Long Distance Inspiration

Thup thup thup. The steady beat of her feet on the boardwalk blend with calling gulls and lapping waves in their own early morning harmony. The running girl doesn't need any better music than this. Her earbuds died out on her some time ago and she just never felt the need to replace them. Besides, she gets some of her very best ideas during these 8am runs. And, she grins, some of her most harebrained. Hey, everything seems like a good idea once the endorphins start kicking in! An image of a juicy burger with the works and pile of hot, crispy fries pops into her head. Mmmm. There was a time when she'd feel guilty just thinking about them, but not any more. Two years into the racing scene, she is the most fit she's ever been in her life. She might just go out with the family tonight and indulge. In fact, if you were to ask her why she got started in racing, she'd honestly tell you she "runs to eat!"
Today she is using the bridges for hill work and her muscles protest. Her mind reaches for those things that keep her motivated. It all began when her little brother asked her to run a race with him. She had only four months to go from "couch" to a half marathon! Now, averaging two races a month in Florida's cooler season, her times are getting better and better. Soon she will be taking first place. That works! Pushing through the pain, she flies over the next bridge with ease. Her high school swimming career gifted her with a great set of lungs. They could let her go on forever, but she shouldn't overdo it. A quick glance at the Swatch watch tells her it's already time to head home.
AJ and Ash-man are chillin' on the couch in jammies, catching some Saturday morning cartoons with Daddy. Adam gives Amy a grin and a wink. He's waiting for his turn to jog out. He's proud of her. Seeing her enjoyment plus great results has inspired him and his eldest son to slip on the running shoes as well. It has also caught the attention of someone else...
Leave behind the beaches and palm trees for a moment. Travel waaaaaay up north to a place where it snows a foot and a half at the end of March. Sitting at the computer, I read that my in-laws are training for another race. I admire their dedication. Whenever I see their racing pictures it brings to mind Hebrews 12:1, "And seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doeth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us." This long distance inspiration is the only reason why the words "three miles" is written here and there on my calender. Once for each time I've completed them. Right now it is sporadic, but some day it'll be up there everyday. That works! I turn off the computer and slip on my running shoes!