My running partner

So as you have read before (or if you are new), I am in the process of training for my second marathon. It is the Inaugural Seattle Rock-n-Roll. I am excited but nervous. There is always self doubt all the way through to the finish line. My first marathon I ran in 2007. I trained by myself and ran the race by myself (never mind the other thousands of runners). When I say by myself I mean I wasn't running with one of my runner friends. Having that partner with you while you run provides an insurmountable amount of encouragement and confidence while running. Whether it be, the distance, the speed, or (up here) the weather there are many times that running just seems too daunting. But with the help of your pal you can do anything. Well my training program does 3 runs during the week 2 are shorter 3-5 miles and the middle one gets longer 4-10 miles. With a long run on the weekends building up to 22 miles. Well those weekend runs I (like many runners) seem to runner stronger with a running partner.

The weather up here has been so cold still. So running outside when it is cold and wet does not sound as great as it sometimes can. It takes a little more to push me out there. (Lots of talking to myself and telling myself how good it feels when it is done.) So this past Wednesday I head on out for a cold wet 5 miler.

While I run there are often multiple thoughts and conversations going on in my head at one time. "I am going to go home and...oh, focus on my form, strike on my forefoot...man I hope something comes through for Ben...I guess we can cut this out of the budget...don't forget to call them and ask..." All of that in complete thoughts within a 30 second time frame. Once I actually settle into my run (usually 2-3 miles in) my thoughts are often centered and more focused.

Over the past few months our family has had some struggles and some tough decisions. Some are still yet to be made. As we all know business for Ben has beyond slowed down. It is great to have him at home and the girls love it. But we would also love for him to be working! It has been very stressful, emotionally draining and down right hard. But every time it gets to that rib popping out moment, God provides. God provides a man driving through 2 fences, tearing out blueberry bushes and clematis just before our appraiser comes. God provides back business tax bills from the previous year that now want to levy us. God provides unexpected (uncovered) midnight runs to the emergency room...times 2. We have made small financial sacrifices, no more TV, this is Rowyn's last few weeks of gymnastics, this is my last month with the gym membership (which I use at least 6 times a week), and dance will be over in June, I have been cutting coupons like crazy (I average $50 a week on my grocery bill!!), not doing some the fertilizing and reseeding in the yard.

All of this to say that the man that ran through our fences and more importantly, my blueberry bush had insurance and we received a check that we paid some much needed to be paid bills with. We called about those business back taxes and they sent us refund checks for them. We did have two trips to the emergency room that we have to pay for...but we are all healthy and strong. The "sacrifices" we are making...some never get to enjoy the pleasures. My God is a loving God, our God is a caring God and it is my family he loves and cares about.

Back to my run...
As I run on Wednesday feeling scared, uncertain of how we will make it through the what looks like even tougher times ahead, I have a great conversation with my running partner. How much longer can He provide for us...it has been 5 months. Where will we be in 3 months? How can I support and encourage Ben as a wife. Letting him know that he has not failed (which is how he is often feeling). How can I shield and protect Rowyn and Reese from this monster stress that seems to have decided to sleep in our house? I have a GREAT running partner. You know what he said...
"...don't be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don't worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs...."
I know and I see that God has provided more than we could have imagined and we are so thankful, but what are we supposed to do now? Where will we live? How will we make it?

Our pace picks up, cresting over this huge hill I feel light, I feel strong. Nothing was said, just felt. Peace. Whew. Peace. Whew. Tears. Whew. Peace.

"One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord are loving. Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done." Psalm 62:11-12.

I pray each of you can run with my running partner. He is a great pacer, an encouraging confidant, and a strong finisher.