As the day approaches for the 5k, we've hit a couple of glitches. My friend and I are scrambling for child care and are SO thankful for our church family, since both of our husbands are working on Saturday. People are really stepping up and these two moms really appreciate it!

I have been only able to run every third day because my decrepit knees need 2 days of recovery between runs, but I have been comfortably running for 30-35 minutes each time. I seldom measure distance but feel confident that I have covered the 3.1 miles from when I do measure and can do it Saturday with no problem. I have started wearing those knee strap things for runner's knee and I think it helps. So does icing after every run and sometimes again that night!

Last week I had a physical setback (sciatic pain out the wazzoo) so had to train a lot less than I would have liked but know the rest was more important for my body than pushing through. I had a nice run this morning and will rest my knees until Saturday. I cut today's run off at 31 minutes when my legs still felt good. Maybe an easy walk tomorrow or Friday, but not much else.

Running a 5k is something I have wanted to do for a long time. 2 years ago I could have done it with ease, and much faster than I will run on Saturday, but I am OK with that.

Praying from Isaiah 35:3 (..."encourage those who have weak knees"...) and Hebrews 12:12 ("strengthen your weak knees"). Hebrews continues with "Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong." The author of Hebrews is talking about being figuratively weak, but I this one really speaks to me in both ways right now. Both physically and spiritually, when I train through the hard times I am helping others to be stronger as well. There are three new runners in my little circle of friends and it is a blessing to be a part of their starting this journey. I think the fact that it is often hard for me shows them that they can continue even when it gets hard for them. My prayer is that we will continue to grow as the Body of Christ (finish the race, keep the faith) while we are running in literal races together!

Training for this race has also been my first experience EVER of running with other people. My faster, longer runs of years past were always solo. I never thought I would want to run with anyone else and it has been a nice change. It is also a good reminder of how we need each other! I tend to isolate myself sometimes so am learning a lot in the process.

It is nice to know that no matter what my time is on Saturday, it will be a PR! :)