Here's a picture of my race confirmation for this weekend's half marathon.
The "3H" stands for "HOT, HAZY, and HUMID." Oh, and here's a picture of the mansion where I'll be staying. It's called Belle Grove Plantation.
My plan for the race is to go out easy for the first 10 miles and then pick it up if I feel good. When I did my first half marathon 6 years ago, I had no idea what to expect or what to do. The emotion for me at the end of that race was overwhelming. This time my attitude is bordering on a dangerous overconfidence. I know I'll have to force myself to take a few walk breaks to give my legs a rest. I plan on walking through every aid station and keeping my pace pretty slow. It's a trail race but it shouldn't be too bad because it's a former railroad bed.
I have only one strict demand of myself: get up off the sofa, go outside and into nature, and move. I think that's a good philosophy of life for us all. In other words, jump at every opportunity the Lord gives you to interrupt any sedentary habit you might have and move your body as vigorously as feels comfortable. Running becomes sustainable for all of us only when we give ourselves permission to go out and have fun, just like we did when we were kids. The odd thing about physical activity is that it is self-perpetuating. The act itself reinforces the desire to go out and do it again.
If the Lord allows me to run this weekend, it will be my 37th half marathon. Life is all about taking chances. It's about bravery and hope and courage. It's about heartbreak and failure but also about successes and victories. For the Christian, it's mostly about seeking to glorify God in all that we do, whether it's eating or drinking or running or washing the dinner dishes. It's about our God-given dreams, and how to keep fighting for them.
Thanks for following me on my journey of faith. Seriously. Thanks!