1 mile, 5k, stair climb...WHAT'S NEXT?

10 K

Why they feel the need to measure these popular races in a unit of measurement that isn't often used within the States is beyond me - 6.2 miles sounds hard enough, but 10k sounds TERRIFYING!  Needless to say, I set a goal to work towards that will encourage me to stay active and moving - I'm OFFICIALLY registered for the 2nd annual Rock the Parkway 10k event to be held April 2nd. SCARY!

I haven't even begun to train and weather outside is so yucky, but I'm determined to do this!  I cannot wait to push my limits once again and proudly finish my FIRST offical 10k race.  I highlighted the best feature of this race, lol, check it out:

Get ready to rock!

After an incredible inaugural event last year with more than 4,000 participants, the 2011 Rock the Parkway will once again take place along Kansas City's famed Ward Parkway, one of the most beautiful tree-lined routes in the country — and all six lanes are reserved just for you. This regal parkway features historic statues and sculptures, beautiful mansions, classic gardens, and gorgeous fountains — a long, downhill finish just might propel you to a personal best time.

Participants in all three races — the half marathon, 10K and 5K — will receive a great event shirt and the opportunity to enjoy live music and delicious food and drinks at the event plaza after the race at the Burns & McDonnell world headquarters, 9400 Ward Parkway.

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Sounds fun, huh?  I'M PUMPED!  If you've never done a road race - they are addicting.  I highly encourage you to sign up for one of these events in your local area, rally some friends and family with you - go for it.  Most of these races raise funds for local charities or organizations so you are not only challenging your physical limits, but you are being generous and giving to others in the process.  Not to mention, you get to collect race day T-Shirts like trophies.  :)  I know that half the joy is picking up MY shirt and MY bib number and attaching it the day of the race.  Wearing that race number sets me apart.  It is a marked distinction saying, "I'm IN this race."  It means that I'm no longer sitting on the sidelines watching everyone else push their limits and reach their goals - I've set out to accomplish something too. I'm running, I'm winning!  I normally finish quite a bit slower than most participants, but I WON because I did it.  I didn't allow myself to be held back by fear or limitations.  I DID IT!

I wonder:  Am I running MY race that God has mapped out for me with perserverence while overcoming obstacles that try to hinder me.  Is there a marked distinction about me that says I'm IN this race, testifying of the goodness of God and not simply on the sidelines observing? Do I fight the good fight of faith with JOY?

There really is something about these races that not only challenges me physically, but mentally and SPIRITUALLY as well.  PRAISE GOD!

To find events near you, visit websites such as active.com.

Verse of Encouragement:

Acts 20:24 (NKJV)

But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.