It's good to be back! I had taken over a year off of Ultra running while I finished my MSN and completed some much needed rehab on my knee. Getting old is no fun :) So my last race was a 50 miler in October of 2015. My IT Band had gotten so tight throughout my training that it ended up pulling my patella out of alignment...YIKES. It was super painful to run and even walk. With the help of my awesome physical therapist at Synergy Manual Therapy I was ready to get back in the game. My sister joined in on the fun. We figured if we were going to blow up at least we would do it together. Misery loves company.
Holiday Lake has a special place in my heart because it was my very first ultra marathon in 2010, it was technically my first date with my now husband, and it was where I learned that the Lord had made me capable of doing things that I never even imagined. Non-ultra runners view our community as crazy people that must love running. But I honestly believe that ultra runners love running because for a brief moment (which can last days depending on the race) they are pulled out of the day to day life and experience the life that we are called to live. I'm not talking about being called to running for days. I'm talking about the fact that scripture tells us "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." -John 10:10 ESV. I believe that deep down we desire to live a full life and to do something great. Ultra running gives you a brief glimpse of that.
I am passionate about ultra running for a couple reasons. When I run I am reminded of the incredible power that is in me through the Holy Spirit. That I limit myself by analyzing what I am capable of accomplishing in life based on training, finances, experience, responsibilities, etc. Really I need to step outside myself and recognize that God is so much greater then I am. "The same power that raised Christ from the dead is living in you"-Romans 8:11. If I recognized this on a daily basis how would I live my life differently? This was something I felt like the Lord was challenging me with on my first ultra in 2010.
When I run I am also reminded of how incredible my husband is. What drew me to him the first time we met. How he lived a life that was different then any life I had ever seen. And that sometimes I don't appreciate that simple, free spirit lifestyle. I forget how he guided me through my first race and how he continues to guide me through life. How he keeps me from getting caught up in things that are really not that important.
You may be thinking...well how did it go? It went great! I finished, my knee stayed strong, my amazing sister did awesome, and we had some great conversations with friends I hadn't seen in a couple years. It is incredible to finish an ultra and I hope that is something I never take for granted. Step out of your comfort zone every now and then and see what happens
-Heather
Holiday Lake has a special place in my heart because it was my very first ultra marathon in 2010, it was technically my first date with my now husband, and it was where I learned that the Lord had made me capable of doing things that I never even imagined. Non-ultra runners view our community as crazy people that must love running. But I honestly believe that ultra runners love running because for a brief moment (which can last days depending on the race) they are pulled out of the day to day life and experience the life that we are called to live. I'm not talking about being called to running for days. I'm talking about the fact that scripture tells us "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." -John 10:10 ESV. I believe that deep down we desire to live a full life and to do something great. Ultra running gives you a brief glimpse of that.
I am passionate about ultra running for a couple reasons. When I run I am reminded of the incredible power that is in me through the Holy Spirit. That I limit myself by analyzing what I am capable of accomplishing in life based on training, finances, experience, responsibilities, etc. Really I need to step outside myself and recognize that God is so much greater then I am. "The same power that raised Christ from the dead is living in you"-Romans 8:11. If I recognized this on a daily basis how would I live my life differently? This was something I felt like the Lord was challenging me with on my first ultra in 2010.
When I run I am also reminded of how incredible my husband is. What drew me to him the first time we met. How he lived a life that was different then any life I had ever seen. And that sometimes I don't appreciate that simple, free spirit lifestyle. I forget how he guided me through my first race and how he continues to guide me through life. How he keeps me from getting caught up in things that are really not that important.
You may be thinking...well how did it go? It went great! I finished, my knee stayed strong, my amazing sister did awesome, and we had some great conversations with friends I hadn't seen in a couple years. It is incredible to finish an ultra and I hope that is something I never take for granted. Step out of your comfort zone every now and then and see what happens
-Heather