Runner's Prayer

"Run by my side;

Live in my heartbeat;

Give strength to my steps.

As the cold surrounds,

As the wind pushes me,

I know you surround me.

As the sun warms me,

As the rain cleanses me,

I know You are touching me.

Challenging me, loving me.

And so I give you this run.

Thank you for matching my stride.

Amen."

How beautiful is this prayer? I found it this morning while looking around online. I try and remember every morning when I am running to "thank God for this run." For the desire, the ability, and the strength to run, and to never take it for granted. Of course, since I am a treadmill runner for the most part, for me I would probably change a few lines of the prayer to say:

"As the walls surround,
As the music pushes me,
I know You surround me.
As the fan cools me,
As the sweat cleanses me,
I know You are touching me."

Maybe cute, but I would love be able to run outside more often. Reasons include, but are not limited to, 1) scheduling, 2) children, 3) temperature, and 4) chicken-ness of running by myself. And I hate it, too, because we live in "God's Country" where we have woods, trees, rivers, springs, state parks - all perfect for the most beautiful, awe-inspiring runs. But instead of lamenting on my daily missed opportunity when I am in my basement office pounding out the miles, maybe I should focus on those rare and marvelous opportunities when I DO get to go for a run outside. Because I truly savor every moment when I do...thanking God the whole time.