Run the Race. Cross the Finish Line.
Before I go any further, here's my disclaimer: I'm just a regular person trying to be disciplined in my fitness using my struggles and successes to motivate any of my readers that work to keep exercise and healthy living a priority.
Last year, with the encouragement from my mom, my 2011 New Years Resolution was to complete the 2011 Flying Pig Half Marathon. And I did it!! Alongside my amazing mom and middle sister, we completed a half-marathon. For 12 weeks leading up to the half-marathon, our 3-5 days a week of training consisted of running, cross-training, stretching and strengthening all to make sure we crossed the finish line. AND WE DID! We actually ran across the finish line, together. It was beautiful. I've never been so happy to finish something in my life.
For my mom, finishing a half marathon was nothing new. She is one of the most dedicated runners I know, she has completed 3 full marathons and 10 years worth of half marathons. She's pretty amazing. It's a different story for my sis and I though, this was our first! And because WE did it, I know YOU can too. 12 weeks of training pays off. But don't think that every single run was bliss, because there were multiple runs when I thought to myself "I will never do this again." But guess what changed my mind?
The finish line.
And yes you guessed right: we are doing the Flying Pig Half Marathon again! You may call us crazy (it's okay because we called my mom crazy for years) but 12 weeks of training to cross the finish line is life changing. I truly believe I'm a better person- not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. During those 12 weeks, I learned a lot about myself, about my God, about my running partners (Mom and sis) but most importantly, I learned that I am a runner- and I can do ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME. I won't lie, it's not easy- but the finish line is like nothing you've ever experienced (unless of course you've already crossed a finish line! ;) ) and you know what that reminds me of? Our race here on earth-- and how the finish line of heaven will be soooo worth it!!! Life isn't easy, and there may be days that seem so hard that you just want to quit; but remember (and don't forget!) that finish line is everything.
If you want to train with us, follow me as we train for our 3rd half marathon. (We did the Wright Pat AirForce Half Marathon this past fall, so this makes our 3rd half marathon!) I will be discussing our training plan, what we do right, what we do wrong, and all the things we have to do to make sure we cross the finish line on May 6th, 2012 in Cincinnati, Ohio. :)
If WE (and the thousands of people who come to run the Pig) can do it, YOU can do it. If you want to join us, here is the Half Marathon Training Plan we use! I'll talk about this more later.
Check out the lyrics to the song "RUN" from Hillsong: http://www.6lyrics.com/run41-lyrics-hillsong.aspx
RUN:"You were God from the outset. Powerful and creative. You who saw us here before you called. All the stars and the earth to existence. You are God you are Holy, History is you story, You, who was and is, And who forever will be, God we live for your Glory, So we will run, All together our hearts aflame, With a fire that can't be tamed. Our God all Glory to your name. Jesus. You are God you are freedom, You're alive now within us. You who saw us here before, You conquered the grave, And delivered on the promise. We will run, Our surrender to bring you fame, Our desire that you be praised, Our God all Glory to your name, Jesus."
Thanks for stopping by, let's run together the race set before us.
In HIGH Belief,
Ashley
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."
Hebrews 12:1-3
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