Portland Marathon

Well, it has taken this long for me to write about the Portland Marathon--partially because I'm still in pain! I did everything wrong at this one and broke all the rules. The first mistake I made was not eating...at all (Yes, all you runners can cringe!). After that, I warmed in the first couple miles and then began a sort of "recon shuffle" jog. I ended up spying a young runner and decided to use him as a pacer (I know, I know, HUGE difference between 18 or 19 and 45!). We were doing good, I was following him for about 8 miles when the kid threw it into warp speed (he was just warming up...).

Then, this being Portland, it started raining. I ended slipping on a manhole cover (I didn't know they got slippery. Then the blisters started showing up. Ouch.

I know this sounds like a nightmare--and as I sit here nursing my poor abused muscles (still!) and the blisters that cover almost all of my right heel (and the rest of the foot)--I got to tell ya: I had a blast! The sense of accomplishment, especially in light of what doctors had once told me about my back (that I would never be able to run again--I would limp throught life--I would never kick again) and I once again have to praise God that He is the Ultimate Healer. He just loves to heal and restore His children!

I would love to hear from some of you about how God has done the same for you. Well, I am leaving for Montana later so I have to complete my prep for that trip. I pray that the Lord blesses you this week.
In His Grace,
Mark