As I set out on my country road run, it was overcast and cool; a perfect combination for me. I took my daughter's three Australian shepherds for company and protection should my path intersect with a bear. Company on the journey builds confidence! I was feeling energetic and eagerly anticipated the sense of accomplishment as I logged another run in my record book.
It wasn't long before the first little annoyance tripped me up. Literally! One dog mid-stride decided to have a set to without giving any notice. My arm was nearly jerked from the socket as she paused for deliberations and snapped the clip off from her leash. Isn't that how many of our adventures begin in life? Unexpectedly poop happens and we get tripped up, faced with the sudden reality of ourselves. What I am learning up here in this Northern country is to be more flexible and more capable of improvisation.Expect the unexpected!
I quickly tied the broken leash to the dog's collar and we carried on the quiet country road...it wasn't long after that the quiet country road became busy with lunch break traffic. With several gas sites in the area, operators/contractors were beginning to make their way back to town for lunch, I decided to jump off the main road and travel up one less travelled. It was beautiful running up the tree lined road; the grass was green knee deep in the pastures, birds were chirping and cheering us on and a deer curiously watched as we passed by. In the distance I could see a long up hill climb to the mid point of my run. What's a run without a bit of a hill climb? I chanted in my head, "Hills make me strong!" Don't falter when you see a challenge. Take it in stride one step at a time In the distance I could see rain clouds forming and knew that I was going to be in a battle against time.
When you see trouble brewing, form a game plan. Moments later a light rain shower started, which felt ever so awesome as I sweated up the crest of the hill. I paused a moment as I came across a ditch lined with aromatic wild roses. The little break refuelled my senses and I was able to pick up the pace again. Rest is good for the soul!
At last at the end of the road, I realized I had missed my turn home, and had connected with the Alaska Hwy. This meant I had strayed an additional 2k off my intended path and now had to weave my way along ditches filled with grass up to my knees, hidden potholes, litter and thistles. Watch where you set your feet! Not only was my route now longer and unpleasant, but the heavens had opened up and I was caught in a serious downpour! 
The water was bouncing off the pavement and creeks. Find beauty and humour in the small things!I was too far into this adventure to turn around and with many vehicles witnessing my straggling lope, I had to just bear down and persevere through this storm. Stay committed! I knew that a warm home and a cup of tea would be infinitely wonderful at the end of this journey. Keep your eyes on the prize! My running shoes were sloshing, my shorts and t-shirt soaked through...I looked a mess, I am certain. Who cares what anyone else thinks! I sprinted the last 400 m and completed my race! In fact, I had more than conquered; I later drove my running route and discovered I ran 3 K over my set goal! What a run! What an adrenaline rush! All the trials and tribulations added challenge and great joy to my accomplishment for the day.
I am reminded in Hebrews, that life is like this:
Discipline in a Long-Distance Race
12 1-3 Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!
