2 weeks into training for my first ultra and I hit 2 bad weeks because of some health issues. After a few doctors appointments and tests, we still aren’t quite sure what the deal is. I’ve got some more appointments and tests coming, but I am feeling better. I lay hands and pray healing over myself every morning.

Last week was a great training week. I’d feel stronger with each run.

Yesterday was a long day and I didn’t feel like going out for my run, but I gathered all my things and headed to the beach. 7 miles seemed daunting, especially when most of that would be hill repeats. Mental training is a big part of endurance sports. I put on my pack, popped in my earbuds, pressed play on a podcast, and started putting one foot in front of the other.

The first mile was okay. The second mile, which had the first hill, was tough. “This run is going to suck,” I thought. But, I kept moving. One foot in front of the other. Before I knew it, the hill repeats were over. It was time to stretch my legs with some sprints. I headed towards A1A so that I could run along the beach for my last mile.

Before finishing up, I walked over onto the beach to soak in the ocean sounds and the night time sky. I spent some time thinking about how I almost postponed my run, but was glad I didn’t because that run felt great. I could have kept on running. It’s amazing how that works.

Ana and I had an early start to our day, so instead of running at lunch, I went for an early run this morning. The time flew by and noticed my times are getting quicker. Since I’m using my HR to train, that’s a sign my heart is getting healthier.

What a difference a few weeks make. I’ve been able to train throughout my health issues, but am listening to my body and doing what I can to heal, including prayer. Running smart is clearly helping me and it’s only possible because of the guidance of my coach, Dawn Lisenby Run Natural Coach. What a difference a coach makes… and we just started. I cannot wait to see what I am able to accomplish with a great coach guiding me throughout the training. Game changer!

In 14 hours I ran 11 miles like it was nothing. No pain. No fatigue. Ready and excited for my day.

On my way to my first 50k.
I had my doubts, but as each week passes, I’m more and more convinced that I can do it.

I will do it.

Friends, what have you always wanted to do, but have doubts about? Take the first step – then the second. Keep going. I think you’ll surprise yourself.

The urge to stop, kneel, and weep was strong.

I was on a run listening to N.T. Wright teach on Jesus, specifically, His proclamation that when God is in charge, there is forgiveness. With each word I could see forgiveness ooze out of Jesus and, with each step, intently listened to the powerful revelation.

Holiness, reverence, and deep acknowledgement of God’s overwhelming love consumed me and it was hard to keep going. I wanted to fall to my knees and worship Jesus because His love is so good, but I just kept moving. My hunger kept me moving, but I didn’t want anyone to see me and worry that I was hurt. Tears were running down my face and I’m pretty sure I was making that ugly crying face. I kept pushing forward and worshipped Him with my heart.

Jesus oozed forgiveness. It’s all I could think of. It’s all I could see.

“Father, forgive them! They don’t know what they’re doing.” That’s what Jesus said as He was being tortured. A powerful demonstration of love.

Before this Jesus went around healing and forgiving sins (which is a kind of healing). Again, if God is in charge and King, forgiveness would be a standard. Every healing incorporated faith, repentance, AND forgiveness.

In Luke 7, we are told about a woman who kissed, cried, anointed, and wiped the feet of Jesus. Why? Because of her love for Him.

Her love was so deep because she knew that her sins were forgiven. The revelation of forgiveness is what caused her love to be so great. Many read that passage and have taught that it was because she had many sins, so she had to be forgiven much, which allowed her to love much.

Hear me, beautiful brother and sister. That is not what Christ is revealing. It was not her many sins that drove her to love much. It was forgiveness that impregnated her with such love in her. Her recognition that Jesus forgave her sins caused this profound love that had no shame in kissing feet. She knew He was worthy of extravagant worship. It was not her sin that revealed this to her, but forgiveness.

Oh, how powerful forgiveness is that it drives us to love with such deep passion.

Forgive. Ask for forgiveness. Repent. Change. Love.

Love is not selfish. But it’s also not selfless. It’s other-centered.

When I realize how much I’ve been forgiven, I’ll dish it out freely. The result. A culture of honor and love.

Who do you have to forgive today? Do you have anyone you should apologize to today?

Thank you for stopping by my online running journal.

With life being as busy as it is, I use the time I’m out running, caring for the body God gave me, to spend time with God in prayer and worship.

I have received deep revelation on my runs, but I haven’t been diligent with documenting the Divine Wisdom God gives me.

On my run today, God gave me the idea of starting an online journal to document the running revelations I receive and to share it with others.

I’m not sure what this will look like overtime, but I appreciate you being here. I pray that whatever God reveals to me may bless you and add value to your life.

With thankfulness from your running revelator,

AJ