Running towards Connection

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 

1Thess. 5:11

The day after Christmas.

The house is quieter now, a stark contrast to the joy-filled chaos of children, adults, and grandparents gathered within the walls. Christmas Eve those walls were ALIVE with laughter, excitement, and festive cheer.

Today, stillness settles in, and with it, the fatigue I'd been pushing aside. 

I didn't roll out of bed until 8am, the lack of sleep finally catching up to me. My body sank into the couch with my coffee, joined by my sidekick, laziness. I wrestled with myself, trying to summon the energy to lace up my running shoes and head out the door. 

The struggle was real. 

But eventually, I got my act together. after a big bowl of cream of wheat, I ventured outside with no set route, no pace, and no definite distance-just me, my running shoes, and the open road. 

There's something comforting about muscle memory. Even when my mind resisted, my legs instinctively knew what to do. one step at a time, they carried me forward. 

This run wasn't just about physical exercise. It as about clearing my thoughts, settling my soul, and finding communion with the Lord. It was about making space for Him to speak and me to listen. 

The Power of HONEST, LOVING Conversations

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 

1Thess. 5:11

The first few miles were messy- a sloppy mix of back roads and weary limbs. To pace myself, I walked about 30 seconds every mile, breaking up the solitude and steady rhythm of the run. Somewhere along the way I decided I'd aim for 15 miles. 

As I ran, I looked forward to meeting my niece, Sarah, who would join me for the last stretch. To my surprise Sarah had a 4-mile route mapped out, more than I had thought. Those miles became more than just steps-they became moments of connection. 

We walked briskly, sharing intimate conversations-honest, challenging and encouraging. We spoke openly, loving each other without judgment and lifting each other up with words of grace. There's something sacred about communications done in LOVE. It builds bridges, heals wounds, and fosters growth. I love our miles together. 

"Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in habit of doing, but encouraging one another." Hebrews 10:24-25

RUNDOWN:

Vulnerability is not weakness; it's our greatest measure of courage." Brene Brown

Distance: 20.10

Time: 4h

Elevation: 454ft

Weekly Miles: 39miles

In the right space it takes courage through vulnerability to discuss matters of the heart with HONESTY, laying bare our struggles, insecurities, and triumphs.  Growth and connection happen when we're willing to show up authentically. 

 When the run ended, I had completed 20 miles-20 miles of talking to the Lord, and with my niece. BOTH conversations were HUMBLING and BEAUTIFUL. 

Leaving me with peace, clarity, encouragement, and the kind of love that builds us up. 

BIG SHOUT OUT! Thank YOU to all those running friends of mine that came out to support my BIRTHDAY 51K! 

I started solo at 5am.

Sara F, Joe, Jim and Andy Meyers joined me at 6 am. 

Somehow, I convinced everyone to run MORE than they originally planned. Sara was very generous squeezing one loop in before seeing Santa and festivities with her family. My Andy joined around 9 for 10 miles. 

Jim did around 13 miles, Joe did around 13, Andy M ended up doing a marathon, my Andy did over 11 and Kara did around 10. 

AND Sara came all the way back with CAKE, soup and TIM HORTONS!! 

Kara joined at the end to bring it in for my full 51K. 

Thank you, Joe for the Pinata and support. 

Thank you to for the gifts, miles and thoughtfulness. 

"Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It's about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen." Brene` Brown

In Peace, Not Pieces, 

Anita