Running for Brian Today



When running solo you have to often times pull all the punches. I can get through an hour run no problem. I can manage my thoughts and keep control of my mind pretty well. But any run longer than an hour and a half I have a hard time keeping a grip on my crazy thoughts.
My mind begins to get the best of me. I can feel the darkness gaining control over my grip and it becomes a tug of war between discouragement and determination/desire.

When pulling punches you have to seek God for training tools. As I ran I sought after him. I needed HIM to give me power to overcome any negative and defeating thoughts.
He placed my nephew "Brian" on my heart that morning. And he continued to rest heavy on my heart as I started my 16 mile run out.

Psalm 18:32-34  the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless. He made my feet like the feet of a deer  and set me secure on the heights. He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

I RAN for "BRIAN" this afternoon. I prayed and thought of him as I let my legs lead me to over 2 hours of running.
"Brian" joined the Marines and has been gone to Parris Island SC for boot camp for just over 2 weeks.  This is going to be one of the hardest things he has ever done both physically and mentally. Only about 1 percent follow through.
I thought of him and the pain, sweat and tears he will bleed out over the summer. I thought of him as I ran in 75 degree weather and he would be training in much hotter temperatures. My pain was at a minimal when I considered that he was probably living in the Hurt Locker for the next several weeks.

"Brian" has not lived a life neighboring with Mr. Rodgers. He has had a tough life. Loosing ARIEL, his big sister put permanent scars on him. Scars fade but they never go away. I have heard many say "This is one of the best things that Brian can do for himself." I believe it took a lot of courage and strength to join the military and I am very proud of him.

I RAN for "BRIAN" today. I ran for courage..Courage to believe I can do something most say can not be done. Austin my son says I can not run 50 miles. He does not realize the more he says it can not be done the more I want to prove him WRONG.

RUNDOWN:
CONDITIONS: 73 Degrees, 12 miles of dirt roads, cloud cover
DISTANCE: 16.38
PACE: 9:18
TIME: 2:33

PEPPER SPRAY!
Because I was running the back roads alone Andy requested that I run with PEPPER SPRAY. I grabbed my Little pink can of Pepper Spray and put it in my pouch.
The dogs were out this afternoon. After seeing several dogs I began to realize I have never used this Pepper Spray before. I took it out of my pouch, turned it so the safety  was no longer on and held it in my hand. To my right a couple miles down I saw 2 ginormous dogs. They looked like meat head dogs. I gripped my spray a little bit tighter and thought "I don't even know if this thing sprays."
Well the dogs never even noticed me which is great because I had my self labeled as a doggie treat when I saw them. After relaxing from imagination getting the best of me I then decided to try and spray my can of Pepper Spray to make sure it worked.
At first nothing came out. I turned the can towards me to see if I had the safety off...Yup. So I squeezed again. NOTHING. "Hmm, Why is this not working?" I lifted it up and squeezed even harder and out came a thin stream of yellow liquid. Only STUPID ME I sprayed it into the WIND!
My nose started to instantly Burn. I quickly took a drink to get the taste out my mouth. Then my mouth started to burn. I thought I was going to be ok only for the next 9 miles my mouth was on FIRE!
Andy surprised me and came out to check on me at mile 10 with ice water and a HONEY STINGER. He found me as I was exiting off Laring Rd. He wants me to start incorporating food with my long runs to get used to eating. I was so happy to see him and tell him I was on FIRE from my Pepper SPRAY. He left me like he normally does rolling his eyes and laughing at my shenanigans!

COOKS Farm Dairy:
Had a blast finishing the night off with family at COOKS Farm. I got to enjoy some ice Cream and even more I got to enjoy my family!
There are many reason we run...And eating Ice Cream at COOKS was one of the reasons for me!