Forgive me if this blog is long! I will have to break it up in parts. I wanted to follow up on our event. You have been along for the ride, thus far so it only makes sense to keep you in the loop.
Before we get to the race, I want to tell you the why?
Why this race?
This event is so important. A few years ago this was my first ever 5k that I did for time, that I ran and not walked. It was divine, because at the time we had a little buddy who was about 2 years old battling cancer. So to run for children's cancer research it only made sense! The only thing that I struggle with is that it is always on a Sunday. We have made a commitment in our family that we would not allow Noah to play sports that require Sunday games. We want him to understand that Sundays are for church and family.
Why mile 5 is so important to me?
Six months after this first race, I did the long beach half marathon. This marathon was ran on behalf of a few children that were still battling cancer. In that short time, we lost one. Gracie Arroz, she was 16 years old and my inspiration for this marathon. She was a fighter and her endurance to run her race of faith battling this disease was what drove me in my training and my run.
In that marathon, at the fifth mile, I had a moment. I posted a picture of that mile marker and the caption read, "The first five were for you Gracie". Immediately after the Lord gave me a vision and placed a desire in my heart. A desire to get people off the couch , encouraging them to do something they probably would never do. To run in an organize race. Not just for a medal, but so that they can experience the spiritual journey of training, and in the process hopefully get a little healthy. I knew if I could do it anyone can! fo real folks!
To really understand what Paul talks about in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. Immediately after that vision the Lord gave me the name "Runners for Grace." As I continued to run, and pray I was reminded that the number five in numerology means Grace! Gracie is the heart and soul of our team!
Last year was the first time "Runners for Grace" participated in this run/walk.
3- 5K Runners
10- 5K walkers
3- Kids 1k
For a total of 16 people
I expressed to a few last year that it would have been cool to have someone in every event. That day I went home with that prayer, that RFG would be represented in every race.
God answers prayers!!!
This year? We had someone in EVERY event! Even the bike event!!!!
1- Biker for the 14 Mile Fun tour
6- Half Marathon Runners
8- 5K Runners
11- 10K Runners/Walkers
12- 5K walkers
2- Kids 1k Runners
For a total of 39 people
I was so overwhelmed that I am not sure what to pray for, for next year! We were blessed to have our shirts donated, Thank you Mike! We were blessed to have a place to set up shop! Thank you Emma and Patricia for helping set up. We were blessed to have a team sign, Thank you syl. And I am blessed to have a husband who supported everything that the Lord has called us to do.
This day could not have been possible without the help of several people. I will share more about the day on tomorrows blog. As I left and reflected on the day, I realized that although we were not at church on Sunday, we were the church and I will talk more about that on the next post!!!!
Run to Win!
Moni
P.S. If you participated this weekend, feel free to share.. unfortunately I didn't get to sit and talk with everyone and would love to hear how you all did and how you felt today?
Also it isn't to late to still donate! Our team page will be up for 91 days so feel free to share!
Monday, May 6, 2013
Friday, May 3, 2013
The voice in my head
The voice in my head tells me that our team isn't big enough. The voice in my head tells me that my attempt to fund raise sucks (for lack of a better word). The voice in my head tells me that I didn't train enough and eat good enough. The voice in my head tells me that I am crazy for doing another half marathon, when I was reminded a few days ago, I said I would never. The voice in my head tells me that on Sunday everything will fall apart, shirt sizes will be wrong, people will be late and it will be my fault.
BUT...........
The voice in my head lies! God said, He will and He does. First step... don't listen to the voice in your head. Next step.. Pray.. and lastly... Run! I'm going to run like someone is chasing with a gun! haha better yet I am going to run like someone is dangling a donut in front of me!!!!
I am going to run to win!!!!
xoxox
Moni
BUT...........
This why we are doing it!
This is who we are doing it for, and the many more who are battling!
And this is how we are doing it! Together in prayer!
I am going to run to win!!!!
xoxox
Moni
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Runners for Grace #2
"Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize." 1 Cor. 9:24-25 NLT
We are a few days out to our walks and runs. Perhaps, like me you are sitting there thinking you could have walked more, ran more or ate better? Well, yes I know, I am right there along side of you. But what I love about Gods word, is that we are reminded of what is important.
Not your time, or the place you will come in, or the medal you will get for finishing. Paul says at the tail end of that scripture that we are competing for an eternal prize one that will not fade away. What is that prize? For me it is the time spent with the Lord while training. The tears shed and prayers said while I was running. It was hearing Gods voice when I was tired. It is the money earned that will be put to research to potentially save a child and spare a parents grief. It is the 3 or maybe more hours that I will run along side my sister friends completing what we started. It is knowing you, your prayers and support. It is the sacrifices that were made by my family, and the obedience to God for doing what He called us to do. And it is the voice of God when I cross the finish line saying "well done".
What is it for you? I pray it is much more! I am praying for you all!
Here are a few things I have learned that might help if you are a first time runner. I am sure the Internet can give you more, but here are a few.
1. Typically it is kinda cool in the morning. If you are going to wear a light jacket, wear one you don't mind leaving. If you are running and don't want to carry it, typically you can toss it to the side and they will pick it up and donate it.
2. Pack light, although we are going to have a spot to put our stuff you wont need much. There are vendors and most of the food is free but there will be food trucks, so you might want to bring cash. Last year Lucille's was there giving away free plates of food.
3. Those doing long runs, there are water stations. A few spots for 10k people and 5k, for half marathoners there is some every two miles typically. If you are used to drinking it more, than that I would bring a water bottle or water belt.
10K & 1/2 marathoners- I would carry some type of protein bar, gel or shot blocks for your run. This is more for the 1/2 marathon people. This will give you that extra energy as you run. It really does help. I use shot blocks. They are these natural gummies, I take one at 3 miles and every other mile after that! Another good snack to pack is pretzels. The salt will be good for you.
Chewing Gum will help your breathing!
4. There is this thing called "Glide" you can find it at the running store. It looks like deodorant. It is good to put this in place that might rub together. I wont go there but it helps you not get blisters. Like under your arms, between your toes etc.
5. Starting tomorrow, start to load up on water and stretching and continue to eat healthy, do this till the day of. Saturday night, have fun with carbs, you will burn them Sunday. I am going to eat a fat pizza!
6. If you cant sleep Saturday night because of excitement or nerves, don't worry most runners don't really sleep. They say it doesn't make a difference, just don't go out and party! haha.. No really I think I slept like 4 hours last time.
7. Be sure to come early! Last thing you want to do is run late and not be able to stretch properly etc. I will send out the times and meeting place on Saturday night!
If you have any questions or need help, give me a call. I am by far an expert but I just learned a few things from last time around!
Run to win!!!!!
Moni
We are a few days out to our walks and runs. Perhaps, like me you are sitting there thinking you could have walked more, ran more or ate better? Well, yes I know, I am right there along side of you. But what I love about Gods word, is that we are reminded of what is important.
Not your time, or the place you will come in, or the medal you will get for finishing. Paul says at the tail end of that scripture that we are competing for an eternal prize one that will not fade away. What is that prize? For me it is the time spent with the Lord while training. The tears shed and prayers said while I was running. It was hearing Gods voice when I was tired. It is the money earned that will be put to research to potentially save a child and spare a parents grief. It is the 3 or maybe more hours that I will run along side my sister friends completing what we started. It is knowing you, your prayers and support. It is the sacrifices that were made by my family, and the obedience to God for doing what He called us to do. And it is the voice of God when I cross the finish line saying "well done".
What is it for you? I pray it is much more! I am praying for you all!
Here are a few things I have learned that might help if you are a first time runner. I am sure the Internet can give you more, but here are a few.
1. Typically it is kinda cool in the morning. If you are going to wear a light jacket, wear one you don't mind leaving. If you are running and don't want to carry it, typically you can toss it to the side and they will pick it up and donate it.
2. Pack light, although we are going to have a spot to put our stuff you wont need much. There are vendors and most of the food is free but there will be food trucks, so you might want to bring cash. Last year Lucille's was there giving away free plates of food.
3. Those doing long runs, there are water stations. A few spots for 10k people and 5k, for half marathoners there is some every two miles typically. If you are used to drinking it more, than that I would bring a water bottle or water belt.
10K & 1/2 marathoners- I would carry some type of protein bar, gel or shot blocks for your run. This is more for the 1/2 marathon people. This will give you that extra energy as you run. It really does help. I use shot blocks. They are these natural gummies, I take one at 3 miles and every other mile after that! Another good snack to pack is pretzels. The salt will be good for you.
Chewing Gum will help your breathing!
4. There is this thing called "Glide" you can find it at the running store. It looks like deodorant. It is good to put this in place that might rub together. I wont go there but it helps you not get blisters. Like under your arms, between your toes etc.
5. Starting tomorrow, start to load up on water and stretching and continue to eat healthy, do this till the day of. Saturday night, have fun with carbs, you will burn them Sunday. I am going to eat a fat pizza!
6. If you cant sleep Saturday night because of excitement or nerves, don't worry most runners don't really sleep. They say it doesn't make a difference, just don't go out and party! haha.. No really I think I slept like 4 hours last time.
7. Be sure to come early! Last thing you want to do is run late and not be able to stretch properly etc. I will send out the times and meeting place on Saturday night!
If you have any questions or need help, give me a call. I am by far an expert but I just learned a few things from last time around!
Run to win!!!!!
Moni
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