Mark runs ... through life

The Long Run Back

It’s been a long time coming but it’s finally happened.  My ability and motivation have converged; I’m ready to hit the road again!   I was inspired by all of the healthy, happy, skinny, spirit-filled people I met at the Memphis Marathon Expo while working at the Team 413 booth over the weekend.

I have not run since May, 2009, when I was sidelined with a herniated disk in my back.  I used to laugh at people who complained of back problems, but now they have my greatest respect and deepest empathy.  This was followed by a ten month long persistent cough that I still haven’t quite shook but I’m ready to give it a go.

I tried to run a couple of times but was frustrated by my deteriorated fitness level, weight gain, and lack of speed (believe it or not I was placing in my age group, even won a couple of trophies,  two years ago.)  If anything, this has taught me that you have to beginning where you are, not where you were, where you expected, or where you want to be.  I’ve already dropped twelve pounds, now at 220, and looking to get back to my pre-injury weight of 170 by this fall.

I want to thank my daughter Anna who has inspired me to get going.  She started running last year and I am sooooo proud of what she has accomplished and the lifestyle changes she’s made.

I’m looking forward to working with Team 413 again.  I’ve missed the fellowship of working the expo booth, seeing friends and making new ones.  I’ve been blessed by the stories of how Christ has worked through the simple message on the back of a running shirt.

As of today, daughter Anna and I are planning on staffing the Team 413 booth and running (or in my case run/walk) in the Little Rock Half Marathon the first weekend in March, then possibly Knoxville and Nashville or Cincinnati.

It has been my blessing to be associated with Team 413 (Philippians 4:13) for the past five years.  Team 413 is a Christian ministry for long distance runners and other endurance athletes.  It is a nonprofit  organization, funded by contributions and running shirt sales, spreading the good news of Christ running sided by side in long distance races across America.   Please check it out at http://www.team413.org.  

Team 413 founder and CEO Chris Gillespie will run 413 miles in ten days beginning May 12 in Birmingham, Alabama and finish May 21 in Fargo, North Dakota to raise funds for Team 413 ministries.

I have seen how God has touched lives through Team 413 and ask that you support Chris in his run by pledging whatever God places on your heart.

It’s time for dinner, Monday night football and some exercise.

Come run with me.