El Paso Marathon 2015

"Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible."" Matthew 19:26

What a beautiful day for a run. Yesterday was the 2015 El Paso Marathon and Half. The day began early to catch the buses at 5:00 a.m. that would take the marathoners to the top of Trans Mountain for a 7:00 a.m. race start. The beginning temps were in the low 50's with only a high of 61 predicted, absolutely fabulous temps for a 26.2 mile run. As the runners descended down the mountain for the initial 1,584 elevation drop (about four miles down), the rain began to fall cooling it down even further serving as a simple reminder that God had blessed this day. I knew that good things were in store for the rest of the race. 

As expected, the aid stations and volunteers were amazing as was the post-race nutrition. I absolutely love the people of El Paso, the culture and especially the food! Running this race gives you the opportunity to experience all three. The medals and awards were surely worthy of the effort it took to earn them. But the absolute best part of the race was finishing at the Southwest University Park, the home of the El Paso Chihuahuas minor league baseball team. Although the half and full started at different places, we finished together and as the runners made their victory lap into the stadium, they were greeted with hundreds of spectators in the stands. Talk about making a runner feel like a winner regardless of the finishing time. Way to go El Paso Marathon!! They couldn't have made TEAM413 feel any more welcome. I truly believe that God was working today. Especially on one runner...

Chris Martinez Jr. and Chris Martinez (two of my most favorite men)

Christopher Martinez was running his first half marathon. Despite extreme knee pain beginning at mile one, he finished the race and learned something about himself in the process. The greatest lesson was that he realized that, "with God everything is possible." Like hundreds of other racers yesterday, when he had nothing left, he relied on God's strength to get him through. And, in doing so, he realized that God was all he needed all along... yesterday, today and every day. 

If you will allow Him, God can and will do amazing things in your life today, tomorrow and every day too. You need not wait until He is your last resort, when you have no power of your own. Simply let Go and let God. Surrender your will and let Him work. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the many lessons you teach us through the simple act of placing one foot in front of the other. It's only through your strength that we can truly be winners - on the race course and off. Help us to surrender to you each and every day and to instead rely on your strength and power rather than our own. The true victory is a life in pursuit of the ultimate medal, eternal life with You. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Running - Cornerstone Hillsong

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTl3rv6ZTNo

About to enter the stadium with only .2 left getting a high five from my sister in law