Literally. Not in a “running from the Lord” kind of way. I’ve been for real running. It might not seem like much for all you real runners out there, but I can run two miles without stopping now! That is a pretty big deal for me since I “started running” about three times this summer. And you know what I’ve learned?
I. HATE. RUNNING.
Seriously. From the moment I think about going for a run, I already want it to be over. I can’t breathe. My legs hurt. From the minute I start, I want to stop. So why do I do it? (funny you should ask, I ask myself this quite often) My reasons for why have changed a few times throughout this process. I originally started so I would be able to complete the timed hike at training camp in October. I continued so that I wouldn’t absolutely pass out at the infamous Woodstock 5k. But the reason I kept going after that was because of my people. A group of amazing women who have rallied behind me week after week to help me achieve my goals, even when it meant giving up their own goals. Every fist bump, every high five, every “you got this.” It’s what I think about on days when I run alone or when I just don’t want to go at all. Their support is, without a doubt, the reason I am still going.
So that brings me to the real reason for this blog. I need your support! PLEASE. I’m not talking about financial support, God will take care of that. I need your words. I need your hugs. I need your “I am praying for you’s” and your “How are you doing’s.” This is a difficult journey to walk. And I haven’t even gotten to the hard part yet. Knowing I have your support would make the difficult days so much better. Will you help me? If you have the gift of encouragement (or the gift of picking out awesome, funny cards) I would love for you to drop a note to me in the mail:
Erin Stephens36 Right Fork Lane
Oxford, AL 36203
On another note, as I was running the farthest I had ever ran one morning, God showed me this reminder (can you see it?). He is a good, good Father.
