Running!

It isn't very often that I have the desire to share my feelings or comments openly. In fact, it is difficult for me to do so. Those who are close to me probably sense that fairly quickly. I enjoy being sarcastic, to lighten the mood, far more than I enjoy being emotional or sentimental. I tend to enjoy one-on-one conversations more than speaking up in a group setting too. I don't communicate my thoughts and feelings very well, but I hope they come through in some of my actions.

Nearly one year ago, I was preparing for our Stake Pioneer Trek, an 18 mile course pulling a handcart and experiencing a number of challenges over 4 days. In order to qualify to go, we were asked to complete a 4 mile run. Let's just say, I finished but had to stop several times and was sore for a week. About this same time, I was also asked to be a seminary teacher, to teach the Doctrine & Covenants. In the first training meeting, the phrase 'it is a marathon, not a sprint' was shared with us. Not too long after this meeting, Angela stated that she had an itch to begin running... and did so. I think of my boys, and each time someone comes to visit, they want to run next to the car as they are driving away. Recently at a friend's house, we were asked to "name something that you would like to accomplish that you haven't yet." I'm not sure what got into me, but I said that I'd like to run a marathon. Few people may know that when I was in 8th grade, my sister Emily and I, got to school 30-45 minutes early each day to run around the track. We ran between 3-5 miles per day, and yes... went directly to class. (This could explain why boys/girls were asked to "go out" by circling "yes" or "no" on a piece of paper, rather than in-person).

I think of all of the examples above and wonder why am I so focused on this topic of running, and why is it meaning more to me now than ever before. It hit me this past weekend... my experience with running has brought me closer to others than I would have otherwise been.

1. Pioneer Trek - gained a stronger appreciation of the youth of our stake and the constant examples they are. Our struggles and trials on this 4 day event brought us very close.
2. Seminary - one of the more difficult callings I have had. I have felt like stopping at times, but have grown closer to the students and to the Lord throughout the journey.
3. Angela - during the times that Angela and I had time to run, I truly enjoyed it. We didn't run for miles and miles, but we were together... and that's what I enjoyed.
4. The Boys - they will challenge anyone to a race and that includes those driving cars. I still have what it takes to beat them in a foot race, but it won't be long until I'm defeated.

The reason all of this has come to mind recently, is due to the amazing feat of my only younger sister. She spent countless hours organizing a 24 hour treadmill run at Channel 12 studios. Her goal was to raise $10k for the Sojourner Center, and showed her commitment and dedication to the cause by running for 24 hours, stopping only for mandatory medical and bathroom breaks. At the conclusion of the 24th hour, she had run over 100 miles. At one point during her run (around 11 pm), I was asked to walk a couple of ladies to their car which was a block or two away. As I returned, I found myself behind a group of 4 individuals heading in her direction. They noticed the bright lights centered on her in the dark downtown streets. I could hear them asking, "What is going on over there?", then another said, "that's the girl we saw on the news... she's running for like 24 hours." The third person says, "Can you even do that?" Then we found ourselves at the corner of the street, waiting to cross. They continued commenting about the challenges someone would face performing such a task. I interrupted them proudly, and shared that I was her brother. As I continued walking towards members of my family, I couldn't help but think of what I hope will be a similar experience in the next life... walking towards my family who are surrounded by the light and the example of our Savior, and individuals who use their talents to help others.