Why would I run
the toughest half-marathon in the Northwest? Good question!
Running is my time to think, talk with God, or let a worship song play
in my head over and over. Preparing for Robie gives my running a goal,
makes me train, makes me go further and push beyond my normal limits. It
stretches me.
I am
always blessed by the encounters I have with my friends on race day.
The simplicity of a race means there’s no masks, no titles, and no
appointments waiting back at the office. Conversation is real.
Today I’m running Robie Creek.
I’m nervous (where’s one of Rainbow Joe’s porta potties when you need
one?)
The air is full of energy.
I have 2500 comrades around me.
Some I know,
Most I don’t,
But we are united for a day
We are all in the same race.
We encourage each other
“Come on, you can do it!”
“You’re almost there!”
Though my body feels like it can’t,
My spirit says keep going.
There’s no quitting
No turning back
So I press on to the finish
Greeted by a watchful, cheering host
Runners who have already finished
I’m exhausted and happy
I’ve run the race set before me
And I’ve got this really cool t-shirt to prove it!
Pastor Chad Estes and
VLI student Tom Armstrong take their yearly trip up and back down the
mountain.
