Why do you do this??

Chris and I are asked this question regarding training for a marathon all the time. So, I thought I would write and try to answer this question.

~ For our health. We have both seen the health benefits of running in amazing ways. We believe that this has been a huge part of my recovery and keeping me strong and healthy. I have been able to get my blood pressure back to normal and off all BP medications! Chris, along with nutrition and vitamins has been able to keep his cholesterol in normal ranges and also able to avoid medications. It keeps us in "normal " weight ranges for our age and height and we have strenght and endurance in other areas that we could see deteriorating as we are getting older.

~For our sanity. As most people these days we struggle with our share of stress and difficulties. When we run you can actually feel the stress being "lifted" off us. There is truth to that "runners high". It helps combat depression, fatigue, anger, stress. Everything!

~To be outdoors. It's funny, no matter what time of day we run there is always a flock of geese that fly over us in a beautiful V formation. We call them our running geese. It is beautiful and amazing that they are always there!

I can't begin to explain the beauty of watching the sun come up over the lake or seeing it go down as we run in our neighborhood. Just last night we were running and the sky was so beautiful it literally felt like you were running in a photograph.

~ For all the people you meet. We have met some of the most amazing people over these past 2 years. Runners are a different kind of people, and I am amazed at their positive outlook and willingness to push themselves beyond what should be human limits. Usually they are doing what they do for a cause greater than themselves and are always willing to help you reach your goals.

~ To accomplish something bigger than you ever thought you could do. Is it hard? Yes! Does it hurt? Yes! Can you eat anything you want ? No! Is it worth it? Absolutely! Accomplishing something that seems impossible is not only one of the greatest feelings you will ever experience it also gives you confidence and makes you realize what else you are capable of doing.

~Our time together as running partners. This is a very special time for us, we have plenty of time to talk but I think the best part of running together is simply enjoying the journey and experience together. We are so used to training together now that our footsteps are even in complete sync. I would feel lost without him by my side and can't wait to cross that finish line together. We keep each other motivated and disciplined.

~To be an example. I love when we are running and you see the same people out in the neighborhood that always say hello and wave. Many of them encourage us as they see us out there day after day :) I see young girls that are sitting on the sidewalk with their friends "just hanging out" and one of them looks at you with a big smile and waves. I hope she is thinking "I can do that"! One day some kids outside saw us running and one said " what are they always doing"? The other one said " they are running for exercise". I hope as the "older" generation we are being positive role models for the younger generations. I also hope that people will see that living with cancer does not always mean you can't accomplish your goals and dreams. It may just take a little longer and be a little harder but it can be done.

~ Because I can! There have been times in my life and in the lives of many who live with cancer, that we are unable to exercise or do much of anything physical for that matter. So, when I am blessed with the strength, ability and health to do this, I will keep running for me and for those that cannot.

~ Having the faith that " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Phillipians 4:13 I ask for His strength and give all the glory to Him!