About seven weeks ago, I decided to see how far I could run one Sunday morning, then counted how many weeks I had to train for a local half marathon. I’ve run many 5Ks, 10Ks, turkey trots, half marathons, and the Chicago Marathon, but this race was a milestone, one I will continue celebrating.

A year and a half ago, a ski injury took away my favorite workout: running. I did not know if I would ever run again. If you’re not a runner, that might sound overly dramatic, but running isn’t just a form of exercise to me. It’s a way to learn routes around a new home and the lay of the land while traveling in foreign cities. It is a great time to process situations and an uninterrupted opportunity to ask God questions in His creation. It also provides endorphins, strong lungs, and solid calf muscles!

For me, running started as a dare from a guy in college. My friend and I set out to run to the end of the block, which was less than half a mile. I don’t remember if we made it, or how slow we were, but I do recall that the next time we hit the pavement, we were surprised how much easier it was and how much farther we went. That’s one of my favorite things about running. No matter how much time you take off, its fluidity comes back. It provides encouragement and support as your lungs and legs rejoice in the rhythmic cadence of each stride.

I wanted a long race to commemorate that my ACL injury was behind me, and to regain confidence in my body’s ability to heal, recover, and take new ground. It would give me the mental freedom to stop hesitating when invited to do activities, and to start dreaming about future hiking and adventure trips.

At the same time, I didn’t want to lose the camaraderie I had with Jesus. In those days of feeling benched (and lonely on the couch), I had some wonderful times with God. He showed me holes in my heart that He wanted to fill, holes that only He could make whole. He led me to scripture to share with loved ones and gave me wisdom to prepare me for a new assignment. As I review my journal, I can see He gave me weekly comfort, healing, and His presence. He also gave me the push to try running again.

The training was hard, harder than after any other break I’ve taken. I can tell you about multiple attempts where I couldn’t run a single loop around the high school track, was winded after short distances, and couldn’t run up a flight of stairs because my knee couldn’t bend enough to clear the step. There were days I had to consider that maybe my running shoes had to be hung up for good.

The Sunday morning long run I mentioned earlier was the affirmation. My goal was nine miles. As I was finishing mile eight, I sensed God say: “Finish ten. If you can physically run ten today, mentally you’ll know you can finish the race.”

As I was training, I came to appreciate the solitude of the solo run. I would shift into autopilot, climbing the rolling hills of my neighborhood, my mind would wander and listen. I found myself typing notes to myself: words from God (literally, outlines for our Good Word Project blogs), inspiration for encouraging a friend, and prayers of gratitude. My training loop included praying as I passed different homes: I would pray for friends facing health battles and for a friend starting a new chapter out of state. When I would see For Sale signs, I prayed blessings for the new family to feel welcomed. Then and now, the benefit of praying as I run is it takes the focus off me, and just lifts my voice to God. With each deep breath, each pump of my arms, and each stride that strengthens my quads comes a calmness in my soul. I’m struck by the beautiful sunrises, the earthy smells around me, and the sweet waves from the people I pass.

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25, NIV).

When race day arrived, I didn’t tell many people. I wanted this little victory to happen at my own pace, with a little Jesus figure tied in my shoelaces and His thoughts between my ears.

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that my “comeback race” fell in the month we are celebrating our 100th Good Word “word.” I wish I could tell you the number of conversations God and I had about my blog drafts while running. He always gives me such clarity of thought, and better ideas than I was considering. The four of us birthed Good Word Project in 2018. Our desire then and now is for people to fall in love with the Word of God. We hope our weekly blogs are an encouragement that inspires life change and an increased love for Jesus.

Nine years and 100 words under our belt. Talk about a reason to celebrate!

Please pray with us:

Lord, we know Your mighty hand is over this project, and we are humbled and thankful for the opportunity to spread Your Good News, one word at a time. Thank You for restoring me physically, and for using the setback as an opportunity to grow my love and faith in You exponentially. You are the Provider of strength each and every day. You are the wind at our back and the breath in our lungs. Thank You for walking alongside us and shepherding us in good times and in times of hardship, pain, and suffering. You are always with us, and we are so grateful for You. Amen.

*Photo taken on Sept 29^th 2026, 7:21 am, while on a training run with a nod to my second favorite outdoor activity.