Run baby run.

I did it and did it rather well. This morning, I ran the Garden of the Gods 5k. I was dreading it. I headed up the first hill and thought I was going to lose my breakfast bar. I was light headed, too. That's when I decided that I was gonna walk this one. I walked briskly and just enjoyed being in such a beautiful place. The morning light was absolutely gorgeous against the red rocks. I thought everyone was passing me by, but as I looked back, I could see folks behind me.

I was thinking about a lot of things as I walked. I was thinking about how precious every breath is. When you are gasping for it, you appreciate it more. For some reason, I kept thinking about myself in high school, running. I loved to run then, too. I realized that my Christian walk, my ambitions, my attitude are all more focused when I run. I think it's because running allows me to just focus on each moment. Each breath. If you need to get focused, try exercise.

As always, I was thinking about my family. I am going to MAKE somebody do the next race with me on June 28. I think it will be my dear hubby. We can walk it. I just think this needs to be a bit of family exercise.

I was thinking about Isaiah 40:31. "But they who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as Eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not be faint." I walked and did not faint. As I was rounding the last bend, I looked up and there was a hawk circling it's nest in the beautiful red rocks. I know it wasn't an Eagle, but I couldn't help but think of this passage. This was the hardest and easiest race yet. I just took it one step at a time. Yes, the hills were killer, but I decided to overcome them at my own pace.

As you can tell, I enjoyed the race this morning. I felt mentally recharged and physically challenged. I was proud that I finished it as I had doubts going into it. I just enjoyed being there and enjoyed the exercise.

A funny thing happened as I crossed the finish line. I looked at the clock. I had finished just a minute past my last race time. The last race was downtown on a flat surface. This one was up and down and up and down. Basically, I had my best time yet. I am getting stronger and that feels AWESOME!!!

Have a great day.