Next time, I'm gonna practice

I've always liked the idea of running, but I don't really like to run. Well, maybe there have been a couple of times I have enjoyed a decent run down a nice park path. One of those runs that helps the stress to drain off without demanding too much exertion.

But the idea of running is such a great metaphor. The apostle Paul used it. It's one of those images that is timeless. The Corinthian church knew exactly what Paul meant when he said:

You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally.

The problem with my most recent race was this: I didn't train. At all. None. Not a step. Not a stretch. No diet changes. Nothing. And I ran a 10k in 1:11. That's 11.45 minutes per mile. If I had trained, I'd probably run a 10 minute mile. I know, I know. But I'm not a racer. I'm a finisher.

Now, I've done enough distance races to know that not training = longer recovery time. So, I knew EXACTLY what I was doing to myself before I took my first step. And that was EXACTLY what happened: I've been sore beyond belief going on 4 days. But as my husband keeps reminding me, it was for a good cause.

It was for a good cause. St Luke's Presbyterian Church in Dunwoody, GA, holds an annual race where they raise money for missions. Mountain T.O.P. benefits from the money raised. And it was a great event. Really great.

Like with every race I've finished, I always learn something new. Here is what I learned from this race:

• I can run without an iPod.
• Ed Simmons is THE man for running up THAT hill on mile 4.
• Grundy County fashion is starkly different from Atlanta's. And I forgot to pack my skinny jeans.
  
• How well I recover from difficult circumstances in life is directly proportional to the amount of time I put into my relationship with God. I will probably make it though the storm, but if I am prepared, my recovery time is significantly shorter. Not to mention, my relationship with God is stronger.

Like I said, I don't really like to run. But the idea of running always seems to teach me something.