"So...what's it like?"

"To describe the agony of a marathon to someone who's never run it is like trying to explain color to someone who was born blind."
Jerome Drayton

"...that was without a doubt the hardest physical thing I have ever done."
Lance Armstrong

"Dang...I got bonked at 22 miles."
Jason Bennett (best time of the group...by far)

"I'm not prepared to say I wouldn't run another marathon...just not today."
Susanne Meredith (most optimistic marathoner...ever)

"I'd let you take a picture of my feet, but I'm afraid it would be R-rated."
Bryan Janzen (most emotional finish of the day...complete with kids)

"I felt like King Kong when I was running down Virginia street at the end (with a little help from our local cheerleaders)...but you should have seen me just a few miles earlier when I was reeling and stumbling up an uneven asphalt path like it was Mt. Everest. At that moment I honestly felt like a drunken beggar who had been pistol-whipped by Beuford Pusser."
Dennis Clifton (most ridiculous finish of the day...complete with cheerleaders)

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It is a strange thing to me, but I'm always very emotional after a long, hard run. I've been sitting here in my office with my left leg up and iced, and reflecting on each one of you who ran so beautifully today. I wish I could begin to express my feelings of what this day, and indeed this small circle of friends has meant to me. I sincerely feel both blessed and greatly humbled that the Lord allowed me the privilege of sharing so many life-changing moments with you.

All I could share in this post were some of the more significant memories that my severely blood-sugar deprived brain could retain--hence my references to the marathoners only. Please feel free to share your most memorable moments with us, particularly those of you who ran the half marathon, or the 10-K. I would love to hear them.

Also--as we bask in the afterglow of our amazing accomplishments on this day, let us always remember to stop and give glory to the One who allows us to achieve "the impossible" through His grace and mercy.

...for His is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory for ever...amen.

The Last Week

I’ve heard and read that many people struggle with the last week. Many don’t like the decreased activity level, many get anxious or nervous, and some start to over-think the whole thing. In the running world it is affectionately known as: “Taper Madness”.

As Dennis stated in his last post, it is imperative that we RELAX. We don’t need to try new things (foods, activity, etc.) or see how little sleep we can get. How we feel during the last week is largely dependant on how many races or experience we have. Instead of being nervous this time, I am really excited to see how my hard work will pay off. I’m thrilled to see how it goes. I can’t wait to hear the starting gun go off and soak in the event.

For those of you that are doing your event for the first time, I have a few things that may help you:

RELAX (Don’t question what you’ve learned to work this semester. Stick to the plan: food, sleep, activity levels, and pace. Re-direct any/all negative thoughts into positive ones. Speak positive truths over yourself—out loud.

FOCUS on the positives and the blessings of God. Thank Him for the privilege to run and the blessing of your health. Dedicate your hard work and honest efforts to glorify the Lord. You being smart, disciplined, and dedicated will give the Lord glory. He is smiling on you and very pleased with you. He and His angels will be with you while you run.

SMILE AND LAUGH a lot. Enjoy God, your family, nature, friends, and anything that is of great value to you. At times, your emotions will tend to lean to the negative, fearful, worrying side and I encourage you to take them captive and replace them with truth and joy.

Let’s have fun and bring glory to God. Life is good. God is good. We are blessed. Let’s shine our lights.

Love ya,
Jason