I started this post before I ran the marathon but I am finishing it now because I wanted to share my experience when I ran the Chicago Marathon 6 months ago.
In February of 2016, a man spoke to our church about Team World Vision, which helps provide clean water for communities in Africa, a cause close to my heart. I remember hearing, “Some of you may not know why you stayed after, but you know in your heart that you are going to do this.” My heart was stirred and I signed up with Team World Vision to run 26.2 miles for clean water!
I went to the first group run on Saturday, April 16, and that following Monday, I was laid off (to read about that, click here). While it was a definite shock, training gave me a sense of structure and routine when I had none. Running was something to work for and see my progress in as I struggled in the season of unemployment. Being a part of Team World Vision provided a new community during one of the most challenging seasons of my life.
After running a half marathon as a part of training in July, I remember feeling a great sense of accomplishment. That was my first half marathon – something to celebrate in itself! But I sensed something in my mind begin to shift. “I ran a half…isn’t that good enough? I have to run that distance twice?? Why am I doing a full marathon?”
In August, I was grateful to start work at a new job, which then provided new challenges as we increased our mileage to figure how to fit the training into my new schedule. I didn’t love running, so why was I choosing to go on a run instead of being with friends? Why was I continually waking up at 6 am to go on a 12, 13, 14, 16 mile run on a Saturday morning? Why was I putting myself through the necessary evil of foam rolling? Despite these questions, I pressed on.
One of my highlights was the 16 mile run. We ran the first 4 and turned back, and then it began to rain. And I’m not talking about a normal thunderstorm – it was a torrential downpour. We could barely see ahead of us. We were running through puddles that were several inches deep. We were completely soaked. As we reached the halfway point, many in the group stopped in order to finish the run later. I had been mentally preparing myself all week for the 16 miler, so I knew I needed to keep going. I turned back around to run the last 8 miles in the rain and was joined by another team member. I ended up finishing those 16 miles and felt incredibly encouraged. In the midst of all the training, I could see how God was giving me the strength to keep going.
My lowest moment happened in August. I was going out of town for Labor Day and was going to miss the 18 mile group run. I knew this run was important, so I decided to run it on my own, even though it was a week early and I already had some muscle pain. I honestly didn’t know if I would be able to do it and despite wanting to stop, I continued and finished running the entire Lakefront Trail…all 18 miles worth.
I remember coming back to my apartment, moaning in pain from foam rolling, and collapsing on the ground in the living room. Tears flowed down my face as I questioned why I signed up for the marathon. If I struggled with 18, how was I possibly going to do 26? Team World Vision told us to join the group runs so we wouldn’t have to do the long runs by ourselves. Although hesitant at first, I began to really enjoy the group runs. I am (stubbornly) independent and after experiencing this difficult run alone, I was reminded of how we aren’t meant to live this life on our own.
The longest run I completed before the marathon was the 20 miler, which ended up being my best and most enjoyable run. I remember running 10 miles and didn’t even realize it (mostly due to the wonderful people I ran with). After completing the 20 miles with members of my team, the glorious taper began. We were weeks away from the big 26.2 and before we knew it, we finished our training, celebrated with a Team Dinner, and then it was Race Day.
As I thought about the race ahead of me, I knew I was going to experience highs and lows, but I was grateful that there was a deeper purpose as to why I was running a marathon. I was not running for myself. I was not running for a time. I was not even running to cross it off my bucket list (this was never on it). I was running to bring clean water to those in need. And thanks to the generous support of my family and friends, we were able to bring clean water to over 70 people.
But there was also another reason why I was running – one that I’ve never explicitly expressed. I remember thinking when I signed up, “Okay, God. I can’t run a marathon. But YOU can give me the strength to do so. If I do this, I’ll need you to help me.”
In the midst of losing my job, being unemployed for 4 out of the 6 months of training and experiencing the regular highs and lows of marathon training, I am still incredibly grateful for the experience. A common theme throughout the 6 months of training was learning to embrace that I can’t do things on my own. I am continually working to let go of my pride and admit that I need help from God and others.
With the strength of Jesus, I finished the Chicago Marathon on October 9, 2016. I am incredibly grateful to those who donated, cheered along the way with signs, and supported through words of encouragement before the race. It truly meant more than I can describe and helped give me strength to run the whole 26.2 miles.
All this to say, regardless of what you’re going through, remember that you do not have to face it on your own. You are not alone. Let us learn and practice cheering each other on more.
As Team World Vision would say, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
More about World Vision:
The Beauty In Our Brokenness 
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