Cactus Rose Predictions: 39 Days Out

Too early to make predictions for the Cactus Rose 100-mile race?  Probably.  But I'm so eagerly anticipating the race, I can't stop myself.  Having never run, crewed, volunteered at, or even spectated a 100-mile race before, I really don't know what to expect.  But of course I do have expectations.  I'm guessing that after the race is over, I'll look back at what I'm writing now and laugh at my ignorance, and I'm guessing that anyone who has run 100-milers is already laughing at my naivete.  So here's your laugh for the day:

What I expect at Cactus Rose:
1. The unexpected.
2. Sotol scratches.  Bring it!
3. To consume at least half a bottle of ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
4. Swearing.
5. Lots of hugs.  At least I hope so!  I will definitely need them.
6. To fall.  If I don't fall at least four times, I will be surprised.
7. To see lots of friends, and hopefully make some new friends.
8. Lots of prayer.
9. To have  moments of doubt, bordering on despair, but also moments of hope and joy (hopefully more of the latter).
10. To award myself a chocolate milkshake when it's all over.  And a cookie.  A big cookie.

A Runner's Prayer for Peace

This prayer started to develop in my mind during yesterday's morning run.  I was fasting from Facebook that day, so here it is, a day later.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for this day.
Thank you for this run, and for the friends I'm blessed to run with.
Thank you for the beauty of your creation, which surrounds us.

Please grant us, O Lord,
peace in our hearts,
Peace in our families,
Peace throughout the world.

We pray especially on this day for peace in Syria, in Egypt, and throughout the Middle East.
Please grant, O Lord, that our world leaders will be guided by You in all things.

Help us, Father, to let You be our center.
Help us live for you; help us run for you; help us love You.

Amen.

Photo taken 9/7/13 by Niki Lake