Monday, May 4, 2009

Endurance...

Endurance is the ability or strength to continue, despite fatigue, stress, or other adverse conditions.



This year my DH and I set a goal to run the Gate River Run in Jacksonville during the month of March. Although I did not finish the entire 15K, I was very proud of myself for running 6 of the 9 miles. I do have to brag and say that the DH DID finish the entire race...so proud of him! But before we could even THINK about attempting the race, we first had to build up our endurance.

We started off running one mile for a few days, then running two miles for a few days, and so on, until we had enough endurance to run the entire race. I am NOT a runner, never have been, and to be honest...I am always talking to myself when I am running saying "Why? Why are you doing this to yourself?" But, we made a promise to eat healthier and to excercise MORE. So I endured these questions until I could complete the race.

After the race, actually as soon as I crossed the finish line, I can't even begin to express to you how AWESOME it felt!! Although, I was in so much pain, with legs that felt like they weighed 1000 pounds EACH, and with aching toenails (I just lost one today by the way) I knew all the pain I had endured was SO worth it all! I was so proud of myself, and proud of the DH, that we actually fulfilled our New Year's Resolution.

Our running experience reminds me of a similar situation that we are dealing with every single day...Infertility! I know that all the pain we are enduring right now will be just an afterthought after we cross the finish line and become parents. We have made a decision to continue to press forward with a smile on our faces, rejoicing--even in the hard times, and praying for the endurance we need to continue this race.

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation"~Romans 5:3-4.






5 comments:

Justinand said...

You are such an encouragement to me. Thanks for posting about endurance--I'm going to make that my word too! Just like your race and Justin's triathlon--it is possible to finish, no matter how hard it seems! Can't wait until we both cross the mommy finish line!!! Praying for you!

Becca said...

Great post! I'm a runner and I often think of the parallels between racing and infertility. One of my favorite things about racing is running alongside other people striving towards the same goal and encouraging each other along the way - and I'm finding that same atmosphere among my "infertility sisters". It helps make the difficult moments of the journey so much more bearable to know you are not alone!!

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

Great post...I always enjoy reading your blog.

Guy and Julie said...

Lianna,
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I so appreciate the encouragement and prayers. I know God has a plan for me and for you--it's hard to wait for Him. You're in my prayers as well.
Julie

Anonymous said...

Hi to all you guys in waiting... (don't have a blog so have to sign in as anonymous - sorry). I just wanted to let you know that it took me 11 years to get pregnant. I can feel for you all - I've felt the heartbreak every month. I pray that God will answer your prayers as he answered mine... and he will, in his own good time (it's just soooo darn hard waiting though!). Don't give up hope.....