A year ago I shared about my lifelong struggle with my weight and what I decided to do about it. I felt very vulnerable in sharing the journey – I still do. But, I want to briefly report back to you what has taken place and give God the glory He deserves
When I began last year, I told my two accountability partners that I wanted to run a marathon in my 60th year. They encouraged me to go for it. Thanks guys, I have appreciated your prayer and support.
Last year on December 8th I shared my story in this blog. I spoke about my failure to obey the Lord’s leading for years, my repentance, and my strategy for overcoming. Well, since that time I am happy to report that I’ve:
lost about 60 pounds
progressed from not being able to run 100 yards to a regular running program
using the running as a focal point to losing weight
you have to really watch what you eat – or don’t eat – when you run long distances
completed 796 miles of training
I ran in (and finished) a 5k, 10k, 2 half-marathons (13.1 miles) and a full marathon (26.2 miles/42.16k)
all my blood-work numbers have improved . . . drastically!
had to give away a complete closet of clothes!
Praise God!
It wasn’t easy to prepare for running a marathon though. There were many times it was more difficult than I’d imagined it would be. Like:
knee pain with every step of every day for the entire 796 miles of training
getting up early at inconvenient times and days
going to bed early and missing the fun because I had to run a 16 miler the next morning
blisters
bruised and inflamed foot tendons
enduring thirst and low blood sugar the last 5 miles of a 12 mile training run in 90 degree weather after running out of water and nutrition – thank you Mike Keith for being there for me on all the runs after that day
during the marathon last Sunday:
starting out in 25 degree weather – the coldest start in CIM history
by mile 10 my ribs were hurting like they were broken
by mile 14 my aching legs felt like they were going to break off if I took a wrong step
at mile 17 my calves cramped up so severely I had to hobble like Forrest Gump for the last 9 miles . . . but, I finished!
Here’s a bit of what I’ve learned this past year:
don’t confuse “runner’s high” with almost passing out
most people outwardly encourage you, but on the inside they think you’re nuts
most carbs are bad for you
Here are some of the more important lessons I’ve learned:
if you decide to do something difficult
take a risk and tell everyone what you’re going to do
there is power in words and in being accountable
even though you will need the help and support of family and friends in a difficult journey
it was for me especially – a cheering and patiently supportive wife
the journey is yours alone
you need to walk it out between you and the Lord
you can really feel the Lord’s pleasure when you obey Him in a difficult task
nothing really worthwhile . . . is going to be easy
most people won’t change until they “choose” to change
it sounds a bit harsh I know, but we pretty much find a way to do the things that are truly important to us
you really can worship God in the most painful of moments
make it more about what God wants to do “in you” rather than it being all “about” you
without vision, the people perish
nothing important ever gets done without someone “seeing it” ahead of time
I “saw” myself crossing that marathon finish line a thousand times before I actually did cross it
Thanks are in order:
Thank you for staying with me on this journey.
Thanks to those of you who sent encouraging texts, emails, cards, etc.
Thank you all for your kind words of encouragement, hugs, and support.
Thanks Teri for your support even when you were having a tough year yourself.
Thanks Brian and Heather for agreeing to train and run the CIM with me.
Thanks to all my running buddies who talk “running”.
BUT, MOST OF ALL:
Thank you Lord for your faithfulness and love!
Thank you Lord for vision and strength!
Thank you Lord for not giving me what I do deserve!
Thank you Lord for giving me what I don’t deserve!
You are awesome!
Love you Guys,
Steve :)