Sunday, September 16, 2012

The Mama Who Thought She Could


I will never forget those days in high school PE class where we had to “run the mile”.  We would all pile onto the field in our running clothes and start making our rounds around the track.  There were the athletic girls that would bolt out in the front and see how fast they could finish, then the majority who would pace themselves and just try to finish, and then there was me… who decided that running a mile was impossible, so why even try? I stubbornly would walk the mile and take a bad grade in PE, every time.  Year after year.  I’m not saying I’m proud of that- it’s just what I did. Fast forward to years later when I was engaged to Aaron.  One day we were spending time with my brother and sister in law- Luke & Janell.  They decided to go for a run and dragged me along with them, in spite of my protests and excuses.  They convinced me that I could run a whole mile… and what do you know? I DID! From then on I knew I could! I still didn’t like running and over the next few years my attempts to “begin running” were sporadic and never lasted more than a few weeks, but I did try every once in a while.  I’m not sure what shifted but I decided once again to try running after Ciella was born.  My first attempt was when she was 5 weeks old.  My legs felt like lead and I barely made it to the end of the block before I felt like I couldn’t go on.  But, the more I got out and just did it, the easier it got.  During a walk with my friend Danielle one day, we talked about how it would be fun to train for a half marathon.  The rest is history! I am now up to 12 miles and my first 13 mile race is weeks away!  I share my history simply to make the point that I have never been a runner.  I think many people feel like they “can’t” run simply because they’ve never really tried or made the decision that they “can”… this could apply to so many different areas of our lives.  Sometimes when I am doing some of my longer runs I think of the kids story about the little engine who “thought he could” and kept repeating, “I think I can, I think I can”.  It is so true that the person who thinks they can and the person who thinks they can’t are both right.  Running really comes down to putting one foot in front of the other and believing that you can.  Yes, there are aspects of training and preparing yourself- when you are going to go longer distances, but really, I’d say it’s at least 90% mental! So, I hope this “mama who thought she could” will inspire you to go after some of those things that you’ve felt like you can’t do… just change your mind and go for it!

 I’m also excited to announce that I am running for more than the purpose of burning some baby weight off- I am running for a cause!!! Some friends and myself will be running the Turtle Bay half marathon on Oct. 7 to raise money for “Idignify” – a ministry through our church that is “developing a network of people & organizations to ban together in the fight against human trafficking and modern day slavery to bring about global justice.”  For those of you who know me, you know that this type of ministry is very close to my heart.  So, in a season where raising my kiddos is what takes most of my time, and it’s a little harder to run off to another country and rescue girls out of brothels, I am super stoked to use this race to raise funds for others that are devoting their lives to bringing freedom and justice to these girls.  To give, simply go to: idignify.com, click on “ways to give” & follow the instructions.  Super easy! Lastly, (and importantly)- please send me a message and let me know what you’ve given- whether it’s $5 or $500- as I’d like to be able to track and report the total raised.  Feel free to give up till race day- Oct. 7- and by all means, continue to support idignify and other amazing organizations long after that if you feel led. =)

Thanks for reading and sharing in my journey…