Runnin' a Race

2011 will be the year of big changes...first and foremost will be the change in me...in my physical appearance and I've decided to make this the year that I focus on what God created me to be and how He views me.  That means that I must begin to see myself as He does and to take care of my body and my health the way that God demands of me.  My body is a temple to be used to serve God and it is my responsibility to take care of that temple.  I cannot continue to eat/drink what I want, live a sedentary lifestyle and "pray" that I'll be thinner and more lean all the while wishing that I looked like that woman over there.  I must do my part! I must meet God halfway.

So, my goals will be attainable but big...starting with the successful completion of a half marathon 15 weeks from today, on May 1, 2011. In order for me to reach this goal, I must work out, hard, 6 days/week and follow the schedule I've given myself. I'm not going for speed...just to move across that finish line on  my own two feet. I'd prefer to not have to trip someone in the last 528 feet, but I'm not opposed to that, if it means that I won't be the very last one (just kidding!).  I'd like to finish it under 4 hours, so that I don't have to hold my head down for the rest of my life.  That's about an 18 minute mile pace and the plan is to do it in run/walk intervals.  I think its doable...I pray its doable.   

By October, I'd like to cut at least an hour off my time and complete another half marathon in under 3 hours, which is about a 13 minute mile pace. 

My motivational verse for this endeavor: Hebrews 12:1 "...let us run with perseverance the race set out for us."  I'll be remembering this verse whenever I want to give up.  This is the race that God has laid out for my life this year and He will give me the strength and endurance to persevere to the end, if I do my part.  By doing that and staying focused on God, I can't fail.  I must always remember to be like Peter when he climbed out of the boat...as long as he was focused fully on Christ, he walked on the water, but the moment he looked away from the Lord, he began to sink!  Christ will be my guide along this journey and I will stay focused on HIM!!!

If I start to look away and begin to sink and forget about the finish line out in front of me, I pray that my accountability partners will yell out to me to stay focused on the Lord and to PERSEVERE to the end!!!