Chevron Houston Marathon Week 18

Friday, October 30, 2015


I've heard it a million times. The conversation often goes like this "I couldn't run. I get too..." then I hear a descriptions of feelings I know so well because I've been there. The difference is that I chose to get beyond those feelings.

Most runners would tell you that the first part of a run is not the prettiest one. It takes a while to warm up. I've been running long enough to know that there are times you never warm up. You just struggle until you get the mileage done.

This week felt like a big effort. I'm happy I still managed to get the workouts done. I kept telling myself the four words "just don't give up."

The road to my marathons are never paved with gold. They're actually paved with terrain that makes running very challenging. That terrain includes different personal problems and challenges that try to stop me from training. I can't tell you how many times in the course of 30 weeks I wonder what in the world I got myself into. Then I think about the victory of marathon day. That very last victory lap over every problem and trial that tried to stop me for overcoming my greatest foe: myself.

I'm the only person who can stop me from succeeding. This week I learned that even when the opposition to achieving my marathon training is great, I can still put one foot in front of the other and run.

Tomorrow's forecast is calling for rain in our area. I am praying that we will be able to overcome 14 miles outdoors. If not, there's a treadmill with my name on it waiting for me. I will not be discouraged, no matter how challenging the trial. I will not stop until someone puts a medal around my neck in 78 days.

I appreciate your prayers and encouragement friends!

Previously in this Series:
Week 17
• Week 16
• Week 15
• Week 14
• Weeks 1 - 13