The Best Way to Start My Morning

I often go back and forth in my mind: "What really is the best way to start my morning?" If I work out first, I'll be more alert when reading and praying for my day. If I put those things first, which seems ideal in order to make sure they actually happen, I might spend most of my time fighting to stay awake. It's still a battle, but while on a different 'summer' schedule, I opt for exercise first. Mainly because Ben gets up early to work out, so it's motivating to do the same and be able to do it with him, and then sit out on the porch to read before staff meetings start.

This morning I had a new experience. One of the girls out here that I've wanted to get to know better said she was going to run 5 miles, and I wanted to run with her to spend time with her so I decided to join her. I wouldn't call myself an experienced runner, but I can push myself to go for a long time. We started in the middle of the 2.5 mile long boardwalk and I quickly figured out that my pace is not very fast! I fought to keep up with Erin and Emily, who was also with us, so I could talk with them as we ran. It was hard but worth it because it kept my mind off of the running. The boardwalk is so lively even at 8am! It's divided into sections for pedestrians, bikes, runners, and surreys (none of which are usually out that early). It was fun to see families biking together and jogging couples spurring each other on. And it was HOT, which I really liked. Emily cut out after 2.5 miles, but I wanted to see if I could finish the 5. I told Erin I would follow her, but I wouldn't be able to keep her pace. Thankfully I had my ipod (thanks for the birthday present, family!) so I turned it on for the last leg of the jog. It was so hard, but such a great feeling to finish. I did have to hurry to get ready before everyone showed up for staff meeting, but I would say running on the boardwalk has been the best way to start my morning so far this summer. I'm hoping for many more to come!