Why Do I Run?

This is how the conversation went, "Well, I ran 5 miles yesterday but today I think I'm going to run just 1 and then weight train" from the lady beside me came the words "Why would you run? Thats why I have a car- its pointless"
Today was difficult, I went to the gym with a hard heart about running. Why do I do this? Where is this getting me? And I was quickly reminded when the scripture "Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." (Hebrews 12:1) This is on a little post-it note in our classroom on the computer and it seems that everyday I see this and a little spark in my mind reminds me of why I run.
I run, because God has given me the strength to. Where am I running to? No where- except into His arms! Its the only palce that matters to me. The world could end tomorrow- then where would you be running to?
The scripture backs up how important running is. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness ..." (2 Timothy 4:7, 8) "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.." Phillippians 3 12-14
We are to give our all. We are to run the race that is set out for us, and we aren't to give up. There will certainly be times when all you want to do is fall over on the sideline. There will be times when it seems that there is no way that you can reach the finish line. But the awesome part is you aren't running on your own. Your fellow Christian brothers and sisters are running right along with you, and Jesus is your biggest fan. He is there to help you along every step of the way.
Im training for the FULL Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon that I will run in at the end of this April, and I am scared to death! I cant even describe the feeling that is inside of me when I think about running for 26.2 miles- thats right.... 26.2 MILES! After running the 1/2 marathon last year, I felt as though I could do more. But for those people who dont understand why people run, do not judge because running in a race and crossing that finish line will be the most inspirational moment of your life! When I came upon the ending of the 1/2 marathon, I saw my mom dad and Brett just cheering me on- and I couldnt control myself I was so excited because I finished something that all of them thought that I could never do!Can you imagine for a second what it will be like to reach The finish line? When we all finish the race Paul talked about, all of heaven will be throwing a ginormous party as we step across the finish line. No one will feel like hurling or keeling over. There will be hugs, there will be laughter, and there will be huge smiles on everyone's face. It will be the most fulfilling race you will ever finish.

And I cant wait for it.......... but until then I will run