Exercise,  Faith

Why do I do this again?


Lot’s of people look at me cross-eyed when I mention I ran a half marathon recently. Some smile nicely as if to keep the crazy girl calm and quietly slip away. But many slap me on the shoulder and say, “Great Job!”

Talking about sports, especially some of the things I do (long distance cycling, speed skating, etc), sometimes draws mixed reactions. Especially when I talk about my dad (climbed Kilimanjaro & Rainer, biked 3100 miles across the country, etc).

It’s genetic. And I’m okay with that.

Although this past weekend, I might have questioned it once or twice.

I ran the Sedona half marathon Saturday.

Any athlete knows that some races just aren’t as good as others. Stomach trouble, freak cramping, or some other random issue.

Me and Stina at the start

Well, lucky me, I got a few of them. I still managed to enjoy the day and take one minute off my time last year, but it was painful.

At the start, with my friend, Christina, excitement hummed in the air. It was COLD (29 degrees) but the bright sun bounced off the beautiful red rocks. *sigh* I’ll never tire of that view.

Me chugging around the last corner toward the finish

By mile five I had a stitch in my side that burned like fire from hades. Couldn’t get a good deep breath and that just snowballed into fatigue, cramping and whole nine yards.

But, my good friend Christina kept my spirits up and chugged along with me. It was her first half marathon ever, so it was fun to share that with her.

I’ll be honest, I thought a few times, “Why do I do this again?” But the answer presented itself shortly thereafter.

A challenge.

What is life without challenges? Some we choose, such as running, extreme sports, etc, and some we don’t. My mother-in-law, while I was running this 13.1 mile race, was sitting in a chair getting ready to receive her very first chemo treatment. She didn’t ask for that challenge, but she’s facing it head on.

Stina and me at the finish with our medals and Sun Drop soda

Her finish line might not be lined with spectators cheering, tons of food, Sun Drop soda and a finisher’s medal, but she’s persevering, regardless.

The challenges we face, no matter what they are, we can grow from. Spiritually and mentally.

My race ended with me being a bit short of my goal time, and I was very sore, but I’m stronger because of it.

When I wanted to stop and walk, I thought of my mother-in-law.

When I wanted to stop and walk, I prayed to God for strength.

When I wanted to stop and walk, I thought of my sweet hubby cheering me along back in Phoenix.

~~~~~

When you want to stop and walk, what do you do to keep going?

~~~~~

20 Comments

  • kendallgrey

    Lynn, you are a truly amazing woman, in every way! I have so much respect for you. You’re made of 100% WOW!

  • Steph

    Congrats on finishing! When I find it difficult to finish something, I think about all the things I’ve accomplished in the past and tell myself success is a state of mind. I believe if someone really puts their mind to something, they’ll succeed.

  • Katy Upperman

    Congrats on finishing your race! I’m in such awe of people run long distance races, especially for fun! Your mother-in-law must have been an amazing inspiration, and I hope her treatment is fast and effective. Thanks for inspiring ME with your post. 🙂

  • lori Lundquist

    Doesn’t Paul compare our lives to running a race? And that we should run in order to receive the prize? I’d like to think your mother-in-law WILL be met with cheers and a finisher’s medal, and a “well done, faithful servant,” no matter what the outcome of her physical challenge now. You are both strong, admirable, faithful women! God bless, are you’re both in my prayers. Have a great day!

  • Ciara Knight

    Great post, Lynn. FYI – I’m donating my hair to Locks of Love in honor of mother-in-laws. I have a couple inches to go, but I’d like to add you MIL to my tribute.
    If you make it to the RWA conference in Atlanta in a few years we’ll have to run together. 🙂 I should be running by then!!!

    • Lynn Rush

      That’s awesome, Ciara. I did locks of love three years ago this March. They took about 14 inches. It’s a great cause. Thanks for doing that. I’ll be sure to pass on to my MIL that you’re doing it. 🙂

  • danicaavet

    Great post, Lynn. I’m a naturally obstinate person. If something stands in my way, I put my head down and barrel through. I hate being told “you can’t” because I’ll just make sure I can. I admire you for finishing the marathon in spite of the physical pains you endured.

  • Jill W

    Like you, I pray and keep going when I really want to stop and walk. Beautiful post, Lynn. You’re MIL will be proud.

    • Lynn Rush

      Thanks, Rebecca. It was a tough race for sure. I was super glad to see that finish line, although, it did feel like that nightmare where you run and run but the end gets farther and farther away….LOL.

  • Lisa Kessler

    Great blog Lynn!!! 🙂

    Congratulations on finishing the race!

    And I’m sending good thoughts your way for your mother-iin-law!!! Hope she keeps smiling and fighting…

    *HUGS*

    Lisa
    *who is back from France! Shew! :)*