13.1- still smiling

I ran 13.1 miles this morning.
I ran it in 2 hours, 19 minutes, 23 seconds.
That's a 10:39 mile, if you were wondering.
As I sprinted across the finish line,
hands held high in victory,
clutching tightly to my friends,
I laughed and I cried.
It was one of the most inspiring, difficult, beautiful experiences of my life.

Inspiring-
because seeing 18,000 people take off in memory of those whose lives takes your breath away.
At the very first turn of the marathon,
we were going up a hill
and in front of us was literally a sea of people.

because in those moments I felt so weak and tired
humble people sitting on their front steps cheered me on...
my 2 best friends came alongside me and pushed me to endure...
my Jesus whispered words into my heart....
and I knew I would make it.

Difficult-
because for the first 8 miles a driving north wind cut into my face,
a cold drizzle melted into my skin for several miles.

because around mile 10 my ankles were so weak
I was afraid they might break.

because 13.1 is quite a bit further than 10!!

Beautiful-
because God met me there,
revealing a little bit more of Who He is.
At mile 7 I took out my headphones and listened-
to the pounding of feet on the pavement,
to my own breathing,
to the prayers being whispered from my heart.

because this was more than a race...
this was my life story
strung out across 13.1 miles of pavement.
Parts were fun and easy,
a little bit like a party.
Other parts were so hard I wanted to cry.
But I had sweet friends running with me,
each step of the way.
Without them I wouldn't have made it-
today, and in every aspect of my life.

because crossing that finish line,
holding hands with Marcy and Kelly,
gave me hope-
that I will be able to make it,
no matter what life throws at me,
as long as I have my Jesus and the people He has given to me.

"I have fought the good fight,
I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith"
2 Timothy 4:7