Testimonies

Dana

I started running recreationally in college in order to burn off the infamous "freshman 15" (although it was more like 20). Sound familiar? Sure it worked, but it wasn't my idea of fun. Now, after 16 years and two kids, I have run several half marathons and three full marathons. It's a blast (most days), and I love sharing it with others!!!

Running is not only physical for me, it's also a spiritual journey. I came to know Jesus Christ as my personal Savior at a young age, but in response to life struggles and personal choices, I walked away from Him during my young, adult life. Then, it was more about religion; go to church several times a week, pray at meals, talk the talk. When I was twenty-three, I came to realize that God didn't want a religion, He wanted a relationship with me. He wants to talk with us daily, share in our adventures, and answer us when we call.

During a training run for the Shamrock in 2007, God planted the idea of this running group. When the idea came, I ran so fast and was so full of excitement (I actually don't think I've ever run faster than I did that day and actually enjoyed it.) He wanted more from me with my running as He had healed me from a foot injury that doctors said would require surgery. My running was to be for Him, not just me... it was time for a ministry and RunByFaith was born. I have since met many great people who are not only my running partners, but my friends. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

Mary

In 2005, a friend encouraged me to do a 5k with the YMCA. I was out of shape and unprepared. It wasn't pretty. Determined to get in shape, I started running and trained for an 8k. From there I moved on to the half marathon; I was addicted. I am preparing for my first marathon this fall (2009). I know I couldn't have come this far without RunByFaith and the many friends I've made. I can see how God has used this group and running to draw me closer to him. Our God is an awesome God!

Amy

When I started running 3 months ago it did not stem from a passion of the sport but from a desire for my pants that had grown too tight to fit. (I refused to buy the next size up- so I lived in jeans last fall) I was sitting around the kitchen table talking with Dana (the one who started RunByFaith), my husband Scott and a friend when Scott told me "Amy one of the best ways to get in shape is to run." Someone said "Why don't you run the Rock n Roll half marathon in September? You have plenty of time to get ready for it." I turned to Scott and said "sign me up!"

What no one in the room knew was this was something I had wanted to do for years. Each time I was at one of Scott's races I was inspired, encouraged and wanted to see myself out there running. End of story.

I had attended all of the dinners RunByFaith had before each race and enjoyed getting to know the group. They did a great job of not making me feel like "an outsider" because I didn't run. I started running with the group on Saturday mornings and was so impressed by the way the girls adjusted their pace to encourage and inspire me to keep going. I can honestly say I would not have crossed the finish line of the Rock n Roll half marathon last Sunday had it not been for RunByFaith. The group became my support, my encouragement and my friends. My goals were met: I completed my first race (a half marathon) and my pants fit!!

One song that carried me through many a long miles is "His strength is perfect when our strength is gone. He'll carry us when we can't carry on. Raised in His power the weak become strong. His strength is perfect, His strength is perfect."

I invite you to come out one Saturday morning and join the group. There's always room for one more- who knows what blessings will come your way and what goals you'll reach. "With God all things are possible!"

Scott

I grew up playing sports, but the only running I did was what we did at practices. At the end of high school, I started running to get ready for basic training. I found that I actually enjoyed just going out to run. I have been running ever since. For me, the most surprising aspect of running has been the psychological and spiritual. I may not necessarily feel better physically after run, but I always feel better psychologically. It is also a great time to be able to think things through, as well as focus on God and pray or reflect on Him. I grew up in a Christian home with a father for a preacher. I had plenty of Christian knowledge, but I did not decide to turn my life over to Christ until high school. God has blessed me in so many ways, most of all with a wonderful wife and wonderful children. I have been running with Run By Faith since Dana got it going, and I have really enjoyed meeting everyone that has come out to run (or walk) with us. The fellowship has really been great. Even my wife, who has never been much of a runner, has started coming out to run as well.

Laura

I have been running for about 3 years now and can't remember what life was like before running. I started running for exercise purposes-to get fit, loose a few pounds, etc. I started with a walk-to-run program and within 8weeks I was off and running! Running was very spiritual for me from the get go. I'm one of those crazy 5:00 am runners so the world is very peaceful at that time of the day. It's when I do my best thinking, my best reflecting and my best praying. It's my one-on-one time with God. I've been a part of RunByFaith since the beginning and the group has always encouraged me. I NEVER thought I'd run a half-marathon. I've since run three. I NEVER thought I'd run a marathon. I ran my first marathon on my 40th birthday. I love the fellowship of the group and their support of me not only with running but also by how we regularly pray for one another and lift each other up. "It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect." 2 Samuel 22:33

Terry

My name's Terry Lynn Peltier and I've been running for about 10 years. My background is swimming -- I think I still have residual webs between my toes and fingers, and the smell of chlorine probably still permeates when I perspire! I participated in sprint and Olympic distance triathlons for several years and would love to one day do a full Iron man.

When I was about 16 I reached a time in my life when I pretty much stopped doing anything healthy. I remained in that phase for about 6 years and it was in the latter part of those years when God started revealing Himself to me. I had been living life, throwing caution to the wind, unaware that I was chasing after something that could never completely satisfy. I'd always been a "thinker" and found myself frequently pondering the purpose of my existence. What was I here for? To my dismay, I wasn't able to find the answers for which I was searching. Instead of peace and hope in my life, I had turmoil and a huge void that seemed insurmountable. Then slowly, ever so lovingly, God started drawing me to Him.

I was 22 when I heard the Gospel for the first time and couldn't believe that it could be for me! I never really understood God's love before. What would drive someone to die for someone else? Love. It was and still is more than I can fathom. It was at that point when I surrendered my life to God and trusted Him for my salvation.

My life started changing and I realized God's ways were life-giving and produced freedom and peace. Spiritually, God was healing me. Physically, I was in poor shape and lazy! I began dabbling with running but was clueless and had injury after injury as a result. God brought a couple of people into my life and I felt that He wanted me to reach out to them -- the only common denominator being running. What started out as a relationship bridge turned into opportunity after opportunity to challenge myself, overcome obstacles, push through hard times, meet new friends and encourage others.

Years have passed since those initial days, but the journey continues and I'm enjoying the process more now than ever. I run because I can and because I believe God is glorified when I do so. The Apostle Paul compared our Christian walk to that of a runner frequently but this verse is a favorite: Heb 12:1-2: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

My journey's not finished yet, there's much more to do and experience. I'm sure there will be valleys and peaks along the way and by God's grace, I will welcome them because God is with me. This life once filled with turmoil, striving and emptiness is now filled with peace, hope and love. God's love. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Wherever you are in your journey, I pray God will reveal more of His love to you and help you realize how much He truly loves you!

For more information on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, please contact us at neil@runbyfaith.com