Reflections on the Marathon: New Strength

“But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength.”  Isaiah 40:31

Post-race picture with Yvonne and Joshua

After months of training and planning, October 13 finally arrived!   I was excited to tackle my first marathon, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.   It was a beautiful morning and perfect running weather.  

I’m grateful for all my family and friends who have supported and encouraged me throughout my training and on race day.  I’m grateful that I was able to run to raise support ($4,445… praise God!) for the children and youth of Bethesda Church in Bolivia.  These gifts are going to go a long way in providing care and resources for young followers of Jesus in Bolivia!

My motto and prayer going into the race was “weak made strong.”   I knew that I needed Christ’s strength and presence to endure and fight through the challenge. Near the end, I reached a point of desperation where I knew I had nothing left within me, and I started to pray Isaiah 40:31.  God gave me new strength to carry me through the final part of the race, and I give Him all thanks that I was able to finish.  

I came so close to my goal of breaking the 4 hour barrier.  My official time was 4:00:49.  I will walk you through the race and some of my thoughts at the different points.  

Miles 1 - 3

I knew the first few miles would be tough.  I typically feel a little sluggish at the beginning of a run, and the marathon was no exception.  It also didn’t help that the pace group I was running with started extremely fast (40 seconds faster than race pace on a couple of the first miles).  I was looking at my watch in surprise.  My body definitely felt the fast start.   I got to see Yvonne, Joshua, and my parents around mile 3.  That was awesome!  It definitely gave me a boost, and I gave Joshua a high five as I ran past them. 

Getting ready to give Joshua a high five

Mile 5

At mile 5, I finally started to get in a rhythm and was feeling better about the run.  I stopped at every aid station to take Gatorade and walked for a few seconds to make sure I could drink it all and stay hydrated.  Honestly, throughout the race, every time I saw an aid station, it was a tremendous blessing!  My body was thankful for the sugar and the energy boost. 

Mile 12

I was hoping to see my family again around mile 11, but I missed them since they were on the other side.   At first, I was really bummed about it, but then God reminded me of His presence and picked me up.  I got ahead of the pace group at this point in the race and was feeling really good running solo.  But I didn’t want to risk getting too far ahead of myself with 14 miles to go.  So I slowed down and re-joined the pace group. 

Mile 16

I had one of those defining moments at mile 16, when I asked myself the question, “Why am I doing this?”  It was a moment of doubt.  But then, I started thinking about the kids at Bethesda Church in Bolivia and began to pray for them.  The song, “You’re Beautiful” by Phil Wickham came on my playlist.  As I listened to this beautiful song reminding me who God is, I was running up a hill towards Willis Tower in the distance reflecting on the greatness and awesomeness of our God.  It was one of the best moments of the race for me. 

Mile 21

Running through China Town

I saw my family again around mile 21 in China Town.  Again, it was a big boost, and I stopped to give Yvonne a kiss and told her I love her.  5 more miles to go, and I was feeling okay.  

Mile 22

Potential disaster almost struck around mile 22.  I was trying to pass someone, and my left foot hit the curb causing me to be in an awkward position.  I felt like I got shot in the leg as a cramp screamed up the back of my right leg. I have never experienced a cramp like this.  At this point in the race, I had already seen so many people cramping up and having to stop and stretch.  Feelings of fear started to creep in.  Do I need to stop?  Do I need to walk the rest of the way?  I kept going and after about a half mile, the cramp went away.  Thank you, Lord. 

Miles 23 - 26.2

At mile 23, I started to feel empty like I had nothing left.   I wasn’t sure how I was going to finish the final 3 miles.  It felt like such a long way to go.  I started praying Isaiah 40:31 and asking God for new strength.   I waited on Him and around mile 25, God gave me something extra to get through that final mile. 

For some reason though, that final 0.2 mile is no joke! You would think that after 26 miles, 0.2 miles would be easy.  But it is not... especially in Chicago because you turn and go up a hill.   You make another turn and then you eventually see the finish line.  I pumped my fist when I saw the finish line.  Finally! 

When I was walking out of Grant Park to meet my family, that is when I started to get emotional and felt what I had just accomplished.  26.2 miles… crazy!  

I’m so thankful to God for this milestone and experience.  I know that God gave me new strength to meet a challenge that was harder than I ever thought.   I am a marathon finisher and am excited to continue running for God’s glory!  

"Are you ready?"

This is the question that many of you have asked me this week.  I do appreciate the question and your interest as marathon day approaches (3 more days!).   The other question I have been asked a lot recently is “Are you nervous?”  The answer is yes to both questions!

Yes, I'm a little nervous!  I’m most nervous about the dynamics of running with 45,000 other people.  I’m curious how I will handle running in a pack for most of the race, and I’m hoping it won’t be a distraction and that I will be able to find my groove and rhythm.  I can also see how running in a pack could be a big boost and encouragement knowing that I’m not alone.  I'm also really hoping that I don't need to go to the bathroom during the race! :) 

Yes, I do feel ready, and I’m really excited for Sunday! I’m grateful for the training journey and for all the miles I've logged so far.  God has been faithful and has given me strength and protection throughout the journey.  There were a couple setbacks with sickness and injury, but even with those, I look back as much needed breaks and time for my body to rest and heal.   My hope is that Sunday will be a glorious day and experience.  I’m excited to see how God will provide and give me the strength to go all the way to 26.2.

I’m thrilled for all the people that have made donations and are praying for the children and youth at Bethesda Church.  It is awesome to know that these beautiful Bolivian kids are being cared for and provided for.  Thank you, God! 

 I’m thankful for my amazing wife, my children, and my other family members who have supported me throughout this journey and will be there on Sunday cheering me on.  I’m grateful for all my friends who have taken an interest in my training even though they aren’t into running at all.

I’d appreciate your prayers on Sunday and for God to continue the work that He has begun in me through running.   This is a prayer that I have prayed many times during my runs, and I invite you to pray this with me and for me:

“I kneel before you, God, the One who loves me, created me, sustains, and gives me life and I run not for myself but for your glory.”

Marathon Training Update (Week 15)

This Week's Recap:

Runs: 3
Total Miles: 29

Long Run: 20  (crazy!)

Saturday was a big day... I had September 21 marked on my calendar for a long time.  The 20 mile run is the peak of the marathon training.  I was nervous going into it because I've been dealing with some problems with my right foot.  The run went really well.  My foot bothered me for the first 6 miles and then I got into a rhythm and it held up okay.

It was a beautiful morning, and there were so many moments where God gave me the gift of His presence and strength.  Some of the things I love about running are being out in God's creation, alone, and listening to worship music.  It provides the opportunity for special moments between God and me.  The finish of the 20 mile was a taste of what I hope the end of the marathon will feel like.  Pure joy... thanking God for His faithfulness and strength and the opportunity to run!

P.S. My foot is still a problem, and I'm having trouble walking these days. Uh-oh!  I'm going to lay off running for a few more days and continue to ice and compress it.  I'm trying not to worry about it and instead trying to choose to trust God.  But I'd be lying if I said I'm not nervous about it given the marathon is about 2 weeks away.  I would covet your prayers for God's healing for my foot.      

Grateful!

I'm back into a rhythm of training and am very grateful to get in 4 runs this week with a long of 15 miles.  I'm feeling close to 100% after recovering from bronchitis, and I'm gearing up for the peak training run of 20 miles this next weekend.  Even though the sickness and recovery has been frustrating, it has brought me to a new place of dependence on God.  "Weak made strong" has been a motto and prayer for me these days just recognizing how much I need God throughout this journey and can't depend on myself and my own strength.  Dependence doesn't always feel good, but it is a good place to be!

Yesterday at church, we focused the whole service on our partnership in Bolivia with Bethesda Church.  It was a joy to hear our different team members share about their heart for the leaders and children at Bethesda.  I preached a sermon titled "Stakeholders in God's World" calling us to raise the stakes on our investments and relationships in God's work around the world.  I'm very thankful for all that God did and our church's continued partnership with Bethesda.

Our running crew from church, Team Bethesda, has raised $2,900 at this point, and I personally have raised over $1,000.  Praise God!  I'm very grateful for all the people who are giving their resources to partner with what God is doing at Bethesda.  We still have a ways to go to reach our goal, and I want to raise over $1,300 more for these children and youth at Bethesda.  Check out this link to read more:  http://www.razoo.com/story/Jared-Ahrens-Fundraising-For-Team-Bethesda.

Just wanted to share all these things to be thankful for!

Marathon Training Update (Week 14)

This Week's Recap:

Runs: 4
Total Miles: 29

Long Run: 15

Marathon Training Update (Week 13)

This Week's Recap:

Runs: 3
Total Miles: 18
Long Run: 10

Down but hopefully not out...

Well, I knew in some ways that this was inevitable.   Marathon training definitely takes a toll on the body.  I had a little bit of cold last week, and it got a lot worse the last few days.  My big concern was tightness in my chest.  I was more worried about my heart because I wasn't coughing or feeling any congestion in my lungs.

Anyway, I went to immediate care on Saturday because I couldn't ignore it any longer.  After the initial exam, the doctor didn't notice anything so he ordered for chest x-rays and an EKG to be done.  Fortunately, the EKG came back normal, but there was congestion developing in my right lung.  So I'm taking antibiotics for acute bronchitis and won't be running for a while.  The last couple days, I've been really wiped out and feeling awfully weak.

When I do start to feel better (hopefully very soon!), I will need to be careful with easing back into training.  If I rush back too soon, it could make things worse in my lungs.  So I know the next week or two will be a challenge as I wait to get back to running.  I know I will lose ground in building my fitness and readiness for the marathon.  But the important thing is to try and get to the starting line on October 13 as healthy as possible.

I am discouraged by this news, but I have to believe that there is a purpose in all this and that God is up to something.  So I've been re-surrendering this marathon journey to Him and asking for His will to be done and for my heart to really be open to Him.  If you are reading this, I'd appreciate your prayers for God to bring healing to my body and for wisdom in how to know how to adjust my training plan.   Thanks!

Marathon Training Update (Week 10)

Week 10 Recap:

Runs: 3
Total Miles: 29
Long Run: 17

Marathon Training Update (Week 9)

This Week's Recap:

Runs: 3
Total Miles: 25
Long Run: 13.1

Half way through the 18 week training program!  The aches and pains are mounting.  I'm getting use to this being normal though :)  I am very thankful for God's continued grace and protection over me and am still really enjoying this journey.  Here is a picture of the shoes (New Balance 1080 V2) that I hope and pray will carry me across the finish line on October 13!

Marathon Training Update (Week 8)

This Week's Recap:

Runs: 4
Total Miles: 33
Long Run: ~16

Marathon Training Update (Week 6)

This Week's Recap:

Runs: 3
Total Miles: 21
Long Run: 9

Very thankful for the lighter week especially with this heat.  Hoping to do a couple runs in Tuba City next week and then will have to tackle a 14 mile run the following weekend.  I've sensed God's presence more and more the last few weeks as I run and am really grateful for this gift of running!

Marathon Training Update (Week 5)

This Week's Recap:

Runs:  4

Total Miles:  28

Long Run:  12

Today's long run was a lot more difficult than last week's.  My legs felt tired, but I still was able to finish and felt stronger at the end.  Thanking God for His continued protection and strength on this journey!

Marathon Training Update (4 weeks)

Week 4 Recap:

Runs:  4
Total Miles:  28 miles
Long Run:   11 miles

4 weeks completed of the 18 week training program.  I've been quite surprised at how difficult the first 4 weeks have been.  I've felt sluggish and less motivated than usual, and it is not like my weekly mileage is that much higher than before I started the training.  I was reflecting on all this last week and believe God showed me something very significant.

The first few weeks of the training I've been relying more on myself and not feeling that sense of dependence and need for God.  I've felt self-confident because I'm running at distances than I've gotten comfortable with.  Through this, God brought me back to a place where I know that I need to trust Him for each and every run.. no matter how short or long.  Each run is a gift and a challenge, and I know I need His strength to complete it.  As I've been coming back to this place of dependence and realizing my need for God for each run, it really has made running so much sweeter and life-giving.  I'm more encouraged and excited for this continued adventure!

Marathon Training: For Children & Youth in Bolivia

This week, I began training for the Chicago marathon in October.  It's funny how I told myself years ago that I would never run a marathon.  Never say never!   Running has truly become a gift to me over the past year.  But I want to run for more than myself, and God has put it on my heart to run the marathon for children and youth in Bolivia.  Will you consider joining with me in support of children and youth in Bolivia?  My goal is to raise $780 to provide for one month's care for 26 children at our partner church in Bolivia.  Any donation, small or big, would be greatly appreciated!  Read more here...

In Between...

Right now, I'm in between training programs after I finished the half-marathon in March and in a few weeks, I'll begin the 18 week training program for the Chicago marathon... excited but also nervous!  I've been able to consistently get in 4 runs a week and have increased my base run to 5 miles.  So it has been very encouraging getting in a rhythm of training and staying injury-free (really grateful for that!).

Today, I ran a 5K race in Glen Ellyn because I wanted to get an idea of where I'm at in my training.  The weather was perfect for running... cool and not too wet.  The first part of the race was completed downhill which made for a deceptively fast first mile.  I felt good throughout the race and was thankful to finish the last mile strong.  I ended up with a 20:42 time (6:41 overall pace with mile splits of 6:30/6:59/6:38).  I was very encouraged by today's race, and I'm thankful that God allows me to continue to experience this gift of running!

Reflections on First Half-Marathon: His Strength & Presence

Well, I'm overjoyed to write that I completed my first half-marathon... the Egg Shell Shuffle at Busse Woods!  It was an amazing experience.  In the days leading up to the race, I was quite nervous.  I was battling a little sickness and wasn't sure how my body would hold up.  Also, I was replaying my last race in my mind where I ended up in the ER afterwards and had concerns about repeating that folly!  I had never run more than 10 miles in my life and now I was embarking on 13.1.  These feelings sum up the big theme throughout my training.  Too often in my life, I trust my own strength and abilities.  I believe God has been working on me to embrace my own weaknesses and limitations to be able to lean more on His strength.

It was quite chilly upon arrival at the race.  Getting there early didn't provide many advantages as I waited for over 30 minutes out in the cold.  But the weather warmed up, and it turned out to be an absolutely beautiful morning.  I kept telling myself to start slow and don't push it too hard, too early.  The first 4 miles I held steady at an easy pace and then at mile 5, I started to pick it up.   Usually in a race, I try to find someone ahead of me who is running strong but not too fast that I can't keep up with. That's what I did, and it helped me to focus and get in a groove.

I really began to enjoy the run about the halfway point, and there were some precious moments between God and myself.  I love being out in nature and listening to worship music so those two elements help me to spend time with Him when I run.

The last 4 miles, I felt great.  I was quite surprised that I didn't hit a major wall and really sensed God's strength and presence throughout the run.  My last mile I ran at 7:53 and finished up the half-marathon within my target goal at 1:47:27.  I praise God for His goodness in my life and the gift that running has become to me.  His strength and presence were rich that day, and I look forward to this continued journey of running for His glory!

Grateful

I'm two weeks away from my first half marathon and am feeling very grateful!  The training has been going very well and for the most part, I've stayed injury free until some minor ailments crept up earlier this week.  Nothing major (I hope), but I'm trying to be smart and take some extra rest days.

I'm learning a lot about become a longer distance runner.  I use to go out hard at the beginning and then watch my time splits decrease as the miles added up.  Now, I'm starting slow, building confidence with each mile, and have been able to maintain more consistent time splits.

Spiritually, God has been working on my heart during my runs.  I'm remembering how weak and utterly powerless I am in my own strength and seeking to be more aware of my total dependence on God and His strength in running... and in life.  During my long runs, I've been listening to the gospel of Luke, and it has been a joy to soak in God's Word in larger doses at a time.

Back in February, I signed up for the Chicago marathon in October.  I can't wrap my mind around running 26.2 miles yet, but I am looking forward to the challenge and all that God will do through the marathon experience!

The Shoes

Asics GT-1000

Sometimes you got to go BOLD!   I bought these a month ago courtesy of the recommendation from the friendly and helpful staff at Dick Pond's in Schaumburg.  I've been a long time New Balance aficionado but decided to try something different.  Honestly, I'm still trying to figure out how much I like them.. both the style and feel.  

2013 Running Goals

I read in a recent Runner's World magazine to keep it simple and choose 2 big goals for the year.  I like that.  It fits well with what I was planning.  So my goals for this year are to complete my first half marathon and my first full marathon.

Half Marathon:  I have already signed up for the Egg Shell Shuffle at Busse Woods on March 30.  Last week, I began the 12 week training plan and so far, so good.  I'm excited about this first running adventure of the year.  My goal is just to finish and try my best to let go of any time goals.  But I know myself too well.  As the race gets closer, I'm sure I'll have a time goal in mind that I will be striving for.

Full Marathon:  The second goal is to run the Bank of America Chicago marathon on October 13.  I can't believe registration is so early (mid-February), and I've heard it fills up fast.  As long as no major injury comes up in the next month, I plan on registering!  (gulp in my throat)  It's interesting how I told myself I would never run a marathon and how people who do marathons are crazy and dumb.   Now I'm one of those crazy and dumb people :)

What This is All About...

Over the past year, something shocking has happened in my life... I have begun to run.  Not only to run but to actually enjoy running!  I am quite surprised myself at this turn of events.   Now, I am by no means a highly skilled or gifted runner, but I am really enjoying this journey God has me on.

Running has awakened something deep within me.  I believe God is doing something when I run.  There is a sense of life and freedom when I'm out there hitting the streets.  I believe that I'm running for a purpose and that there is more to all this than I even realize.  And as I run, my heart's desire is to run for God's glory.

The purpose of this blog is to document the journey of this rookie runner and also explore how running impacts my relationship with God.  I'm very curious myself to see where this journey goes!