A steadfast spirit.

This past weekend I ran the Richmond Half Marathon. I will save the story of how and why I entered the race for another time, because all who know me have heard me say more than once, the last race is "my last race, I swear!" but inevitably I always enter another.

At least this one was only 13 miles. And not 26.

Anyway. By mile 4 or 5, I can't really remember, my legs started to hurt and I began to do the math. How many miles do I have left? How long will that take me? When can I sit down? Since I can't add, much less subtract, this was quite the challenge. I often had to get math confirmation from my running gal pal, Karin. "So, if we just passed mile marker 6 then we only have 7 to go, right?"

And that is how it went. One foot in front of the other. Mile after mile. Sore toes and achy hamstrings the whole way.

There is a Distance Running Law that states, The pain will only get so bad, and then you get to a point where it can't get worse. The key to running long distance is getting used to the pain. It is weird. But true. The difference between running 10 miles and 20 miles is not a lot. Because running 10 miles hurts and running 20 miles hurts just a wee bit more. It is true. Don't believe me? Get in shape. Run 10 miles, then 12, then 15 then 20. You will see.

This is also true about our Ethiopian adoption.

Waiting 3 months hurt A. Whole. Lot.

Waiting 15.5 months now hurts more but not much more. The weight of the wait, is a lot to take. You just get to a point where it can't get worse. I am reminded of the pain with each step. Each day. Every holiday that passes is another holiday that passes.

But at least it doesn't get that much worse. I am thankful for that. It is something that you get conditioned to. It is just like passing mile marker 9 in the race. Despite the aching body I take a deep breath and put one foot in front of the other.

Psalm 51:10
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.