Today's 10k was lots of fun -- www.sportsbackers.org and I saw several church members along the way!  This year I was not able to train so much as my bout with the flu really set me back.  Today my goal was to run a good steady pace and finish well.  And I did!  Still waiting for my official time but I think I finished in about 60 minutes.   
While on the course, there were several things that gave me encouragement.  One was a T-shirt that several runners had with a cross on the back.  The verse was 2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he/she is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"  Then on the back stretch of the course, I heard someone on the sidewalk cheer "keep your eyes on the prize."  And I knew this was Philippians 3:14 "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." 
And all along the course were cancer survivors.  Their race bibs said "survivor."  It was so encouraging to see them on the course running to help fight cancer.  One of them was our own Kristi Garstang!  As I saw these "fighters" I remembered Bernard H. and Randye C. who are both battling cancer.  May the Lord give them encouragement along the race.  Please remember them in your prayers.
Blessings, Pastor Bob