God Means Business

I’ve been dodging using the word ‘intercession’ in connection with Walk2Run because I was worried it would turn people off. Writing the word ‘intercession’ into a business plan doesn’t seem like very sound business sense to me.

But then I got angry this morning when I was praying, thinking of all the crap that so many Walk2Runner’s have been or are going through. And also feeling really thankful as I think of some Walk2Runners who after 2 years, from such small beginnings, are overcoming lifelong struggles and are still running.

So here’s how I’ve been praying for some of the Walk2Runners lately. I won’t mention anyone by name of course, but if you recognise yourself or relate in any way, then that prayer is for you. Feel free to suck it up and ask for more.

• For peace. For breathing space in daily life and to enjoy all that amazing creative energy, those money making ideas. I’m praying that you make time for the things that make you tick, because you’re important too.

• For your tank to be filled, starting with your feet and filling you all the way up to the top of your head. For restored energy and motivation for life. To begin to take pleasure in daily things again.

• To loosen the mess of life’s knots, to remove the briars and barbs that are stuck in it. And by the way, nothing can separate you from God’s love. He is holding you when you simply don’t have the strength to.

• For life in abundance. There have been things that have hurt you and they hold you back from enjoying life in all its fullness. Well, no more. I’m praying that you will indeed be free to enjoy all of life in all of its fullness. And for your job. Praying that your employer gets you the help you need so you can be effective and enjoy your work, your gifts, qualifications and your role, which is so so important.

• That you’ll find comfort in God as the stresses and strains of work and family life get you down. So full of life on the outside but so tired on the inside. Praying for real smiles! You are such a blessing to so many.

• It’s so much fun when you laugh, when your childlike joy comes out despite yourself – mostly when you’re beasting those sprints.  More of that please God.

• For Jobs and relationships that are perfectly suited to you personality and gifts.

• Simple one – for healing. For a break from all that inner heartbreak and turmoil. Sooooo loved by your family and friends, so beautiful.

I am so grateful that in Walk2Run I get to meet people and go on adventures with them.

In 2018 I hope to become the kind of woman that when my feet hit the floor each morning, the devil says “Oh Crap, She’s Up”.

Come and run with us, it might just change your life

Pooping diamonds

African Proverb:  “If you want to run fast, run alone.  If you want to run far, run together.”

I was nervous. I’d wrecklessly agreed to accompany my friend Andrea over the final hours of her 103 mile trail running event. Her last 33 miles would be run in darkness in an area of the country I’d never visited before, much less navigated through.

I was nervous because quite apart from my own physical challenge of running 33 miles, I wanted to make sure that Andrea had all she needed for every single step of her journey. I didn't want her to worry or be anxious for anything. I was there so that she could get the job done.

In Andrea’s own words…

"I had already been on the move for 15hrs when I met Jacky at 9pm on Saturday night. It was the 70 mile point and I felt cold, exhausted and in shock about how physically and emotionally gruelling the event was, but I was nevertheless still determined to make it to the finish line at 103 miles. 

In the week leading up to the race I was anxious at the news that Jacky might have to drop out of the role of pacer on the dreaded night section. No one else would do, it had to be Jacky. I wouldn't let anyone else see my vulnerability at the depths that I knew I would reach that night and no one else could give me the encouragement and companionship that I could safely expect from her. I trusted her completely, I knew I needed her and I knew she was completely reliable. 

Jacky dragged and hauled and coaxed me gently through the night, step by painful step. I ached all over. We worked slowly from one dangling way marker tape hanging down in the pitch black woodland to the next. Her patience was incredible. Her support was vital. She challenged, she entertained, she distracted, she comforted. We shared silence, laughter, secrets, a shooting star, a glorious full moon and a misty low-lying white blanket far beneath us as we traversed a sloping field. 

Dawn broke, I managed to jog a bit more, I wept with emotion when we were a few miles from the end, we dug deep and pushed hard around the track to finish at 07:35 - 25hrs 35 mins after I had started the previous day. I crushed Jacky in a delighted embrace, feeling on top of the world, my smile of relief and achievement was enormous. The medal should be hers, or at least split in two - a team effort. Such massive effort indeed, traumatic almost. Intimate definitely. Unforgettable, indescribable, intense and has bonded us even more tightly together. I am so grateful to my amazing friend for walking and running shoulder to shoulder with me through the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life."

As we turned into the Julie Rose Stadium in Ashford with just 500 metres to go, I choked up, I could hardly breathe for the tears. My work was done. I’d run shoulder to shoulder with Andrea all that way through the night and now I could let her go. She didn’t need me anymore, I knew she would finish her race and I dropped a few paces behind to let her run. She ran across the line, strong, smiling, victorious, and deserving of her medal.

Those 33 physical miles were straightforward - but it’s the heart miles that I’ll remember forever.

And apparently I poop diamonds 

Andrea's 'Thank you' card

Come and run with us, it might just change your life...