Johnny:

Last June Brooke and Sara began training for the Ljubljana half marathon. I was looking forward to encouraging them in this process and once or twice I even entertained the thought of joining them. They would go for a run, I would stay home and think about running. Once we learned that Brooke was pregnant (Have we announced this on our Blog yet?), although remaining active and continuing to run from time to time, she wisely decided it was best NOT to run a half marathon in her fourth month of pregnancy.

The summer was busy, and although Sara continued to train, her level of excitement was clearly dwindling as she was now in it alone. This was particularly evident one Sunday as she prepared for one of her long runs. A week in a typical marathon training schedule calls for relatively short and easy runs throughout the week, with one long run that increases in length as the race approaches. Feeling partially responsible for Brooke’s “condition,” ergo responsible for Sara’s emotional state, I felt that I should at least encourage her in this process. Since the race was three weeks away she had a 9 mile run on the agenda and I volunteered to accompany her for part of this run. Sara’s 9 mile course would pass back by our house at the 5th mile which would give me a natural point at which to retire.

So I started some music, fired up my Runkeeper which would allow me to use my phone’s GPS to track our progress, and we were off. I’m not sure what it was about this first run; maybe it was the combined joy of running with music, encouraging Sara, and getting to use my GPS,  but I was having more fun than I expected. We came to the 5 mile mark and other than a bit of discomfort in my right shoe, I saw no reason to stop.

Upon finishing that first nine mile run I was exhausted and that discomfort in my shoe by the end of the run had transformed to silver dollar sized blisters on both feet. And in spite of all of this and the aches that would leave me hobbling around for the next few days, I really enjoyed the run.

And thus began my three week half marathon training regimen. After a handful of runs ranging from 2-5 miles and two more long runs of 10 and 8 miles, October 25th and the 14th annual Ljubljana Marathon was upon us.

Right from the beginning I couldn’t believe how much fun I was having. I was expecting to endure the run like I had some of the runs during by abbreviated training, but running with that many people, having people cheer us on throughout the course, it was just a really fun atmosphere. After about 2 km we caught up to a speed walker, we passed people pushing wheelchairs and strollers (us next year?…). It was a ton of fun. But, the best part by far was knowing that at several predetermined points along the way, I would get to see Brooke cheering for us. And I guess that will be the transition from my rambling to her perspective.

Steps from the finish line!! Time: 2:10:51

Brooke:

The funny thing about Johnny’s perspective is he didn’t mention how many times I asked him to run with us. I even tried the reverse psychology method of “it’s OK if you don’t run with us, you’re not really a runner.” OK, maybe not that extreme but I laid out MANY hints along the way. Of course once I decided not to run the half with Sara, he decided too. There wasn’t any part of me that was upset, I was actually really proud of him. He isn’t, or should I say wasn’t much of a runner. It was always my thing. So, once he decided to run with her, I became his biggest fan.

I’m not sure what was more tiring, Johnny and Sara running 13 miles or me running/walking 5 in normal clothes, a camera and a backpack full of stuff for a few people. I got ahead of them three times to take pictures and cheer them on. At those points Sara got her chapstick and Johnny got a kiss. After the race I was just as sore as they were and just as exhausted…at least I can use the excuse of being pregnant

A semi-side note about Sara. She has been living with us since June and has been a tremendous asset to our ministry and just as much an encouragement to Johnny and me. Her life is being transformed by Christ as she is impacting the people around her. We are so blessed to have her live with us and I will be so incredibly sad to see her leave! I’m proud of you Sara. Not only for the marathon but for everything else you have done in your months here. I’m so thankful for you and Johnny and I believe your presence has changed both of us and we are so thankful!