I run...not always very fast, but I run.

Today was a good run day for me. I noticed one thing I rarely talk about here is running. And since I spend at least 7 hours a week either running or cross-training, I figure it is time to address it here.

I started a boot camp almost six weeks ago. Only two weeks left, so my running has been less since then. Generally, I try to run 25-30 miles a week. With BC, I've been averaging 15-20. Something about my legs feeling like Jell-O at the end of a workout make running difficult. On off days I do try to get in 3-5 miles, but I have missed my longer distance days.

Today was a treat for me. I got in 7.25 miles mostly before the sun came up with my wonderful running buddy. And we spent the time solving all of life's problems while we ran.

She is a true marathoner, and she is a Godly woman. She amazes me. I would love to have her speed. And for a while I compared my abilities with hers. It was discouraging. And then I remembered that comparison always leaves me feeling empty and not good enough.

She pushes me, though. And I love it.

Running is therapy. Running is healing. Running is when I pray out loud. Talking to God the whole way (unless my running buddy is along with me) brings me peace. It reminds me of His faithfulness and goodness.

Running makes me work hard. Makes me push. It reminds me a lot of my desire to follow Jesus. That it is a daily commitment. It is a marathon. It is long, sometimes hard, sometimes uphill, many times pushes me beyond what I believe I can handle. And it's also beautiful, rewarding, satisfying in ways I never dreamed, and refreshing.

Because just when I think I can't run another step, His mercies are new. He reminds me of His word. He reminds me of His goodness. And just when I think that this faith-walk journey is more than I can bear, He reminds me He will never leave nor forsake me. I neither walk nor run alone.