Running

I ran 7 miles today. I tell my students that and they freak out. Except for my cross country runners who are quite used to distances (at a much quicker pace I might add). The thing that surprises me the most is how much of a "head game" I have to play to make the longer distances. My body is able to do 7 miles and more. My mind really wants me to quit after 2. During each run, there are two voices arguing over the music. One tells me that I can do this and will succeed. The other tells me that I have no business attempting this and will fail. I choose which voice wins.

As a member of Christ's flock, I hear His voice. I know His voice. And yet I allow a dissenting voice to weasel it's way into my heart and make its argument. Sometimes, I choose the wrong voice. When I choose poorly, I'm grateful that my Shepherd forgives me and will come find me. When I choose correctly, I'm thankful for the faithfulness and sovereignty of the One who knows what is best. 

So, the running started in earnest after I completed the mini-marathon in January with my sister. 

It was 5.4 miles and I had NOT been training. My sister is a bit of a rock star and we pushed each other to run the whole thing. After I threw up about 3 feet past the finish line and spent some quality time in the medical tent, I decided that I needed to really do this running thing. 

Sign up for a half-marathon and actually train for it. So, I've been running 4-5 times a week since the race. Every weekend, I add 1 mile to the previous week's long run and the other days are usually around 4 or 5 miles. I plan to run the Statesman 10K in early April and I'll be running the Chicago Rock 'N Roll Half in July. I keep talking about it to students, family, and friends so that I'm accountable on this. I want to choose the right voice.