This month was a rough month for me and my team but a goal that I set was to be able to run 20 minutes at the end of the month.
I have tried running before back home and I wasn't able to be consistent and maintain this schedule of exercise. Even in High School running a mile was a struggle and I don't think I ever made it. I would always end up throwing up. I recall how disappointed I was in myself and how I was slim but no athletic ability or endurance. Just because I am slim does not mean I am healthy or fit.
It started in Cambodia, when I decided to run 10 minutes at the end of the month. One of my teammates, Athena Papadopoulos inspired me by her story. She was not able to run the mile when she was in High School as well but she had determination to reach the goal of running it. She became the 2nd ranking in her large school and even got a scholarship to go to college. She went to a bible college instead and afterward went to Kenya for a year as a missionary. During her time there she saw the need to raise money for clean drinking water for Africa. She started planning to run from Florida to California and bring awareness and raise money. It took her about 5 and a half months and during her run, she got injured but finished by riding a bike to California.
She has coached me along the way and encouraged me when I wanted to quit. I have shin splints by running in $2 Nepal shoes and side stitches that made me give up early. She didn't take my excuses but ran beside me and encouraged me to keep pushing.
It was in Lesotho our contact made us wake up early each morning to go for a 30 minute walk. Then get in the word and fellowship. He explained that our bodies are to be a way to worship God by keeping it fit. So each morning I would look in the mirror and tell myself that I can do it. Before I ran and after I ran, I would pray and thank the Lord for my legs that I was able to run.
Today, I ran 20 minutes in Kuala Lumpur.
