Anna Luongo of Canfield donned her potato costume and took to the course during the half-marathon, surrounded by 25 other runners who did the same.
Luongo was picked from a nationwide applicant pool and says she has carbs, community and Heinz ketchup running through her veins.
"The Pittsburgh Half Marathon did not disappoint,” Luongo stated. “Fueled with mashed potatoes on the course and the energy from the crowd was unmatched. So thankful for the incredible opportunity to run as a speedy spud this beautiful Sunday morning.”
Along with her fellow Speedy Spuds, the 26 potato team represents the 26 grams of carbohydrates found in a medium-sized skin-on potato.
Potatoes USA is a national marketing and research organization focused on strengthening the demand for potatoes nationwide.
According to a news release, this was the largest known coordinated potato costume running event in American history.
Wow, right? I would definitely consider their marketing campaign a win. I mean, who wouldn’t want to eat a potato after watching 26 runners dressed like spuds run 13.1 miles and cross the finish line? In that way, you could definitely say they were dressed for success.
And you know, in the same way, what believers wear matters. Now we aren’t marketing a “product” per se, but we are promoting the eternal benefits of following Jesus Christ by what we say and what we do.
And one of the best ways we can do this is to clothe ourselves “with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience,” bearing with each other and forgiving one another as the Lord forgave us. And, then, after we’ve done all that… over all these virtues, we put on love, “which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
What does that mean exactly? Well, it means we must first remember that we are “God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved.” This designation means that these virtues are not meant to earn God's love, but are a natural response to being loved by Him already.
And one of the best ways we can do this is to clothe ourselves “with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience,” bearing with each other and forgiving one another as the Lord forgave us. And, then, after we’ve done all that… over all these virtues, we put on love, “which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
What does that mean exactly? Well, it means we must first remember that we are “God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved.” This designation means that these virtues are not meant to earn God's love, but are a natural response to being loved by Him already.
Then we are to remember that this “changing of clothes” (putting off the old self and putting on the new) describe the practical, daily adoption of five core virtues that are contrary to the attitudes of the world: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. These virtues, that should be clearly seen by our speech and behavior, symbolize the change that Jesus Christ has made in our lives—a change that’s so amazing that it should make others want to experience this change for themselves.
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34
Furthermore, this new clothing, or new way of life, also allows us to forgive one another when conflicts arise, modeling the otherworldly forgiveness God granted us. God loved us while we were still sinners and commands us to love others in the same way. That is not worldly behavior!
Finally, love is described as the final layer ("over all these virtues") that acts as a belt or binding agent, bringing all other virtues together in perfect harmony. This love has the power to inspire the lost to seek the One who inspires it in us!
So, be sure to dress for success every day my friend by clothing yourself with the virtues that will cause the lost to seek the Lord. It’s the best way to promote and glorify the One who has the power to transform lives.
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that, as believers, we are called to be set apart in everything that we say and do. Help us to clothe ourselves every day with the virtues that show we are followers of You so that others would be inspired to follow You as well. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus, amen.
Happy Running!
Finally, love is described as the final layer ("over all these virtues") that acts as a belt or binding agent, bringing all other virtues together in perfect harmony. This love has the power to inspire the lost to seek the One who inspires it in us!
So, be sure to dress for success every day my friend by clothing yourself with the virtues that will cause the lost to seek the Lord. It’s the best way to promote and glorify the One who has the power to transform lives.
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that, as believers, we are called to be set apart in everything that we say and do. Help us to clothe ourselves every day with the virtues that show we are followers of You so that others would be inspired to follow You as well. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus, amen.
Happy Running!
