6:42 a.m.

The sun is just peeking from the horizon as I slip out the door. I've been waiting an hour and a half for this moment. It is cold. No, not just cold. Freezing. I should be thankful I live in Southern CA instead of colder climates, but to this Hawaiian girl 35 degrees is brutal.

Remind me why I'm doing this, Lord.

I'm wearing a wind resistant long sleeve shirt, pants and gloves. They feel paper thin on me. The chill seeps through. I start to run and hope that my body warms up before I pass out. I see a few cars go by but no other runners or walkers. They're smart. They're lying under warm comforters right now.

I pick up my pace for an interval and start to warm up a little. I don't hear any birds chirping this morning yet. They must be shivering in their little nests, bundled together. The air is crisp, and I can smell wood burning fireplaces around the neighborhood. The only sound I hear is the chatter in my mind--sometimes to myself, sometimes to God.

I turn the corner and see another runner. I note she is wearing a thermal vest over her shirt. Good idea. We say "Morning!" as we pass each other.

By the time I hit the one mile mark I'm feeling good. Hitting my stride. Enjoying the run.

I check my watch and realize it's time to do another interval. I hit the split button and pick up the pace. At that moment the wind decides to pound my face, my nose, my ears, my body. An instant headache rises up and my head begs for mercy. My fingers feel like popsicles despite my gloves.

Keep running, I tell myself. Just keep running.

I make it to the end of the stretch and take a walk break. My head still feels like it's going to fall off my neck at any moment. Okay, now's not the time to quit. Keep going!

You are my strength, Lord. Help me to go from strength to strength.

I start running again, this time toward home. I pray as I think of people. The headache is at a simmer now instead of full boil. I spot a man walking his scruffy yellow lab. We smile and nod to each other.

One last interval. Hit the split button. Run hard. Almost there. Keep going. Almost there.

Leaner. Stronger. Faster. Yeah. That's right.

Interval is over. Two blocks from home. I start walking to cool down.

There it is. Home. I made it! Shadow greets me excitedly at the door.

Thank You, Lord. An awesome start to a great day!

"Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith." Hebrews 12:1b-2a