A year ago I shared about my lifelong struggle with my weight and what I decided to do abut it.  I felt very vulnerable in sharing the journey – I still do.  But, I want to briefly report back to you what has taken place and give God the glory He deserves

When I began last year, I told my two accountability partners that I wanted to run a marathon in my 60th year.  They encouraged me to go for it.  Thanks guys, I have appreciated your prayer and support.

Last year on December 8th I shared my story in this blog.   I spoke about my failure to obey the Lord’s leading for years, my repentance, and my strategy for overcoming.  (click here if you want to see it)
Well, since that time I am happy to report that I’ve:

• lost about 60 pounds
• progressed from not being able to run 100 yards to a regular running program
  • using the running as a focal point to losing weight
  • you have to really watch what you eat – or don’t eat – when you run long distances
• completed 796 miles of training
• I ran in (and finished) a 5k, 10k, 2 half-marathons (13.1 miles) and a full marathon (26.2 miles/42.16k)
• all my blood-work numbers have improved . . . drastically!
• had to give away a complete closet of clothes!

It wasn’t easy to prepare for running a marathon though.  There were many times it was more difficult than I’d imagined it would be.
Like:

• knee pain with every step of every day for the entire 796 miles of training
• getting up early at inconvenient times and days
• going to bed early and missing the fun because I had to run a 16 miler the next morning
• blisters
• bruised and inflamed foot tendons
• enduring thirst and low blood sugar the last 5 miles of a 12 mile training run in 90 degree weather after running out of water and nutrition – thank you Mike Keith for being there for me on all the runs after that day
• during the marathon last Sunday:
  • starting out in 25 degree weather – the coldest start in CIM history
  • by mile 10 my ribs were hurting like they were broken
  • by mile 14 my aching legs felt like they were going to break off if I took a wrong step
• at mile 17 my calves cramped up so severely I had to hobble like Forrest Gump for the last 9 miles . . . but, I finished!

Here’s a bit of what I’ve learned this past year: 

• don’t confuse “runner’s high” with almost passing out
• most people outwardly encourage you, but on the inside they think you’re nuts
• most carbs are bad for you
• and a whole bunch of gross stuff Teri said I couldn’t say in this blog . . .

Here are some of the more important lessons I’ve learned:

• if you decide to do something difficult
  • take a risk and tell everyone what you’re going to do
  • there is power in words and in being accountable
• even though you will need the help and support of family and friends in a difficult journey
  • it was for me especially – a cheering and patiently supportive wife
  • the journey is yours alone
  • you need to walk it out between you and the Lord
• you can really feel the Lord’s pleasure when you obey Him in a difficult task
• nothing really worthwhile  . . . is going to be easy
• most people won’t change until they “choose” to change
  • it sounds a bit harsh I know, but we pretty much find a way to do the things that are truly important to us
• you really can worship God in the most painful of moments
• make it more about what God wants to do “in you” rather than it being all “about” you
• without vision, the people perish
  • nothing important ever gets done without someone “seeing it” ahead of time
  • I “saw” myself crossing that marathon finish line a thousand times before I actually did cross it

Thanks are in order:

• Thank you for staying with me on this journey.
• Thanks to those of you who sent encouraging texts, emails, cards, etc.
• Thank you all for your kind words of encouragement, hugs, and support.
• Thanks Teri for your support even when you were having a tough year yourself.
• Thanks Brian and Heather for agreeing to train and run the CIM with me.
• Thanks to all my running buddies who talk “running”.

BUT, MOST OF ALL:

• Thank you Lord for your faithfulness and love!
• Thank you Lord for vision and strength!
• Thank you Lord for not giving me what I do deserve!
• Thank you Lord for giving me what I don’t deserve!
• You are awesome!

Love you Guys,
Have a Merry Christmas
Steve 🙂

P.S.  Now, on to my solo flight around the world!  (just kidding)
My next goal is to lose the rest of the weight I need to lose.