the TC 10 mile

All the hard work over the last 10 weeks, the long runs, the short runs, the {horrible} treadmill runs, the beautiful sunrise runs... it all paid off last weekend. In 10 miles.

On a beautiful Sunday morning, running along the River Parkway while the sun was coming up and there was fog on the bluffs, and dusty over the river - seriously you guys, it was that good. I'm so thankful for the joy the Lord brought me during what I honestly thought was going to be the most mental and physical challenge I've experienced since freshman year pre-season volleyball. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness! 

I'm not a "runner." This 10 mile was my marathon. Even at the prime of my volleyball career, running was always hard. Always. But this run was my act of worship. To be thankful for the body the Lord has blessed me with. How many people would kill for the opportunity to take 10 steps let alone be able to run 10 miles? That was my mantra: thank you, gracious God, for this opportunity. For my able body. Every step. And that picture of me, above? Honestly how I felt the whole run. Like the Lord's presence was shining down on me. Reminding me that if I felt weak or weary, that He was right there.

And that guy? He's a rockstar. I'm so proud of how hard he trained to run a very, VERY speedy 10 mile. 

This race will always be a joyful spot in my memories. Not only was it a personal accomplishment, but the success of my family members and running with them was an added bonus. Something we will always remember.

And to our supporters - Mom, Dad, Lori, Carter-roo, Grace, Pam, Chris, Lauren, Matt, Amanda... your presence on that early morning and being there for all of us meant so much! Thank you!!

October 6th. You were a great day. Followed by a lazy afternoon at home, with hot chocolate and lots of stretching. :) Not to mention made even better by a full stomach of pancakes, eggs and bacon post race. 

So a big hug to my family, a BIG thank you to all those people praying for us, and an even BIGGER acknowledgement of the Lord's faithfulness to each one of us runners... it was a blessed day!

"Have you never heard?

    Have you never understood?

The Lord is the everlasting God,

    the Creator of all the earth.

He never grows weak or weary.

    No one can measure the depths of his understanding.

29 

He gives power to the weak

    and to them that have no might He increases strength.

30 

Even youths will become weak and tired,

    and young men will fall in exhaustion.

31 

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.

    They will soar high on wings like eagles.

They will run and not grow weary.

    They will walk and not faint."