Run and Do Not Grow Weary

..but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint. (40isa31)

and they will turn 40 and run a 5k really fast!!

I love the verses above (- my added words)

I also love my sweet pjo and have never been soooo absolutely head-over-hills-proud of him as I was this past weekend.

It was his 40th birthday on Sunday and he had decided about 6 months ago to jump on the racing wagon and train for a race (on his birthday in Austin). It was a hard road to begin on as he had to oil his joints and dust the cobwebs off his running shoes.

But he did it!
Got stronger!
Ran smoother!
Grew confident-er!

We celebrated the day before with a surprise of friends and family gathered at the groovy Hula Hut. We had wonderful service and delicious Strawberry Creme filled (Costco--love the Costco) cake. With sprinkles of really funny birthday cards.

We shopped around the diverse streets of the city where I found my first vintage resale purse of $4 (+25% off). I felt like I was stealing it.. Love it in all its cuteness!! As I am trying not to be Gilda Girl Scout..with my stash of --if you need it I got it--in my purse....sharpie, screwdriver (with interchangeable heads), scissors, tiny tape dispenser, mini maraca for celebrating...I know crazy, huh!?

Anyywayy!! Back to our weekend celebration..

We got back to our room had apples for dinner..yes..quite delightful
Got a good night sleep--ish. we had late coffee..

and got up at the crack of darkness
got ready and headed down to the race sight
as we walked up to the meeting area I was giddy with nervous excitement.
it was funny as people ran from all directions to the location
who would've thought--warm up for a race by running..hmm!

over 1700 people were gathering up based on their distance to be run
Every 10 minutes a new group raced off at the sound of the horn
it was time for pjo to line up
he merged into the group...countdown 10..9..8....
and the horn sounded
and he was off.....
literally a tear welled up in my eye as i was overwhelmed with such joy and admiration for his accomplishment to that point
my only prayer at that time is that he would not be the last one :)

We planned for me to be at the finish line and
to look for him after 45 min of beginning...

after 15 minutes runners started streaming in
2o minutes passed..25 minutes.. more runners
30 minutes....what!!
I looked at my watch and looked out on the street...what??
O my silly word!
My Pjo is with the pack and there are runners behind him!!

My tears welled up--
my heart swelled
and I clapped and cheered like it was a touchdown.

He did it!
Crossed the finish line well before his intended finish time..



Uh-mazing!
What a big deal to start something, but even bigger to finish and finish well!
We look forward to more races to come..

I have not achieved it,but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
(3phil13-14)

and so now, I train...