Why do I run?

Today, at about mile 13 into my 22 mile run, I started asking myself, "why do I do this?" I was running at a pretty fast pace for me, my fingertips and toes were freezing cold, my water bottles just broke from freezing and cracking, and my pack had just pulled away from me. Why do I continue to torture myself like this? I know I love it, but why? I started thinking back on my running journey. In the early days I wanted to loose weight after Caleb and Kinley. Then I started enjoying the social aspect of running. I made new friends and became closer with friends I already had as we got to know each other on the trail. I had no ambition to run a marathon. When it was suggested, I laughed and said, "good luck with that!" What changed? I am now on my 3rd marathon in a year. It all changed when I realized I'm going to have to be strong. Stronger than I ever thought I was. I need to be a strong wife and mother in the face of something hard. I have to convince myself I can do this and show my family they can do it too. We can be a strong family with special needs. We can not be embaressed by differences. We are confident in how God made us and we love and support one another just the way we are. In order to be that kind of family I have to lead by example. I have to be confident in my own strength. Running has taught me that I can keep going even when it hurts. I am strong enough to face really really tall hills and make it to the other side. I can still smile and give a thumbs up at mile 18 in 80 degrees when my body wants to give up. I don't give up! This is the kind of mom my kids need! Running has shown me that I AM that kind of mom! Life can be hard, but it's never TOO hard. The Lord is with us every step of the way and He did give me these running legs, which look pretty darn good these days, by the way!