God will give me everything I need!

"My God will use his wonderful riches in Christ Jesus to give you everything you need." Philippians 4:19

It's almost here. Two weeks from today my journey towards completing my first marathon since 2009 will start. Additionally, a new program for training will crank up as well and the focal point of managing it will rest on my shoulders.

A couple of weeks ago in my men's bible study group I confessed to the guys that I was a little scared and nervous and I asked them to pray for me. So what am I afraid of?

1. Fear of failing - I am afraid of failing not especially in my physical endeaver of completing a marathon, for I realize that if God wants me to do this, he will open that door for me. No, what I fear is letting my fellow runners down, that I will revert back to my foolish ways. A few years ago when I was running Woodlands Fit I failed everybody because I didn't always give my best or I was too wrapped up in my own personal challanges.
2. Fear of the unknown - I really don't know what to expect this time around, it's been three years so I'm not sure how my body will react to the difficult training regime. We don't have the deep resources available that Fit offered so will I be able to make the right decisions so people will complete their training goals?
3. Fear of criticism - I know I should not be afraid of this because one thing I have realized throughout my life is you cannot please everybody and there will always be somebody who will not like what you do or say. It's just part of human nature. But still I'm nervous about this and wonder if I can take criticism?

One thing all of you should know is this; Fear is not going to keep me from being successful. Why do I say this? Because I will rely on my faith to get through this and to give my best because I know that is what God expects of me! I also know that God is and will be with me ALWAYS and that NOTHING can every separate me from the love he has for me.

"Yes I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor ruling spirits, nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us, nothing below us, nor anything else in the whole world will EVER be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39

What powerful versus! It's my suit of armor! It's so joyful to know that nothing can ever take that away from me.

So the key to success this season is simple, always do your best, pray before every endeaver for this and God will grant it.

Finally, as it says in the opening verse above, God is going to give me all the tools to complete this. So my personal guarantee to all of you is you will get nothing but my best!

Running

Some quick thoughts about training.

It's hot!

So we all need to be extremly careful over the next couple of months. Many of you who have known me over years know how I feel about this. So I'll say it again. "Hydrate, Hydrate and Hydrate." Drink before, during and after your workouts. In our Saturday morning runs, look out for each other other. Look for signs of dehydration. If you see somebody who appears to have symptoms of heat injury, stay with that person and if needed get help. If you are not feeling well before your workout, than take the day off. Remember, the goal is to get to the race.

Heat can kill! And if you don't carefully watch yourself the goal of getting to the race will go away.

We need to help each other get through these next couple of months. Don't get discouraged when you have a bad workout. Instead focus on the fact that you completed it! We all have bad workout days and I'll tell you right now that in this weather, every one of you is going to have days when you struggle. Put it behind you! Because how you do today or tomorrow is NOT going to determine the results of your race! Stay focused on the end goal, if you do that, I have no doubt in my mind that you will be successful.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July and I'll see all of you next week.

Coach Rich