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I was a runner. Was is the key word. A decade ago and a 100 lbs. River city runners in Parkersburg was my club back in the day. See, I had to do Parkersburg because if I didn't drive I might just collect a t-shirt and turn around. But, if I drove then I’d run it.
Fast forward to Genesis. I started a weight loss journey from a high of 392 to around 310. I knew I needed motivation and Genesis provided it. The weekly workouts, even though they were virtual, made me committed. I didn't want to let anyone down… Ha!
The day of the race I arrived at 7:15 for the 9:30 race. I decided I'd jog one of the smaller trails to make sure I could do it.
Nope. Nada. Canceled. I was not gonna embarrass myself. So I got in my car and left. I made it to the park entrance and stopped. I was trying to convince myself that if nothing else I could walk. Then I got mad. Here I am, I've put the work in, I followed the plan and I know, easy start, strong finish.
I surely started slow and I guess charging across the finish line constitutes finishing strong. Before the run I introduced myself to Matt and there was no way I wasn't gonna finish if I had to crawl.
Do it. Just do it. Try for goodness sake. If I can do it anyone can. Running is cathartic; it is the best anti depressant and stress reliever I've found.
I cried in my car afterward. Not an easy thing to admit for a 38 year old man. I finished several 5ks years ago in half the time but I've never been prouder of myself. God saw me through and if you just try I promise you, you will see that mustard seed grow into a happiness that makes you cry for joy.
Running for me feels like church. I feel connected to myself and everything around me. Am I the fastest? Not at all but while I run God is with me and I am unbeaten so far.
Fast forward to Genesis. I started a weight loss journey from a high of 392 to around 310. I knew I needed motivation and Genesis provided it. The weekly workouts, even though they were virtual, made me committed. I didn't want to let anyone down… Ha!
The day of the race I arrived at 7:15 for the 9:30 race. I decided I'd jog one of the smaller trails to make sure I could do it.
Nope. Nada. Canceled. I was not gonna embarrass myself. So I got in my car and left. I made it to the park entrance and stopped. I was trying to convince myself that if nothing else I could walk. Then I got mad. Here I am, I've put the work in, I followed the plan and I know, easy start, strong finish.
I surely started slow and I guess charging across the finish line constitutes finishing strong. Before the run I introduced myself to Matt and there was no way I wasn't gonna finish if I had to crawl.
Do it. Just do it. Try for goodness sake. If I can do it anyone can. Running is cathartic; it is the best anti depressant and stress reliever I've found.
I cried in my car afterward. Not an easy thing to admit for a 38 year old man. I finished several 5ks years ago in half the time but I've never been prouder of myself. God saw me through and if you just try I promise you, you will see that mustard seed grow into a happiness that makes you cry for joy.
Running for me feels like church. I feel connected to myself and everything around me. Am I the fastest? Not at all but while I run God is with me and I am unbeaten so far.
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