Thursday, January 20, 2011

Running with Purpose!

Labor Day, 2010, I ran in my second 5k race. It was a beautiful day and the route took us along scenic Storm Lake. My two daughters were there to cheer me on and I ended up taking 2nd place in my age group!  I'd say that was one of the best days of my life.  About three weeks later, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and soon after underwent a bi-lateral mastectomy.  To say the least, I was forced to take a break from running. 

I have not been a runner all my life.  In fact, I was probably the anti-runner until about two years ago.  I had started walking to get some exercise and then thought, "Why don't I just jog a little?"  Something happened inside me back then and I become passionate about it.  Fast forward to today...it's been a little over three months since my surgery and I have worked my way back to being able to run 3 + miles.  In fact, last night I timed a 5k and ran it in less than 30 minutes!  Wahoo!

Of course, it is January and very cold in Iowa so my running has been taking place on the treadmill.  It 's not ideal as boredom sets in very easily - even with music and tv.   Last night, as I ran, I began to picture all of the homes on my usual route and the people I know who live in them.  I started to pray for each of these people.  Before I knew it, I had run my whole route (in my mind) and had run over three miles (in reality).  My physical work-out turned out to be a spiritual work-out as well! 

I love this from Acts 20:24, "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace."

Running is my passion....but how much more wonderful could it be if I could use it to glorify God!  Running with purpose!  Prayer running!  The sport of the future! 

1 comment:

  1. A very wise and inspiring practice by a sold-out servant of Jesus. :-) Such a blessing for the runner and those who she prays for.

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