"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." --James 1:12 Queensboro Bridge. Halfway through the 2011 New York City Marathon is both where this entry was written, and where my race actually began. Nearly two months of ultrasound and countless hours of therapy weren't enough to convalesce my troubled hamstring. And with 12 miles -- or roughly 24,000 steps left to go -- the grand, lofty notion of taking just one more was in question. So I wrote this entry.

In as much time as it took a thousand runners to pass me by, I wrapped my leg in a makeshift tourniquet using stored gauze, and as many white flags as I could find in my heart. If there's one thing this most novice of runners quickly realized on that bridge, was that the next step was as necessary as the eventual stride that would be needed to cross the finish line. So this week, we'll run some of life's boroughs together.

Friends, life is simply a bridge. Work, school, money, health...all mere mile markers that remind us that we're in a race. And while we don't compete against one another, I think sometimes the most daunting of life's fights occurs when we're surrounded by fellow runners. Fellow runners who are - by nature - each hamstrung by something, and fighting to turn another corner down Forever Road. Let's remember that each step is worth it if we know Who awaits us in the end. --Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Are you on your marks? Let's have a good week. If you or someone you love is a runner, I hope you share this entry with them.....Set....Are there any prayer requests? If something is happening this week you'd like us to remember, or you're dealing with an issue that we can pray about, please let us know. Remember, you can always simply say "unspoken" if you'd prefer and we promise to lift you up....Go.

For The Runners:

A new runner's tank hit the stores. Some of you wanted this verse in black and pink, and the good Lord provided. Hope you enjoy. Also, If you're not already following me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, please do! And check out our latest graphic on Instagram. :-) Facebook Twitter Instagram