Marathon training is going...

Well, I plan to be in here weekly at a minimum to discuss how marathon training is going and how God is working.  I haven't done so to this point.  So...to catch up...

I am in week three of my training.  So far, I have managed all my miles except for my recovery runs on Sundays.  I have that as a fifth run of the week and one that I consider optional.  So, I am happy with my accomplishments so far.

I think often about sweet Sophia and how strong she is.  How strong her mother is.  I have much respect for them both and am blessed to have them in my life.  I am so thankful to have Sophia to run for.  In a way I feel like this is a way that I am also drawing closer to my grandmother that has passed.  I have missed her so much and am honored to get to run this first 26.2 race on what would be her 90th birthday.  Honored.

In that, I am reminded how precious time is.  How precious our loved ones are.  How much we take for granted.  I have had many people enter in my life in the last three weeks.  For one, school has started back and so I have a whole new round of students.  I feel like so far this is my greatest group.  I have been teaching for six years and really can't think of a semester that I enjoyed all my classes so much.  The students are respectful (so far) and helpful.  One of my physical education classes I have 13 students who encourage each other the entire workout.  They aren't trying to "beat" each other, just to do their best.  I am so proud of this group already and we are only on week two.  I also have students that I know have been brought into my life for a reason.  Some that I feel I will get to be used to help them, and some that I believe are there to help me.  I love learning from others.  I have a student who is only a couple of years into his walk with the Lord and he is already so knowledgeable and shines God's light so bright.  He got to get baptized in the Jordan and walk where Christ walked.  How cool is that?!?!

I also know of many that have lost friends and loved ones in the past three weeks.  My heart breaks for each of them. Spend time with those you love.  Live life, don't just let life happen to you. 

It's Time...

Well, it is time.  Marathon training starts in five days for me.  In the process of training for this marathon, I will also be training for other races.  I have five half marathons between now and my marathon.  I also will have a couple of 5ks.  I will be pacing one of the half marathons so my training for the next two months will be all about running at a specific pace, all the while not losing my speed I have gained.  Two more of those half marathons will be back to back (one on Saturday and one on Sunday).  This is going to be a challenging task for me.  I almost keep typing the word difficult, but I don't like to think of things as difficult because that is a word that can be discouraging.  So, I choose to look at this as challenging.  It will be a challenge for sure, but God has brought me to this training and He will bring me through it.  However, as I have said so many times, if it isn't challenging me it isn't changing me.  I believe this applies to so much of life. 

This is where most of my details of my marathon training will be.  Lessons learned along the way, experiences, etc.  Please follow this blog if you want to stay updated on it.