"i'm a runner...i run!"

i have developed a love/hate relationship with running over the past 20 years!  there have been many times in my life where i have taken up the "hobby" for a SHORT time to make myself feel better...only to stop when my muscles got sore (usually the next day).  back in 2008 i even "trained" (and i use the term loosely) for a 5K with some friends (thank you, beck).  all the while i figured it would eventually become a habit and i would finally be a RUNNER.  well, shortly after the 5K i got sick and fell out of the habit very quickly.  well, i am here to announce that i am officially a runner...ok, let me back up a bit.  about 12 weeks ago i embarked upon a weight loss journey with some friends from work.  we set out to have a contest to see who could lose the most (the biggest loser type thing).  well, i have NEVER IN MY LIFE been disciplined with food or exercise, but also had never been quite held accountable in a contest-type situation.  this time was truly going to be different.  i set out to win this contest and was prepared to do whatever it took (in a healthy way, that is-nothin' crazy).  i began eating smaller portions, watching what i ate, etc.  the BEST part of all this was that i starting working out, i mean really working out (including, the dreaded running).  i began to see results, clothes were fitting better and i pulled out ye ol' "pre-pregnancy" clothing box (ladies, you so all know what i am talking about).  it was the motivation i needed to keep going and choose to eat those carrots instead of that donut (teachers' lounges are from the devil-pronounced "de-veal").  anyway, it was about half way through this contest when i realized that i needed this same zeal and discipline for spending time with god.  if only i could have a contest to see who could have the longest quiet time with god or spend the most time in prayer each day.  now that...that would be a contest i would want to win.  i  came to the conclusion that my bible reading was a lot like my past running ventures.  i would go strong for about a few weeks (sometimes even more) and then fizzle out.  this is ridiculous...how can i be so disciplined with running and eating (which, if you know me, you know i LOVE donuts), but not with spending time with god, the author and creator of life?  bible reading and prayer are so much more vital to my health (my spiritual health) than anything else could be, but i put them on the back burner.  so, today, right now, right here, i am committing to not only keep up my running, but more importantly, keep up with my bible reading and taking the time to get to know my lord and savior more intimately on a daily basis.  i want to be able to say, as paul, the apostle did, "i have fought the good fight, i have finished the race, i have kept the faith." 2 timothy 4:7.

p.s. i did NOT win the contest, but did come in 2nd place!!!  i shall carry on, though!!! :)