St. Louis Go marathon 2013

Great day at the St. Louis Marathon on Sunday 4/07/13.  Laura ran with a guy, Matt, we met at the expo who was struggling with some things.  We met him on Saturday and Laura was praying that whole night wishing she would have offered to run with him.  She finally emailed him that evening extending the request and he contacted her.  He was glad that she had invited him to run with her.  He said that he actually decided he probably wasn't going to run until he read her email.  God is sooo amazing!  They ran together, both better for the experience.  I love how God brings total strangers together and makes them friends when they unite to give Him glory!  And, we had the blessing of praying with Blair prerace who was gearing up to overcome an injury.  Great way to start a race!

Met some amazing people at the expo... Karen and Blair have kept in touch and, I believe, will go on to do great things running with TEAM413 and serving Him.  I've had many people comment on the sacrifices that it takes to run this much and to do things that seem to have no benefit.  That is the way the world sees it.  I, however, do not.  I will never be less than bold about my love for Him, nor will I ever apologize for it.  It's not a sacrifice when you love what you do. Its a blessing.  I'm just grateful to have such a wonderful family who supports me and the ministry.  I finished the full in 3:50, praise God.  I am utterly amazed at how much the human body can do!  When you stop telling it what it can't do and replace it with what God can do, wow!!!  I am convinced that Roctane, Gatorade and prayer are the ultimate weapons in long distance running.  If you have never tried Roctane, don't hesitate.  It's Gu filled with caffeine.  Took 4 on the course as well as Gatorade to keep electrolytes balanced.  Seemed to really keep my energy even.  I was able to maintain an 8:20 pace until the last 6 miles.  Hills and more hills.  But, got it done.  Next marathon is on 4/27 in Nashville where I'll be working the expo.  Steve Seda, a member, came in at 4:04 and Kris York at 4:26.

Next weekend is the TEAM413 1st annual Half Marathon.  Crazy month!  But so worth it.  Will be at the back of the pack this time.  How refreshing it will be to take it easy and help others cross the finish line.  Laura will be joining me as we make the experience more fun for the runners.  Woohoo!!  

The pic is of a quick shot I made on the 5:00 news and the newest toenails to bite the dust.  Sayonara... toenails are for sissies anyway.

Day 2 of the Go St. Louis marathon. God is so amazing. The stories i hear and the people I am blessed to meet make it worth everything. Runners are a different breed who require faith backed up by actions. Its one thing to say "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" and another to prove it. Blessed to be part of the TEAM413 ministry. Had a runner come by who shared that her recent injury had sidelined her and she was unable to run the marathon tomorrow. She was so upset and we talked about how Gods plan is not revealed to us unless He deems it so. But we have to trust that He works all things for our good and hold on to his promises. She said she hadn't looked at it from that point and agreed that God was in control and she would trust Him to be with her through this lesson and time in her life. How great to serve a God who loves us so much to care about our goals and our PRs.

Forrest Gump Challenge Marathon 3/30/2013

This was a very challenging and hilly course.  It started out cold and got colder and rained (and rained).  Aid stations were 4 miles apart requiring us to carry our own hydration bottles and mixing powdered gatorade into them while maintaining pace.  Also had to carry spibelts as there were no gels or food at the aid stations.  This all sounds crazy but added to the experience.  It was actually nice to run without all the crowds and get back to some "rocky" style endurance.  A steady intake of gatorade and Roctane gels kept my energy levels up and I found myself getting lost in worship and thanking God for all His amazing blessings and creations.  

The clouds covered us all day making for ideal running weather.  Absolutely perfect conditions, although most would have done without the rain.  I happen to love running in the rain and the harder it came down, the more praise I sent up thanking the Father for the ability and strength to conquer 26.2 miles of hills!  Elle Shumney got a half marathon PR time of 1:35.  I got my second best marathon time of 3:42:29 winning the overall female division.  I have never done this before.  Thank God for small races!  Laura Murrieta got a PR of 5:35 and Kelly Scarborough PRd at 4 hours and some seconds.  We all were feeling extremely blessed and humbled that we could be used to spread "his word".  Not only to other racers but to the passing cars.  The race route took us on the shoulder of a major Branson highway where 100s  of cars passed by.  A very rewarding and grace filled day.  The kids came and added to our joy by running the last bit of Lauras marathon with her and joining us in prayer and worship after.  God is good and worthy to be praised.  

Next week is the Go St. Louis marathon (running Sunday), then the TEAM413 1/2 marathon in Birmingham.     A week off and then the Country Music Marathon in Nashville.   Looks to be a busy month for this chapter of TEAM413.  Can't think of a better way to spend the month.  Praying my body heals quickly for Sunday's marathon.  Expecting my time to be less than desirable as I've never run two marathons within 8 days.  But, that is not the reason I do it anymore.  Your will be done Lord and I will cross the finish line because "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Memory loss

Ooops!! With all this running, I forgot to do my 20 mile training run for the March 30 marathon.  So, I will be running an hour in the morning, another hour with the run group, and then one more for good measure.  Why do I procrastinate?!!!  Praying the weather is good or at least tolerable.

The run groups are at Westside Baptist at 9:30 on Tuesdays and 10:00 on Wednesdays.  They are open to everyone and every fitness level.  Great way to show what TEAM413 is about.  Sharing and caring.  There is no mile run too slow... only the mile never run at all.  So, enjoy the run!!

Shamrock Shuffle

Great race for all of us.  Very cold and windy.  All four of us pictured set a PR.  Praise God, I came in with a 21:46.  My best 5k ever.  Thinking the minimal shoes are helping turnover.  Makes me toe strike more and, of course, they are lighter.  Met some new friends too!    TEAM413 was represented today and to God be the glory.  I am so humbled that He sees fit to use me.  I pray that I never lose sight of the reason I can run.  It's by His grace.  With every breath, I will give Him praise.  My God is wonderful.

ultramax race

ultramax race, a gallery on Flickr.

More pics from the Ultramax race on March 10th. What a great day!!