had to use the restroom and had to stop.  But other than that, I ran the entire time with no breaks.  I was not as organized with my listening material as I was the first time around.  I am currently listening to the audio book "So Long Insecurity by Beth Moore" but I did not upload it to my phone in time.  So I listened to country music, worship music, and a message by Tim Keller about the ascension of Jesus.  I was a little distracted because my knees hurt a bit at mile 9 but I pushed through.  I knew the route from running this race before and was able to pace myself.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to run a half marathon.  I am thankful for God giving me the ability to run the distance, for Tim being support through the time I had to commit to training, and God's truth in second Timothy:

^"5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules."

My desire is to be obedient to the Lord in all things.  I will not turn from the truth of the Lord that is the foundation of my life.  Just as an athlete follows strict training and rules so I will joyfully and whole heartedly follow the Lord.