Run for God - Connect Magazine

connect W I N T E R 2 015

MAGAZINE

WHY TRI

BENEFITS OF CROSS-TRAINING

CHALLENGING

THE WHOLE BODY OF CHRIST

NEW

YEAR GOALS

Odds DEFEATING THE

FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT

A WORD FROM MITCHELL

WELCOME TO

connect connect is just as simple as the name states.

It’s our way to connect with you.”

SO WHAT IS CONNECT? I’m glad you asked! Here at Run for God we are

always looking for ways to better serve our ever-growing family. We’re always taking note of your suggestions and trying to figure out how we can make those suggestions come to life. Devotions, for example, was a product of you all wanting something more, something that runners of all levels could have in their spiritual arsenal. We dug deep, put our heads together, and out came the latest in our line of endurance studies.

Many of you have indicated that our newsletter needed some work. We couldn’t agree more! Many times our newsletter was a last minute thought.

It was very sporadic, and often times there just wasn’t much meat. Well, once again our team sat down, put our heads together, and we are happy to bring you the latest new from Run for God, connect.

connect will be a quarterly publication that will plug you right into what’s going on in and around the Run for God community. Each quarter we’ll highlight students and instructors as well as telling you their awesome stories. We’ll give you updates on what’s on our calendar along with running tips and answers to frequently asked questions. Behind the Scenes will give you an inside look at what goes on each day at the Run for God shop. We’ll even be hearing from Dean Thompson about his favorite running topics. Don’t know Dean? Be sure and check out Devotions!

The bottom line is that connect is just as simple as the name states.

It’s our way to connect with you. We hope that you’ll enjoy reading this publication as much as we’ve enjoyed putting it together! Thanks again for your continued support of Run for God.

Mitchell 2

WINTER 2015

RUNFORGOD.COM

features

DE PA RT MENTS

8 S tudent Spotlight: DEFEATING THE ODDS

6. Why Triathlon?

16 I nstructor Spotlight: CHALLENGING THE WHOLE BODY OF CHRIST

16. Sticky Notes 17. Gear & Gadgets 25. Behind the Scenes

20 D eans Thoughts: NEW YEAR, NEW GOALS

10 RUNFORGOD.COM

6 22

18 WINTER 2015

3

FINDING GOD IN A RUNNERS SPACE

Pick up your copy of Run for God DEVOTIONS

TODAY! RUNFORGOD.COM

Copyright © 2014 Run for God, LLC. All rights reserved.

CONT R I B UTO R S

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any other form or by any means without the prior written permission of the Run for God, LLC. Printed in the United States of America Dalton, Georgia If you require medical, fitness, or nutritional advice, you must contact your own health care professional. You should seek the advice of a doctor before starting any exercise routine.

Tanna Friday is an instructor,

Dean Thompson serves as

Andy Sweet is a personal

runner, sweet tea drinker,

the National Race Director

trainer and owner of Hub

and writer with 4 children

for the Run for God Race

Endurance located on the

This publication may contain information relating to various medical conditions and their treatment and an exercise/nutrition protocol. Such information is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice of a physician or health care professional. You should not use this information for diagnosing or treating a health problem or injury.

who currently lives in

Series as well as serving as

North Shore of Downtown

Georgia. Although she

an instructor at his home

Chattanooga, Tennessee.

struggles to find ways to

church in Cohutta, GA. Dean

post to all social media

loves to run, loves life, loves

platforms while running,

his wife Debbie and loves

(need an app for that!) she

Christ. Look for all of Deans

enjoys tapping into the

stories in Run for God’s

national running community

Devotions.

To make informed health care decisions, you should always consult your physician for your personal medical needs. Neither Run for God nor its agents, affiliates, partners, or licensors are providing these materials to you for the purpose of giving you medical advice.

for God and God’s grace.

For any questions about your health and wellbeing, please consult your physician.

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to share her passion for Run

LETS CONNECT RUNFORGOD.COM

RUNFORGOD.COM

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5

WHY

Triathlon?

BY ANDY SWEET

THE DIVERSITY OF TRIATHLON IS MAKING IT ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING SPORTS IN AMERICA.

T

REIS ATHLOS, OR THREE CONTESTS, is the

faster times and podium finishes by

root of the name ‘triathlon’. It’s a name that

adjusting my training and equipment

is fitting, as triathlon is actually a sport of three sports: Swimming, Cycling, and Running. And it

each summer. Balancing the disciplines and constantly trying to learn more.

is growing in popularity at an incredible rate worldwide!

And that’s how my love for the sport

Despite a history that can date back into the early 1900’s,

of triathlon blossomed. The unique

the first modern day triathlon was held in San Diego in

balance required to train for three

1974 and had only 46 participants. Now, there are triathlon

sports, rather than just one, was

races all over the world, and hundreds of thousands of

something truly amazing. If my desire

athletes’ toe the line to participate. Why? What is the

to go to swim practice was waning,

draw of this sport that could cause that rate of growth

I could go jogging instead. If the hot

in only 40 years’ time? Perhaps I can shed some light to

sun and dense air of the Midwestern

answer this enigma.

summer was too overpowering to run, I could head out on my bike and let the

I participated in my first triathlon at the age of 10 back in

breeze cool me down. I was always

1992. My older brother heard of a nearby race at the end of

excited. I always had something to

summer that was going to include swimming, biking, and

work on. And as athletes, that desire

running. He wanted to try it. Always looking up to him,

to work hard and improve is what

and never to be outdone, I was in as well! I was already

we crave. The knowledge that if we

a competitive swimmer at that age, but never rode a bike

put in the time and effort, we will

or ran besides playing in the yard. However, there was no

accomplish things that formerly seemed

fear, as this was a new endeavor without preconceived

impossible. That is triathlon.

notions of difficulty or possible defeat. Come race day, we gathered up our department store bikes, funny shaped

Current day triathlons all consist of the

bike helmets, our least destroyed street shoes, and had

same three disciplines (swim, bike, run).

our Mom drive us to the race. I remember very little of that

But not all triathlons are identical, as the

race…other than the exhilaration of seeing the finish line

distances can vary greatly. There are

after cresting the final hill of the run course. Everything

now four fairly standardized triathlon

else was a blur of hard physical exertion.

distances: Sprint, Olympic, Half-Ironman, and Full-Ironman. A Sprint triathlon,

I went back to that same race year after year, seeking

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despite its somewhat misleading name, RUNFORGOD.COM

is still an endurance event and usually

THE PLATEAU ATHLETE: This is an

formats, categories) it does not produce

consists of a 500 yard swim, a 12 mile

athlete that has spent countless years in

the same burn-out emotions.

bike, and 3.1 mile run. However, when

their respective sport and has reached

compared to a Full-Ironman distance

an ability level that has halted continued

THE LIFE CHANGER: These athletes

triathlon (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike,

progress/improvement. They are hard

have decided to change their lifestyles

and 26.2 mile run) a sprint does seem

workers and have usually tried numerous

dramatically. Sometimes they come

rather short. While most athletes

different styles/programs/regimens to get

from an unhealthy sedentary lifestyles.

enter the sport by competing in Sprint

past their sporting plateau. These athletes

Sometimes from sickness or disability.

triathlons, even the Full-Ironman distance

often turn to triathlon to try something

The backgrounds are endless, but

races are experiencing huge growth in

new that still utilizes their talent and love

the decision is the same: they want

participation each year. So, where are they

for their original sport discipline. Triathlon

to change! Many of these athletes

coming from? Who would get into such a

provides them with some welcomed

turn to triathlon because it offers a

unique sport?

diversity and gives them the opportunity to real, tangible goal to solidify their transformation: a finish line to an see improvement once again.

It is not surprising to hear most

event that seems so impossible.

triathletes come from a single-sport

THE COLLEGIATE ATHLETE: These

background (swimming, biking,

are your ex-collegiate athletes, often

THE CHALLENGER: These folks

running, or ?), but some are brand

fresh out-of-school but not always.

are driven by a desire for adventure.

new to athletics entirely. In my years

College athletics requires a lot of

They are always looking for the next

of working with thousands of these

focus, drive, and time… a lot of time.

challenge. They have tried or will try

athletes and hearing their stories, I have

All of that time and determination

everything. These athletes seek out

identified several common themes that

generally leaves an athlete ‘burned

triathlon because it is such a huge

exist in people’s journeys to becoming

out’ on the sport for a period of time

accomplishment: from the shortest

triathletes. I have even given names

after their collegiate career is over.

sprint to full Ironman distance.

to each style of triathlete convert: The

Triathlon provides them an avenue to

Plateau Athlete, The Collegiate Athlete,

return to their sport without the same

The Life Changer, and The Challenger.

mandates on time/focus and because the races are so different (distances,

So, there is no right or wrong ‘type’ of person to participate in triathlon; it accepts all, and more importantly embraces all types of people. It is a sport that focuses on community and comradery over competition. Everyone’s accomplishments are their own personal triumphs, and those are celebrated by all!

So, why is triathlon the fastest growing sport in America? This is why: Accomplishment, Diversity, Community, and Challenge.

Visit hubendurance.com for all of your triathlon needs.

Andy Sweet, owner of Hub Endurance can assist you in choosing all of the right gear for your multi-sport and crosstraining needs.

RUNFORGOD.COM

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RUN FOR GOD WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SPONSORS.

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WINTER 2015

9

Student Spotlight

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RUNFORGOD.COM

DEFEATING THE

BY TANNA FRIDAY

Have you ever felt as if the odds were against you?

If

you met Crystal Tucker

battalion run with my attending

she would list them one

commander, I stumbled, and took a

by one down to the first

hard fall into a hole fracturing both

battle cry. But for the first

of my legs,” says Tucker. Her injuries

time in her life, God has

were much more serious than she

given her the desire to

imagined and resulted in fractures in

share her story and share

both tibias, femurs as well as

how God removed her comforts and false securities from her life to remind her that He is the one and only source of strength.

her hips.

Throughout her recovery, Tucker went through vigorous rehabilitation efforts while relying on ambulatory

OUT OF SERVICE

devices. She was evaluated by

In 2006, Crystal served as a 68W

military physicians who assessed

(Combat Medic) with the U.S. Army with

her with a permanent profile of a

the 32nd Medical Battalion stationed at

non-deployable status, which led to

Fort Sam Houston, Texas. In 2007, she

her honorable medical discharge.

was engaging in Afghanistan combat

“Since I had what was called a

readiness training when something

‘Permanent Profile’, I was considered

unexpected occurred. “During a 5-mile

non-deployable and of no use to the

RUNFORGOD.COM

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11

Student Spotlight

military,” she said sadly, “I could not

“the blood flow – instead of making

run, jump, march correctly, or lift over

a complete circulation in my body, it

a certain poundage.”

was trickling back down.” Tucker’s

Upon receiving her medical discharge from the U.S. Army in April of 2007, she returned home to Georgia. “After returning home from the military, I

“Since I had what was called a ‘Permanent Profile’, I was considered nondeployable and of no use to the military.”

rested for quite a bit, settled back into civilian life, completed my VA paperwork and got back into school,” Tucker said. And for the first time in several months, Tucker and her husband, Chris, received some good

system’ and required her to have two separate surgeries, one on each leg, to correct and burn out the bad veins and reroute the blood flow. After the procedure and during a follow-up with her physician, he told her she would never run again. Tucker did not lose hope.

HOPE RENEWED

– a new addition to the family. What

God’s Word speaks a promise of

Tucker did not expect was for her

renewed strength.

injuries to return.

“Those who hope in the LORD will

Throughout Tucker’s pregnancy, her

renew their strength. They will soar

symptoms became worse. “My legs

on wings like eagles; they will RUN

would fall asleep to where I could

and not be weary, they will walk and

barely walk. I had trouble sleeping

not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

due to the tingling in my legs. I developed arthritis and it became participate in physical activity,” said Tucker. “After my son was born in February of 2008, I tried to exercise to help with the circulation of my legs, but decided to seek a vein specialist to correct my problems.”

FURTHER COMPLICATIONS After experiencing symptoms of numbness, pain and tingling, Tucker was evaluated by her doctor and was diagnosed with Venus Reflux Disease. “Basically,” Tucker said,

WINTER 2015

as a ‘leaky roof in her circulatory

news and had a reason to celebrate

painful to leave my bedside and even

12

physician best described her condition

If you have ever been in a place where you have been weary and tired, you have more than likely yearned for renewed strength. Being weary and tired can lead to discouragement and perhaps the desire to give up. It is in this place that we find it difficult to face life, to make decisions or to even take another step.

Tucker did not know what she would go on to accomplish after hearing that she could never run, not just from one, but from two different doctors-- but through the Run for God program,

RUNFORGOD.COM

Tucker’s physician best described her condition as a “leaky roof” in her circulatory system.

God was able to show her that with Him all things are POSSIBLE. Tucker, now a Run for God graduate, found hope and strength during a time when others lost all hope and faith in her.

“When I think of Run for God, I can’t help, but smile,” says Tucker. “I am so passionate about this group and ministry and I will never think of running the same way again. With all of the odds that were stacked up against me, God lead me right where I needed to be,” she continues.

“I was looking through the newsfeed

preparing experienced runners to run

As the program continued, Tucker

a 10k or half marathon.

thought of all the odds stacked up

on Facebook when I came across a

“Once I entered the classroom, I was

group that involved running and a

terrified about the decision I had

Bible study,” she said. “At the time,

made,” she said, “I mean, I have only

I wanted to try out a Bible study, so

completed a 5k since my injuries.”

I thought I would give it a try.” The

The class met three days a week for

class was a Run for God 10k/Half

the training: Tuesday evening after

Marathon Challenge that began in

the Bible study, Thursday evening,

January 2014 after the Run for God’s

and Saturday morning. “The weather

10k/Half Marathon program release

could not have been more cold,” said

in December 2013. This challenge is

Tucker, “I was bundling up as if I was

a 12-week Bible study that parallels

heading to Alaska.”

faith and endurance all while RUNFORGOD.COM

against her, including not being able to run again. They began to cloud her mind until a 12-mile training run. “I was listening to K-LOVE for motivation to push through the pain of a long 12-miles when a verse from a song said, ‘you are the peace in my troubled sea,’” said Tucker. “It was in that moment, while I had been wanting to quit and wallowing in my pain that God was trying to tell me something. Not only had I come to

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Student Spotlight

VISIT

RUNFORGOD.COM

to get registered for your race

TODAY!

realize that God had completely restored my health, transformed my life and gave me hope and the renewed strength I needed to run again, but also He wanted me to use it for His glory – I am to run to serve His purpose,” she exclaimed!

“I can still remember our graduation day just like it was yesterday,” Tucker says, “when I ran down the hill of Praters Mill Road, emotional, exhausted, turning the corner to run the last few kilometers. Then hearing the familiar sounds of my Run for God friends cheering and shouting, ‘GO, GO, GO! YOU CAN DO IT!!!’ and God whispering to me, ‘Run towards me.’ ‘Remember your purpose.’ ‘All finished.’ ‘You finished.’

“I am impacted greatly by this journey. It is still a journey. Despite the odds that were against me that should have demolished my future, instead lead me to not stand defeated. With God by my side, He helped me stand up to defeat the odds and to serve a purpose larger than myself,” said Tucker. So when the odds are not in your favor, don’t think that God has abandoned you. Stand your ground and keep your eyes fixed on the LORD. With everything else stripped away, you will be amazed at what your God can achieve.

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15

S

ST ICK Y NOT ES

Q: Should I Stretch Before or After I Run?

“I have heard that I should stretch before I run and I also heard that it may cause injuries. When is the best time to stretch – before or after running?”

Pattie, GA

A:

It is important to always warm up

before you begin to run. It is a bad idea to stretch cold muscles because it can lead to pulling and injury. It is recommended to warm up for about 5-10 minutes using light aerobic exercises, such as a brisk walk or a slow jog, to loosen and warm up muscles for your run.

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RUNFORGOD.COM

G

W HY P E R FO R MA N C E

Wear ?

GEAR & GA D G E TS

Let’s face it, the fabrics for exercise clothing have come a long way since the days of sweatshirts and leg warmers. Today, there are many fabrics to choose from, but choosing the right fabrics are important for any running experience.

Popular fabrics, such as cotton can absorb moisture, and become heavy and uncomfortable once they are drenched in sweat. Now there are more improved synthetic fabrics that keep moisture away from the body.

HOW DOES THIS WORK YOU ASK? Moisture travels on

AIR

the surface of the fiber and is pulled away from the skin, H2O

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SKIN

DRIRELEASE FABRIC H2O

the liquid towards the outside of the fabric where it can H2O

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H2O

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The “Run for God Long-Sleeve Performance Tee,” made by Sport Science Technology®, feels amazing and works even better. This synthetic fiber is polyester, but with a look and feel of cotton. It actually performs like a traditional polyester that prevents chafing and abrasion that other fabrics can cause.

With the inclusion of the freshguard® finish, the smelly workout shirt has become a thing of the past.

WINTER 2014

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Instructor Spotlight

With the help of Run for God, the health of our congregation is changing – the emphasis is to take care of our lives both physically and spiritually.”

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RUNFORGOD.COM

C HA L L E NG I NG T H E

Body of { WHOLE }

Christ to grow faithfully, physically and spiritually

BY TANNA FRIDAY

against each other. It is a race that requires endurance and preparation, and has been individually designed for each of them (Hebrews 12:1). But make no mistake; there is a prize at stake.

And these who are in attendance this morning at VUMC are in it to win it.

IT’S

Stephen Streett with the members of Run for God, Varnell UMC.

As more churches look to expand their outreach, and help their communities and congregation lead healthier lives,

SATURDAY

church members are dressed in their

Run for God’s Connect is spotlighting

MORNING

Run for God shirts and ready to train.

a Run for God instructor and a unique

at Varnell United Methodist Church

They are training for a race. This isn’t

individual, Reverend Stephen Streett,

(VUMC) in Varnell, Georgia, and 60

just an ordinary race or a competition

who is leading his congregation to

RUNFORGOD.COM

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Instructor Spotlight

When a pastor is behind a program in a church, such as Run for God, and is truly passionate about it’s purpose, it can change the whole dynamics of the program. Streett recognized through his own experience that others in his congregation were struggling with living unhealthy lifestyles.

“After not being able to run for nearly 7 years, I felt well enough to start again,” says Streett.

It was a young man named, Michael Hicks, who inspired me to give it a new health goals – to become healthier

try, to start running again and get involved in this program.

mentally, physically and spiritually.

He had never run before joining Run for God, and now has just completed his first Ironman,” Streett shares. Hicks, along

The Run for God 5k program, 12-week

with many others in the surrounding Dalton area trained with

training plan aimed at running a 5K

Mitchell Hollis to compete in the 2014 Ironman Chattanooga.

while maintaining a Christian focus, began at VUMC in the summer of 2010.

After recovering from back surgery in 2007, Streett says he

Their leader, Matt Gallegly, established

gained weight and wanted to get back into shape. “I did not

a well-organized and fruitful ministry.

have any direction in my running until I found the Run for

But it wasn’t long before the program

God program. Run for God changed everything in my life

started growing too much for Gallegly

and gave me a new perspective on running and endurance,”

to lead alone. As the program continued

he continues. There has been a change not only illustrated

to expand, so did their efforts. Gallegly

in the life of Reverend Streett, but also in the lives of the

used his resources to train other

congregation at VUMC.

individuals to lead the classes and

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WINTER 2015

group trainings, including Streett, who

When a pastor is behind a program in a church, such as

began leading the program in 2012.

Run for God, and is truly passionate about it’s purpose, it

RUNFORGOD.COM

can change the whole dynamics of the program. Streett

ministry, VUMC has grown to offer many

recognized through his own experience that others in

more services including the Run for God

his congregation were struggling with living unhealthy

program, circuit training, extreme sports,

lifestyles. He realized that as a spiritual leader he had a unique

and a walking ministry for every fitness

opportunity to help others through this ministry. Physical

level in the congregation. “The message

health is important in the life of a believer. Streett realized that

we want to convey to our church and the

educating people on the necessity physical health was a great

community is that you don’t have to join a

place to start. The Run for God program opened many doors

gym, just come to Run for God,”

to see how to apply it in his life as well as in the lives of others.

says Streett.

“We as Christians should set the example on how to care for both our bodies and our spiritual health. The Scriptures teach

“The Run for God program is part of

us that our bodies are the temple of God. Run for God has

our faith journey,” says Streett. “The

reminded us all of the importance in caring for our bodies, so

spiritual aspect of the class is what

we can be better witnesses for Christ mentally, physically and

has made people return. If it were just

spiritually,” says Streett.

physical training, no one would come back,” Street continues. “When our

“With the help of Run for God, the health of our congregation

students are asked what the greatest

is changing – the emphasis is to take care of our lives both

benefit of the Run for God program

physically and spiritually. We cannot do God’s work if we are

is in their lives, the answer is always

tired, exhausted and feel bad about ourselves,” says Streett.

the same – the support and love of its

VISIT RUNFORGOD.COM

to start your 5k Challenge

TODAY!

members,” Streett says. We believe Streett’s team has introduced healthy alternatives in every

that it is what matters the most.

aspect of the congregation including what’s for dinner.

“There has been a drastic change in the eating habits in our congregation,” says Streett. “Our church dinner menus have changed. We now offer a salad bar, steamed vegetables, baked items, and have replaced desserts with fruits,” he continues.

Not only has Run for God brought a change in the way the congregation serves meals within the church, but has influenced its members to become involved and share their professional expertise with the program to help members live healthy lifestyles. For example, VUMC has a nutritionist and a physician who offer medical education to the program participants.

After having a huge success with this

RUNFORGOD.COM

Stephen Streett and Michael Hicks discuss the benefits of running and the community they experience as a result of participating in the Run for God 5k Challenge program.

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21

Deans Thoughts

NEW

YEAR GOALS

BY DEAN THOMPSON

“IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHERE YOU’RE GOING, ANY ROAD WILL TAKE YOU THERE.”

I’VE

22

HEARD THAT SAYING

PERSONALIZE SUCCESS

obvious goals, but you can be as

a hundred times and

How do we go about formulating

creative as your mind will permit.

it never applies more

the targets at which we are going

For example, maybe you want to

directly than it does when we think about goal-

to take aim? The best way to do

lose weight and you want to use

setting. Setting realistic, exciting goals will help

this is to think about what success

running to help get you to your

to motivate you, especially on those days when

looks like for you. It may be that

target weight. Maybe you want

finding the enthusiasm to get out the door feels

you are new to running and you

to run at least four days a week,

almost daunting.

would consider it a success if you

or even every day. There are

could finish a 5K without walking.

people who have run at least one

When we think about a new year, the topic of New

That would be a great goal. It

marathon in every state. More

Year’s resolutions will surface sooner rather than

has everything a goal needs to

than likely, it began with a goal to

later. Those resolutions can be many things, but

have: 1) It is specific and easy to

do just that. Anyway, you get the

most are really goals. Setting goals for yourself is a

understand. In other words, you

idea, the possibilities are endless.

critically important tool for motivation. As a matter

will know it when you see it! 2) It

of fact, for many runners, having a meaningful

is measurable, meaning that there

The best way to undertake

goal is all they need to keep themselves motivated.

is a definite way to know when

creating goals is to begin long

Whether we want to admit it or not, we all have

you have achieved your goal. 3) It is

term and work backwards. In

ambitions to accomplish things. Even if you have

reachable. You want to make sure

other words, think about what

no goals you have chosen to set a goal to avoid

you set goals that are achievable. It

you want to ultimately achieve

making goals! There’s an old song by the rock

is discouraging to set a goal that is

and set that as a major goal.

group Rush that states “If you choose not to

unrealistic. Another goal might be

Then you can set intermediate

decide, you still have made a choice.” That’s how

to run a 10K in under 40 minutes.

goals along the way that will

it is with goals. The trick is to understand how

Again, it is specific, measurable

help you get there. I think about a

to use goals to make you better or to achieve an

and, depending upon who you are,

staircase. It would be impossible

objective that is important to you.

it is achievable. Those are more

to leap from one floor of a building

WINTER 2015

RUNFORGOD.COM

to another in one jump, but with a

accomplish all three through

choice. I have seen many people who seem

social media. The idea, of course,

more interested in setting a goal that will

is to think about your goals

impress others, rather than reaching for

regularly. Planning is important.

what makes them happy. Be content with

As the saying goes, “When you

what you wish to achieve, otherwise you

fail to plan, you are planning

are setting yourself up

to fail.”

for disappointment.

closer to being able to see over the

Have you ever gone out for a run

top step. Once you get a glimpse

ANTICIPATE REWARDS

in an unfamiliar city and gotten

of what is on the next floor, it is

After you write down your goals and before you

lost? Keep in mind that there

easier to pick up the momentum

begin to execute your plan, decide how you will

will be times when you get off

through increased motivation. The

revel in your success when you reach your goal.

course. Sometimes you will find

intermediate goals are typically

Use that celebration as fuel to feed your fire

it difficult to check off every

whittled down into a to-do list.

to keep the engine burning hot as you motor

item on the to-do list. When it

Again, as you check off items on the

toward your goal. Once you celebrate, you can

happens, get back on course.

to-do list, you build excitement for

begin the process again!

Don’t fret over what you missed,

the ultimate goal.

and don’t try to make up for it

All of these steps to realizing your goals

staircase, making that trip is easy.

Goals are like a staircase; you have a major goal of reaching the next floor, but each step is a smaller goal that will ultimately lead you to that next floor. Those intermediate goals, or each step, help to get you

lest you find yourself injured

are helpful because they create reason and

ACCOUNTABILITY AND

from overwork. Just pick back up

intention. When we are intentional about

FORWARD PROGRESS

on your plan and move forward

getting something done, we are usually

Next, you’ll need to ensure that

again. How many times have

successful. It works the same way in our

you are held accountable for your

you seen others have a bad day

Christian walk. We don’t have to look through

goals. There are three effective

while on a diet and just give up

much of our Bible to find a reason for creating

steps to making sure you and

because they strayed from their

goals for our study and prayer life. Romans 5:8

your friends are vigilant in

plan? Don’t be that person. If

says, “But God demonstrates His own love

guaranteeing you leverage those

you miss a run, it is not going

toward us, in that while we were yet sinners,

goals for the greatest motivation

to mean the difference between

Christ died for us.” That is all the motivation

possible: 1) Write your goals

success and failure. If you miss

we need, but we have to add intention to that

down and visit them often. 2) Tell

twelve runs, it will make a

motivation. Setting goals using the same

someone else about your goals,

difference. Just try to minimize

method you do for your running goals is just as

and make sure it is someone who

the disappointments. And, most

effective in everything else you do, including

is going to ask you about them

importantly, remember that

your spiritual life. Maybe you want to read at

regularly. 3) Post your goals where

it is about the execution, not

least two chapters of the Bible every day. Make

you and others will see them.

the plan. Don’t become so tied

it a goal. Maybe you want to set aside thirty

Place them somewhere you can’t

to the specifics of a plan that it

minutes every morning to pray. Make it a goal.

miss, like next to a mirror, the

paralyzes you when life happens

Again, you can get creative and think of much

refrigerator door, or at a desk.

and you have to make choices.

better and more specific ideas. Just make sure

There are many possibilities.

it’s specific, measurable and reachable. Don’t

In this day of social media, it is

You own these goals and how

forget to write them down and find a good

easy to post things where many

you go about achieving them

partner who will hold you accountable.

can see them. Actually, you can

is your business and your

RUNFORGOD.COM

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23

THIS RACE SEASON WILL BE THE BEST YET! If you’ve never made the trip to be a part of a Run for God Hosted Event, then you don’t know what you’re missing. Our races may be somewhat small in numbers, but they’ll compete with even the largest races in the world when it comes to organization, atmosphere, race schwag, and encouragement. Join the Run for God - Race Series in 2015!

HOSTED RACE SCHEDULE

WHEN: 4.11.15 WHERE: PRATERS MILL, DALTON GEORGIA

WHEN: 6.20.15 WHERE: CAMP JORDAN, EAST RIDGE, TENNESSEE

WHEN: 7.25.15 WHERE: DALTON PARKS AND RECREATION, DALTON, GEORGIA

WHEN: 8.14.15 WHERE: CAMP JORDAN, EAST RIDGE, TENNESSEE

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WINTER 2015

RUNFORGOD.COM

BEHIND THE SCENES

PACK PRAY LOVE FOR THE LORD NOT ONLY has plans for us to reach

ministry,” says Coker. “For me, it is a way that I can

across boundary lines to touch lives for Him, but He

minister to others behind the scenes through the Run

also, commands us in Acts 13:47, “that [we] should be

for God program.”

for salvation to the ends of the earth.” Some may call this the Great Commission or the Jabez Appointment, but the blessings come when we respond to His call and when we invite God to act. We don’t realize His purpose until we can begin to ask this simple question: “How may I help you?”

Run for God’s Customer Service, located in Dalton, Georgia, serves as the shipping facility for all Run for God products and merchandise, including the 5k Challenge study, which began in 2010. Coker believes that she contributes to the ministry, in part, because she feels connected to people when she packs and

Gaye Coker has been dedicated to students in Georgia’s

prays over the merchandise. “God tells us to bring

Whitfield County School District for 31 years. When

salvation into the ends of the earth. Even though I

she decided to retire in 2012 as Family and Consumer

am not physically out there, I feel like I am part of it,”

Sciences teacher for both middle and high school

Coker adds.

students, posts she’s held since 1981, she knew with a happy heart, it was time to move forward.

Coker shares that her job is a very satisfying and emotional experience. “ I say a lot of prayers when I

“I have always loved teaching. I had a wonderful

am packaging and shipping,” says Coker, “because

year and I knew that it was time to move on and help

these books and Instructor kits may be a blessing to

Mitchell in the Run for God ministry,” says Coker.

someone and possibly others through this ministry.”

In May of 2012, Coker retired and joined the staff of

As Gaye continues to share how the Run for God

Run for God in Customer Service. Since then, Coker’s

program has blessed her and her marriage, her voice

position with Run for God has served the body of

begins to crack. “I want every person who receives

Christ nationwide and her role in Customer Service has

a copy of the Run for God Challenge to have the

helped equip, prepare and serve several generations

same experience that I experienced with Run for

of this ministry’s students and instructors. “Working

God and so much more,” she continues. “Nothing

in Customer Service at Run for God has become my

but blessings.”

RUNFORGOD.COM

WINTER 2015

25

Why DEVOTIONS? FINDING GOD IN A RUNNERS SPACE

Devotions came together as a result of the outpouring of letters and e-mails that come into the Run for God camp each week.

These stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things and Run for God’s role in their lives prompted us to find a way to preserve these memories. From a desire to both preserve and share these stories, Devotions was born.

This Bible study is not your ordinary study. No, it’s a study that is made up of stories from people just like you and me, real stories from real people. These thoughts and experiences are brought to you from pastors, deacons, Sunday school teachers, new Christians, old Christians, and even Christians who had lost their way for a time. So if you’re looking for a study that is authored by a renowned theologian, this isn’t it. But if you’re looking for a study that shows what God can do through someone just like you and me, then you’ve definitely come to the right place.

Whether you’re a new runner, a seasoned runner, a fast runner, or a slow runner, this study is for you.

Each week we’ll take you through inspiring stories, scripture, running tips and tricks, as well as challenge you with thought provoking questions to ponder. There are also training plans in the back that will cover any distance you desire. Use this for your personal devotion or grab a group of friends and start a small group, either way you can’t go wrong. Enjoy!

52-Week Study • 464 Page Hardback

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WINTER 2015

RUNFORGOD.COM

2015 Virtual Races

SUMMER

is when race weekend arrives, instead of traveling across the country, runners would mark out a 5K in their own community. It

What is a

Virtual Race?

THIS IS YOUR RACE, ON YOUR OWN TIME IN YOUR OWN TOWN.

could be on a trail, on the road, or even on a treadmill, it really doesn’t matter. Then, they simply show up, run their 5K, record their own time, post their pictures, and we mail out Goodie Bags complete with race shirt and medal the next week. It’s very simple and completely AWESOME! WHY A VIRTUAL 5K? For several years now we have been getting requests from individuals and groups from all over the globe to host a Run for God race in their community. While this is flattering and very tempting, it’s just not possible.

This past year we tested the waters with

THE CONCEPT OF A “Virtual Race” is that you can

one Virtual Race, and the response was

participate in a running event from anywhere in the world.

overwhelming. It sold out quicker than any

Let’s use the 2014 Run for God – Pinky 5K as an example.

race we’d ever hosted. So, this is a great

Last year runners signed up from all 50 states and many

way for you or your group of friends to get

other countries. They registered and trained just as if

together and run your own race, no matter

they were going to attend a physical race. The difference

where you may live.

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WINTER 2015

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OUR MOTIVATION COLLECTION IS A FUN WAY TO MOTIVATE YOUR RUN! GET YOURS ONLINE AT RUNFORGOD.COM.