Mile 26.1 – The face of CHEERFUL ENDURANCE!
Run until the race is won! God works in mysterious ways. I believe He speaks to us in our ‘love’ language. Mine is through running! Many people call me crazy…and sometimes I agree…especially on mile 18 of marathon.
Since the Chicago Marathon I have been inside my head…crazy. Agreed! I was after a certain time and didn’t get it. I was bummed. After the race I examined the run and figured out what went wrong. I knew what to change. I approached NYC 3 weeks later with the option of trying again. But, due to it being 3 weeks later, as I blogged earlier – I just enjoyed running NYC and took it all in with no pressure.
In fact, King & Country have penned my exact feelings in the following song:
It’s Not Over Yet:
They are inside your head
You got a voice that says
You won’t get past this one
You won’t win your freedom
It’s like a constant war
And you want to settle that score
But you’re bruised and beaten
And you feel defeated
This goes out to the heaviest heart
[Chorus:]
Oh, to everyone who’s hit their limit
It’s not over yet
It’s not over ye-et
And even when you think you’re finished
It’s not over yet
It’s not over ye-et
Keep on fighting
Out of the dark
Into the light
It’s not over
Hope is rising
Never give in
Never give up
It’s not over
Yea-et-et, woah
Yea-et-et, woah
Oh, game set match
It’s time to put it in your past, oh
Feel the winter leavin’
It’s redemption season
Long live the young at heart (Here we are)
Cheers to a brand new start (Here we are)
We’re revived and breathing
To live a life of freedom
Life is a race we run
So run till the race is won
Don’t you ever give up (Here we are)
Oh no never give up (Here we are)
Life is a race we run
So run till the race is won
Don’t you ever give up (Here we are)
We will never give up (Here we are)
Knowing life is a race we run and I was going to run until the race was won or for me my goal time or PR(personal record) was achieved – I wanted to keep on going. So upon my return from NYC – my CRAZY marathon mind started going again and saying – I know I can do my time. I know I can. And like the CRAZY marathoner I am…I looked for yet another run. And lo and behold, I found one. AND it was only two hours from home! Count me in! Rocket City Marathon – here I come. PR – here I come. But, God had a different kind of PR in mind. His work continues….
Once I decided to run this marathon God started really speaking to me. He spoke in so many ways….I am glad I was listening.
It all started, or so I thought, with a sermon preached by a guest speaker at our church. (I will tell where it really started later.) The pastor preached on Romans 5.3-5.
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
He used the term CHEERFUL ENDURANCE. At that moment I knew I needed cheerful endurance as I ran. Perseverance and struggle are a part of 26.2 miles as they are a part of life. I knew I wanted to be cheerful while on this part of the journey. The seed had been planted.
He preached again the following Wednesday and used another scripture from Romans. Romans 15.4.
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
Here it was again….learning from the past. The past is to teach us! And through (cheerful) endurance taught in Scriptures – we can be encouraged and have hope!!!
These scriptures became my training scriptures for the RCM. I had hope that ‘the time’ I was working for was going to happen. My PR! But, as I said earlier, God had a different plan. I was still in my mind and He wanted me in HIS!
2 Corinthians 2.14 was His goal – He wanted me to spread HIS aroma everywhere. 🙂
But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.
In a marathon His aroma is much better than all of ours – for sure! This scripture was given by another guest speaker at our church. 🙂 I was starting to piece it all together. As the lyrics in Casting Crown’s JUST BE HELD say:
So when you’re on your knees and answers seem so far away
You’re not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your worlds not falling apart, its falling into place
I’m on the throne, stop holding on and just be held
He was piecing it together when I thought I was falling off pace and my training was falling apart.
Since July I have worked hard for that time. I was doing what the tagline for Believe In It apparel says – back that up with hard work, anything in life is possible. I knew I could and I believed in it. My ‘it’ was my time. But, God’s ‘it’ was His peace.
I won’t say I left Him out of the process the first go around. He is the reason I make it through every day. I don’t know what I would do without my relationship with Jesus. He is my rock and my shelter. He is the constant in my life through everything. I say this because I truly experience Him daily and know beyond a shadow of a doubt I could not and would not want to live without Him.
My desires in life come from Him. My talents come from Him. My goal is to use those for Him. I kind of left him out of the time goal first time around. As I stated earlier, I let myself get in my head. I didn’t allow the peace that surpasses all understanding get in my head. Philippians 4.7 states:
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
I had allowed my mind to take over and not His. The journey from Chicago to NYC and Huntsville revealed this to me and concluded with a mental PR on December 12, 2015.
Now to the rest of the story – (Confession – this race was for God and me. That being said – I told only a handful of people. My mom and dad didn’t even know I was running it. I wanted to do this one with no strings attached. There was tracking for the runners – but I didn’t share. God was tracking me and that was enough.)
God winked at me over and over again during the 5 weeks between NYC and Huntsville. He was preparing me for His peace through what would be my Cheerful Endurance run. He set the stage for the most mentally strong race I have ever had. A mental PR was set on December 12, 2015 and I will forever remember this run as a spiritual retreat from the pressure filled mind of hitting that time – my time – not his.
Some may think – well this is just a way for you to write off not getting the time once again. If they do – so be it. I know how I felt crossing that finish line. I know the last half mile I have NEVER felt stronger running. I knew I was doing it. I was pose running at it’s best – falling, pulling and moving strong. Many commented on my strong appearance in that last half mile – that was confirmation I had done this in HIS strength! I was able to dig deep and finish smiling! Cheerful ENDuRANce.
Going into race day I felt great. I had had good training runs. I slept better the night before the race than I had in days. The pressure was gone and the race was on. Originally, I had planned on going alone. Mike is on a hunting trip or he would have been with me. 🙂 I did have a couple of friends who knew I was running offer to go. I was totally okay with doing this one solo. I wasn’t alone…God was with me. In the end, one of my running angels did come and keep me in line. 🙂 She prayed with me, prayed for me, kept Mike informed, tracked me(she was the only one because she was there), chauffeured me home and cheered me on. Iron Sharpens Iron – i2!
Proverbs 27.17
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
The race was in Alabama – Roll Tide country. This Arkansas fan heard those words often over the two days I was there – starting with the check-in at the hotel. My hair was a little crazy from the Friday fun day at school. I decided to put my ball cap on before we went into the hotel. Of course my hat is a Razorback hat. I guess this was too much for the guy waiting on me at the hotel. As we were about to finish up he said, “Roll Tide. You can’t be coming in here with that hat on and not expect me to say something.” I was kind and talked about the SEC being the best and walked on saying nothing else. Later I had my opportunity to give it back to him and he chuckled.
As I ran the race I had some awesome God winks. The first dealt with Arkansas once again. Throughout the race many locals yelled ‘Roll Tide’ to the runners. This gave me an opportunity to yell ‘Woo Pig Sooie’ back to them. A couple of runners from England were a bit shocked and asked what in the world I had just muttered. It was fun answering them and hearing their English accents. Another runner gave me a fist bump and congratulated the Hogs for beating Ole Miss. The same guys saw me once the race was over and said, “are you ‘Woo Pig Sooie’?” and gave me another fist bump. Don’t you love SEC football? 🙂
Here is a sampling of the other fun stories along my CHEERFUL ENDURANCE run – in attempt to shorten this post I will put them in bullet form. 😉
- The run started at the Von Braun Center where Shannon, Deirdre and I saw a Priscilla Shirer LIVE event in April. This is where God started this peace journey.
Priscilla talked about the Armor of God. We have access to this armor because we are a child of His. Ephesians 6.10-18
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God,so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Little did I know in April of this year God was laying the foundation for my runs in October, November and December. He knew I would allow the devil to try to take away my joy when I failed to reach my goal in October. He knew that I would get inside my head and not let God in for a while. Guess what? I didn’t forget who ultimately wins…it did take me 8 weeks and 3 marathons to figure out this message. I never said I wasn’t hard-headed. 🙂 As she said during her message “The victory is irrevocable! The devil has already been defeated and we aren’t fighting for victory – we are fighting FROM victory!” AMEN!
She talked about girding up our feelings and thoughts with HIS truth!
The Voice of Truth – this song by Casting Crowns came on at the right time yesterday during my run.
“the voice of truth tells me a different story – do not be afraid…this is for My glory…I will soar with the wings of eagles…When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus…Singing over me.”
As did several other amazing songs –
Overcomer by Madisa
You’re an overcomer
Stay in the fight ‘til the final round
You’re not going under
‘Cause God is holding you right now
You might be down for a moment
Feeling like it’s hopeless
That’s when He reminds You
That you’re an overcomer
You’re an overcomer
So don’t quit, don’t give in, you’re an overcomer
Don’t quit, don’t give in, you’re an overcomer
Don’t quit, don’t give in, you’re an overcomer
You’re an overcomer
Redeemed by Big Daddy Weave
Seems like all I could see was the struggle
Haunted by ghosts that lived in my past
Bound up in shackles of all my failures
Wondering how long is this gonna last
Then You look at this prisoner and say to me “son
Stop fighting a fight it’s already been won”
I am redeemed, You set me free
So I’ll shake off these heavy chains
Wipe away every stain, now I’m not who I used to be
I am redeemed, I’m redeemed
You Deliver Me by Selah –
Deep as the ocean, bright as rain
This powerful emotion lifts me up above the plain
It’s taking me to places I never thought I’d go
Showing me a grace I never thought I’d know
When I feel like I can’t go on
You deliver me.
He definitely delivered me and gave me a promise He sent to me in NYC – The best day ever!
The Best Day Ever by American Authors –
I had a dream so big and loud
I jumped so high I touched the clouds
Wo-o-o-o-o-oh
I stretched my hands out to the sky
We danced with monsters through the night
Wo-o-o-o-o-oh
I’m never gonna look back
Whoa, I’m never gonna give it up
No, please don’t wake me now
Oo-o-o-o-oo
This is gonna be the best day of my life
My li-i-i-ife
Oo-o-o-o-oo
This is gonna be the best day of my life
The Rocket City Marathon is a small marathon with a HUGE heart. There were around 1500 marathoners. Many of these runners had a following – family and friends who found them all over the course. These people also encouraged strangers along the way.
- A group of 3 who lifted my spirits every time I saw them by saying “Hey there’s that pretty lady again!” When I realized they were talking to me I am sure I blushed a little beneath the sweat. 🙂 I passed them again and they shouted “There’s the cute girl – your hair looks great, it hasn’t changed!” I ran past them with a huge smile.
- A father with a megaphone encouraging us individually by calling out our numbers. The second time I saw him I told him I loved that he was out there. His daughter lovingly said, “Don’t encourage my dad!” I told her we needed more of him. I saw him as I finished and I shouted – “I love that you are here!” He smiled.
- Crazy man – He started by yelling at us and telling us we were crazy but awesome. The second time I saw him I told him I agreed we were crazy. He disagreed and said we were great. The last time I saw him I told him I had a new word for him – stupid. I had just passed a runner who said to me “this is stupid.” I agreed and said I had done enough of them to know better. The crazy guy said “No, you are not stupid – you are awesome.” Smiling again!
- A cop came strolling by in his cop car. I asked if I could have a ride to the finish. His answer – “Only in handcuffs!” I replied, “It would make a great story.” Smiling!
- There was one couple I saw at least 5 times. I asked them for a ride to the finish as well. I told them they would definitely beat me there.
- I heard Shannon yell “go Trish” at mile 1. She met me again and encouraged me at the halfway point. It was great seeing her smiling face! At the finish she captured the joy on my face rounding the last curve to the finish line! Once I had crossed the finish line she took photos and yelled my name many times before my tired brain heard her. Thankful for my awesome God-given friends who understand my craziness!
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Several signs were on the course that made me smile –
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Press on to the finish!
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ENDurance!
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Chafe now, BRAG later! Toenails are overrated!
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Gym teacher sign – As I took this photo a lady laughed and said that is great! I replied, “I am the gym teacher.” This picture is for my 4th grader Bradley. He is always asking if I have another run. He asked me Friday and “I said yes, tomorrow. Pray for me.” He smiled!
- I ran past one guy who was walking. I encouraged him, as I tried to do with everyone I passed, and he started running with me. He said, “No PR today.” I replied “We toed the line and we will finish. That is a PR in itself. He replied, “yes, I need to find something to focus on.” I told him I would stay with him but then he cramped and had to pull back. I did see him finish and he finished well!
- Mike would be proud because I yelled “Go Vols!” to a gentleman with a Vol hat on. 🙂
- The Spirit Teams along the way lifted our spirits as well. There were high school bands, drum lines, an orchestra in front of a coffee shop, cheerleaders, FCA group and many others!
- Peanut Butter Jelly Time playing over speakers during one water stop…and the PBJ I was able to eat at the finish thanks to the volunteers who were making them. That was probably the best PBJ and chocolate milk I have ever had.
- Shaking hands with the race director upon my finish. Class act! RCM was awesome!
All of the spectators were amazing…there were not as many as in Chicago and NYC but they were full of southern hospitality….you just can’t beat that! It was truly an awesome experience! During the fleeting moments I wanted to quit or find a ride, someone would lift me up. I tried to make a point to do the same. I thanked the MANY police officers and volunteers! They not only made it a safe race they made sure to make a fun one.
The spectators, runners, volunteers, scenery and music all made the day amazing. When I hit the half, I knew I was going to battle physically during the second half. My goal to keep cheerful endurance was tested. But with God’s help we won out. He showed me His strength. He gave me Words. He supplied His messengers. He carried me through to the very end. The hope I had for a PR was rewarded with the most peaceful 26.2 miles I have ever had. Physically I hurt…but who wouldn’t after 3 marathons in 8 weeks…but mentally I was on top of the world. God showed up and so did I!
Hebrews 12.1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
I was able to run with CHEERFUL ENDURANCE and find the peace in the hope of Him showing up as He promised He would. He gave me the strength to push through marathon number 3 in 8 weeks – wow! He did it! All glory goes to HIM! He had a journey set before me that started in Huntsville in April and He concluded it yesterday.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Ephesians 6.10
I was strong in HIM! He gave me His mighty power. I was able to endure the runs He sat before me. Over the last 5 weeks, I was able to hear Him speak and learn that perfection(or a time) was not the goal – His glory was…and the peace that comes with it!
Being that I was in Roll Tide country for the race, it is quite fitting that I stumbled upon Derrick Henry’s Heisman Trophy acceptance speech while I was writing this blog. His words were powerful and truthful. He sums up words I would love to impart with my running and blog:
“Always keep God first. Always pray. Don’t be afraid to pray. He always hears your cry. If you have dreams, go chase them. If you believe it, you can achieve it. And God will be there every step of the way. I am a living testament, man. Growing up, having this dream, I am so nervous. I never thought I would be up here. But God is good. And I get on my knees every night and thank him for everything. So keep God first. Always pray. And always chase your dream.” Derrick Henry
God is good all the time! God will give you dreams. Chase them! Keep God first in all things! Always pray! Chase your dreams and find God in them. He will be there every step of the way! Believe in it but believe in HIM first!
Running blessed but now taking a rest….Trish Newsom
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