Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ. (Eph 5:15-21)

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Up & Running Again

So today we volunteered for Up & Running Again's last long group run before the OC Half Marathon! Today's run was 11 miles. There were some younger kids participating, and for many of the runners, this was their longest run EVER!

 We set up cups of water & Gatorade at mile 8, and I set up my phone to take photo/video. Here's one of the first runners approaching...

 Throughout the morning, we poured water, gave encouragement and directions for a tricky spot on the course:

 We shared our water with, um, anyone who passed by...

 The runners were so thankful for us being there!
Many of them took fluids...
"Gatorade? YES!!!"
...and some of them had their own water, waving as they ran by...
"We're good, thanks!"

One of the best things about group runs is that sometimes you find someone who runs about your same speed. We saw this many times today, groups of two...
...groups of 3 or 4...
They're tired, but they're still going!

...and there were a few solo runners as well! James is a massage therapist for the group, and Sharlyn is a volunteer who has done a half marathon with the group in the past:
James (left) & Sharlyn (right)

The two last ladies - we'll call them the heroes of the day - were Varsha and Ashley. These two took over 3 hours to complete the 11 miles. I don't know about you, but if it took me 3 hours to run 11 miles, I wouldn't want to do it. Way to go, ladies!
Varsha (above) & Ashley (below)

Here they are coming into the finish! Look at those smiles - DONE!
Varsha (above) & Ashley (below)

It was so awesome to see the support between the runners...


...and we were glad to be a small part of this experience!

 We had wanted to volunteer more with this group, but the OC Half is next week, and we'll be at Wildflower... Best of luck to everyone running - you'll be in our thoughts & prayers!

 If you'd like to donate to Up & Running again, please click on the picture link at the top of my blog (or click here), scroll down and look for my picture. Thanks!

 P.S. When I got home today, I did a 3hr ride, then washed my bike!
Got some practice taking my back wheel off and putting it back on -
in case I get a rear flat at Wildflower...
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