A Late Report on the Boomtown Days Half Marathon

So this is a very late report on the Half Marathon that Erin and I ran on June 13th. I meant to get to this before we left for CIY MOVE in Durango, CO...but didn't get to it, and I'm always amazed at how busy you get when you're running a conference. When down time does come, you just want to take a nap! Things are going well here in CO. Erin and I were talking as we walked from the cafeteria to the auditorium, and we realized that when I go back to Joplin, I won't be going to CIY to work. That feels weird! I'll go there to get my things...including a 250 lb. fire hydrant...but other than that, I'm done. Now, I am leading one more conference in Bolivar, MO...but as far as office work goes, I'm done. It's just a little strange.

OK, about the run. It was brutal. I gotta be honest with you. The first 10 miles weren't too bad. But I knew I was in trouble when we came to the 11th mile marker, and I thought it was the 12th. Wishful thinking! In all honesty, I'm really glad we did it. It was hard, but it was worth it. I've managed to keep running a little here in Durango...not every day, but enough to maintain I hope! Erin is a great runner. I managed to stay with her until the last 200 yards. It was at that point she kicked it into another gear, and I pretty much had nothing left. I was doing good to keep my feet moving! Erin finished her run in 1:54:41 and I finished in 1:55:12. I was glad to be under 2 hours. I ran about an 8:46 pace. When I crossed the finish line the people running the race made me stip so they could cut the little timer chip off my shoe. The lady handing out the medals was all over her job, but the lady handing out the water was not. As soon as I crossed the finish line she started walking away from me. If I could have chased her down I would have.

One of my first thoughts when finishing was, "Holy cow, I don't even want to think about running a full marathon." There is NO WAY I could have ran another 13.1 miles! But even with the half, there are a lot of good lessons I learned from training and running. Hebrews 12 has a lot more meaning, that's for sure.

Erin asked if I would ever want to run a full marathon - on the way home from the half marathon - so it was a little soon for me to answer. I'm still not sure...we'll see. I do want to keep running...so you never know.

Goodbye CIY

Welp, I just had my official farewell party here at CIY. It was really great, thanks to everyone at CIY. I must admit, it was a little awkward. I think those things always are a little. I am grateful for what I've learned and been able to be a part of here at CIY. There are A LOT of great people here! It has been a great 6 years, and I am glad that I'll still be in the area and stop in from time to time.

The transition to pastoring at Mystery full time feels so close now! I am excited about what is ahead! We're studying the book of Jonah for July, where I will be preaching 3 weeks in a row...doing chapter 2, 3, and 4! That will be the first time I've ever done anything like that!

Steev and I met this past Sunday after church. We dreamed, and planned, and prayed. It was a great time together. I was encouraged mostly by the praying. I was reminded of the importance of Steev and I praying together - specifically for the sheep we have been entrusted with!

I head to Durango, CO a week from tomorrow! The summer is upon us! I am looking forward to getting on the road. Durango is a GREAT place. It's beautiful there...cool mornings in the mountains, beautiful sunshine, and a great campus to do MOVE.

So thanks to CIY! I love you guys!