Why I Run

Wanna know a secret? There's a reason for my Couch to 5K madness. It's this lady, standing next to me. Well, this lady and about 6 billion other people on the planet. But Margaret is in this picture, so I'll just focus on her.

Margaret's family owns several acres around Holt, Alabama. They rented several trailers out to families, who have now had to relocate because of the tornado. Thankfully, no one died--that miracle is for another story! Most of the houses on the property sustained a lot of damage, and the trailers were completely destroyed. One man still lives on the property in a tent.

Margaret and her daughter Freddie were two of the people we got to help on our mission trip to tornado victims last month. We spent two days at her place, cutting and hauling away the trees that had fallen, plus repairing the roof on one of the houses. Let me tell you, Extra Strength Tylenol was my best friend!

But what does this have to do with running? Great question.

I believe everything is done for one of two reasons: either from selfishness, or out of love. Each task I undertake (or don't undertake) is motivated by one of those two options.

Because I want to love (and therefore serve) other people better, I'm taking better care of my body and getting into shape. Walking, as I had done for years, was just not cutting it for cardio anymore, so I decided to up the intensity. I figured I could call myself a real runner if I completed the couch to 5K program. So, every time I run around that track, I think of Margaret and all the other hurting/needy people out there who could benefit from my help. Love ultimately drives me around that track and further from selfishness. (Oh, and you don't need to remind me—I'm fully aware that I have such a long way to go!)

Obviously, I hope no other disasters occur, but if we're realistic we have to admit it's when and not if. I am expecting a call from God anytime, whether it's to my next door neighbor or a far-off land. I want to be as ready as I can be when it happens. That means being physically fit as well as spiritually and mentally. I'm thanking God for the strength and endurance.

And by the way, I ran exactly two miles today. That's 28 laps in 28 minutes! I know it doesn't exactly qualify one for the Olympics , but for me it's a huge victory. Not only is it a personal best, it's the longest I've ever run. Ever. In my life.

Upward and onward!