I thought the ship had sailed on the half… but God had other plans.
I know I haven’t made any recent updates on this journey, so here goes.
Last we checked in I was run/walking 2.2 miles, and just shy of 30 lbs down on weight loss. My average pace was 15 minutes, 42 seconds per mile, and I needed to make a decision by August 1st about paying for a half-marathon race happening in Miami.
And now, the updates…
I, of course, dragged my feet on registering for the half, and when I did log in to “pull the trigger,” the blaring message on the screen read, “currently unavailable, check back soon,” or something along those lines. I did check back, and the Miami half sold out pretty quickly. All the message boards insisted more slots would eventually open up. Well, I thought that was a sign. I thought the sign read “not this time,” and I continued my regularly scheduled program. My workout routines have been very steady. Rarely do I miss a day. I’ve grown to love it, which is nuts. Sure, it’s crazy early in the morning, but I’m feeling great and really strong.
Well… fast forward to a random workout day with the group of people I’ve been exercising with for about six-ish months. A nonchalant question is asked: “Hey Jenn, would you be interested in running a half marathon with us?” I wanted to laugh - laugh, because I thought the ship sailed. After the Disney half sold out AND I was unable to grab a spot in the Miami half, I thought to myself, “Well God, I’m going to keep honoring You by keeping myself strong and healthy, but the half wasn’t meant for me.” And there wasn’t disappointment, simply an understanding that sometimes I can want things for myself that He doesn’t. And I had made a choice in my heart regardless: I was going to take care of His temple, for His honor, not mine - and that’s OK.
But God… He just had something better up His eternal sleeves.
His plan has me training with a group of people I’ve come to know and appreciate. I don’t need to travel, I don’t need to train alone, I don’t need to spend a ton of money - I just need to wait on Him and as always, if it’s His will, it will work out.
And… so far, so good. I’ve paid my entry fee and started adding the run training to my workouts.
I ran 3 miles this past Saturday, at an average pace of 14 minutes, 50 seconds, alongside my boys and people I’ve been working out with and feel comfortable with. I have 10 weeks to go, and I’m nervous/excited.
I’m going to run a half marathon, guys!!