Keeping the Faith
"The most extreme conditions require the most extreme response, and for some individuals, the call to that response is vitality itself. . . .The integrity and self-esteem gained from winning the battle against extremity are the richest treasures in my life." - Diana Nyad, U.S. long–distance swimmer (from Other Shores)
This morning the "extremity" we were battling was the onslaught of early morning darkness caused by daylight savings. It was one of those days when we just didn't want to get out of bed. Robyn has had a stressful few days at work. Rachel is in a life holding pattern, going through the motions while she waits to hear important news. When the alarm went off, (o.k. when it went off for the second time after we already hit the snooze alarm once) it would have been so easy to roll over and go back to sleep. But instead, we kept the faith. We got up, gulped some coffee, downed a PB&J and headed to the pool. This afternoon, instead of hating the darkness, we'll revel in the light that daylight savings brings by enjoying an evening run together. That's the way faith works -- we hold on and trust that better things are ahead.
This week, we have the privilege of being highlighted as Faithful Sole's Runners of the Week. This community of athletes is also keeping the faith by inspiring athletes of all ages and abilities and raising funds to promote running for 10,000 kids. On Faithful Soles homepage you can see the picture here of us crossing the finish line at our first marathon - The Country Music Marathon in Nashville, TN in 2003. That race was life changing and life affirming. We were joined at the finish line by our entire family: Our mom and dad who walked the half-marathon. Our sister Holly who ran her first 13.1. Rachel's husband who finished 26.2 a few hours ahead of us. Dave's mom who joined our parents in walking the half. And Robyn's husband Ryan who strategically planned his cheerleading route and encouraged us all throughout the day when we needed it most. When mornings like this one come by, we hold on to this picture. And then we get up, gulp some coffee, down a PB&J, and head to the pool.
