Run for God - Connect Magazine - Spring 2015

connect S P R I N G 2 015

MAGAZINE

LEAVING YOUR

COMFORT ZONE RUNNING

FASTER

COURAGE TO

Start , FAITH TO FINISH

FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT

A WORD FROM MITCHELL

WELCOME TO

connect Hot Chocolate and A Word From God!

A

FEW WEEKS AGO I WAS in Atlanta, Georgia, working the Run

were trying to distract and destroy

for God booth at the Hot Chocolate 5K/15K Expo. I was amazed

Nehemiah. They sent him letters

at the size of this race. Nearly 25,000 people signed up to run

requesting meetings, and spread

a frigid January race for a hoodie and some hot chocolate. I think the folks at

rumors about what he was doing.

RAM Racing must be on to something.

Nevertheless, Nehemiah kept his focus.

98% of the runners who stopped by were warm, accepting, or at least cordial; but

It seemed this lesson was just for me.

occasionally I would notice those who seemed offended by our very presence,

The Bible is full of stories about those

walking out of their way to go around our booth. Some passed by not paying

who responded to God, worked through

attention until one of us said, “Hello,” then they’d just keep walking and shaking

adversity, and went down in history as

their head. Others stood staring at our booth in disgust, almost daring us to

soldiers of Christ. We are all called to be

engage in some kind of debate.

like Nehemiah, to run the path that God

You would think that the encouraging 98% would drown out that small 2%. For me, it didn’t. I found myself getting discouraged and even somewhat ill at that 2%.

Inwardly, I was fighting a pretty serious battle. It felt like a test of my spirit, to take

has laid in front of us and to lay aside the sin and distractions that make us lose our focus.

my focus off of the point— sharing the gospel of Christ. I knew there were those

So let me encourage you today. If you

around me who don’t have a relationship with Christ, and I could either shine His

are facing opposition while trying to

light or allow my “flesh” to take over.

advance God’s kingdom, then you may

At the end of our two days I was physically exhausted, but more than that I was mentally exhausted from the spiritual battle that had taken place. My mind started to wonder. Am I on the right path? Am I really the person for this? Is what I’m doing really making a difference?

I see now that God was using the lingering doubts in my mind to prepare my heart for His Word. The Sunday school lesson that week was taken from Nehemiah 6. God had called Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He had many

be exactly where God wants you to be.

Prayerfully keep your eye on what God has called you to do, and don’t lose your focus.

Mitchell Hebrews 12:1 James 1:2-4

supporting and helping him, but there were two men, Sanballat and Geshem who

2

SPRING 2015

RUNFORGOD.COM

features 14 S tudent Spotlight: LEAVING YOUR COMFORT ZONE 22 I nstructor Spotlight: WHEN GOD LEADS

DE PA RT MENTS 6. DEAN’S THOUGHTS: Running Faster

20. Sticky Notes

26 T riathlon: COURAGE TO START FAITH TO FINISH 36 B eyond the Run: ROCK’N YOUR RUN

14 RUNFORGOD.COM

21. Gear & Gadgets 42. Behind the Scenes

6 24

37 SPRING 2015

3

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

Run for God

DEVOTIONS TODAY!

RUNFORGOD.COM

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

CONT R I B UTO R S

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

Tanna Friday is an instructor,

Dean Thompson serves as

runner, sweet tea drinker,

the National Race Director

and writer with 4 children

for the Run for God Race

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

who currently lives in

Series as well as serving as

Georgia. Although she

an instructor at his home

struggles to find ways to

church in Cohutta, GA. Dean

post to all social media

loves to run, loves life, loves

platforms while running,

his wife Debbie and loves

(need an app for that!) she

Christ. Look for all of Dean’s

enjoys tapping into the

stories in Run for God’s

national running community

Devotions.

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

for God and God’s grace.

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

4

SPRING 2015

to share her passion for Run

LET’S CONNECT RUNFORGOD.COM

RUNFORGOD.COM

SPRING 2015

5

Dean’ s Thoughts

6

SPRING 2015

RUNFORGOD.COM

I

have fielded thousands of questions about running by runners ranging from six to sixty-six years old. They range from easy to impossible, from one word answers to voluminous discourses, or from personal

queries about me to individual recommendations for them. Since I love to talk about anything running related, I never mind taking the time to discuss anyone’s interests or concerns. Recently, after a race, a high school runner walked up to me, introduced himself and asked me the question I am asked frequently, “What do I need to do to make myself faster?”

There are, quite literally, thousands of answers to that question, but it is often asked as if there is a mystery formula, and I am the key-holder to the lock-box of the secret. So, I sat and pondered, searching for a simple answer to that question. Knowing that I have been a fairly successful runner using many different combinations of training methods, and that those routines continue to evolve as I get older, how would I boil it all down to a simple answer? After a fairly short period of time, I reached the end of my intellectual capacity and came up with the following answer: Consistency and hard work. Ta Da! Incredibly insightful, huh? Of course not.

Here’s the bottom line: Elite runners are doing all the little things that shave tenths of seconds from their 10K times, but the fact is that most of us are not doing the big things that can shave many seconds or even minutes from

RUNFORGOD.COM

SPRING 2015

7

our times. Worrying about the mix of carbohydrates and

rides and swimming for four miles at a time. I kept it simple

protein in your meal the night before a race is great, but if you

and decided to let the chips fall where they may. Well, the

short-changed your training, your dinner won’t upright the

chips were good to me, and I completed the race faster than I

sinking ship.

had ever hoped, which led me to this conclusion: Consistency and hard work paid off! Although my training was not

In 2014, I decided it was time to check off an Ironman

conventional, I did work hard every week.

distance triathlon from my bucket list. It would require me to completely change the way I was training, because

I like to ask young runners how many days a week they run

I now had to incorporate cycling and swimming into my

and how much time they take off in between seasons. The

plan. I studied triathlon training and even began to plan my

answers vary, as some are committed and take little time off;

training, but something got in the way. I had been running

but many take months off and even skip running days during

every day for nearly two consecutive years, and I decided

the season. Next, I ask them if they want to be the best

it was more important for me to keep my streak going than

runner they can be, and the answer is always the same: Yes!

to run the fastest triathlon I could run and my training plan

It’s interesting because they’ll ask about the tiniest detail;

became simple: run seven days a week, bike two days a

like how to tie their shoes properly for maximum speed. They

week and swim two days a week. I didn’t always get the

want to know about the little things but they’re not even

swimming and the biking in, but I did get my running in. I

doing the big things right!

didn’t follow the normal plan of riding multiple hundred mile

54 4 4 BIG THINGS THAT MOST IMPACT YOUR PERFORMANCE

8

SPRING 2015

2:00

HAVE NO REGRETS.

EFFORT IS EVERYTHING.

Make it your goal to never

Most people don’t vary their speed

come home from a run and be

in training very much. If you want to

disappointed because you cut

get faster, you have to train faster.

it short, didn’t run as hard as

If you are a nine minute per mile

you wanted, or ran too hard on

5K runner, you need to spend time

an easy day. Don’t talk yourself

running eight minutes per mile in the

into an excuse not to run. Those

form of intervals, fartlek, or pick-ups

days will break you down both

(Google it if you don’t know). But

physically and mentally. Decide

often, the neglected side is that you

how many miles you want to

also need to spend time running

run each week and do it. Every

at over ten minutes per mile on the

week. The only exception is

days when you don’t run hard. Make

number three.

your hard days hard and your easy

1:00

1:00

days easy!

RUNFORGOD.COM

sometimes worry so much about all the little things, like exactly how to interpret the book Revelation, while we miss the most basic necessities. I believe that if we spend time with God in prayer and time inside the pages of the

“

Bible, everything will follow. God will take it from there! I have always been amazed by Dr. Billy Graham and his son Dr. Franklin Graham. No matter what the topic at hand may be, they always find a way to share the plan of salvation.

The message is always simple and straightforward, void of fancy words or complicated concepts. It is clear that they have a message and they carry that message with them wherever they go. I’m sure it didn’t happen overnight. As simple as it looks, they have planned, prayed, and pleaded with God for His help in sharing His message. The fact that

Because sometimes things happen to people and they’re not equipped to deal with them.”

- Catching Fire, The Hunger Games

it looks so effortless is a testament to that.

5:00

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY.

REST APPROPRIATELY.

Soreness is okay, pain is not. If

Your muscles repair themselves

you have pain, do something to

while you sleep so get plenty

EAT GOOD MEALS AND STAY HYDRATED. Don’t fret

make it better, whether that is

of it. I have heard a lot of

over what you eat, but eat

using ice and anti-inflammatories

people over the years brag

regular meals. Skip any diet

or going to see a doctor. You’ll

about how little sleep they

that tells you to eliminate

get over the soreness. If you

require. I have a name for those

any particular type of

will learn to embrace and enjoy

people as it relates to running:

food. Eat natural food in

soreness, it will help.

Underachiever. Everyone’s sleep

reasonable proportions, with

needs are a little different, but

carbohydrates, protein and

you shouldn’t be nodding off in

vegetables at each meal.

the middle of the day. A short

Snack on fruits and nuts.

night of sleep every now and

Drink lots of water.

444 RUNFORGOD.COM

then will not hurt, but you don’t want to make a habit of it.

5:00

4:00

4:00

3:00

3:00

2:00

Being a Christian is almost exactly the same. We

SPRING 2015

9

“

What do we do in those circumstances?

The responses to unanticipated situations are as varied as the situations themselves, but most fit into three categories: We can retreat from it, fake it, or learn from it.”

10

SPRING 2015

Going Outside Your Comfort Zone The folks at Kindle keep track of the most highlighted sentences from those who use their reader. The most highlighted sentence in any book comes from the popular Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins from the second book in the trilogy, Catching Fire. It reads, “Because sometimes things happen to people and they’re not equipped to deal with them.” Does that sound familiar? I would say we have all faced something we felt ill-prepared to deal with.

What do we do in those circumstances? The responses to unanticipated situations are as varied as the situations themselves, but most fit into three categories: We can retreat from it, fake it, or learn from it. For the most part, your personality may dictate your course of action or inaction, but one thing is sure, it is not comfortable or pleasant in any way.

No one likes to feel they are not in control. So why then, do we most often choose to retreat from it or fake it? If someone brings up a subject in conversation that you feel you should know, we often either excuse ourselves from that discussion or we act as if we understand and hope no one asks us a direct question. When the dialogue is finished, we relax and move on, never thinking about it again. Very little learning takes place when we choose these two paths.

There is a third option available to us. We can choose to learn from uncomfortable situations. We are often so worried about what others will think of us if we show our vulnerability, that we avoid asking questions we really want to ask. If we reveal that we don’t know, we’re afraid people will think less of us. What would we learn if we were never afraid to ask

RUNFORGOD.COM

those questions? Even more, what if we went home after that

There is an old Revolutionary War saying, “Trust in God, but

conversation and studied so that the next time the subject

keep your powder dry.” It is great to have full faith in Him,

was raised, we would be subject matter experts?

but we have to do our due diligence in preparation. Would you run a marathon on two weeks of training? Of course not!

Paul said in Ephesians 4:11-16: And he gave the apostles, the

It takes dedication and perseverance to be ready on race day,

prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to

and then we still may feel unprepared. But deep down inside,

equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the

we know we’ve done all we can.

body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to

What if someone came to you today and asked for spiritual

the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that

guidance from you? Would you be prepared to help? If not,

we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves

what can you do to be prepared? If we are striving to be who

and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human

God wants us to be, that moment will inevitably come. The

cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking

more you shine Jesus’ light, the more people notice and the

the truth in love, we are to grow up in every joint with which

more likely they will approach you with questions. It may

it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the

seldom happen that someone seeks spiritual guidance from

body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

you, or it may happen regularly. More than likely, it wasn’t comfortable the first time; but chances are, you recognized

God has a part for each of us to play. If we don’t take the

it as an honor to be chosen to do His work. If you have never

time to learn about the big picture, it is difficult for us to

experienced it, look at this way: How did you feel the first

be successful with our part of the picture. Have you ever

time you ran a 5K? You were nervous before the race, but

felt God urging you to share Christ with someone, but then

when it was over, you were excited! You prepared and then

walked away, retreating from the situation, because you felt

executed your plan. So, how do you prepare to be used by

you were not prepared to handle it? If we’re being honest,

God when He calls on you to assist others? The answer

I think most of us have been there. I know I have! When

can be found in the most highlighted Bible verse on Kindle:

we do this, we’re doing more than being disobedient to

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation,

Him. We’re short-changing His ability to carry us through

by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your

the conversation! Of course, He also expects us to prepare

requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends

for those encounters, but for many of us, we will never be

all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in

“comfortable” with those discussions until we force our way

Christ Jesus.” Phillippians 4:6 (NIV)

through the wall of discomfort.

RUNFORGOD.COM

SPRING 2015

11

12

SPRING 2015

RUNFORGOD.COM

2015

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

THANK YOU! RUNFORGOD.COM

SPRING 2015

13

Student Spotlight

LEAVING YOUR

Comfort ZONE

BY TANNA FRIDAY

There are times when God calls us to be strong helpers and supporters in widespread ways.

Run for God had the honor of spotlighting someone who not only extends her help to her husband, but also to the Run for God ministry she encouraged her husband to lead.

14

SPRING 2015

RUNFORGOD.COM

The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18 I DON’T THINK MANY of us women truly embrace

the calling of this passage. Woman, created in the image of God, was designed to be a helper suitable to her husband. To some, the term “helper” may sound inferior, but it is simply because our English translation does not compare to the Hebrew term.

Instead, reflect upon our Savior carrying His cross toward Gethsemane. Because of the beatings He had endured, Simon of Cyrene helps carry His cross (Mark 15:21).

So when you read this passage, remember “helper” is not defined as a maid waiting on a master’s orders. This is not God’s example of help. Instead, we are called to comfort, show compassion, defend, encourage, protect and support. We are called to be like Christ.

Giving Comfort Instead of Seeking It Knowing about his passion of running and his calling to serve in a ministry, Wendy encouraged her husband, Darren, to start a Run for God 5k Challenge at their church in October 2013. “The Run for God program was like a big billboard,” she laughs. “I reminded Darren that he had been praying for a ministry where he could be useful and

RUNFORGOD.COM

SPRING 2015

15

Student Spotlight

“

She was the glue that held the class together.”

16

SPRING 2015

RUNFORGOD.COM

share his passion. How could he not

pictures and encouraging everyone to keep moving. It

want to be a part of something like

was wonderful,” she explains. “Throughout the race,

Run for God?”

I was trying to catch up with people I knew.”

On March 19, 2014, Darren answered

When asked how Run for God influenced Wendy

God’s call to ministry and began a

personally, “Well, I had a great instructor number

Run for God ministry at their church,

one. I love my husband,” she says, with a smile.

Christ United Methodist Church in

“The rewards with Run for God were having the

Chattanooga, Tennessee. With her

opportunity to help my husband and to be a part

encouragement and full support, she

of something bigger than myself,” she explains.

was by his side as his co-leader and

“In addition, it not only made me more active, but

running partner.

also enriched our marriage and made us closer as a family.” Wendy adds that her 9-year-old son,

Wendy supported Darren with the

Benjamin, has enjoyed running alongside her and

administrative responsibilities

Darren, throughout the class. “He would join us on

including class communications and,

the track when we had our group workout,” she

at times, co-leadership. “She was the

shares. “It was truly a proud moment for me to

glue that held the class together,”

see him enjoy the sport of running and

Darren says. “I knew that he didn’t

accomplish something.”

have the time to do the extras since he works full-time. He needed my

A Shrinking Comfort Zone

help,” she joins in.

Not only was public speaking out of Wendy’s comfort

“There were times I would co-lead when Darren would have to work late,” she says. “At first, I didn’t feel comfortable with public speaking, but

zone, but also running. Before Run for God, Wendy had not run. “I loved when Run for God released the Move Out of Your Comfort Zone t-shirt,” she says. “I have been saying this all along.”

I gave it to God and he took control of

“I was a co-leader and a student,” she says. “When

it.” Explaining her responsibilities of

we were training, I wanted to experience it all so I

co-leading when her husband needed

could be the encourager and help motivate others.”

her. Throughout our conversation, her

Although these points were out of her comfort zone,

radiant spirit reflected that God was

Wendy discovered that she needed to minister to the

in control. In fact, the Christ United

students in Run for God like God, her Help, ministers

Methodist Run for God graduate class

to her.

PICK UP YOUR COMFORT ZONE SHIRT

TODAY!

can attest to this, as well. Under the instruction of her husband, Wendy,

“I knew that if I were going to do this, I would have to

along with thirty-eight students,

be fully committed to support everyone,” she says.

trained for 12 weeks for the 5k

“Even when it’s raining.” But what Wendy gained

training program. They celebrated

from this experience was much more, including

and completed their graduation race

creating deep friendships.

at Run for God’s JFest 5k in East Ridge, Tennessee, on June 20, 2014.

“God knows where we feel deficient,” she explains.

“Darren was running around taking

“Run for God really turned it into a blessing.”

RUNFORGOD.COM

RUNFORGOD.COM SPRING 2015

17

18

SPRING 2015

RUNFORGOD.COM

RUNFORGOD.COM

SPRING 2015

19

S

ST ICK Y NOT ES

Spring Has Sprung –

Come Out and Run! 3 Tips To Get You Outdoors When the snow begins to thaw and temps begin to rise, many of us head outdoors and hit the open roads for some fresh spring air. There is nothing more refreshing or invigorating than training in the springtime, but there are a few things to consider to keep your running as enjoyable as possible.

BUTTER UP BUTTERCUP

REMEMBER THE 10% RULE

Don’t forget the sunscreen.

With this incredible spring

The sun is shining bright and

weather, you feel like you can run

although the air feels refreshing

like Forrest! Even if you have been

on your skin, the UV rays will still

running indoors on the treadmill

leave a nasty burn on exposed

during the winter months, please

skin. Make sure that you apply

remember to follow the 10%

sunscreen to exposed areas

rule: don’t increase your weekly

such as the back of the neck,

mileage by more than 10% from

upper back, ears, and nose. It

the previous week. Building

would be a great idea to use an

up your mileage gradually

SPF lip balm and wear a visor

prevents injuries.

or hat such as our Run for God SweatVac Hat.

UNPLUG Even though Rocky’s theme song may help you have your rockstar run, it is not safe when running outside. It is important to be aware of what is around you including a car, person, or animals coming your way. You can still listen to your music, just put it on speakerphone.

20

SPRING 2015

RUNFORGOD.COM

G

TAKING INVENTORY: When to Replace Your Running Shoes

GEAR & GA D G E TS

Andrew Dorn, Manager, Front Runner Athletics

What to Look for: If there are distinctive compression lines or wrinkles along the midsole, this is an indicator that the shoe has lost its cushioning.

Test: Hold the shoe upside down and press with your thumb on the outer sole towards the midsole. If there is little or no compression, this is an indicator that it is time to replace your shoes.

SPRING HAS FINALLY ARRIVED! After taking a few months off from running, it

is easy to forget how old or worn out your running shoes are. Do you know the last time you replaced your shoes? If your memory is fading, it may be time to purchase some new treads.

Worn Treads Another place Front Runner Athletics suggests to check for wear is on the bottom of the shoe, or the outer sole.

A general rule is 400 miles, but Andrew Dorn, manager of Front Runner

As Dorn mentioned previously, this

Athletics in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is more concerned with how you wear

part of the shoe tends to wear down

your shoes. “If you run mostly on roads, your shoes will have a much shorter

faster for those running on roads than

life than if you spend time on the treadmill,” says Dorn. “Keeping a running

for those running on the treadmill.

log, making note of the date you started wearing your shoes, then keeping track of your weekly running mileage, will help you easily calculate your

What to Look for:

mileage in your shoes.”

Worn treads can be seen visibly by looking at the bottom of the shoe

To help figure out if your running shoes need replacement, Front Runner Athletics provides some helpful tips to determine when it’s time to part ways with our worn out trainers:

in the heel and forefoot areas. Look closely for areas where the rubber treads have been worn smooth.

Midsole Wear

Test: Place the shoe on a flat surface.

For most running shoes the midsole is the first part of the shoe to wear out.

If the shoe is leaning excessively on

This layer provides the cushioning and support for the shoe. Over time, the

one side, it is worn out and needs to

foam material loses its shock absorption as when the shoe was new.

be replaced.

SPRING 2015

21

Instructor Spotlight

22

SPRING 2015

RUNFORGOD.COM

WHEN

“

God LEADS

The Run for God program kept appearing to us like a big billboard.”

-Darrin Lewis,

T

BY TANNA FRIDAY

he summer after Darren and Wendy Lewis were married, Darren prayed for God to lead him to a ministry. He would ask God for His insight, and Darren would remind Him of his heartfelt desire to serve. And with that, he set

off on this journey of letting God be God and discovering the Run for God ministry.

Run for God Instructor

In Romans 8 there is a beautiful verse that we rattle off and say so frequently, we often forget its profound meaning. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

RUNFORGOD.COM

SPRING 2015

23

Instructor Spotlight

“

If you were to ask me if I felt comfortable leading a Bible study, I would have thought you were crazy.”

Darren and Wendy Lewis along with their son, Benjamin.

God had plans for Darren, though he could not see it at the time. “It took a while. The Run for God program kept appearing to us like a big billboard,” his wife Wendy shares. “He was made to do this type of thing. He loves running and loves God.” Darren also knew that as a result of attending Run for God’s Instructor Summit in 2013, a weekend of fellowship and training, he had come away awestruck by the character and nature of God, with the realization that God was paving a way.

Five months later, Darren answered God’s call and began a Run for God ministry at their church, Christ United Methodist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee. With her encouragement and full support, his wife Wendy accompanied him as his co-leader and new running partner. To their surprise, the first class consisted of over 100 students who were laced up and ready to run. “If we can help just one person, that’s what God wants us to do,” he shares. “It’s about the quality, not the number.”

24

SPRING 2015

RUNFORGOD.COM

2 Timothy 2:2 tells us that we are to take what we have

classes with a 30-minute Run for

discovered and entrust it to reliable people who will also

God Bible study lesson, a 30-minute

be qualified to teach others.

running topic, a 30-40 minute group

“If you were to ask me if I felt comfortable leading a Bible study, I would have thought you were crazy,” he says. “Running, I knew. The Biblical and spiritual side, I completely turned over to God.” Darren, a seasonal runner, shares some valuable lessons he has learned, including some that have been a little more difficult. “I put my running on the back burner,” he says. “What I’ve learned

training at the church’s track, and finish with a prayer circle. “We have our children train with us on the track each week,” he shares. “It’s very rewarding to see a difference that this program has made in the lives of everyone who has participated.”

from this journey is that you need to set your own personal

38 participants trained and completed

agendas aside and let God lead you wherever He wants

the 12-week challenge, graduating

you to go. Letting go was the hardest lesson.”

at the Run for God – JFest 5k race on

Darren still made time to run before class and, more importantly, have prayer time in order for God to prepare his heart and lesson for class. “What I’ve learned is how to minister to those in need. If we can help just one person, that is what God wants us to do,” he shares. “God has restored lives, repaired marriages, and provided church homes.”

Built on the Run for God 5k Challenge study, Christ United Methodist Run for God instructors typically structure their

June 20, 2014. As each one “ran his own race,” Darren captured the joys of each moment in photographs, while doing what God lead him to do - run and share God’s love. “Watching each one of them cross the finish line was more moving than completing my first marathon,” he says. “It was like experiencing the joy of God’s presence.”

The journey did not end once the 38 graduates crossed the finish line.

“Many of our students wanted to continue to train and continue with a Bible study,” he continues. “This ministry has been a journey within itself. We are going to continue to grow this thing and want to take it to the next level.” Christ United Methodist Church has plans to begin another Run for God program in March, 2015.

The Christ United Methodist Run for God class celebrating their Run for God journey.

RUNFORGOD.COM

SPRING 2015

25

Start , FAITH TO COURAGE TO

FINISH

26

SPRING 2015

RUNFORGOD.COM

A story of how God used three friendships and one seed of faith to give two ordinary people the courage to start the Run for God 5k program and the faith to complete an Ironman.

F

aith is such a powerful gift from God, as seen in Christ’s words to His disciples in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace ye are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift

of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.” Faith is so important to our Christian life that the Bible tells us in Hebrews 11:6, without it, it is impossible to please God. In fact, we see how powerful God’s gift of faith is in Matthew 17:14-20, when Christ tells his disciples their attempts were unsuccessful “because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘move from here to there’ and it will move; Nothing will be impossible for you.”

We know that this statement about moving mountains by faith is not to be taken literally, but what is key is the nature of faith, which is a gift from God. If you have ever seen a mustard seed, you will know it is one of the tiniest seeds. What we can draw from this passage is the amount of faith needed to do mighty things is very small.

Meet Dean So, does the tiniest bit of faith increase and multiply in the

Dean Stamper is a husband, father, friend and an Ironman

lives of believers to influence those with whom we come

finisher who started his journey in 2010 weighing a little

in contact? If you know the story of Dean Stamper and

over 300 pounds.

Wendy Tieck, then you know the answer. You may only have to look at the picture of Dean and Wendy on the front

“In 2010, my family and I moved to Dalton, Georgia, and

page of The Chattanooga Times Free Press to realize that

with God’s divine providence, we found a home next

these two performed extraordinary feats in the face of

door to Mitchell Hollis,” says Stamper. “One of the things

unimaginable odds through faith that was, at one time, the

my wife and I love about the South is folks’ openness

size of a mustard seed.

RUNFORGOD.COM

SPRING 2015

27

“

…I think all of our lives have those pivotal moments in them. Mine occurred on Saturday, July 21, 2012.” to discuss their faith with others.

had never been a runner,” he says. “At that time, I tipped

Mitchell is no different.”

the scales at 308 pounds and knew I had to make a change in my life.” Stamper made the decision to make

While getting to know Hollis and his

some changes and joined the Run for God 5k Challenge

family, Dean learned about the Run

along with his son, Andrew. Just 12 weeks later, both

for God ministry that Mitchell and

he and his son graduated in the 2010 Dalton 5k in

his wife, Holly, started at Grove Level

Dalton, GA.

Baptist Church. “Up to this point, I “Throughout the challenge, I remained faithful to the program, trusted God when it became difficult, and listened to my body tell me what it could endure,” Stamper says. “I fell into some pitfalls that first-time runners do; thinking that you could eat whatever you wanted since you’re exercising, but I quickly corrected my problems,” he continues. “Through it all, God never failed me.”

Stamper moved up to the next challenge, a 10k (6.2 mile) distance while his son joined the Run for God Junior Triathlon team. “Through the entire journey, my relationship with God, my son and the rest of my family grew stronger with each step,” Stamper says. After completing his 10k goal, he started incorporating swimming into his training to prepare for his next goal, an adult sprint triathlon. He, once again, was able to physically be a part of a race with his son at the Run for God Dalton Parks Triathlon. “After completing my first adult sprint triathlon, I thought I was at the end of my journey when it actually turned out to be a new beginning,” Stamper says. “I think all of our lives have those pivotal moments in them. Mine occurred on Saturday, July 21, 2012.”

28

SPRING 2015

RUNFORGOD.COM

and so afraid of not finishing in time that I didn’t stop to take any pictures along the way.” It turned out that after all of the doubt, Tieck had nothing to worry about. She completed the race with over an hour to spare. “I learned a valuable lesson after completing my first endurance run, ‘never put limits on myself’,” she says.

The Day a Mustard Seed Was Born One evening, Dean, Wendy, and Mitchell were sitting around after dinner discussing the next Run for God Triathlon. “The subject

Meet Wendy

quickly shifted to ‘What’s next?’ in

Wendy Tieck is a wife, friend, and an Ironman finisher

our improbable athletic journey,”

who started her journey in 2011 weighing a little over

Dean says. “Fully looking forward to

240 pounds.

retirement at the time, I told Mitchell that I would probably run some 5k

Wendy, along with Dean’s wife Alissa, journeyed

races and participate in the annual

together in the Run for God 5k Challenge and graduated

Run for God Dalton Parks Triathlon.”

12-weeks later at the Run for God - Run at the Mill 5k the following April.

Who knew the next question Mitchell would ask would change

“After I completed the 5k, I thought 3.1 miles would be

the course of Dean and Wendy’s

the farthest distance I would ever run. Then, my cousin

journey? “He asked us what we

asked me to run in the 2012 Disney Princess Half,” Tieck

thought of signing up for a half

says. “The thought of running 13.1 miles terrified me,

ironman distance triathlon,” he

especially since Disney had strict pace requirements

continues. “Both Wendy and I

and I am super slow! Once I saw that there was a tiara

laughed aloud at the thought.” Once

shaped medal, I bit the bullet and signed up for my first

Dean and Wendy realized Hollis was

endurance race,” Tieck continues.

serious, they stopped laughing and listened to Hollis’ challenge.

“Looking back at the Disney half marathon, I have to shake my head at how afraid I was of completing 13.1

“He promised us both if we would

miles,” she says. “I was so worried throughout my run

commit, he would make it his

RUNFORGOD.COM

SPRING 2015

29

personal mission to get Wendy and

When the actual race day approached, Dean and Wendy

me to the finish line at the 2013

had the training and confidence to finish the race. “Boy

Ironman Florida 70.3,” he says. “I

did we need every bit of that training,” Dean adds. Both

liked the idea of the finish line, but

explained the differences in temperatures that the two had

knew that up until that day, my

been training in the last months. “The temperatures were

longest distance included 6.2 miles,

in the 90’s with humidity at 93%,” he continues. “There was

so for me, the thought of swimming,

definitely a change in temperature compared the comforts we

biking and running an additional

were accustomed to training in North Georgia,” Wendy says.

64.1 miles longer hurt my head.”

There were definitely some challenges at the beginning, Before making any quick decisions,

but nothing that God hadn’t already had in His plans.

Dean and Wendy both agreed to

“A little before 8 pm the night before the race, my son

look at their performance from the

Alex had his finger inadvertently smashed in the door of

upcoming sprint triathlon before

our camper,” Dean explains. “The entire tip needed to

making any decisions. “Being the

be surgically put back into place.” Needless to say, Dean

impatient one that I am, I decided

lost many hours of sleep tending to his son, but returned

that if it was meant to be, I did

just a few hours before the race began. “I’m pretty sure

not want my performance in the

I fell asleep a couple of times during the swim,” he

upcoming triathlon to get in the

adds, “but that was probably a good thing since it kept

way of my destiny,” Dean says.

me from thinking of the alligators the race crew scared

“I went online that evening,

away just before the race.”

registered and forwarded my registration to Wendy along with a

“Staying faithful in my ability to do all things through

Run for God motivation photo and

Christ, the miles ticked away slowly but surely,” he

quote by John Bingham that read,

says, “but Wendy and I worked our way to the finish

‘The miracle isn’t that I finished.

line.” When they both reached the finish line, Dean and

The miracle is that I had the

Wendy’s faith grew and they saw how far God had

courage to start.’ Wendy registered

led them.

shortly after.”

An Open Door Hollis kept his word and trained both

Two moths later, Hollis gave them a bigger challenge:

Stamper and Tieck to the finish line

complete an Ironman triathlon. Arguably the world’s most

of the 2013 Ironman Florida 70.3.

grueling endurance race, the Ironman consists of a 2.4-mile

“Mitchell trained us so well that five

swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride and a marathon 26.2-mile run

months before the actual race, we

with no break.

completed what we affectionately

30

SPRING 2015

refer to now as the ‘Dean & Wendy

Wendy found herself laughing and saying those words,

Half Ironman’,” he continues.

“I can’t.” “I’m sure there are tougher things that people

RUNFORGOD.COM

have done, but at 240 pounds, the thought of swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 miles, and running 26.2 miles within an allotted time seemed impossible. Completely impossible!” Tieck says. Hollis did not get the immediate response he expected, but a seed was planted.

Wendy shares that many times throughout her half Ironman training people would ask her if she would ever consider completing a full Ironman. Her answer was immediately, “Never!” She shares that after reading Scott Rigsby’s book, Unthinkable, she felt conflicted.

“As inspiring of a story as it is, I actually had even a less desire to do an Ironman,” she shares, “after reading that he breaks his back in Idaho, gets kicked in the face during the Kona swim, bikes through the wind and blistering heat, and falls during the run.”

Scott Rigsby, whose legs were amputated after an 18-wheeler collided with a truck he was riding in at the age of 18, prays that God would open doors for him. He started running triathlons and became the first double amputee to finish Hawaii’s Ironman.

Wendy continues explaining to her friends that after seeing Scott Rigsby speak at Grove Level Baptist Church that she and God had many conversations when she tried every excuse in the book to convince God

Even though Wendy felt a conflict within, she knew deep

of why she shouldn’t complete an

down that God was nudging her to do the impossible.

Ironman. Wendy shares some of

On July 30, 2013, Wendy sent out an email to her

her battle:

devoted friends, Dean and Mitchell that summarized her decision. “I want to explain myself a little bit to the two of you,” she said. “You’ve been there every step of the way, from my initial 5k to my half Ironman, and without either of you, I would still be sitting on the couch. I want you both to know why I am going to do a full Ironman.”

As you can imagine, we were all captured by the words of her email. So going back to the initial question “Does the tiniest bit of faith increase and multiply in the lives of

Wendy: “I don’t want to do an Ironman.

There’s no way I can finish in time. I’ll go through all that training, and they’ll take me off the course. Besides, there is no reason for me to complete one.”

God: “It’s my story, not yours. Don’t worry about the how or the why, just run through the door.”

believers to influence those around us?” You bet!

RUNFORGOD.COM

SPRING 2015

31

32

SPRING 2015

RUNFORGOD.COM

Wendy: “My story isn’t the same a

for the full was slow and arduous for me,” Dean shares. “While

Scott’s. He has no legs. A man with no

I had the motivation to sign up, my motivation to stick to a

legs doing an Ironman is impressive.

training schedule was fading.” He shares that his workouts

There’s nothing newsworthy about

became sporadic and that discouragement began to creep into

me completing an Ironman.”

his training.

On July 30th, 2014, Wendy asked for

In early January 2014, Dean was sent to the ER with

the support of her friends, including

pancreatitis caused by a gall stone attack, which left him

Mitchell. “Whether I like it or not, I’m

hospitalized for eight days following the removal of his

all in! Let’s do this! If you can show

gallbladder. “The damage caused to my pancreas left me

me the “how,” maybe one day God

an insulin-dependent diabetic,” he shares. “I knew that my

will let us in on the why,” she says.

Ironman journey had come to an end, but I also knew I could at least support my friends throughout

“After reading her email and after

their journey.”

wiping away some of the mist that was welling up in my eyes, I knew I

Dean was six weeks from being cleared from his surgery

couldn’t let the folks down who were

and when he was able to regulate his blood sugar, he lost an

counting on me,” Dean shares, “and

alarming 30 pounds in three weeks. Dean began to ask if this

I knew I couldn’t quit now on all who

was part of God’s plan all along.

had helped God get me this far.”

Meanwhile, Wendy pushed her limits while looking towards All three, Dean, Wendy and Mitchell,

the goal. “The hardest part for me was the naysayers,” Wendy

were able to register together for

shares. “I would tell people that I was training for an Ironman

Ironman Chattanooga, May 2014.

and get a negative response. It’s almost like they thought if

“There were many friends and fellow

they couldn’t complete an Ironman, then there is no way this fat

triathletes that were shut out of

chick can do one.” Wendy definitely didn’t let the naysayers hold

the registration process,” he adds.

her back. “It made me more determined to prove them wrong,”

“The race sold out in minutes, but

she adds. “I would use their comments to fuel my training.”

miraculously, Wendy, Mitchell and I all got in.”

Mitchell and Wendy decided to seek professional coaching through the team at HUB Endurance, owned by Andy Sweet.

Nothing is Impossible

Dean sought Sweet’s professional opinion regarding

Now that Dean and Wendy made the

whether or not he would be able to complete that level of

commitment, the next step was to train

training based on his physical abilities. “Andy told me that it

and keep their eye on the goal. “Training

takes the body a while to forget the level of fitness we achieved

RUNFORGOD.COM

SPRING 2015

33

“

The finish line was fantastic, but the journey was even better. It’s amazing the work God can do – changing couch potatoes into Ironmen and Ironwomen if you only have the courage to start and faith to finish.” training for the previous half Ironman,” he says. “He assured me that if I committed to the plan, I would finish the race.”

This was all the confirmation Dean needed. Dean repeated his original mantra, “courage to start, faith to finish,” and recommitted to the path that God paved.

“I’m not going to pretend it was an easy journey,” Wendy shares. “It had highs and lows, including the additional mileage to the Ironman course.” The Ironman distance for biking is 112 miles, but Ironman Chattanooga added an additional 4 miles to their bike route due to a permit status. This adjustment totaling the new course distance at 144.6 compared to standard length course of 140.6 miles. “It was beginning to look more and more impossible by the day,” Dean says. “But in my moments of clarity, God provided me with the wisdom to understand that I shouldn’t worry about the things I couldn’t control.”

Day by day, event-by-event, both Dean and Wendy continued to build strength and endurance through training and grow in their faith. Then another setback occurred, a wreck. “Dean and I were biking on the course a month before the race and a truck pulled out in front of me causing me to wreck,” Wendy says. “I suffered a horrible road rash, a concussion, and a broken rib that took me out of peak training time.” Wendy’s rib injury did not have time to heal before the race. “I remember thinking, this is impossible! But not with God!” she continues.

34

SPRING 2015

RUNFORGOD.COM

“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are

Ironman. “Maybe God’s ‘why’ was

possible.” Matthew 19:26

so that Dean would have something

Wendy, now beaten and battered from a hard fall, heard people all around her encouraging her to quit her training, but she knew this was not her story. A week and a half later, she was ready with two able arms, legs and a sharp

pushing him after his surgery or maybe it was so Dean and I could complete the Ironman together and show that we did it with and for God.”

mind. Oddly enough, the fact that her rib was not fully

Whatever the reason, the finisher

healed kept her going strong. Wendy shares that she

photo has a few words of its own.

received a 5k PR (personal record) during the Run for God

It illustrates two individuals who

Pinky 5k. “I believe my broken rib fired me up,” she laughs.

performed extraordinary feats who

What Dean and Wendy believed was impossible was possible and part of God’s plan. When race day arrived, God took care of all the worrisome details that were beyond their control including the weather, rest, and swim current. “We couldn’t have scripted a better ending,” Wendy says, “only God could have written something so perfect.” Dean explains that even though he experienced difficulty during the marathon, he was able to catch up to Wendy. “Once I saw Wendy’s mom, she told me that

had faith, which was, at one time, only the size of a mustard seed.

“The finish line was fantastic,” Dean shares, “but the journey was even better. It’s amazing the work God can do – changing couch potatoes into Ironmen and Ironwomen if you only have the courage to start and faith to finish.”

Wendy was up ahead,” he says. “I pushed myself to go faster and caught up with Wendy about a mile before the finish line.”

Once Dean and Wendy caught up with each other they had a lot to discuss, including how they were going to cross the finish line. “We didn’t want to steal each other’s moment crossing the finish line together,” Wendy says.

“We decided to finish at the same time.”

“We could hear the crowds cheering in the distance and we kept a steady pace across Walnut Street Bridge and into the Downtown Chattanooga finisher’s chute,” Dean shares. “The atmosphere was electric. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced anything like it in my entire life.”

“I know that if I can do an Ironman, anyone can – but you have to have a reason,” she shares. “I felt God wanted me to.” Wendy recalls the message she sent Dean and Mitchell about not knowing “why” God wanted her to complete an

RUNFORGOD.COM

SPRING 2015

35

R o ck’n YO UR

RUN

ROCK CLIMBING CAN BE A GREAT SUPPLEMENT FOR ADDING OVERALL STRENGTH TO YOUR RUNNING REGIMEN. 36

SPRING 2015

RUNFORGOD.COM

“

Rock climbing offers a fun cross training program beyond just pushing weights.”

- Wills Young, Highpoint Climbing and Fitness

T

raining in various activities that develop the

shares. “That’s why it’s called boulder

aerobic system or build strength can provide

problems.” Boulder problems are

a break from the “same old, same old” while

the path the climber must take to

still moving towards your goal. There are so

complete the climb.

many healthy options to cross training, such as cycling, elliptical, swimming and walking, but did you know that rock climbing, both indoor and outdoor, build mental and physical strength?

Today, indoor climbing facilities provide a controlled, supervised environment that mimic the outdoor rock climbing experience where

Run for God had the chance to speak with two highly accomplished professional rock climbers, Wills Young and Lisa Rands, who not only are husband and wife, but also run the climbing school at High Point Climbing School and Fitness Gym in Chattanooga. Both Rands and Young share a few background facts about the origin of rock climbing, clear one common misconception for beginners, and provide a list of healthy benefits that this sport offers for runners as an option for cross training.

“Rock climbing,” Young explained, “began in England as a means of exploring the world.” Young, who was born in England, shared that climbing became a leisure time for the wealthy to explore, but as mountains became more challenging, people needed the skills to know how to reach the peaks. As exploration continued in the US, people eventually learned free climbing, without aids, instead using their muscle power to climb. Today there are three popular types of climbing – sport climbing, traditional climbing and bouldering.

Bouldering, a sport Rands is known for, is a form of rock climbing performed without the use of ropes. Most climbers use climbing shoes to help secure the footholds, chalk to keep their hands dry, and bouldering mats to prevent injuries from falls. “Every climb unfolds a different way, “Rands

RUNFORGOD.COM

Outdoor climbing walls at High Point provide a challenge for all levels of climbers while taking in the view of downtown Chattanooga.

SPRING 2015

37

climbers of all ages can learn the

holds can be changed around to make the problems more

skills and techniques to improve

difficult for climbers.”

their fitness goals. “A rock climbing wall is a modular designed with climbing holds that are attached to

“

the surface,” Young explains. “The

The problem solving involved in rock climbing definitely compliments the mental aspects of running.”

- Lisa Rands, Highpoint Climbing and Fitness 38

SPRING 2015

Before you begin rock climbing indoors or outdoors, it is important to learn the necessary climbing safety skills from a qualified rock-climbing instructor. Before beginning a climb, a climber is secured with a safety harness to a climbing rope, which then travels to the second person on the ground called the belayer. The belay ensures the safety of the climber by controlling the tension of the rope; giving or taking, as the climber ascend to the top of the wall.

“Rock climbing offers a fun cross-training program beyond just pushing weights,” Rands says. “There’s mental engagement.” Rands, American rock climber,

RUNFORGOD.COM

chooses running as a means of cross training to climbing.

“The problem solving involved in rock climbing definitely compliments the mental aspects of running,” Rand shares.” It really is a fun way to push your body.”

Contrary to what many beginners may believe, climbing requires more than just upper body strength. “There’s a misconception with beginners that climbing requires upper body strength,” Rands says. “You will learn to engage your entire body to climb.”

Rands mentioned the benefits of problem solving that rock climbing demands, and like running, you will learn mental control along with your improved climbing skills.

Additionally, Rands shares other healthy benefits to climbing: BUILDS STRENGTH – Rock climbing uses all of the body’s major muscle groups and if you regularly use climbing as a means of strength training, it will continue to improve your upper body strength, core muscles, and legs.

“Bouldering has definitely made my legs stay strong,” Rands shares. “I can tell a difference in my downhill running.”

FLEXIBILITY – Rock climbing increases your body’s range of motion.

IMPROVES COORDINATION – Rock climbing requires coordination between mind and muscles for problem solving challenges. With every climb, a problem solving challenge awaits. It is up to you to solve the problem and continue without falling.

“Climbing helps with coordination, which is especially good for trail runners who want to keep up speed without falling,” Rands says.

“For people looking for a healthy alternative for fitness, I think climbing is a perfect fit,” Rands says. “Climbing to me is a great challenge to push through the uncertainty, while maintaining the focus, along with camaraderie

Wills Young and Lisa Rands belaying climbing students at High Point Climbing and Fitness, in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee.

with partners I trust!”.

RUNFORGOD.COM

SPRING 2015

39

40

SPRING 2015

RUNFORGOD.COM

EMAIL CUSTOMERSERVICE@RUNFORGOD.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION

20 15 RUN AT THE MILL

4•11

SPRING VIRTUAL

4•18

PRATERS MILL DALTON, GA.

NGUMC CONFERENCE 5K

6•17

JFEST

6•20

CAMP JORDAN EAST RIDGE, TN.

GET

REGISTERED SUMMER VIRTUAL

6•27 SUMMER

DALTON TRIATHLON

AMEN CENTER 5K

6•27

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO.

PINKY 5K/ VIRTUAL

7•25

8•14

DALTON PARKS AND RECREATION DALTON, GA.

CAMP JORDAN EAST RIDGE, TN.

FALL VIRTUAL

10•17 RUNFORGOD.COM

AND

COME RACE WITH US!

RUNFORGOD.COM

LET THE PRAISES RING 5K/10K

12•12 CENTERVILLE, GA

SPRING 2015

41

BEHIND THE SCENES

Love

GOD and Serve Others HIS COLLEAGUES DESCRIBE him as a man of deep faith, someone who is

Hendrix shares how God has been

dedicated, and devoted to Run for God. Mitchell Hollis calls him an advisor, a

in this ministry from the beginning.

mentor, and “the one who first said Run for God was going to be something

“These days people do things by

big.” Although David Hendrix does not have a formal title, he is admired and

their own effort and they fail,”

appreciated by many, but more importantly, he loves God and has a desire to

Hendrix says. “It’s a thrill to witness

serve, which he believes is his calling.

people like Mitchell do things when they spend time following God. It’s a

Hendrix will tell you, firsthand, that he is thrilled to serve behind the scenes,

fact, God’s leadership is going

helping others, rather than standing in the spotlight. “I believe God called me

to prevail.”

to enable others,” he says. “And when I am working for Run for God, I don’t really consider it work. It is just awesome to see God work.”

David Hendrix has been with Run for God since it began in 2010 at

42

Performing tasks behind the scenes along with encouraging others is what

Grove Level Baptist Church. “I

Hendrix enjoys most. There are many projects he completes including setting

was there from the beginning and

up the finish line structure, taking inventory, preparing equipment, and other

knew God had His hand on this

functions that may be required by the Run for God team. “It’s not Run for God

ministry,” he says. Hendrix retired

ministry that excites me, it’s seeing God move,” he says. “Mitchell is following

in 2012 from Grove Level Baptist

God and God is leading this ministry.”

Church after serving 31 faithful

SPRING 2015

RUNFORGOD.COM

BEHIND THE SCENES years as the Associate Pastor/

Hendrix says. “If I had to give you a

Minister of Music. “I remember

golden drop of everything in

when Mitchell shared that God

my life, Run for God has given

called him to the Run for God

me perseverance.”

ministry,” Hendrix says. “I knew

“Nothing can be compared to the thrill of serving God, of truly being used by Him to make an eternal difference in the lives of people and advancing His purpose in the world.” -Bill Hybels that God was going to help him

“I have learned that pain is

because this was totally out of

necessary, not fun emotionally

Mitchell’s comfort zone. He was in

or physically, but the rewards are

construction for heaven’s sake.”

greater when you persevere.”

“My role began helping Mitchell get

“Before Run for God, I sold myself

things done at the church,” he says. “I

short,” he says. “When I reached

am no longer involved in the intimate

mile 8 while running my first half

details like I was in the beginning.

marathon, I thought I was going to

Mitchell has a lot of things going on,

die, but I persevered through it.”

WOULD YOU

LIKE TO

VOLUNTEER? We could use your help! Help us make race day easier and safer for our runners by offering your time in one of our volunteer spots!

Please contact customerservice@ runforgod.com for upcoming

now that the ministry has grown, but whenever I see his number on my cell,

“The big question I asked myself was

I know it’s priority, and I am on it. I

how many things have I quit because

want to make God and Mitchell proud

of pain? I knew I couldn’t do anything

of everything I do.”

about those things in the past, but I

volunteer opertunities!

could do something about tomorrow – Hendrix was a part of the first Run

persevere to the end,” he says. “It all

for God 5k class at Grove level Baptist

comes down to this: It’s bigger than

Church and shares how Run for God

physical, it’s emotion. It’s a spiritual

has influenced his life. “Run for God

experience to run. You apply what you

to me is deeper than being in shape,”

learn in Run for God to life.”

RUNFORGOD.COM

SPRING 2015

43

WhyDEVOTIONS? FINDING GOD IN A RUNNER’S SPACE DEVOTIONS CAME TOGETHER as a result of the

just like you and me; real stories from real people.

outpouring of letters and e-mails that come into

These thoughts and experiences are brought

the Run for God camp each week. These stories

to you from pastors, deacons, Sunday school

of ordinary people doing extraordinary things and Run for God’s role in their lives prompted us to find

teachers, new Christians, old Christians, and even Christians who had lost their way for a time. So if you’re looking for a study that is authored by

a way to preserve these memories. From a desire

a renowned theologian, this isn’t it. But if you’re

to both preserve and share these stories, Devotions

looking for a study that shows what God can do

was born.

through someone just like you and me, then you’ve

This Bible study is not your ordinary study. No, it’s a study that is made up of stories from people

definitely come to the right place.

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

Enjoy!

52-Week Study • 464 Page Hardback

44

SPRING 2015

RUNFORGOD.COM

What is a

Virtual Race?

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

THE CONCEPT OF A “Virtual Race” is that you can participate in a running event from

anywhere in the world. Let’s use the 2014 Run for God – Pinky 5K as an example. Last year runners signed up from all 50 states and many other countries. They registered and trained just as if they were going to attend a physical race. The difference is when race weekend arrives, instead of traveling across the country, runners would mark out a 5K in their own community. It could be on a trail, on the road, or even on a treadmill, it really doesn’t matter. Then, they simply show up, run their 5K, record their own time, post their pictures, and we mail out Goodie Bags complete with race shirt and medal the next week. It’s very simple and completely AWESOME!

WHY A VIRTUAL 5K? For several years now, we have been getting requests from individuals and groups from all over the globe to host a Run for God race in their community. While this is flattering and very tempting, it’s just not possible. This past year we tested the waters with one Virtual Race, and the response was overwhelming. It sold out quicker than any race we’d ever hosted. So, this is a great way for you or your group of friends to get together and run your own race, no matter where you may live.

SIGN UP TODAY AT

RUNFORGOD.COM RUNFORGOD.COM

SPRING 2015

45

IT ALL

STARTED WITH A

SHIRT.

START SOMETHING TODAY. RUNFORGOD.COM