Less Than a Week - Hooray!

I cannot hardly believe it - we are less than 1 week away from our MARATHON day! Hooray!

First, I am so proud of Dustin who somehow manages work, family, PhD research (should graduate May 2010) and training for a marathon. Unbelievable. Just a true testament to the saying that says, "you make time for what you WANT to make time for." I'll say it again, I AM SO PROUD OF HIM.

On a personal note, this has been a challenging training season for me. I've had a few tough run, but have learned so much as I've struggled through. D and I have done the majority of our longest runs on our own which is a challenge in itself because there is no one to cheer you on or tell you to keep going , you can make it. Instead, it is very quiet, just the sound of my feet hitting the pavement, for hours. With that said, running continues to teach me so much about my faith and walk with the Lord. I give God all the glory for my success and am so thankful for this great gift He has given me in running. As strange as it sounds, God uses my runs (especially long ones) as a way to empty myself and rely on Him. I'm so thankful for time alone to pray, think and listen to a sermon or two. God really uses this time to grow me, stretch me and trust Him my all my cares and struggles.

We are excited to be leaving on Friday (a day early) to enjoy some free time together - not something we experience too often these days. The race is Saturday morning and the weather forecast is COLD with a high of 43 - but at race time, the weather will be in the 30's. This is great running weather, if you've been training in it. We'll have to see how our bodies respond to the cold.

I must also give a quick "shout out" to some of my favorite running friends and Highview members who are also running in the race - Josh and Shannon Albertsen and Jimmy and Rachel Tipton. Couples that run are few and far between it seems, so we're thankful for these friends who love the Lord, their families and running!

I'll post again soon - probably right after the race if we survive and don't turn into human popsicles - ha!

If you remember, please pray for us!!