A timely quote

Like many of you I get the Runner's World quote of the day in my inbox each morning, and this morning's was particularly timely.

For me, the hardest part of an injury is watching the races go by that I had hoped to compete in. The only thing that makes it easier is thinking of how certain struggles make other accomplishments mean so much. ~Dathan Ritzenhein

This past weekend I volunteered at a 5 mile training run for the Frederick Half Marathon. You may not remember but this is the half where I was planning to kick butt and take names. I survived my first very hot, humid half for which I overtrained. Then I made my way through one hilly hummer of a half where I trained very purposefully. And I was ready to run a flat, fast course and see what I really capable of....until December 18th when I sadly realized I should have not laced up my kicks that morning but instead stayed home to ice my hip.

I've already watched the Lewis 10 Miler come and go and there are more races on my 'wish list' that I will spectate rather than run. It's hard to listen to my friends talk about their training runs and upcoming races. I don't begrudge them their ability to run; I just wish I could join them. Hank has asked many times to run a race with me and I know when we do have that opportunity, it will be a precious time for me.

Hopefully, this season of life has made me more grateful for the many things I can do. On the fitness front, I can walk, bike and do yoga and strength training. That's a lot, but my desire is to run. I love to run; I really do. Not having that, particularly in the dark of winter, has been hard in a lot of ways I didn't expect.

Choosing to take time off and not run is so very different than not being able to run. I have a little issue with control and the longer this plays out, the more twisted my insides feel.

In the end, it comes down to what I tell my kids when they don't like the way something is going for them - God is God, and we are not. While I cannot begin to understand the Lord's ways, I do know this...

And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. ~ Romans 2b-5