I am anxious for Spring to come so I can get back outside and resume my running. Using the treadmill in my basement is so boring. There are certain changes that occur in the human body when a person gets conditioned to running long distances.

When the body begins to overheat, sweat glands release liquid to cool it. When it begins to run low on sugar, which is fuel for the muscles, a hormone from the pancreas tells the liver to release stored sugar into the bloodstream. As the legs and heart need more oxygen, the brain signals the heart to beat faster. Blood flow to the internal organs and upper body is shut down by 80% so that more blood gets to the legs and heart. Deep breathing brings in more air. Vessels in the legs dilate 400% to accommodate the increased flow of blood. All of this enables a person to run long distances.

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31). God will give us strength as we run the race.