/ uhl - truh /

Ultra / uhl-truh /
“going beyond what is usual or ordinary”

Ultra Running is defined as running anything longer that 26.2 miles.

I recently have signed up and have been training for the Big Bend Ultra! This run has been a dream and goal of mine for over a year now. Many of you know that running has become a regularly activity and a personal outlet for me. Running has become a time to get outside and allow myself to be refreshed and recharged! I use the time to pray and reflect while running alone, fellowship with others when running with family and friends, and running has become a daily push forward in my health, since my cancer diagnosis back in 2019.

I love the thought of “going beyond what is usual or ordinary”. I think today you and I might find ourselves in that “beyond” spot spiritually, physically, emotionally, or mentally. We may be “beyond” where we had hoped, envisioned, or planned. Whether our current season is a good one or a tough one, our attitudes and responses matter. How are you doing? Do you need help or support?

I pray and hope you are ok and that with God’s help, you push through the “beyond”! Don’t do it alone!

Please know that it’s ok to ask for help and support. In my ultra running journey I reached out to two San Antonio runners whose podcast has been great to follow. I emailed Aaron and Ryan of TempoTalks seeking insight and thoughts as I train for my first ultra. Here is highlight from the email I received:

“Ultras explore the darker parts of us. At some point, maybe more than once, you will want to quit. It's important to remember why you are doing it when you get to those moments. Maybe write your "why" on your arm in marker.”

Thanks Aaron for those words!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. (Hebrews‬ ‭12:1-2‬)

This is our WHY! Don’t quit!

So run! Run today while fixing your eyes on Jesus knowing that He is authoring and perfecting our lives daily!