I tied on my running shoes this morning and ran a short circuit through the cold, windy, gray morning. First of all, I am thankful that the marathon is in Memphis, because anything HAS to be warmer than it was in Chicago today. Secondly, it was the last time that I will run before the marathon. All that is left now of training is eating and sleeping and getting to the starting line. Sounds like an easy few days, but the physical game is yet to come. The next few days are an exercise in “what not to wear.” While I have learned from painful experience NEVER to wear anything new in a marathon, I have also learned in life not to carry along those things which drag you down. Do not carry anxiety. Do not let fear grip your heart. Do not “freak out,” as my good friend Beth says. This is nothing new. The Bible is FULL of “fear not.” And indeed, when she was five, one of our daughters recited the Ten Commandments and added: “Do not… be afraid.”
I confess that last night, I was a bit anxious. My phone rang in the middle of the evening. It was my daughter Kat who is also running the race (albeit WAY faster than me). “Mom,” she said, “you are going to have SO much fun.” I needed to hear that. And I remembered in my first two marathons at mile 16 when I was dragging my feet and losing heart rapidly, my daughter Beth came alongside to cheer me on, something I will always cherish. And my husband Bill who has supported me every step through this craziness. Snickers, anyone? In rain and shine, literally.
This is kind of like three days before taking the SAT’s. There is not anything you can do at this point. But trust.
Our help is in the name of the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 124.8
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