The race isn't always to the swift...

I certainly didn't break any records running my first marathon, but I enjoyed myself. I witnessed the sun coming up over the mountains as the birds awoke. As I followed the river, it's steady sound put me in a trance. I thanked all the volunteers at every stage for being there with fresh water and a smile. I prayed, sang along with hymns and was just thankful to be able to even consider such an undertaking as this. This race wasn't about being swift for me; it was about stamina, determination and endurance.

At some point in our lives, we have a battle. Mine most recently was Lyme Disease, which I beat with a lot of hard work and prayer. This marathon was my celebration of a completely healthy and balanced body. Before the gun was shot at o-dark-thirty in the morning, I had already won!

So remember this: "Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man. But sooner or later the man who wins is the fellow who thinks he can."

It's all in the state of mind...