Marathon Log.17.  Miles logged: 4.5 miles (x 2)

My Sleek Timex Ironman watch and I are conjoined at the wrist.  Literally. (This after a rocky start to our relationship--check out Marathon Log.03)  This watch is my constant run companion, so much so that I'm lost without it. It reminds me when to start and stop running (according to the run/walk ratio that we train with).  It does so with a chime that repeats itself twice, just in case you didn't hear it the first time.

Now, as you can imagine, this chime is starting to get a little annoying.  Over time I have been conditioned much like Pavlov's dogs, only instead of salivating I either run or walk when hearing the chime.

[I just know this chime is going to haunt me for a good while after this marathon training is over.]

Sometimes when things are automatic to us we get to be rigid to the point where we can't really see beyond what we're used to.  For today's run I decided to run along the scenic Great Highway, which hugs the good 'ol California coastline and provides a most gorgeous ocean view.  Now, running along this path is nothing new.  It's a route that we often run in training.  However I decided today to poke my head up and take in the scenery. I was decidedly blown away by its beauty.

There is beauty innate in our Savior.  Seek Him out and realize, wow, how great is He?  How easily I forget when I just plug away at what I do.  I desire to take more time out to revel in this. 

For everyone who responds on a dime to the incessant chimes in their lives, break free!  We were meant for better things.