A New Journey Begins

Audrey and I started a new journey today.  We embarked on training for a half-marathon.  I ran in the Dick Beardsley Half Marathon in Detroit Lakes last fall.  And I had planned to run that race again this Septmber and then the Fargo Mini Half Marathon 5 weeks later in October (I'm still trying to decide if the full marathon bug will bite me!).  Now I'm not sure if either of those events will be happening -- and if they are happening, if I want to run in them.

But we're training anyway.  Because -- as those of you who have run endurance races know -- it's not just about race day.  It's the journey to get there.  By the time I cross the finish line (whether an actual organized race finish line or the one I make for myself right here in Wadena), it won't just be a 13.1 mile accomplishment.  It will be a 165.1 mile accomplishment.  Not to mention the time lifting weights and biking on those cross training days.

This is a departure from my earlier plan by the way.  When I decided earlier in the year that I was going to run those two races, I made a training plan for every day between March 3 and October 17, including 2 triathlons, a 10k and those two half marathons.  Included in that training plan was pool swimming at least 1x/week.  So much for that.  So while grieving the loss of that plan, we begin today to lean into the new plan!

Training is a good metaphor for life that way.  Yes, we set goals and look to the future and pine for special days.  But often, the greatest joy is in the journey -- even when the journey requires major changes from what we imagined the path would be.  Right now, we're pining for better days when COVID-19 is a distant memory.  But between now and then stretches a road on which we will journey.  And though that journey will be marked with successes and failures, with joys and struggles, it is our journey, one we travel with those closest to us -- and Almighty God, too.

What will your journey look like in the coming days and weeks?  Is there something new you could venture into?  Something that used to be part of your routine that you'd like to revisit?  Be bold and set out on a new journey today -- not only looking ahead to the destination, but the challenging and exhilarating road that stretches out between now and that longed-for future.

By the way, if you'd like to try a half-marathon, here's training plan we're using:
https://www.verywellfit.com/half-marathon-training-schedule-for-beginners-2911618

May God strengthen you for the journey ahead!

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