What the Hail??

So, this morning I went for a run (as I usually do). I have been trying to run longer, since the weather has been warming up, and has been more Spring-like.

As I left this morning it was overcast, but there was some blue sky in the distance. I ran, about 3 1/2 miles out from my home, with no troubles. It was quite nice, actually. I was on my way back and I saw a man running the opposite way on the trail (towards me) and though he said nothing to me, he had a concerned look on his face, which made me wonder, "What was his problem?" As I turned the corner I looked behind me, and I saw a HUGE black cloud moving in quite quickly. My immediate reaction was, "CRAP!" I even said it out loud. :-) (Don't worry, I will wash out my mouth with soap!).

I was still 3 miles away from home, and I did not have many options! Really, I had only one . . . RUN!!! So, I sucked in some good air into my lungs, and heaved my body (pushing William in the jogger) and I ran like I have never run before! (You know, like when you pretend a bad-guy is after you, and you must get away!) The black cloud was literally on my heels and I thought, "Maybe if I run fast enough, I can out-run it!" HA! The wind began to thrash trees about, launching debris into the air. The dark cloud surrounded me, and it began throwing hail at my head, as if it were an enormous salt shaker, and I was a piece of meat. It hurt! I was running as insanely fast as I could, and I began to cry, though it did not matter much -- I was completely wet anyway. I had so far to go . . .Then came my favorite --lightning. Normally, I am a huge storm fan. I think (had I chosen a different life) I would be one of those freaks that goes out and chases tornadoes -- but not on foot!! The lightning was flashing while thunder was roaring -- with no counting the seconds in between (it was on top of me). Oh how exciting!!
I was running, running, praying, running. I got to an elementary school and I decided to take cover there for awhile, and see if it would let up. I was relieved for a moment, getting out of the hail. But the storm was not letting up, and I had to get home to get Daniel from school!

Off I went back into the storm. The hail began again, and the wind was whipping it into my face. William began screaming with fear, and he was also getting wet and cold. So, I continued to run at full speed, seriously praying for strength, and breath!! My lungs were on fire!

The lightning kept flashing around me, and at times I felt utterly exposed in open areas. Yet, I knew that I would be fine. God is more powerful than any storm, and I had asked Him for protection -- I knew I was ok. But that did not change the fact that I was out there, cold and wet, and using every ounce of energy in my body!! I had to keep moving forward! I had NO other option! God was with me, but I had to do the work!!

I was so alone. There was no one else out there (smart people). A few cars passed by, but no one was on foot -- just silly me.

After 3 miles of intense speed running -- I made it home. William screamed, literally screamed, for about a mile and a half. His little lip was quivering when we got home. I wrapped him up, and comforted him, though I was soaked and freezing, but very relieved!

Last night I prayed, that I would be able to find new strength and energy, while I run. I was losing my steam, and my motivation for exercise was waning. I would do it, but it was a chore. So, because I was not specific in my prayerful request . . . this is what I got! I have never run faster in my life!! I never knew I had so much strength inside of me to move so quickly!! :-) Nothing is more motivating than lightning!! :-)

Be careful what you pray for . . .