It Truly is a Marathon (Not a Sprint)

It was two years ago this week that a question posted by a complete stranger led to a crazy thought. That thought led to an online search. That search developed into a crazy, bucket list caliber goal. That goal is not only still on track, but has already provided a lifetime of experiences and memories (and I'm only 14% complete!).

We were just about to call it a night and head upstairs.  I had finished reading the most recent edition of Runner's World and was thinking about the upcoming training plan for the Marine Corp Marathon.  Having completed my first marathon a few months earlier in Orlando, this one was more of a reunion / challenge race with my brother, who also had a single marathon finish to his credit; Chicago in '09.  The kicker is that our times where within :06 (seconds) of each other.  I honestly had no plans to continue running marathons after this October race.  I had checked it off the list and would get back to local 5 & 10k's and the occasional half.

So, on my final email and facebook check of the day, I happened to see a question on the Marine Corp Marathon page.  It was from a runner asking if the MCM was considered to be a Virginia, Maryland or D.C. marathon.  He went on to say that he was hopeful it was Virginia as he still needed that state.  Wait, what? "Still needed that state?"  Hmmmmm, that got me thinking.  Are there runners that complete a marathon in every state? Well, to Google we must go ....

Unbelievable! Not only are there "50 state runners", there is a full-fledged 50 state club: http://www.50statesmarathonclub.com/  And of course, as I read the information, the more interested I became.  Is that possible? I know I'm on a runner's high and all, but realistically, can it be done? Walking up the stairs, I calculated that if I did 3 per year, (that seemed like the most feasible number of events that I could attend and train for), it would take me another 16+ years.  In other words, I would wrap up number 50 in the fall of 2027 at age 59.  So YES, it can be done. 

The next few moments are still extremely vivid.  I marched confidently into our bedroom, looked at my wife and told her, "Hey, I'm going to run a marathon in every state. I should be done in about 16 years." Her response, "Okay. Sounds like you've set your mind to it. I'm sure you will do it."  Am I blessed with an awesome wife, or what! Supportive, encouraging and understanding, (of course, I may have also mentioned something about Hawaii being number 50, which didn't exactly hurt my case for this pursuit.) 

Fast forward to present day.  So far, so good.  Along with an understanding wife, I have been blessed with good health and a great extended 'running' family.  I have stayed to the plan, have seven marathons completed to date and look forward to the next training cycle to begin July 11th.  I need three more to become eligible for membership into the 50 State Marathon Club (requires a minimum of ten states completed).  There are 3,100 members and I hope to be included by April '14.

One of the reasons for this post is to create some off-season self motivation that seems to be necessary every May - July, the longest stretch of the year that I'm not training. Recalling the genesis of this endeavor helps, as does recalling the various events, each unique and each incredible in their own way.  I cannot imagine what the next 43 will provide.  Hopefully, and most importantly, there will be more road trips with C, runs with good friends and the opportunity to cross paths with even more great runners along the journey. The Lord willing, this silly old man will keep pounding the pavement and seeing the sights across this great country, 26.2 miles at a time.

And Let us Run .... (Hebrews 12:1)

The first Monday night off in 14 weeks! Yes, I went for a run.  I also reflected on what a blessing it has been to be part of Run For God Season 2 at River Oaks Community Church.  The training runs, the scripture study, and the fellowship, all create a special bond that culminates on race day (although it certainly extends beyond a 5k finish).

Speaking of race day, the 2nd Annual ROCC 5k (this year we ROCC'ed the Samaritan Ministries) was once again a grand success.  We were grateful for beautiful weather (especially following the forecast of possible rain from earlier in the week), and the approximate 400 runners who signed up for the event. The RFG family grew and many more expressed interested in season 3.  Our prayer was that we would endure, persevere and finish the race - accomplished. But also that God would be honored by our testimony and glorified through our activity - we believe that He was.

Below are random pics from race morning.  There are many, many more at the ROCC the Samaritan Ministries 5k & Fun Run facebook page (this link should work: https://www.facebook.com/ROCC5k

To all RFG members, keep moving forward.  To those of you who might be interested in Run For God, please let me know.  For those that are looking for one of the most family friendly, fastest and generally flat races in the Triad, it won't be long until we ROCC the ____ in 2014; see you there! 

Run For God - Henderson, Ky instructor, Paul Brantley, joined us this week!

A future high school track star! (and RFG'er)

We all know that feeling - all downhill to the finish line!

RFG - Family Style

Maybe I need one of these things for our study sessions :) I like it!

See you all at next year's finish line! Come Run For God at the ROCC 5k

ROCC Run For God - Finish Strong (Week 12)

It's hard to believe that Run For God Season 2 has come down to our Saturday graduation race. We started twelve weeks ago with a 60 second run, and today we wrapped up with a 5k group run down Lewisville-Clemmons road. What an outstanding job by everyone! The final week allowed us to review race day preparations, and more importantly, consider the words of Paul as he encouraged us to finish the race for which Christ has prepared us. See you Saturday as we Run For God! 

ROCC Run For God - Love the Lord Your God ..... (Week 11)

In our next to last weekly meeting, we had a great run (30 minutes) and covered a significant amount of material in our study.  The story of Lopez Lomong is truly inspiring. The video is embedded in the slide set below and I highly recommend the book 'Running For My Life' to everyone, runners and non-runners alike. We then took a look at two scripture verses that tells us to "Love the Lord our God, with ALL our Heart, Soul, Mind and Strength."  Understanding these commands can make a huge impact on our spiritual walk and running testimony. Speaking of running, in our Running 101 study, we looked at the idea of music for runners and continued our discussion on race day readiness. 

We are only 11 days away from the ROCC 5k.  Everyone will be ready and I can't wait to see you in our final meeting next Monday night.  Have a great week and let me know if you have any questions about the slides.  Keep Running for God.

(CLICK Slides for Larger View)

Some examples of playlists includes a 'favorites' list with every song playing on a certain meaning or memory.  I have also used a 'playlist of the people' that asked friends and family to create the list and then as I ran I had the opportunity to pray over and thank God for their friendship and / or relationship in my life. Finally, an all Bruce - all the time list is an example of taking an artist and playing it all the way through.  Whatever you do, mix it up and try and make it purposeful.  I think my next playlist will be an all contemporary christian list made up of recommendations once again.