The Portland Marathon in 4:11:10

I just received my official Portland Marathon Finisher Certificate today with my time of four hours, eleven minutes, and ten seconds. I never knew how meaningful training and running a marathon would be. In many ways it was a spiritual experience, conquering doubt with determination, exhaustion with endurance, and pain with patience. Running a marathon has been a long time dream of mine, as Miriam calls it, “one of my top bucket list items.” I thank God for my health and the opportunity to run it. So, let me share a quote that I have found meaningful during these last few months about the race of life:

“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the founder and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and not lose heart.” –Hebrews 12