Run for God - Connect Magazine - Winter 2018

connect Winter 2018

Eating the Elephant p. 16

MAGAZINE

Can You Run Harder? p. 12 The Other Side of the Tracks p. 20

Never In a Million Years p.6

FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT

A WORD FROM MITCHELL

WELCOME TO

connect Hello Run for God Family, This morning is different. I’m sitting here writing the introduction to this issue of Connect Magazine, and in just a matter of hours I will be celebrating the life of a dear friend. So why do I share this with you? Because while I am sad and my heart hurts for his lovely wife and daughters, I have joy in knowing that he’s right where he longed to be.

There is power in the name of Jesus, David knew this, and he’d want you to understand that as well.

If you knew David Hendrix, then you know exactly what I’m talking about. David loved Jesus and he made sure that everyone he came in contact with knew it. He loved the Atlanta Braves, Georgia Bulldogs, bird watching, and telling jokes. His laugh was contagious, his smile was infectious, and no matter how bad your day was, it was always better after seeing him. I have no doubt that David is running the streets of gold this morning.

There are two things that David taught me that I’d like to share with you to kick off this issue. Number one, “Find where God is working and go there.” Too many times we want God to come to where we are, and that’s OK, but sometimes we need to pack a bag and go to where He is. Number two; “Use the name of Jesus as much as possible because you never know who needs to hear it.”

There is power in the name of Jesus, David knew this, and he’d want you to understand that as well.

David always kept things simple. He was a sincere friend.

He loved Run for God, and if he ever met any of you, he’d immediately be a person that you’d call friend. This afternoon, he’ll be laid to rest in his favorite attire, a Run for God Hoodie.

Enjoy this issue my friends, and tell someone about Jesus!

Mitchell Hebrews 12:1 James 1:2-4

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features

D E P A RT M EN TS

6 Student Spotlight: Never in a Million Years 16 I nstructor Spotlight: Eating the Elephant

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with Dean and Irene

12. DEAN’S THOUGHTS: Can You Run Harder?

20. DEAN’S THOUGHTS: T he Other Side of the Tracks

26. Behind the Scenes 30. SPOTLIGHT: Marathon Mom

16 20 RUNFORGOD.COM

10. COAST TO COAST

34. RUNNING GOD’S RACE with IRENE: It’s a God Thing

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STARTING YOUR DAY WITH A RUN? START YOUR RUN WITH GOD Pick up your copy of

Run for God

DEVOTIONS TODAY! RUNFORGOD.COM

Copyright © 2018 Run for God, Inc. All rights reserved.

CO N T R I B U T O 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.

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.

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

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Dean Thompson serves as Director of Running Enthusiasm for Run for God. He is a lifetime runner who doesn’t plan to stop any time soon. He loves to run, loves his wife, Debbie, but most of all, he loves Christ.

Dean shares his extensive running knowledge and love of Christ in these pages as well as in the Devotions series.

Irene Tang is a former elementary school teacher and principal. She and husband Dave live in San Ramon, California where they raised their daughters Natalie and Meagan as well as beagle Oski. Irene and Dave currently own several restaurants that offer healthy, runner-friendly dining. Her biggest life passions are Jesus, running, and writing. You can read more about how God has used running and racing to grow her faith in this issue and on Irene’s website at runninggodsrace.com.

LET’S CONNECT RUNFORGOD.COM

! n a c U O Y And

1/2 il t n u Price y 31, ar u n a J 8 201

Never in a Million Years Steven Du Bois

began running on a dare.

His friend, Josh, had challenged him to join the church’s Run for God group led by long time instructor, Dave Hickey. They would do it together, but Steve had doubts. He says, “Never in a million years did I think I would become a runner.” That was only two years ago, and he has since run twelve halfmarathons and two full marathons!

Steven, from Franklin, New Jersey, decided to join the Run for God group at his church. The group was very large at Grace Church on the Mount in Netcong, New Jersey. He met with great difficulty in those first few classes as many 5K Challenge graduates understand. He said they would shout out Philippians 4:13 and Hebrews 12:1-2 during those first seemingly insurmountable classes. That carried them through those tough days.

Steven found inspiration is a large Run for God 5K Challenge group.

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Sometimes a person can get lost in a large group but not Steve. It wasn’t long before he and Josh were training for the Marine Corps Marathon!

Many Run for God 5K Challenge graduates find themselves seeking a 10K or even a half marathon as soon as they finish the class, and Steve was ready to tackle something bigger. He had run some half marathons along the way, but the ultimate goal became reaching the finish line in the ultimate distance.

They began organizing long runs on the weekend for marathon preparation. He was astonished to find that the group grew as God just kept putting people in front of them seemingly with no logical explanation.

But that’s how God works. Being able to help others along their journeys was a blessing. Of course, Steve will tell you that it all “just happened.”

But, deep down, he knew who was responsible for bringing all of those folks together. God does amazing things!

Maybe the craziest part of everything is that Steve was never athletic. He was a smoker and was overweight. If you asked what the most unlikely future marathoner would look like, you might say, “an overweight smoker.”

But if God used Moses, an unlikely person to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, why couldn’t he use a 39 year-old, non-athletic, former smoker to share the love of Christ through the sport of running? Steve’s calculation was “Never in a million years.” But our God has the power to transform and use us in ways we never dreamed possible. Not only is he a runner

“Never in a million years did I think I would become a runner.”

Steven Du Bois today, but he is a leader in his running community now!

Half-Marathon? Sure, what are we doing after lunch though?

Interestingly Steve works in the medical field although his degree is in a totally unrelated field. It’s funny how God will work us into those places for which we didn’t seem destined. His former life was working in print advertising for a newspaper. The formerly non-athletic newspaper guy turns into the medical marathoner. Who would have thought that could happen? God knew it and planned it a long time ago!

Steve’s weekend group has evolved into its own ministry. There are often those who begin on the fringes of the group. As the group shares and prays, they pull those folks in and it often has a profound impact on them.

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They come to run but find so much more. One such occasion happened when Wendy and her husband saw the group and they just seemed to be on fire for God. They wanted to be a part of that, and now they have gone back to church and are on fire themselves! It just proves that we can shine His light in everything we do.

Where you find Steven, you will usually find others joining in on the fun!

For Steven, the race to help others is never over.

When we shine bright enough, others notice even if you’re a sweaty runner!

As the group was about to begin a run one day, a runner stopped just as the group was getting started and asked for prayer. They stopped right then and there and prayed for her. She had been trying to get pregnant for a long time

became pregnant. It’s great to help others get into good physical shape, but helping them to grow spiritually is incredible!

Having an impact on others is what we’re called to do. Somehow God is using a running group to impact the running community in New Jersey.

How did it all start? A guy who would never be a runner in a million years took on a dare and followed the heart of God wherever it leads.

and the frustration was building in her and her

What’s next for Steve? He plans to get his sixty-something mother out

husband. Of course, the group prayed over her

there in a Run for God group. He noticed a growing community of Run for

because that’s what they do. She was very

God shirts at a race in Lancaster County Pennsylvania and knows if all of

comforted by the prayer, but what happened

those people as well as the large group in his own church can do it, so can

next was all God. Not long after that day, she

mom. Never in a million years you say? Just watch.

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Steve’s weekend group has evolved into its own ministry. There are often those who begin on the fringes of the group. As the group shares and prays, they pull those folks in and it often has a profound impact on them.

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS!

2 LOCATIONS IN DALTON North 3518 Cleveland Hwy South 1018 South Thornton Ave To learn more about becoming a Partner, contact Dean at dean@RunforGod.com

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Coast to

This Issue’s topic: Road ra

When I first started this crazy running journey a decade ago, all I knew was pavement. Trails, dirt, mud, and elevation charts were a foreign concept. I’d simply head out of my house after work a few times a week and just run around my suburban neighborhood. No Garmin or app to track time, pace, mileage, or elevation. Just me and the pavement.

That was 2008. Forty-four road marathons and about hundred trail races later, the pavement still calls and holds a special place in my sole (see what I did there?) since it was on pavement that my love of running began. Having said that, road racing does come with a price. Roads tend to wear down shoes more rapidly as pavement is less kind than dirt trails. Unfortunately, the wear and tear is not limited to shoes. Pounding the pavement takes a toll on the body as well. Recovery time after

more deeply and compassionately for friends suffering unimaginably. The challenge of each painful step up (and down) steep elevation and technical single tracks paints vivid pictures of many Bible verses in which Jesus instructs us on perseverance, endurance, trials, temptation, healing, trust, and faith. I can’t think of a better classroom for learning these powerful lessons than on those sometimes treacherous yet awe-inspiring trails that come with views one simply cannot access by road. Over the years, Jesus and I have had many heart to heart talks on the trails – each one significantly punctuated on a hill or captivated by a scenic vista.

Besides deepening my relationship with God, trail running has its technical benefits. As one who loathes speed work - when I read that hill work mimics speed training - that sealed the deal for me.

Trail race distances vary from 5Ks to 200 milers Irene in San (which in my mind puts someone in a whole different category of crazy). My favorite trail race Ramon, CA distance is the half marathon. The last six years road running is typically longer. I in a row I have “competed” in what’s called an Ultra keep telling myself that it must be the pavement and Half Championship series. The “ultra” part comes not the fact that I’m 51 to account for more aches and from the fact that all the races in this series are pains after each long run now. Road races also seem longer than 13.1 miles and are higher net elevation to be more expensive than trails. Logistically, I would courses. The races in this series take place throughguess the cost to pretty much shut down a city for a out Northern California in some of the most beautiday, the security, police, street closures, traffic, medful areas ranging from coastal Stinson Beach (4500’ ical, liability, etc. must be mind-boggling. Don’t get elevation gain/loss), to redwood canopied Saratoga me wrong; I absolutely love my experiences running (2906’), to majestic Mt. Diablo (50K course 8246’), the streets of Chicago, D.C., Los Angeles, Napa, and and the championship race Rocky Ridge (3989’) right of course, San Francisco with 10,000 to 40,000 of my here in my own backyard of San Ramon. It is at these closest friends! trail races that I have met some of the most genuine, generous, and generally insane runners that I now But it was during my ascent at Mile 11 of a trail race call friends. We love to trade race stories and pics back in 2012 that God used hills to solidify how I that usually involve dirt sock tans, mud caked shoes, would forever view the climb. That was the year a selfies at the summits, and sweaty post-race hugs. good friend was diagnosed with end stage pancreatic There is a mutual respect when we see each other at cancer. Up until that trail race, running for a cause or races and ask “Are you doing Double DipSea or Rocky for someone’s health battle hadn’t personally resRidge this year?” And the answer is a resounding, onated with me. Sure, I’d supported many a cause emphatic “Yes, I am!” said with a crazy gleam in our monetarily. But that May was the first time God used eyes. a hill to teach me how to actually pray and intercede 10

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o Coast

acing versus Trail racing

I love racing! I remember when I was about six years old living in an apartment building. It was laid out in the shape of a horseshoe and there was a sidewalk in the center that made a square about sixty feet by sixty feet. There was a nice grassy area in the middle and some stairs that led up to the second floor. That square was where I ran my first races.

I would challenge anyone I could find to race me around the sidewalk track. The thrill of the race still holds me tight in its grip.

Maybe because of that beginning, I still prefer to run on pavement rather than trails. I think every choice we make comes down to personal comfort and my disdain for the trails is no different. There are a number of personal reasons why I prefer road running.

It’s faster! I love running fast and it gets me in trouble on the trails (which I explain in the next paragraph). There’s nothing like feeling the wind in your face on those days when it seems easy to run along at a pace that creates that breeze. Of course, as I get older, it’s tougher and tougher to run at that kind of pace!

I’m clumsy. I don’t know if it is because I have poor vision and don’t see the roots and rocks, or if I have just become a clod in my old age, but I find myself on the ground a lot when I run trails. Any run that ends in me having to break out the hydrogen peroxide, is just not as fun.

I love nature, but I also love creativity and accomplishments. Don’t get me wrong, I love to walk through the woods and see what God has created, but I also love to see what man has created with the mind that God gave him. I love looking at architecture and the variety of what you see on the road. And, who doesn’t love to people watch from time to time?

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Hills. Not all trails are hilly, but most seem to be.

It’s great to train on hills, and we have plenty here near the base of the Appalachain Mountains, but the hills on trails seem to be much more difficult to traverse. When you don’t care for hills (they slow me down!), the trail is tougher! (Wow, I just realized what a wienie I am) I get opportunities on the road. When I am running on the road, I can keep up with the neighbors and notice people in distress. I have had opportunities to witness and to be a help to those who need it. There is a man in his 80s in our area named Joe. I love Joe, but I wouldn’t see him and have the chance to stop and talk with him from time to time if I was driving to a trail to run. I wouldn’t take anything for our short conversations.

I’ve been on some Dean in trails that I Dalton, GA love. Most notable was when I had the opportunity to run on Pre’s Trail in Eugene, Oregon. But, when it comes to racing, give me the road. I run one trail race a year. It’s called the Wauhatchie Trail Race. It’s on the side of Lookout Mountain. It takes me a long time to recover from the downhill running and dodging ditches, rocks and limbs. I love to run it, but once a year is enough!

My favorite road race is, hands down, the Boston Marathon. Although the marathon is not my favorite distance, the people of Boston are absolutely amazing on Patriots Day every year. Of course, it has those aforementioned hills that I’m not always excited about, but the people make it worth the effort!

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Dean’ s Thoughts

Can you run harder?

Most runners would like to run faster times in

races, but not all. If you’re one of those who is content with just running for the social aspect and have no desire to run any faster, that’s great. There is nothing wrong with that. However, if you desire faster times in your races, read on. You may find that your inability to run any faster doesn’t have a lot to do with your legs.

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Dean’ s Thoughts

How hard do you run?

Can you try harder? Are you giving 100%?

Is your face twisted into a picture of torture when you’re about to cross the finish line?

What makes the professional athlete able to dig down just a little deeper? Steve Prefontaine was an American icon simply because he was able to do just that. He is quoted as saying, “I’m going to work so that

and immediately think, “I could have run faster?” You probably could. Why is it so difficult to run as hard as we can? The truth is that no one can run as hard as they can. If we could, it would be possible to run ourselves to death, but we can’t do that. Our brain is wired to prevent us from harming ourselves. When we’re running hard, our brain goes into survival mode. All it knows is that you can’t keep up the pace indefinitely and it wants you to slow down or stop.

World class runners are able to ignore those messages from our brains longer than we can.

it’s a pure guts race at the end, and if it is, I am the only one who can win it.” He was serious. Few have been able to run as hard as

Think about it this way:

he did. So what made him special? Why was

race, your brain begins by whispering to you, telling you that you

he able to run so hard? More importantly, can

can’t keep up this pace forever and you need to slow down. As you

you get a little of what he had?

continue to run, the voice gets louder and your brain lets you know

As you run in a

that you should consider slowing down now, seriously. When you ignore your brain long enough, it will begin to shout at you, “Hey

How quickly do you recover after crossing the finish line? Do you finish

dummy, slow down!” Eventually, we all succumb to the message from our brain. How hard you are able to push yourself is determined by how long you are able to ignore that message.

So what’s the secret? I like the lyrics of the song Change Your Mind

by Sister Hazel:

If you want to be somebody else,

You may find that your inability to run any faster doesn’t have a lot to do with your legs.

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If you’re tired of fighting battles with yourself If you want to be somebody else Change your mind If you want to run harder, the answer isn’t as much in your legs as it is in your mind. Consider this excerpt:

“The question, ‘How can a runner tell if he has given his best effort over the full distance of a race?’ is fundamentally unknowable,” says Matt Fitzgerald who wrote the book How Bad Do You Want It? “No matter how hard an athlete feels he has tried, he always finishes a race – or at least reaches the point where he begins his finishing kick – with a reserve of physical capacity. This is because runners pace their races based on subjective perceptions of their

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Dean’ s Thoughts physical limits, and humans appear to be wired to always underestimate these limits.”

So, it’s all in your head?

How about this example: Studies show that elite runners are constantly monitoring their bodies and reacting to the feedback they receive during a race. They are focused on the task of running as hard as they can. On the other hand, recreational runners run faster when they disassociate with their running.

For example, a non-elite runner usually runs faster if they are listening to music through headphones.

Back to our brain conversation.

those messages longer? It turns out there are some things you can do

Elite runners are able to focus past what their

physically and mentally to change your ability to work harder.

brains are telling them, essentially ignoring

Can you talk during a race?

the warning messages, while most of us are giving in to those messages. So, how

You are probably not running as hard as you can run if you can talk after

can you be tougher? How can you ignore

the first mile. This one is low-hanging fruit. Part of digging deeper is getting some perspective of what that means. If you can hold a conversation during a race, pick it up, you’re not running hard.

“Pain is inevitable.

Suffering is optional.”

Haruki Murakami 14

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You can change your perspective a little.

Japanese writer Haruki Murakami said, “Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.” He wasn’t talking about running, but it applies to running.

When we look at the pain from running as suffering and not a means to an end, it makes it much tougher. When you realize that reaching a goal and feeling like you gave everything at the end of the race is more important than the pain you feel during the race, you will be able to push yourself harder.

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Dean’ s Thoughts

Use the pain of regret.

Start with longer rest and shorten that rest

Elite runners are hard wired to want to avoid the bad feeling of regret

of pain will lead to being able to weather

if they don’t push themselves. They prefer the pain of the race to the

longer bouts. You know how you can run

pain of regret for having not run hard enough. For them, giving up is

faster when you can see the finish line at

equal to losing. We don’t want to dwell on a bad race afterwards, but

the end of the race? When you run short

remembering that feeling can motivate us to run harder next time.

intervals, you can see the finish line from the

Stay in the moment.

start!

When we race, we can be more successful when we stay in the

over time. Learning to cope with short bouts

Progression runs.

moment. We shouldn’t be focused on the finish line or what our goal

Another method that helps is to start your

time is during the entire race. We should be thinking about the next

runs slow and finish them faster. Purposely

100 meters or quarter of a mile. We should focus on executing things

start out slower than normal and build each

like running the tangents and feeling relaxed and driving forward

mile a little faster. You’ll find the challenge of

each step.

that progression will occupy your mind and

Stay positive.

allow you to gradually take on more stress as

It’s not about how bad it hurts, it’s about the excitement of running

then go to three or four. Keep extending the

faster than ever before, or hitting your goal. Focusing on negative

time you try to run hard and you will find that

things makes it much more difficult to ignore the brain’s messages.

persistence will allow you to run harder in a

Repetition is key.

race, as well as condition your body to be able

Learning to cope with more intense pain can be learned. One thing

You can’t try too hard for God. But you can’t try hard enough either.

you can do is run short intervals at an uncomfortable pace. It’s much easier for us to hurt for a minute rather than an entire race. Start with short intervals and gradually make them longer each week.

you go. Try doing it for a couple of miles and

to run faster.

Ephesians 2:8-10 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Paul clearly tells us that we cannot save ourselves with any amount of work. We simply can’t try hard enough to gain salvation. But, he also indicates that God made us for “good works.”

When we are His, we simply cannot try too hard! Our effort should be on worship and obedience. Trying to earn salvation will be about as effective as running a race against Olympic gold medalist Mo Farah.

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Eating the Elephant Debbie Santiago

was running a race in Atlantic City, New Jersey in October of 2016 and spotted a Run for God T-shirt.

After finding out more online, Debbie knew what she wanted to do next. Many Run for God Instructors spend months or even years trying to decide if they will become leaders. Not Debbie. She knew right away that she wanted to lead a Run for God group. So she began a 5K Challenge class at Fusion Church in Somers Point, New Jersey...and enlisted her husband Jabiel (hobby-el, if you’re wondering how to pronounce his name), as a co-leader.

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Debbie knew right away that she wanted to teach the Run for God 5K Challenge.

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Instructor Spotlight

You see, Debbie believes in the old adage that the only way to eat the

She talks about Nayi who was a foster parent

elephant is one bite at a time. And, if you’re going to eat, you need to

to a beautiful five year-old girl until she was

get started right away. So she did! One year later she had, not her

taken away from her family. Even though

first, but her second Run for God 5K Challenge graduation run.

foster parents know those departures are

She had so many sign up for her first class that she had to split them into two groups and begin two classes. Eventually, that bunch whittled its way down to one group, but many in that first group continue to run today, even though they ran that first race in a Nor’easter! How many groups can tell THAT story!? Not long after the first class ended, she started all over with a second group, just in time to run the same race (the one where she had seen the t-shirt), on the Atlantic City boardwalk in 2017 with her group. The second group had a perfect day to run. Isn’t that how God works? He gives us the trial

always possible, it doesn’t make them easy.

She credits the Run for God class for keeping her going through that trauma. As Debbie says, “It’s not about how fast you run, it’s that you cross the finish line.” Those finish lines are different for every student. For some, it’s simply about the accomplishment of running a 5K. But for others, the finish line is coping with the curveballs life throws our way.

and/or the great obstacle and then gives us a perfect moment so that

Debbie believes the 5K Challenge class is good

we can enjoy it even more!

for those curveballs and has seen how critical

Like many Instructors, Debbie can’t stop sharing the great stories that have grown from her class. She has a deep passion in her voice as she talks about Latoya who came to class, began running every day, changed her eating habits, and lost 25-30 pounds. She talks about her dedication as she ran her race in a driving rainstorm with the wind in her face the entire second half of the race. It was hard for Latoya, but worth the effort. She says that the 5K Challenge has deepened her ability to connect with God through prayer. Her life is changed and nothing can stop her now!

it is to the lives of those who participate.

She believes all aspects of the program are critical to the success of her groups. Both the running education and the personal stories that are shared during class contribute to each student’s “slate.” She explains that when they walk into the first class, they have a blank slate, but twelve weeks later they have so much written on them. She adds, “The class made the seemingly impossible, possible.”

She talks about the two children, Kiara and Autumn, who completed

Her classes often repeat Philippians 4:13 and

the second class together, and what a blessing they were, running and

have found the meaning of, “I can do all things

completing their race along with their father, Marc.

through Christ who strengthens me.”

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Not every Run for God group gets to run their first 5K in a Nor’easter, but Fusion Church did, and they did it with smiles on their faces. The driving rains couldn’t keep ths faithful bunch away!

“The true stories in the weekly devotionals

Debbie will be 50 at the end of December, but that doesn’t slow her

are eye-opening,” Debbie says. “They are

down, even as she goes through those inevitable changes at that time

encouraging because you see that obstacles

in life. She realizes, after seeing her students overcome obstacles

CAN be overcome.” She loves those aha

that this is just one of her obstacles and she can, and will, overcome

moments! After the first class, she points

it. Of course, no Run for God Instructor story is complete without

out to the group that if they look at their

the realization that the class changes the leader as well as the class.

Run for God app they will find that they just

Her husband Jabiel is now running with her. They have 19 year old

covered a mile and a half. Aha!

daughter, Jasmine, in college - who doesn’t run - but watches from the

And, those aha moments weren’t restricted to students. Debbie says the program changed her mind about running. She UNDERSTANDS running now. She also realizes that she is actually a “runner,” and that has led to what she calls BHAGS (Big

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sidelines. Maybe one day. One of the most significant successes of her class is the fact that she and her husband now go to the same gym.

That wasn’t always the case. They used to go their separate ways and that meant working out in different locations, but when you and your spouse draw closer to God, you draw closer together as well. They now spend more time together and that includes time at the gym.

Hairy Audacious Goals). She wants to run a

Debbie continues to run and plans to (hopefully) begin another class.

5K in the Dominican Republic now. What a

She and Jabiel are currently involved in a 16-week weight loss journey,

fun goal!

to prepare for an upcoming 7K in Atlantic City. She says she is so

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Left: Debbie, Jabiel, and Jasmine.

Right: Family #2 resides at Fusion Church in Somers Point, New Jersey.

thankful for Mitchell Hollis’ obedience to

Thankfully, Debbie was obedient to the call of God. There are a number

the call of the Lord in beginning the Run for

of elephants being eaten in New Jersey as a result of her recognizing the

God program. What started when she saw

opportunity to share her passion with others. But the more important

a simple t-shirt, has now become a big part

thing is that lives have been changed for the better - even the teacher’s!

of her life. With God, there is no such thing as coincidence. He puts those things in our path so that we can follow His direction.

Have you thought about teaching a Run for God class? Like Debbie, you can do it. You just have to start eating the elephant - one bite at a time.

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS:

For more information about becoming a sponsor contact Dean Thompson at Dean@runforgod.com

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There is a neighborhood in Griffin, Georgia where hope is difficult to grasp.

It’s not unlike so many neighborhoods all across the country where opportunity seems

The Other Side of the Tracks David created Impact Racing six years ago as a non-profit to help the community. They provide timing for several area races and put on their own Half Marathon and 5K on Thanksgiving Day each year. The idea came to him out of the work that he hd done with some kids in the Fairmont Community training them for a triathlon. But Impact racing is about more than providing timing and a holiday race. The race route connects the Fairmont community with the other side of town and they come out to cheer for the runners as they amble through the neighborhood.

like a lofty idea and luxury is defined as

David is on the board for the Spalding County Parks and Recreation

having an operational vehicle to drive. There

Department. At one of the board meetings he found out that Square

are no giant houses with big, manicured

Foot Ministries had a piece of property in the community where he

lawns here. It’s known as the Fairmont

was looking to connect with more kids, like the triathlon kids so he felt

Community.

compelled to check it out. He made a call to David Clarke, and in a two

There is a ray of sunshine though. A group called Square Foot Ministries has rehabbed more than ten houses in the neighborhood to

minute conversation he said that his call was an answer to their prayers and asked if he could meet him at the property on Kentucky Avenue the following day. The next day they met in the sweltering heat.

provide nice accommodations to those who

Driving into the area, David had noticed differences between this

need a place to live and a hand up. It was

neighborhood and his own, and they were stark. While his kids were

through that group that David Dodd made his

sitting at home in the air-conditioning enjoying Scooby-Doo, the kids

first connection to the neighborhood.

he saw in these yards had no air-conditioning or Scooby-Doo. It was a hot day and David was dressed for clients (he is an Edward Jones representative), not for a jaunt through a disadvantaged neighborhood.

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Dean’ s Thoughts After introductions Clarke asked, “What did you envision here?” Not knowing how to answer, he simply said, “Some place where these kids and others in the neighborhood could hang out and not be in heat.” Clarke said, “So, a community center?” To which David replied, “SURE!” So, he said, “We will do it.”

He said they would be able to start at the beginning of October. Wait…What? He wondered if he was getting punked?

On October 1, 2011, a bunch of people showed up from 11 churches and by the end of the day, they had a standing framed plywood building that would become the new Fairmont Community Center. It seems incredible that it happened that fast and that simply, but God is not short on miracles. I came to find out that’s just the way things

Above - David stands outside of the Community Center with just a few of those he has impacted.

Below - The Community garden next to the Center.

happen around David.

You see, I had the pleasure of going to Griffn

It seems incredible that it happened that fast and that simply,

but God is not short on miracles.

and spendinng a few hours with David. We met in a coffee shop close by and talked for a few minutes. In that short time, I met a couple of folks who David knows. I was getting the impression that he knows everyone in Griffin.

We left the coffee shop and headed to the Fairmont Community. He drove but we probably could have walked. It was close. I had to wait to get into his truck because he had some books in the passenger seat intended for a lady in the community who needed to learn how to read.

As we entered the neighborhood, David rolled the windows down in his pickup truck and talked with several people as we drove by. He called them by name. It was quickly becoming clear that David was invested in the lives of these people.

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Dean’ s Thoughts We drove by a back lot with horseshoe pits. At the corner of the lot

due on the property and David doesn’t know

stood a porta-john. Unsightly? Not when you consider why it was

how they are going to pay them. But he has

there. David’s ministry provides the monthly funding for the porta-john

confidence that God will provide. After all I

so that the guys who play horseshoes there will have a place to use

saw, I have no doubt about it!

the bathroom. Sometimes men will find a place to relieve themselves whether there is a reasonable place to do it or not. Not on this property.

At least, not anymore.

While we were walking the property, David told me a story about a man who had been in and out of prison for his entire life. His

We drove to the Community Center and looked around. Across the

name was Abraham Lincoln Scott, Jr. but he

street were strips of low income housing, some with broken windows,

went by the name “Peanut.” The first time

and a half dozen people sitting in the parking lot and the yard. One of

they met, Peanut was on his way to kill his

the ladies, David recalled, was named Denise. Her son, Ivan, had lost

neighbor. It seems his neighbor had some

his life to gang violence in 2013 and they had built a memorial to him on

viscious dogs that had kept his daughter and

the Community Center property.

wife pinned inside and on top of their car

We entered the building and it was nice. There were not many buildings in the area that were as nice as this one. Since the building is not occupied much of the time, you would think that there would be a need to remove graffiti and repair damages from break ins, but that’s not the case. There have been a few broken windows to repair, but no more than that. The people of the neighborhood respected the intentions of the Community Center.

And there have been additions to the property. They have planted a community garden and everyone is free to take what food they need.

In addition, David’s ministry has been gifted a house adjacent to the property to use for those who may need it. There is a current resident who pays enough rent to keep the property up. There are back taxes

Volunteering to help others is a family affair in the Dodd residence.

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for two hours. The problems with the dogs had gone on long enough and when things seemed hopeless in this community, violence was one of the preferred methods to resolving the issue. But it never happened after he met David.

Peanut introduced him to a man named Marcus Dallas who needed help repairing an old house. David wasn’t sure how he could help at first, but he was able to link the man and a friend of his who did that kind of work together to get his house into a livable condition. The effort was led by Strong Rock

Square Foot Ministries and Impact Racing combine efforts when they can.

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Dean’ s Thoughts Outdoors. Marcus lives in that house now with

Antoine, was looking for work. As David responded, you could hear

his girlfriend, Sonya along with her 17 year old

the desire to provide a job for him, but he didn’t have anything for him

daughter Mara who is wheelchair bound and

at that moment. He gave Antoine his card and told him to call him

suffers with Rett Syndrome .

later and he would see what he could do. How many people do you

The Community Center has become a centerpiece of the neighborhood. On Monday nights, David hosts a Run Club for the kids in the community. David tries to coordinate with

know who would hand his business card over to someone he doesn’t know in a neighborhood that had produced gang members? David does it all the time. Before I left, there were plans for a small job for Antoine to help him bridge a financial gap.

others who are invested in the community and

We drove on. We stopped at a house that Square Foot Ministries was

uses the building to bring people together. For

finishing for a resident to move into the following week. They talked

example, the local police meet at the Center

about the lady who would move in as if she was a relative of theirs.

occasionally and the residents see them at

The house was nice. It was basic, but it was like a brand new house.

work, building relationships, and working to

You could smell the paint and new carpet.

make the community better.

While we were there, David and supervisor Kevin McCormick began

We got back in the truck and David again

talking about a small building they had across the street. David’s

talked with people as we drove by. Peanut

Impact Racing was about to purchase a piece of property at the

was walking towards us with another man

edge of the neighborhood where a factory once stood that provided

David didn’t know. Okay, so he doesn’t know

jobs for people who needed them. The factory was long since gone,

everybody. He talked with them and asked

but the property is situated right on the border between the two

them if he could help them with anything. The

sides of town. David was working to bring the two sides together.

unfamiliar man, who had introduced himself as

He thought the building could be useful to both ministries on the

Left: Inside the spacious Community Center.

Right : The neighborhood across the street from the Community Center.

Left: The kids in the community are learning to be helpful to one another.

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Right: The Run Club kids are taught why good choices are important.

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Dean’ s Thoughts property and he pitched an idea to move the building there. Before

pouring into the needs of others. It’s funny,

we left, it had all been decided. This guy makes things happen.

we didn’t talk about his running or triathlons.

It was the end of our time together but there was one more thing he wanted to check on. We drove by an old house that looked like it had been recently updated. David stopped out front and honked his horn. A teenage girl named Jennica came out of the house and greeted him as Mr. David, like everyone else we had met that day. He talked with her about school, and asked about her parents.

After a brief conversation, we pulled away from the house and

Our discussion was all about others. In a neighborhood where they actually film part of the “Walking Dead” television program, he is helping to turn a dying neighborhood into an oasis of hope. There is still a long way to go, but from what I saw, the progress was tremendous!

David talked about how they recently moved to this nicer house from another corner of the neighborhood. They had moved up and he wanted to make sure everything was okay. The girl’s parents were both female, in an alternative lifestyle, but trying to provide a good place for the girl to grow up. There were no judgements, just a provision of basic needs. David understands that you have to have relationships before you can dig into whether or not someone’s drug habit was wrong or if their lifestyle was contrary to the Word of God. Jesus wouldn’t condemn them and neither did David.

David is a member of Journey Church in Griffin right around the corner from the neighborhood. He is also a Cross country Coach

The Community Center has become a centerpiece of the neighborhood.

at a small school called Strong Rock School. He spends his time

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Behind the Scenes

With the Triathlon Team

Run for God has a little secret that most people outside the local area don’t know about, unless you travel in the company of fast triathletes.

The Run for God youth triathlon team

crazy successful bike times.

has been competing for seven years all over the country. This year’s team com-

Each year the team competes in the Youth and Junior Nation-

peted as far north and west as Washing-

al Championships to measure themselves against the best in

ton and as far east and south as Florida.

the country and 2017 was no different. There are two levels of competition once an athlete turns 13. This year, the team had

Mitchell Hollis is a certified USAT coach

three compete at the highest level in the Youth Elite National

and has guided a successful team from

Championship race. It is an honor and an accomplishment just

the beginning. In the last few years he

to qualify for that race. In addition, the team had eight athletes

has enlisted the service of Dean Thomp-

competing in the Age Group National Championship races.

son to help nurture the run workouts

26

for the team. Recently, he added Phil

Of course, the team is careful to always put God first in all of

Donihe to improve swim times. Mitchell

their training and competition. If they are going to represent

continues to be the brains behind some

Him on their racing uniforms, they want to be sure to provide a

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BEHIND THE SCENES worthy example. The coaches have heard many compliments from the competition regarding the good sportsmanship the team always displays.

Practicing six or seven days a week, sometimes twice a day is tough on someone who still has the responsibility of schoolwork and all the things to be done at home, but this bunch handles it gracefully. There is, perhaps, no more demanding sport they could choose. From the pool at 5 a.m. to the sunset as they finish their latest bike workout, they all love the sport; but more importantly, they love the God that created it!

Here is a look at the 2017 Youth and Junior Elite National Championship Results:

Youth Elite Lane Hollis 3rd Brett Barton 31st Easton Gray 50th 8 year old Female Age Group Alyce Norton 7th 12 year old Female Age Group Sarah Burnette 2nd 11 year old Male Age Group Landon Hollis 11th Andre Avila 28th 13 year old Male Age Group Andrew Stamper 14th 14 year old Male Age Group Harris Gallegly 5th Jacob Blair 11th *Cole Burnette began the 14 year-old race, but crashed on the bike and was unable to finish.

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Run for God 2018 Race Schedule Live Races

April 14 Run at The Mill 5K, 10K, Half Marathon July 4 Funnel Cake 5K 5K July 21 Dalton Parks Triathlon Super Sprint Triathlon August 18 Pinky Run 5K

Virtual Races

April 14 Virtual Run at The Mill 5K, 10K, Half Marathon August 18 Pinky Run 5K Go to RunforGod.com and find Races for more information 28

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IT ALL

STARTED WITH A

SHIRT.

START SOMETHING TODAY. RUNFORGOD.COM RUNFORGOD.COM

WINTER 2018

29

Marathon Mom In 2009,

Krista DuChene won the Mississauga Marathon and became known as “Marathon Mom.” From that high point, she went even higher when she became the second fastest female Canadian marathoner ever and competed in the 2016 Olympic Games Marathon. Most importantly, you will always find that she is quick to give the glory to God for anything she accomplishes.

many accomplishments, she will tell you that the feeling came when she crossed the finish line to become an Olympic Marathoner AND immediately going over to celebrate with her family.

Rewind back to her youth. In this world where young kids are encouraged to find “their sport” early and focus intensely on it, and practice year-round, Krista’s story is counterintuitive. She was super-active as a child. She says, “Because I had so much energy, my mom used to lock me out of the house, making me run laps around it until I was tired out and could go back in.” By the time she was a teenager, she narrowed her favorite activities to running and hockey

Professional athletes can be rather self-

and participated in both in high school. But, when she went to the

centered out of necessity. If they’re not tuned

University of Guelph to major in Applied Human Nutrition, she chose

into their body and its needs 24 hours a day

hockey over running. Of course she kept running to keep in shape for

things can go awry. But when you ask Krista

hockey, but she didn’t think about a career in running at that point in

to describe the greatest feeling from her

her life.

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Krista’s favorite scriptures It wasn’t until she won the Mississauga Marathon in 2009 that she decided to hire a coach and seriously pursue a professional running career. By that time Krista was 31 years old and had given birth to a second son only a year prior, which isn’t typically the time to begin an athletic career. But through the incredible support and urging of her husband Jonathan, she started down the narrow path of elite running.

She had always felt that God had given her a gift in her ability to run, and He seemed determined to allow her to get faster after each child was born. In her mind, she really didn’t have a choice. Her favorite quote explains why. “I believe God made me for a purpose, but He also

“The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.

You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ NLT

Matthew 25:23

made me fast, and when I run I feel His pleasure.” (Eric Liddell - 1924 Olympic gold medalist and missionary) as a person, far more during my low periods of In the 2016 Olympics, Krista finished 35th against 150 of the world’s

injury and disappointment than during grueling

best marathoners. She puts that tremendous accomplishment in

marathon training blocks.” She continually

perspective by understanding that all she does is a gift from God and

turns to God when things are going poorly,

is to be used to glorify Him. She is thankful to have grown up in a

but is quick to give Him the glory when she

Christian home. But things have not always been easy for Krista. Her

experiences the highs. What a testimony!

faith grew as she dealt with the premature deaths of both of her parents in 1995 and 1997, both to cancer. She has endured serious injuries and

Krista’s plans going forward? “With the

added another child while preparing for the Olympic Games. When

necessity to reignite my other career

asked how she deals with the adversity of coming back from injury and

(Registered Dietitian), keep up with the kids’

childbirth, she says she relies on these statements: “I will choose joy.

growing activities, and knowing my fastest

I will run again. I will be thankful. I will do all I can to heal and stay

times are likely behind me, I am taking it

fit. God’s plan is better than mine.” She adds, “I have grown deeper

one season at a time. I hope to run a spring

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marathon in 2018. I will keep running competitively until I feel otherwise!” She doesn’t plan to “retire” completely from running, but rather age gracefully in road races while taking care of her family.

Her growing children are Micah (11), Seth (9), and Leah (6). Being active in their lives by coaching teams, volunteering at the school and supporting their dreams is very important to Krista. She will continue to be encouraged by her husband as she transitions into her new role as public speaker and Registered Dietician, and she will continue to return that support encouraging him in all he does.

Krista is involved with many activities outside of her own running.

Above, she coaches and watches with her son. Below, she takes time to do some interviewing for a race.

Krista’s favorite scriptures

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. NIV

1 Peter 4:10

When we watch professional athletes on television, we can lose sight of the person behind the athlete. It’s easy to forget that some of them are mothers and have families at home. It’s easy to lose sight of the fact that they go through some of the same struggles we do, like the

Krista in a recent 10K. She feels her fastest days may be behind her, but she plans to age gracefully and keep running! loss of loved ones. We can take for granted the fact that living a life for Jesus is even more difficult for someone who has to be in the spotlight and deal with all the temptation that it entails. But there are some who rise above. We know about some of them because they are so vocal. If you didn’t know about Krista, it’s only because she lives in a different country that has its own spotlight. She says none of her success is due to her strength or her ability. She adds, “My faith has helped me through the lowest of lows and kept me humble in the highest highs.”

Isn’t that what God calls us to do? Well, that’s how “Marathon Mom” lives her life daily.

Krista’s favorite scriptures

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others.

Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.

Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. NLT Not every family gets to go to Rio to cheer for mom in the Olympic Marathon, but Micah, Seth and Leah did along with dad and husband, Jonathan.

Philippians 2:3-4

T

Fo

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Running God’s Race with Irene

It’s a God Thing Once again, my kids will be rolling their eyes at my need to

sensed we could do better than that. I think it was Natalie who said “too

turn EVERY life circumstance into a running

I promptly said “Wait, I do!” and wasted no time in opening up the

metaphor or saying “It’s a God thing.” Some

app on my phone and placing it on my forehead for my family to say,

call it obsession. I call it passion. It’s a matter of

hum, gesture, or sing out clues so I could guess the word displayed on

perspective.

the screen. The following 39 minutes seemed to fly by as our family

bad we don’t have the Heads-Up game.”

interacted together in a way we haven’t since the girls were too short to This time we were at Disneyland. All four of

ride Space Mountain.

us. On a beautiful, crisp mid-November holiday.

It had been almost a decade since we last

I like to think that Dave and I passed down a few admirable traits to our

braved the crowds and meticulously strategized

daughters, but the trait that proved most advantageous at the next 40+

FastPass procurement. As customary, we

minute lines was our competitiveness. Let’s just say that we all brought

headed straight for the Space Mountain ticket

our A-game and would not settle for sub par Heads-Up performances. To

dispensers. As expected, the FastPass return

those innocent bystanders whom we entertained in the Matterhorn line -

time was for much later in the day - 9:30pm

you’re welcome.

to 10:30pm was our window of opportunity to enjoy the most popular ride in the park without waiting 75 minutes in line. And then at 1:15 the ticket indicated a FastPass would be available for another ride which, of course, would be Indiana Jones with a return time of 5:55pm.

This went on until we maxed out on all the good rides. That’s how we spent the first half of our day in the Magic Kingdom.

In between acquiring FastPasses, we managed to find rides with “only” 40 minute wait times.

But what is a family to do whilst standing in line together for 40 minutes? I can easily spend 40 minutes on my own getting caught

Can I just stop right here and say that I’ve never had so much fun waiting

up on social media. We probably could’ve each

in line? And really, the whole day was waiting in lines interspersed with a

resorted to private screen time as the remedy

few rides as well as meticulously maneuvering our way through the most

for Disney line survival; however, I think we all

crowds I’ve ever seen at Disneyland in my 44 years of visiting.

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Running God’s Race with Irene But wait, it gets better. So, we headed over at 5:55 for our Indiana Jones FastPass time slot. Breezed through the line to that point where you’re about to board the ride and the movie video clip introduction went black followed by a cast member announcing the ride had to be “indefinitely discontinued.” Translation: a kid probably barfed and they had to clean it up. Whatever the case, everyone had to promptly exit. On the bright side, we were not the ones who just stood in line 75 minutes or the poor kid in front of us who was so excited about finally being tall enough to go on this ride now visibly disappointed but trying very hard not to cry. Which made us all a little teary-eyed.

Oh, Disney...the emotions you evoke.

But more bright side, they gave us new FastPasses for any ride of our choice at any time. We were just saying that we wanted to check out the Haunted Mansion but the line was way too long. We were now able to hop on over there and breeze through that line as well to successfully enjoy their “Nightmare before Christmas” version of the ride. I have to confess that it was not as bad as I imagined it would be as I’ve never been a Haunted Mansion or Halloween fan. In fact, I don’t think we’ve

Roller Coaster anyone?

ever gone on this ride as a family since I thought it would give my kids nightmares when they were little which in turn would give me mom guilt for the rest of my life.

“...I have learned to be content

As we exited the Haunted Mansion and headed toward our next

whatever the circumstances. I

destination, we had to pass by Indiana Jones. I thought it would be really funny if it “happened” to re-open right when we showed up.

know what it is to be in need,

And it did.

and I know what it is to have

We practically had to run through this line of no people as it went THAT

plenty. I have learned the

fast. And so we got to go on one of our favorite rides after all, and we think we even saw the little boy from earlier finally get to go on it as well.

secret of being content in any

It was at that moment I couldn’t help it. I said it out loud to my family.

and every situation, whether

“That was such a God thing!” I couldn’t see their faces, but I could feel my kids’ eyes rolling. But I didn’t care.

The truth of the matter is that all day I had been saying that in my heart.

This just happened to be the first time I said it out loud. And I said it again when the Blue Bayou restaurant had a dinner opening for us after being booked solid for weeks. We didn’t even have to eat at 10:45pm.

God uses so many ways and means to get our attention. I have often missed the clues and later smacked my own forehead saying “Duh, how did I not get that?” It’s like that Heads-Up game. God can say it, hum it,

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well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” NIV

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“But from there you

“This was a bad idea.” After passing the half marathon turn around

will seek the Lord your

Too late now. You know what else I lamented? Dinner the night before.

God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” NKJV

Deuteronomy 4:29

point, I was definitely lamenting not downgrading when I had the chance.

Two porta-potty stops leading up to mile 13 were the result. A few years ago, this would’ve been devastating as stopping even once might’ve made a difference in PR’ing or not. This year the goal was JUST FINISH but it wouldn’t happen without one of the toughest mental battles ever.

At mile 14, it crossed my mind that if Dave happened to be driving by I would jump in the car and call it a day. No! I’ve never DNF’ed and was not about to - not today, not ever! It was then that I realized I had spent the last 14 miles whining and focused on how miserable I was feeling. I told Jesus how sorry I was for making this whole thing about me and “my race.” And for forgetting about ALL the times He has been so faithful in providing exactly what I needed at precisely the right moments. And for His healing me so that I could run an incredible 50K with Him and the

sing it, and act it out for us...sometimes we still

most stunning views that HE created that I got to enjoy less than a week

don’t get it.

ago.

The truth is that there is not one second of the

So from mile 14.5, in my heart and mind I made it all about God’s race and

day that’s not His thing.

looking for ways to praise Jesus.

The same applies to races (finally - the running

Mile 15 turned onto a tree-lined trail after being on roadway and

analogy!) as He so clearly illustrated at this

residential streets. I suddenly felt an adrenaline rush and my legs

year’s Carmel Marathon.

It was late April and I had just completed a grueling but exhilarating 50K trail race the week before as well as come off of a few months of injury. I had registered for the marathon almost a year ago and was looking forward to running this course for the third year in a row.

My course PR was 4:18 which at the time I was not happy with and blamed the warm weather.

This year’s race had the cold temps I had been hoping for that first year. Ideal race conditions except for the fact that I was not in ideal race condition. It crossed my mind to downgrade to the half marathon, but pride wouldn’t allow it.

Go big or go home, right? After all, I didn’t fly all the way to Indiana to drop to a shorter distance.

I admit I felt sluggish those first few miles. My fifty year old body was feeling the three hour time zone change and 50K hills from a week ago. At the mile 11 marker, I said to myself

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“O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.

You know when I sit down or stand up.

You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.

You see me when I travel and when I rest at home.

You know everything I do.

You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.

You go before me and follow me.

You place your hand of blessing on my head.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!

I can never escape from your Spirit!

I can never get away from your presence!” NLT

Psalm 139:1-7 RUNFORGOD.COM

picked up. I started noticing the peaceful,

Running God’s Race with Irene

inviting canopy of trees ahead. Cool breezes accompanied me. I don’t remember much else about the race leading up to mile 23 - except that I was joking with God about finishing under the five hour mark. At that point, it would be nothing short of a miracle to finish sub-5.

I had only checked my Garmin once the whole race which was at mile 13 to verify if I was indeed going as slowly as I thought. Garmin doesn’t lie when it comes to pace and time.

Sometimes I wish it would. At mile 23 I looked at my Garmin the same way one looks at a scale or credit card bill after Christmas - expecting the worst. To my shock, I was on pace to finish under 5 hours. I also ran into a friend at mile 24 who cheered me on. I was pumped. I ran the fastest mile splits those last three miles and had such a great time praising and worshiping Jesus that I was almost sorry to see the finish line. Almost.

There it was. The elusive finish line. Hours and days ago seemed so far away but now a mere fifty steps or so to go. I told Jesus, “I just wanna finish under 5 hours.” I could now see the race

Disney is best experienced with family even if they roll their eyes from time to time! clock and hear the announcer. The clock was gun time not chip time, and I had not looked at my Garmin since mile 23. Right before my shoe hit the timing pad, I saw my time and heard the announcer: “Irene Tang from

The unlikely Sub-5:00:00

California coming in at 4:59.59!”

The volunteers handing out the medals and bottled water heard it as well. We all laughed together as one placed my medal around my neck then high-fived me.

When I think back to what it took to go precisely 4:59.59, I can’t help but smile. I love God’s sense of humor and precision in answering the cries of our hearts. One more or one less tick on the clock would not have mattered in the grand scheme of things, but God knew how much it would mean to me. And how we’d laugh about that moment and that race for a long time.

I was now thankful for the line at the porta-potties and questionable dinner. I was thankful for the colder than expected temps. I was thankful my friend and I stopped for a hug at mile 24. I was thankful for our two

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restaurants on Main Street that “just happen” to be along mile 26 which motivated me even more for fear that I would look like I’m dying in front of our employees.

Every second mattered.

I never thought I’d be over-the-moon about a five hour marathon when my goal for years was sub-four with hopes of a Boston qualifying time. Funny that I feel more content about this finish than my actual career PR of 4:13 in 2013. I picture God and I playing that Heads-Up game, and the word I’m holding up but can’t see is “CONTENT.” The lengths that God went through so I could see it, say it, and know it first hand.

Whether it’s a grueling marathon or endless line at Disneyland, He knows and does what it takes for us to clue in. Some days it takes a few more clues. But He’ll never stop. He never gives up.

It must be a God-thing.

“For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment.” MSG

Colossians 1:17

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But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

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