Aug 13, 2011

8-13 so today was suppose to be a long run. Last night my niece popped off that she could run farther then me. So I invited her to come along since I knew that she had been struggling with the call of God into her life and thought what a great opportunity to get her undivided attention for a couple of hours. Wasn't even sure she would get up early enough really.  I was shocked that she texted me and told me she was awake before the time I would contact her to see if she made it out of bed. So I made my way to her house then back to mine so we could begin the 12 mile run. She started off like a bullet and I wasn't sure if that was the pace she was gonna carry me, or if she just didn't know how to pace her self. I assumed it would the latter so I figured she would have to slow down and catch her breath pretty Quickly.  I was right. Very soon she learned that she couldn't keep that pace very long (luckily before I gave in asking her to slow down) so I explained she needed to pace, and told her to settle in with me and she would be ok. About a mile in she told me that it was hurting running slower. What she didn't tell me is that it was hurting to run period. You see she'd been chugging water since we left and now had a belly full that was not sitting well. So we started walking a little and I tried encouraging her to run a little occasionally but it was to late she was ready to quit. It was shorter for us to turn back then finish the lap on the course so we headed to the house. I figured it was getting to late to get back on the course before the golfers arrived but I could at least carry on through the neighborhood. Well as we were walking closer to the house I got my opportunity to talk about what I knew we needed to talk about the problem was we wernt nearly done as we got to the driveway. So I conceded to a pot of coffee and a long talk on the back porch (I love my back porch btw). We got to have a very long conversation with her accepting Jesus as her personal savior. I quickly realized by the time we were done it was way to hot to get my remaining 9 miles so it was breakfast time. I don't think this will ruin my chances at the marathon this year, but even if it does, it's worth it. The S.A. marathon this year wile be a great testimony tool, but this was a lasting victory for the kingdom. And if the training schedule can't be made up (I believe it can) then I will just find another full marathon, or wait till next year. I can always do the half again, but I believe Jesus will give me the strength to overcome this one run. Praise the Lord for the soul committed to day. I pray she will grow strong in faith and have a ever present relationship with Jesus Christ. Thank you God for giving me the opportunity to lead my niece to the lord this morning, now what am I gonna do about that cheesecake and brownie I ate yesterday ;-).