Runners can't be stopped

I ran the St. Louis Rock and Roll Half Marathon this past Sunday.  It was my 7th half marathon....not my worst time, not my best.  A few things hit me while I was running this 13.1 mile course.

#1.  Runners are a unique breed.  If you have ever run, you are a runner.  You are unique.  You have legs, you have stamina, strength, ability.  There were even wheelchair participants in the race....runners. 

#2.  Running is always there.  I got sidelined in late September with a back injury.  2 weeks no running whatsoever.  My nightmare!  But I learned some valuable lessons through that trial.  God took that opportunity to show me that he should be #1.  After all, he gave me the ability run and he can justly take it away if it replaces him.  A Nike Ad I saw once says, "The roads are always open."  They are.  Put your faith and hope in something solid and real...like Jesus.  Make him your priority today.

#3.  Runners cannot be stopped.  As I looked around on Sunday and took in the atmosphere, I realized that runners are crazy, stupid, insane, noble, courageous, worthy, loyal, and determined.  Let me give you some examples -
1. My friend Nicole had a problem with her tibia and was in a boot not long before the race.  She slowly got back to running order and was determined to run the race.  She did, she finished with a great time and rocked it!
2.  My friend Jaidra, who I vb coach with, rolled her ankle (we're talking black, blue, and huge - Cankles anyone?) 1 week before the race.  She was on crutches, ran 3 miles the day before and finished her first half with an impressive 2 hour finish.
3.  My brother Ryan didn't really "train" per say for the race.  A few 3-5 milers here and there and he finished with a 2:20 time.  Impressive.  I wonder who else can just show up and run 13.1 miles?!
4.  My uncle Marty just finished the Chicago Marathon at the young age of 60.  He is truly an inspiration.  He decided last minute to run the half and had a 2:11 time.  Nice.
5.  Scott, Medals for Mettles guy, finished his probably millionth run and I'm sure donated his medal to a child in need.  He made me awesome signs for Kailey Wilmarth when I raised money for her in April.  What a heart he has and truly worthy cause.
6.  Guy running for the Determination American Cancer Society and had about 50 ribbons in memory of and in honor of those affected by cancer.  He ran for them.
7.  Lady on the side of the road wearing her race day bib, cheering on runners.  She was wearing a boot, but she still came and did all she could do.
8.  Several pregnant ladies running- this will be me someday!!
9.  Old guy after the race told me I was his pacer.  An honor but I feel bad I affected his time =)
10.  Ladies running with signs for their friend who died from cancer.  "We miss you Annie and love you."  Almost made me cry.
11.  And finally, yours truly, still technically injured with a ligament strain.  "Shouldn't push it" is what the doc said although I was cleared to do the race. 

**I also want to note that my friend, Carrie, recently ran the Denver Rock and Roll after having her 3rd child in January and being a stay at home mom. There really are no excuses.  Great job Carrie!

How is this possible?!   I think what it comes down to is your drive and passion.  If there's a will, there's a way.  For me, it's several things.  I run for One, as in the title of this blog.  I run because Christ gave me the ability and as Eric Liddell put it in Chariots of Fire, "When I run, I feel God's pleasure."  I believe before that he said, "God made me fast."  God did no such thing in me, but that hasn't stopped me from lacing up my shoes and hitting the road.  My love for Christ drives me but I am solely inspired by his unconditional love for me which I can freely accept. 
Running is my release.  It brings me back to life.  When I don't know what else to do, I can run.  I ran for the American Cancer Society because Dad told us that we have been given much and thus much is asked of us.  I ran for Kailey Wilmarth because she was an amazing athlete and I wanted to run because she couldn't.  Both of them get to run in heaven today (it may sound corny, but I like to believe it=).  Pain cannot stop running.  Death cannot stop running.   Sickness cannot stop running.  Injuries cannot stop running.  Odds cannot stop running. 

If you are a runner (meaning you've run at some point in your life...maybe to your car in a storm or to catch a bus), then you cannot be stopped.  You have the power to do whatever you want.  What drives you?  Where is your passion?  What can you do that no one else can?  What is your 'release'?  Remember, the roads are always open....

Happy running =)

What I've been working on....

Okay, so I'm a frequent now at Goodwill.  It's just plain smart shopping!  I don't always buy and to find decent deals, you have to go 2-3 times a week.  I'm sort of a fanatic.  When I do find something, it's usually great!  My husband's birthday gifts were Goodwill and Pinterest inspired....all for around $2 a piece!!!  Also, fyi for you Target lovers, Goodwill often gets Target's clearance items with tags still on them!  Hello $4 Mossimo black dress!!!!

Here's what I've been up too - Birthday gift for Nathan.  Going in his music studio
Purchased - Young Reader's Bible from Goodwill $2
1 Black Frame - gift card from Kohl's - FREE (had the other two frames)

I printed vintage looking drums on certain Bible verses that I cut out.  I chose one from Psalms, Romans, and I think Luke.  I saw the idea on Etsy but knew I could make it myself.  I'm so pleased with the outcome!