Saturday, August 28, 2010

15 in 15 - Day 12(Aug 28) - Richmond to Charlottesville (Leg 3)

Here are some scriptures my friends have given me:


Luke 21:19 - By your endurance you will win your lives.
Hebrews 10:36 - for you need endurance so that, having done the will of God, you may receive the promise.
Romans 5:3-4 - suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.

Endurance is an interesting thing. To get endurance you have to push yourself out of your comfort zone, just a little bit more each time you run. I remember when I was so worried about finishing a half-marathon. Now, many of my midweek training runs are that distance. How did I get from zero miles to 400 miles? By pushing myself out of my comfort zone just enough to begin to cross thresholds. I've had many people say I couldn't run around the block much less 15 marathons in 15 days. I say, it's not about what you can do, but about what you can believe. So maybe running around the block is too far, today. But running to the corner isn't. And the next day, you might actually turn the corner. And the next day go to the next corner. Then, before you know it, you're running around the block. You've crossed a threshold and reached a new level of endurance. Ministry is like that too. We need to step out of our comfort zones. Get your youth together and go on a TOP trip. Get them excited about serving God. As their faith grows, God will show them new ways to minister and before long it will be the youth who turn America around, and make a difference in this world.

Last night, after an enjoyable evening spent with my sister-in-law, Susan Dube and a yummy steak dinner, I was bone-tired, so I called it a night and went to bed. I had a restless night. It seems for every good night of sleep I get a bad one. But, the run must go on, sleep or no sleep! Josh was back again to crew since Steve was going to North Carolina to give a short talk, then drive all the way back up to Charlottesville. We drove back to Palmyra and started about 7:45 am. After a pretty steep initial climb, the road turned into a series of rolling up and downs. It was a cool foggy morning, and I felt pretty good once I got going, so I was letting them go about 3 miles ahead. There were some big hills today! But there were also some nice long downhill stretches, so I never felt really wiped out. Good thing I'm not allergic to ragweed. I'm hugging the shoulder of the road because of the traffic, and my left leg is about yellow from rubbing against the ragweed.

As I crossed over Rt. 250 to continue on Rt. 616, I noticed a sign saying "Road Closed Ahead." About 1.5 miles later I caught up with my crew. "Did you guys notice the sign back there saying the road was closed due to bridge construction?" They had missed it. I didn't really want to turn around a take a different route, so Josh drove ahead to check it out. Pretty soon, I see them coming back up the road. Yep it's closed. Well, a little road closure won't stop the Warrior Princess. I keep going while they take the long way around.

I get to the bridge and I see a little dirt road through the woods, so I follow it. It takes me down to a railroad track! Unfortunately, there is no road on the other side, just a steep embankment about 10-20 feet high. I scramble over the tracks and clamber up the bank, grabbing onto branches to pull me up.The woods are really thick and I have to push through pine boughs to make it up to the road. Boy, is there a lot of trash dumped over the side of the road. Finally I climb up another little embankment and am back on the road again. Just about in time for Josh and Lindsey to show up on the other side.

The next section of road was a little rough - no shoulder and lots of traffic. I'm glad it turned out to be only 2.5 miles long. Now, I was on Route 250 and heading into Charlottesville. For some reason, I needed to add a few miles to my run to make it the official marathon length. So we had to stop a few times and work out the route on the map. I ended up running 250 bypass to Rugby Road, and then climbing up a really steep and winding road. By this time, we were trying to coordinate with the media that was going to show up in Lee Park where I was ending. I had a nice long downhill stretch before I made the final push up to the park. Since there was a photographer taking pictures of me as I hit the hill, I made a point to sprint up the hill and into the park. I had an interview with the Daily Progress newspaper, and Channel 29 TV station.One of them asked me what was next after this was done. I told them, God only shows us what we are to do now. And for now, that means running a marathon a day. After Tuesday, well, I'll leave that in God's hands.

3 comments:

  1. SuSu, Im so proud of you! And Im praising God and praying for you each step of the way. Awesome news coverage too. God's giving you the gift to inspire people! Amazing is his grace.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I caught you on the Channel 29 TV News last night. Great that they were there and hope the coverage helps you out. I had called the Daily Progress after our run telling them of your effort and arrival in Charlottesville Saturday. The young reporter, Brandon, called me back within the next 30 minutes expressing his interest in the story. Seems at first he did not believe I was saying someone was running the "15 in 15". I think he may have missunderstood me with the comment "unusual for someone of her age to be physically capable of running 400 miles in 15 days." I only mentioned age when he asked if the runners was a 25 or 30 year old. I think many "older" runners (whatever that is?) would be capable of doing something like this but most would not have the courage to try. I have heard of the several runners of varying ages running 52 weekly marathons in 52 weeks and many do the ultra runs as Susan said she does. There may be others but I had not read of anyone doing the 15 in 15 days. I think running the 15 on your own would be more difficult than doing them at an actual marathon event where you have the support of many fellow runners plus spectators. Susan is doing much of this out on county roads with only herself. I was so glad my friend John and I were able to join you for part of effort.

    My Mother called saying her phone was ringing early this morning from friends who saw the article. I hope it will also help your fund raising efforts. I read more on your site about your TOP Organization and did not realize the many teen you have involved. I guess now you are well into Day 13. Again, amazing. Only 2 to go soon. Stay strong.

    Curtis

    ReplyDelete
  3. P.S. I do think it probably unique for anyone with less than 2 years running doing this!

    Curtis

    ReplyDelete