It wasn’t an hour after I posted my last dispatch about the 30 day hiatus, that I flipped the TV to BBC America, which was showing “Chariots of Fire.” I want to go run anytime I see that movie. And my spirituality is always encouraged by the story and by Eric Liddell’s words. There is a scene where he is explaining why he has to run and win. “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure.” Man oh man! I was a wreck. So inspiring, yet maddening. I want to run again, to feel that pleasure. To feel my body grow and groan and fight. I found myself watching the movie and thinking about THEIR Achilles, THEIR knees. Did they hurt? Did they fight through the pain? Will I ever be as graceful as they?
And how about this Liddell line from the movie:
“Lord Cadogan: Don’t be impertinent, Liddell!
Eric Liddell: The impertinence lies, sir, with those who seek to influence a man to deny his beliefs!”
This Running Life 
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