13.1 - MY THOUGHTS ON RUNNING AND KNOXVILLE

Three and a half years ago, my friend Kristin had an idea.  She said, "Let's start running.  I found a plan where we can work up to a 5K in 12 weeks."  I laughed since I honestly had never run a mile.  But because it was something I could do with a friend, I agreed.  I signed up for a 5K race and began running.  

Last weekend, I finished my third half marathon.  I love a race.  In fact, registering for a race is one of the only things that keeps me running.  I love the crowd, the course, the water stations, the adrenaline, and the thrill of the finish.

When I was driving home from "The Flying Pig" last weekend, I started thinking about what the Bible said about running:  "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God."  Hebrews 12: 1-2.  Yes, God has given us a race to run.  But maybe our lives are not one race, but a series of races...small chapters that make up the whole.  

For the past 8 1/2 years, I've been in the "Knoxville Race."  The course has been great - lots of friends that I've met along the run, some uphill challenges, a lot of downhill blissful moments (ahhh!)...but mostly a course that has allowed a steady, even pace and pushed me forward.

I now have 13.1 days left in this race before beginning a new one.  So, I'd like to share 13.1 things that I am grateful for on this part of the journey.

THURSDAY, MAY 9

MILE 1

JENNY

Meet my lifelong best friend of 39 years - Jennifer Turner Smith...or Jenny to me.  Our moms were pregnant together and we were born exactly 3 weeks apart in 1973.  We grew up going to the same church, same schools and walking to and from each other's houses thousands of times.  We didn't go to the same college and we've lived apart since high school.  But we've always been friends.  Really, almost sisters.  She lives in Fort Thomas, Kentucky with her husband, Nate, and three children.

When I told Jenn that we were moving to Tallahassee, she was upset.  She said, "I can't even talk about it."  I told her that she couldn't say that...we don't live in the same town now.  But she went on about all of the trips we've made to and from Knoxville to Cincinnati and how our kids have become such good friends.  She's right (she normally is).  It will be different.  A four hour drive is much more doable than a twelve hour drive.  But, we'll make it work.

So, thank you Jenny for being a part of my Knoxville Race...9 years of shopping weekends in Pigeon Forge, Cumberland, baby showers, Spring Break trips, Fort Thomas 4th of Julys, Circus, waterparks, Kings Island, Graeters, Larosa's, and most recently, running "The Pig!"  Thank you for making me laugh and allowing me to be myself along the way.  "Near and Dear"...yep, that describes our friendship.  I love you.