One more reason that I love running

After four days of nearly no running, I was able to run 10 miles of hill repeats in 1:43.38. Roughly 10:20 miles. I am so excited!! Mostly because I was beginning to think that I am slowing down with all the long running that I am doing and running any miles that fast is really encouraging, but mostly, and here is the reason that I love running, because I was able to do something that felt impossible at the beginning. I started out on the workout with the idea that I'd like to get 10 miles in in less than 2 hours. I ran 11 in 2 hours counting my 20 minute cooldown with the dog. Yeah! Then there were the times on the way up the hill every time, that I wanted to back off, but was able to mentally push into the small task of the next landmark where I'd been recording times each lap. I love the opportunity to set goals and see them met. I love being able to control the outcome by my hard work. I know that there are few things that are in my control, but it is rewarding to me to set goals that are determined primarily by my willingness to suffer and invest. God was so good to give me this positive run at a time when I was struggling with the idea that I could run successfully in September. It is also a blessing to be able to see and feel once again the joy of running and not just the daily grind. Running is so like being a follower of Christ. Most days the road is dusty, long, and unexciting, but there are just enough amazing views and moments of feeling like you could fly that give hope that we keep on going knowing that the reward is worth the work. Thanks God for giving encouragement on the path.