Our first run under the belt. Thanks Genie! Thanks to all of you who supported me financially meeting the goal of $300 and raised $350. Was not as hard as I thought it would be to run and a lot of fun, with people running and walking, no pressure just out there having fun raising money for a good cause. I wasn't even tired at the end, so am really confident for the next run. Met some new friends, Yvonne and Sara, and saw old ones too, Maria, Laurie and Kathy. But most important, got a free tee shirt, the first of many I hope.
As much as this was for fund raising and personal fitness for me it was about fear. The older I get the more challenged I am to over come fear in my life. Granted in this world there is a lot to fear, but much of it is in our own personalities, mind and spirit and can be overcome. In this case I am trying to overcome my fear of people and groups, or gatherings. The challenge wasn't in the running it was in the being there. I was an alcoholic for 18 years, until God completely delivered me from it, and am still challenged on how do I life this new life without fear or crutches or even excuses or complaints. To me this is the challenge. Last year I took a class at the gym that also challenged this fear and was confident and successful. This run is furthering this growth process. I like new places and seeing and meeting new people and find it rewarding and to me really being alive, but it is always easier to say to do something than to do it so this was fun and successful to me personally. I volunteer at the hospital for the chaplain, to visit, pray and encourage people and even in this there is that element of fear, what do I say, how will they treat me etc. In this I am still trying to be consistent and successful. My fears inevitably get the best of me on it weekly, with excuses not to go, but when I over come these fears I am so blessed and meet the nicest people. Great people who are not forgettable, like the man in intensive care all hooked up and in pain wanting to know how to volunteer himself, or the many people I prayed with that God touched, people of all faiths and backgrounds, that were so glad I came. Fear, I will overcome you completely someday and not be moved or beaten by your negative spirit. Thank you again for all your support, and will keep you posted on my progress for the next run. My ultimate goal is to run the Bridge to Bridge in San Francisco, a half marathon! God bless.
