So what is the prize? I can guarantee you I won't win the race Sunday, and yet, I'll be a winner, because I'm running. The prize is knowing we please God in whatever it is we are doing. I'm running on Sunday in Harrisburg to please the Lord. Whatever my time (I'm hoping for around 4 hours), I will finish with an attitude of gratitude for God giving me the ability to experience the childlike freedom that comes with running.
It's been a great 23 weeks getting ready for the race. I'm satisfied with the effort I've put in. My body is generally cooperating. I have been battling plantar fasciitis, which is a pain in the foot. It is an inflammation of the thick tissue that runs down the middle of the foot. I'm hoping it doesn't act up too much on the day of the race.
I'm thinking about running in Kenya. What will they think of this old white guy plodding around a country filled with fast lean Kenyan runners? I hope they don't laugh! I'm thinking about running in terms of the misison trip. We're leaving December 28th for three weeks. The tickets are bought....the passports have been obtained.....we are waiting on our visas to come from the Kenyan embassy? Wow. We've been raising money to give to the Cassell family (Ambassador's Fellowship) for the Light in the Darkness project, which involves obtaining machines powered by human effort to charge batteries so villages can have power for water pumps and other electrical needs. Over $1,000 has already come in. Praise the Lord!
Keep us in your prayers. Oh, by the way, a very good friend of Jesse, Brandon Wilcox, who is a student at Lancaster Bible College will be joining us on the trip. He's got a loving spirit and a desire to serve the Lord. We are so excited he will be joining us. Pray that we will stay focused on what God desires, and that we will soak in everything He wants us to learn so we can more effectively serve in the Kingdom of God.
Update Training Miles Walking Running
Weeks 1 to 20 987 931
Weeks 21 to23 (includes Race) 162 150
Total 1,149 1,081 = 2,230 miles
Average miles per week over 23 weeks = 97 miles per week. The best I've ever done.
Make sure you continue to visit the Website to see future posts, and we will be including pictures and sharing stories from Kenya as well.
Thanks for all your support and prayers - Mark and the rest of the Family (Cynthia, Jesse, Maria & Brandon too!)
