April 26, 2015 I will run my first 26.2 mile race, the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon. I am nervous and excited all wrapped in one running package. I have never run 26.2 miles and honestly was not sure I would ever want to, but opportunity knocked on my door and I decided to answer.
Not long after I started running competitively I realized I could run not just for me, but also with a kingdom purpose, and so I set my sights on doing just that; running with purpose. I have run three half marathons in support of international adoption. My running helped sisters Olivia and Natalia from Ukraine, Leo from Ukraine and Wilson from Haiti find their forever homes. I’ve run to support Wounded Warriors, local scholarship funds, and cancer research just to name a few. The London Marathon gives me the opportunity to run once again in support of missions via Links International. I could not be more honored that God has permitted me to be used to advance His kingdom in such a way, but I cannot do it alone, I need to know that I have family and friends in my corner supporting me.
Saturday my husband and I had an 18-mile training run, our longest one yet. I believe in transparency, so I will unashamedly tell you, I struggled. I had a great training week. Despite working a 43-hour workweek, enduring an incredible amount of stress at work, and facing very uncertain economic future while my husband looks for a job, I managed to drag myself out of bed at 3 a.m. every day to train. But Saturday, I blew it; I ran the first 16 miles, but just could not finish the last 2, I had to walk them. My hips were hurting so badly that I just wanted to lie down on the ground alongside the road and rest.
Yes, I get to travel to London, participate in all the excitement and reap the benefits of this race, but I did not pursue this, it found me and I yesterday I realized, I can’t do this alone. I know many of you prayed for me during my two college math courses and I managed to pass them both, earning an “A” in the one that counted towards my major. I could not have done that without the strength that came from those who prayed for me. Those prayers meant more than you can know, they were the difference, I’m sure, between me passing and failing. I need you again. Maybe you don’t feel compelled to financially support my trip, but please, I implore you, would you pray for me? Pray for me as I continue to train and as I run those 26.2 miles in London. My desire is to always bring glory to my Father and to never be a quitter. “Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” – Hebrews 12:1
If you would like to financially support me and/or Links International, you can do that as well by clicking these links (all donations are tax deductible):
Running with Purpose,
Becky J Miller
“Warrior Princess”