My purpose is ME

I have been training for this HUGE undertaking I have agreed to and during my training sessions I have a lot of time to have a "conversation with me." 
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Many of these conversations I have found have really been with my Father in Heaven. Which has been so nice.  My friends have their reason for running. Adoption.  I am very happy they have their purpose.  I want to share that same purpose, because, obviously, I love adoption also, but something is telling me that is not my reason/purpose.

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I told my support group to help me make this happen, the run.  One of them plainly asked, Why are YOU doing this?  That really haulted me for some reason...In the past, I have been quick to say, "My friend asked." or "Adoption."  While inside my heart, I was struggling to have my own reason, my own purpose.
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So the conversation with myself continued, until today. 

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I have for as long as I remember has been what people call, "the good girl."  I never really got in trouble or honestly never got caught doing the wrong things...I did some WRONG things, especially in my youth.  I pretty much did what I was told to do.  I was pushed into a lot of things I did and some I didn't want to do. I had given my power to others...I guess I didn't trust what I could do with it.
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Why am I doing this run?  Why? 
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I need to do this for me.  I need to do this because I want to do it.  Not because someone asked me to.  Not because I am being pressured or pushed by someone else's reason or purpose.  My purpose is ME.  I can't run for anyone, until I run for me first.
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So when the T-shirts come out, and my friends are with their adoption ones, I will probably be the lone one in our group who has a shirt that I will design to say I am running for Nakia Syree Armstrong.
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I appreciate all of your support, friends. I am so grateful for the many emails and comments of encourgement. Even from complete strangers and anonymous bloggers. You have no idea how much I cherish them and keep them in my memory when I hit stages in this where I want to quit.  Thank you.  Please keep sending them. 
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The half marathon is a whole lot to swallow, so I am taking it in little bites.  I am working on the 5K and we will see where I'm going from there. So when March gets here I hope that I am prepared to do the half marathon.  Regardless, I will be in Moab running it or walking it or both.  So again, please don't quit sending those words of encouragement.  I read them daily to give me that little extra boost.
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If you are so inspired, please come and run, walk or both with me.  Find your purpose and use the time to talk with your God and learn more about yourself.  I am.   
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Now the pictures I have chosen for this post inspire me.  From the top. 
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"I know I am never alone and Chirst walks hand in hand with me, and I will gladly follow Him willingly."
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"I have made mistakes in my life, but I have been forgiven and I am forgivable. I can no longer allow others to take advantange of my gifts.  I can't not allow others to push me in directions that are not honorable.  I have a purpose that I don't completely understand how it will be a blessing to my life and the lives of others, but nonetheless it is my purpose.
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"I will be humble for blessings that will be placed upon me.  Because with those blessings comes responsibility. 

The two top pictures above are by artist Greg Olsen.  You can see more of his amazing work at:

http://www.gregolsenart.com/

By the way, what are some of your suggestions for running songs?  I am in the process of building my running playlist and am looking for some really great music to keep me moving.  I already have a few, but could use some more.  Thanks.