RUNNING IN THE DARK

November 10, 2010Read: Psalm 119

"Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." --Psalm 119:105

By now you've heard the story of Edison Peña, one of the Chilean miners who ran the New York City Marathon this past weekend. Trapped for over two months, 2,000 feet underground, Peña ran 3-6 miles a day -- in the dark. But what motivates me more than the training or even the circumstance, is the fact that he didn't run in order to get out, he ran because he knew he would. Alas, a prisoner of hope.

If you're like me, some days you feel trapped as well. Maybe not underground, but we do suffocate on fear and choke on doubt. When asked how running the marathon differed from the mine, Peña said, "In the mine, I ran alone." (Oh, how his words echo our thoughts.) But you and I know we're not alone and one day, the good Lord will reach down through the darkness to get us. His favorite place to run is to our rescue. We're captured only by grace. Besides, Jesus was buried too. And because He arose, we run.

--J.P.

PRAYFIT RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Banilla Shake

Everyone loves a good smoothie but it can sometimes be difficult to find the right recipe or consistency. And some smoothies can be so laden with sugar that it defeats the joy of trying to mix a little more "health" into your diet. PrayFit contributing nutritionist Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, has a tasty, healthy solution that you can add to your blender repertoire.

Serves 1

Ingredients: ½ medium banana, sliced and frozen (freeze ahead of time) ¾ cup low fat milk 1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 4-5 ice cubes

Directions: Combine ingredients in a blender- blend until smooth

Nutrition Info Per Serving: Calories: 211 Total Fat: 2 gram Saturated Fat: 1 gram Carbohydrate: 41 grams Protein: 7 grams Cholesterol: 11 milligrams Sodium: 95 milligrams Fiber: 1.5 grams

>> BOOST! Make this a post-workout indulgence by simply adding a scoop of your favorite low-carb, vanilla protein powder. The protein will provide starving muscles with a quick infusion of the amino acids necessary to recover, strengthen and grow.

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer, and nutrition and fitness consultant for international food companies, restaurants and marketing firm. Dana is also the nutrition advisor to The Food Network.