Why do you want to run that far?

Lots of people ask me this question when they hear I have completed 30, 50 and even a 100 mile race over the past few years. The reason I want to run that far is much different now than when I started out.

My running journey started back in 2017 when I realized how unhealthy I had become physically. I was around 370 lbs. when I started working out and running to lose weight. It worked, I lost over 150 lbs. in the next year. But along with this success my pride blossomed, and many things in my life suffered.  My relationship with God and my relationship with my wife and kids were damaged. I kept desperately trying to fill my soul through the attention of others and what I was doing for the next race, not realizing the impact it had on the people closest to me.

In the summer of 2019, I hit rock bottom when my wife and I separated. I chose to fight for my family but before I could start to repair the damage I had caused, I had to get myself right and put God in the forefront of my life. Thankfully, several members of The Salvation Army stepped up to support and guide me during this time and help me begin to put God first in my life no matter how things turned out. I will always be grateful to them and to the Salvation Army for being there for me in my darkest hour.

Now 3 years later, what was destroyed and turned to dust has had new life breathed into it and put back together not as it was but better, stronger, and more beautiful than ever. I have a strong and healthy relationship with God and family. Running events are no longer attention seeking for my glory but rather I give the glory to God for the things that I can do. They are events that I celebrate and enjoy with my wife and sons. 

I want to invite you to join me in supporting the organization that helped me find my way back to God and to the things that matter most to me. I am so thankful for the Salvation Army and using the gifts that God has given me to raise money to support their good work.