Day 103...

How was today's run, you ask? Perfect, of course! haha! :) Last double-digit run of the training is in the books! :) A GREAT 10-miler with perfect weather and a beautiful 7:43 pace. The physical part of this is certainly ready to rock. I can feel it all over when I go out for runs in the morning, now. I'm like a race horse in the gate. I'm just ready to race!! :) But God has a plan for each of these last few training runs. I will just try to enjoy and be patient. :)

You know, through this whole thing, I've really seen some interesting things come out in my friendships. When you take on something big like this, you never know which of your friends are going to embrace it and which ones are going to let you do your thing. I have got to tell you, I have been pretty surprised by some of the friendships that have come out of this. I've learned so much about the killer support of my family and close circle. I've seen the unbelievable encouragement of my small group at church. I've seen my running-savvy friends rise to pray, advise and cheer. I've seen some new relationships blossom with folks at Military Ministry. I've felt the prayers of my wiser friends and mentors and listened to (or at least tried to) their advice and counsel through pain. (Thanks, Janice.) :) It's been enlightening and truly humbling.

True, there have been a few friends who have been completely hands-off with this, and that has been disappointing. But the good far outweighs the bad. And it's really made me question what kind of friend I would be in the same situation. What kind of friend am I now in the situations my own friends are going through? One of my best friends is about to have her second child. One of my friends is about to run her first sub-8 half-marathon. One is about to finalize an important adoption. One is entering a battle with depression. One learning how to be mom to two high-energy boys while training for her first half marathon. One is doing some military training away from her normal base. One is walking with her child through post-traumatic stress disorder. One has a big site visit at work in a week. One is getting ready to get married. One just lost her job and is struggling to make ends meet. One just finished his own half marathon. One is planning a national conference for college athletes. One is going through the most "Job-like" situation I can possibly imagine.

It goes on and on. If I took stock of all my friends' big issues, I could pray for hours. And shouldn't I? I've learned so much through this about the importance of relationships and encouragement. God gives us teammates in our big challenges because He knows we will need them. He knows the importance of an encouraging word. He knows the power of prayer.

So...For all my amazing teammates out there, I want you to know today how much I appreciate you all. You guys are my God-given rocks. He has blessed me with so much strength through you. I pray that I can learn how to be a better friend to you in return. And I pray that I can make you all proud on Monday for what you've invested.

Prayer Requests:
- For physical protection and healing on my feet, knees and hamstrings.
- For rest as taper week continues.
- For our troops, who need our support and prayers DAILY.
- For Military Ministry's continued outreach and ability to bring faith to the foxhole and hope to the homefront.
- For the recovery run tomorrow! :)

Love you all!
-Jill