You know...a challenge that feels like you are trying to climb Mt. Fuji.
From our day trek last summer we know that getting to the top of that peak is hard, exhausting and more than once I was tempted to quite. The task is daunting and often I wondered, "Was I crazy to take this on?"
I am in the midst of another similar challenge: running a 10K in the Run for the Cure the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Even though I have been running for the last 6 years, I do not consider myself a "runner". When I first started running, my challenge was a 5 K. Now it is 10. It's surprising how exhausting the training can be. On the days I run close to an hour it's all I can do to stay semi-productive (and semi-nice to my family) before crumbling into bed completely drained.
The "Advanced Beginner" 10K training schedule I got from the internet is definitely intended for a single person who sits at their desk all day, not a busy ministry mama on her feet most of the day. I have had to modify and do just enough to get by, running every 3-4 days instead of every other day. But I am up to running 9K...almost there.
You wouldn't think that the most crowded city in the world would offer us a river and running path less than a 5 minutes walk from our house. How blessed I am. The green, open space refreshes my heart and mind (although not so much my aching feet). I love this alone time to pray and think (yes, with prayers too that I will make it home in one piece).
As I was running the other day the sun peeked out and much to my surprise I saw Mt. Fuji which is only visible during the winter months since it's beauty is usually hidden in clouds. If I had never run that far down the path I would have never seen it. How breathtaking...well, I didn't have much breath left anyway, but it was a special reminder that by God's grace and help I can tackle this "Mt. Fuji Challenge".
Anyone else out there have a challenge before them?
Go tackle it. With God's enabling help we can do it.
I''l see you at the finish line.
