CHK Marathon Team Training by Chevy

I will be the first to tell you that I have never been excited about running in the rain.  I have never liked the feel of wet clothes next to my skin; especially in cold weather.  The feel of a wet bathing suit on a hot summer's day . . . now that's refreshing.  On this particular day in March, I ran in the rain.  This was the kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout.  I kept thinking to myself (actually praying out loud), "Lord, please let this rain stop so that I can run these 11.5 miles and go home."  By the time I reached mile #2 I had to come to grips with the fact that God was not particularly interested in my whining.  He had a job to do and I had to just "get over it".  I trudged on still muttering under my breath, but I must tell you that by mile #6 I sort of just leaned into it.  I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world.  To be honest, it was almost as though I was being cleansed from within.  Now don't get me wrong, I was soaked and aching a little, but my spirits were not broken.  Looking back, I have a better understanding of the scripture "to everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven".  This was my time to enjoy the moment and I was so glad that I took the time to enjoy the rain.

Remember:  If God brings you to it, He can bring you through it!!

I must share with you some of the best advice anyone could have given me as I have prepared for this Marathon.  It came from someone that I had the pleasure of running with last Saturday . . . . . "Jill".  She said, "some will be fast, but not Strong".  She reminded me of my purpose for running the Marathon . . . not to be the fastest, but to be one of the strongest.  So, when I'm out there trotting along and someone passes me (and there will be plenty to pass me), I can't get discouraged.  I have to remind myself of a few things . . . I am a woman, I am 40ish, I have birthed two "big" babies, and I am determined.  This truly hit home with me and I am so grateful for the opportunity to have run with her.  We shared so many things that day as we ran the 6 miles together (she went on to run four more) that I had to write this blog.

Proverbs 31:17 - "She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks".

Go Green Team!!

I don't know about everyone else, but I am still working out the ole kinks.  The training thus far has been great.  I could have never imagined all the support and motivation that one could receive from not just your team mates, but the entire Knoxville Community.  I am hearing things like: "I'll be there to cheer you on", "You have motivated me to get back into shape" and much much more.  Each time I go on a run, I still have to pinch myself (not too hard) to make sure it is was really little ole me that finished this race.  As of today (12/10/08) we have 111 days until the BIG race.  Go Marathon Team!!!