I have an editorial calendar that tells me what to publish/write each day. It is booked a month out. It keeps me accountable & on track, but sometimes you just have to write what is on your heart and mind. And so today’s original post will be published at later date.

I will make the assumption that you’ve been reading the last few days articles. If you haven’t, I encourage you to go read them.

You know that I attempted to run another 100 mile ultramarathon a few days ago. I only ran 80 miles because I missed the cutoff by one minute. ONE FREAKING MINUTE. I’ve had a lot of people ask me about that one minute. How did it feel? Why did it happen? Am I upset?

I’ve had time to reflect, analyse, and sleep on that ONE MINUTE and here my thoughts.

Sometimes what we think is a horrible thing, is actually a blessing. But too often we are so caught up in being pissed off with that ONE MINUTE that we don’t look for the blessing. When Joe (the race director) asked me for my timing chip back I burst into tears. Running for 24 hour straight hours might have had something to do with it! I pleaded with him to let me finish what I started, but the answer was no (if he let me, he would have to let everybody do it). I accepted it and gratefully sat down collapsed on the chair in the darkness.

That ONE MINUTE all comes down to perspective. Either you can be bitter or you can be thankful. If you gave it everything you had and then some and still more, you will have no regrets. Use that ONE MINUTE to show others that God knows what He is doing.

I believe that God gave me that ONE MINUTE as his way of saying, “you know what Sarah, you’ve had enough. Go get some sleep. I love you and care about you and I will spare you”. While I always start what I finish, this was a new concept for me to grasp in the middle of being up for almost 30 hours on end. I’ll finish what I started, just not this time around. (Yes, I guess that means I’ll be back.) Instead of being upset at that ONE MINUTE, I’m actually thankful for it. Yes, thankful for it.

You see, life isn’t a fairy tale. Real life has major disappointments. Setbacks. Challenges. ONE MINUTE’S. We can either accept our ONE MINUTE and look for the blessing or be bitter. We control how we react. React with bitterness and you’ll see everything from a deep, dark place. React with grace and courage and see things with mercy and compassion and God’s faithfulness.

What is your ONE MINUTE? Look at it from a different (positive) perspective. It may just change your outlook on life. And bring you closer to God.

peace, sweat, love: life

Photo credit: O2Images

Race date: Feb. 4, 2012

Huntsville, Texas

Rocky Raccoon 100 Mile Ultramarathon (I would not and did not quit)

The day dawned bright and clear, not a cloud in the sky … nope, that’s the way a fairy tale starts, NOT the way a 100 mile ultramarathon race report starts. Let’s get down to business.

The morning began at 3 a.m. Driving up to Huntsville, Texas, the rain started. Along with a very entertaining lightning and thunder show. It was dark and humid and wet. Upon arriving at the state park, the rain poured and I had to run over to the little house and pick up my race number. I was soaked. I was trying to find the house in the middle of the darkness and pouring rain. A big, white extended pickup truck was pulling up behind me and I motioned for him to roll down the window and I asked if I could hop in. He said sure. So I hopped in and perched on a kids car seat. We finally got to the race number pickup place and his wife and I jumped out and ran to get our numbers. Then I ran back to the shelter and got ready.

My first crew person, Jeremy, was driving from San Antonio and got caught in the bad weather, so I had to change plans last minute. Not what I was counting on. I left my nutrition bag and clothes bag in Devin’s dad’s car and took what I would need until I would see Jeremy.

5:50 a.m. Devin and I headed over to the race start. Here is a photo courtesy of Drymax Socks and Ian Sharman.

The start of Rocky Raccoon 100 Mile Ultramarathon Feb 4, 2012 ( Drymax photo)

We all huddled together under the start/finish tents and were given the countdown. Then we all joined in 4, 3, 2, 1 and we were off down the trail! In the pouring rain, lightning, wind and thunder. Yep, ultras don’t let weather stop them!

The Rocky Raccoon 100 (RR100 or RR) course is considered an “easy” 100 compared to other 100s. But everything is relative. Today was no exception. Since RR started keeping track of the weather on race day 14 years ago, there has never been a drop of rain. Today we got 1.90 inches.

Most people go think of a muddy buddy where they pay someone to make the mud. Today’s race course was a perfect muddy buddy FOR 100 FREAKING MILES. Writing this, I still can’t believe I made it as far as I did.

Back to the race start.

Devin and I ran together for the first 20 miles. It was pitch black for about the first 90 minutes. Combined with the heavy rain, it made for an epic race start, to say the least. We came upon the Damnation Aid Station (AS) and was surprised they didn’t have salt out. This was the beginning of the very long and lonely six mile loop. We hit the Damnation AS before heading on to Park Road AS. Thank God Jeremy had arrived and I had some much needed Gen UCAN and some sweet potatoes. Then it was on to Dogwood – the start/finish line.

Devin and I were still running together and we ran the first 20 miles in just over four hours. It was just after 10 a.m., I was trying to find Jeremy and he was nowhere to be find. I was shouting like a mad woman “Jeremy, Jeremy, Jeremy,” and then others joined in. It was funny and frustrating all at the same time. I couldn’t linger much longer, so I left the AS and headed back out for loop 2.

I had my phone at this point as the rain had subsided and I called Jeremy. He was at the next aid station and I gave him instructions as to what food I needed. I caught back up with Devin and he was hurting. I trudged on ahead and got to the Nature Center AS and instead of Chia Seeds soaked in water, it was Sunflower Seeds. I downed them anyway. At this point I called Shannon and asked her if there was anyway she could come up earlier. She said yes. Praise the Lord. I re-caught back up with Devin and we made the trek to Damnation AS. This stretch was horrific. The mud was absolutely insane. Fucking insane. I’ve run in all different conditions and this was shoe – almost short – sucking mud. On the way to Damnation AS it was downhill, on the way back uphill. My right hip flexor has been having some issues, but has not really bothered me on my runs.

I would not quit.

Got to Damnation AS, had some vegan potato soup (which later I found wasn’t vegan, just GF) and then started the six mile loop once again. This section sucked. SUCKED. They need at least one person out there cheering you on. As with all ultra races, crowd support is only at AS. You run with yourself and yourself alone. Minus the company of those other ultra runners around you of course.

I ran with Devin a little longer then he said he wasn’t feeling well and held back to walk. I ran on. Made it through Damnation AS, up the muddy hill, to Park Road AS where I met Jeremy and he told me Shannon would be at Dogwood AS. I couldn’t wait. I would get to change shoes.

Made it to Dogwood AS and did this loop in five hours. Still on track for a 24 hour finish. I sat down and we began to change out my socks. My feet were on fire and blister prevention was critical. Poor Shannon got inducted to the world of 100 mile crewing mighty fast. She pulled off my disgusting shoes and socks, poured baby powder in a bag, dipped my feet in the bag, removed feet, put vaseline on my blisters, then duct tape on that. It is a long process! Fresh socks, same shoes. I felt like a new woman. I ate some sweet potatoes, nuts, cashew “cheese” and date rolls. Good to go.

I would not quit.

Back out for loop 3. I was in high spirits. There was a little section leaving Dogwood AS where family/friends were cheering. And they cheered for everyone else too. They (complete strangers to me) started cheering for me as I came through the clearing. I ran over and gave them some high fives. One guy gave me a hug. And there was a guy in a wheelchair. I gave him an high five, a hug and a kiss on the check. Yes, duct tape does wonders.

Soon I was at Nature Center AS, got what I needed for the next four hours (no crew access at Damnation AS) and headed off down the trail. The same people at the clearing above were also at this clearing and once again we all high fived each other and the wheelchair guy got a kiss on the other check. It made me smile to bring joy to someone!

It was Mile 43 at this point and I was iPod free up until then. I knew I would need some music to keep me going on this lonely stretch. I also had to get headlight and flashlight as darkness would be setting in. Once again, I ran down the muddy stretch, to Damnation AS and out on the lonely six mile loop which feels like a 100 mile loop. There is a reason why they call it Damnation, let me tell you. Man, is it dreadful out there. During this loop I saw elephants, heard voices, saw voices (really, just a runner and pacer running past me), and other creatures that don’t live in Texas. It was dark, kind of cold. I had been running for about 12 hours at this point. It becomes less about your running and more about keeping your mind from running. If that makes sense. You’re tired. Wet from all the rain (and sweat). Muddy, stinky …

During this entire loop, my feet were pretty much on fire. Although I had started out with clean, dry socks and precious duct tape, I couldn’t keep them that way on the course. I ran through some executing pain. I have to be honest – the thought of quitting kept crossing my mind. There is no way to properly describe the pain. No words can do the pain justice, but I kept telling myself the pain of quitting is worse than the pain of not finishing. And so I hobbled on. I made small talk with other runners as we passed each other – either coming in or going out. Laz and I chatted for a bit then he took off. At one point, this charging bullet ran past me. I was in such a daze I didn’t realize it until later, but it was Hal. The winner of the 100. Feels great to be lapped!

Finally made it back to Damnation AS. Then on to Park Road. I was in bad shape and as runners passed me going up a hill, I saw it was David. They stopped and talked with me. Gave me a hug. Told me to keep at it. He was on his last loop – I think? It’s all so blurry to me. Soon enough, I hobbled into Park Road AS, collapsed on a chair and cried. Shannon asked me what was wrong and I kept saying “my feet, my feet, my feet.” My God, my feet. They didn’t hurt, they were on FIRE. It was like I was running on hot coal. Not warm coal, HOT coal. I stripped and changed shorts and said I would love a pacer for the next loop. I put on a beanie and got some gloves. It was cold out. I stumbled into Dogwood and again collapsed on the chair. Devin, Alida, Shannon, Rick were all there supporting me and we got me back up and ready to run loop 4 – miles 60-80. It was 10 p.m. Little did I know this was the end of the beginning. Jeremy was my pacer and out we went. I could barely run, but I could keep a fairly decent walk up at this point. So we walked.

I would not quit.

Remember it is pitch black and the only thing we have for light is our headlamps and a little flashlight in my hand. My biggest fear was tripping and falling. Not getting eaten by an alligator. The course has a lot of roots and if you aren’t careful, you WILL trip and fall. I had several close calls all day and I kept catching myself. Talk about a long ab workout. Running in the dark only intensifies it. I carry a handheld water bottle, so if I went down, my water bottle and flashlight would go flying. Not something I wanted to add to running a 100 mile race.

We got to Nature Center AS, got food from Shannon and prepared yet once again for a long loop. At least I had company! We estimated it would be about 3:30 a.m. till we would see her again, so she went and washed my socks so I would have clean socks for the remainder of the race. So sweet. Jeremy and I left the AS and walked out. I was so exhausted. And the pain was a level 11. Or 13. It was high, I know that. Back through the really muddy section. It kept getting worse because each runner had to go through it twice. (There was also a 50 mile race at the same time). So, oh, 5,000 people kept trying to make a new path. The trail went from being a few feet wide to several feet wide. To no avail. And in the dark, you really can’t see what you are running into. Oh, let me tell you, it was here I questioned why in the world we/I do this. 100 mile ultramarathons are fucking insane. While I was trying to avoid the worst of the mud, I got stabbed in the face by a sticker bush, whacked by another tree branch … muddy buddy races? Those are for wimps.

Made it through and on to Damnation AS once again and out for ANOTHER six mile loop. There were some muddy, slippery sections here too. That just went on forever … It was here that I started to lose it (again). I saw all kinds of things. I guess running and being up for hours on end will do it to you. My pace went from a death march to a death walk to a death hobble to a death crawl. I literally thought this loop would never end. The pain was fierce. Stabbing. Fire. I MADE myself keep moving forward but all I wanted to do was curl up in the trees and just sleep (maybe die). I kept calculating the time and the 24 hours finish time was LONG gone. I would be lucky to finish by 9 a.m. at this rate. Other runners kept running past me and they were on their fifth and final loop. Demoralizing. I still had one more fucking loop to go and I wasn’t even done with this loop! I tried to stop thinking about it and told myself to give it my all. Everything I had and then some. And still some more. I told myself that a finish is a finish. Be it first place or last place. Never give up.

Jeremy and I finally made it back to Damnation AS, got some words of encouragement that I would make it and up the hill we went. We passed some of the AS volunteers cars and I would have given anything to sleep in them. Instead I was on my burning feet.

I would not quit.

I haven’t mentioned this until now, but my nutrition and hydration were perfect. I usually don’t pee and that is not a good thing for an ultra. Let’s just say that the RR course has my DNA all over it. I was peeing up to two times per hour. I don’t think I was drinking that much more than normal, but something was up in my system. I laughed to myself as the tree visits progressed throughout the day. From a full on squat in the first 20 miles to barely a squat during miles 60-80. Like I always say, we were born to pee natural .

As we limped on, I kept thinking when this would end and how in the damned world I was going to make it another 20 miles. Only by the grace of God. As we were approaching Park Road AS and Shannon, my right foot became REALLY bad and my tears flowed. I knew I had to do something about it or I would never make it to Dogwood. Shannon was right there and kept asking me if I was OK. I think my face said it all.

I would not quit.

I went to the AS tent and sat down. My right hip flexor was in major pain (it felt like a bobcat clenched on to to it and wouldn’t let go). So it was hard to sit/stand. We took my right shoe off, and survived the damage. This AS didn’t have the medical supplies Dogwood did, so we all did the best we could. My blisters were showing through the duct tape from mile 40 – that’s how bad they were. I had blisters on tops of my foot, the bottom of my foot, the ball of my foot – in fact it’s probably best to name the areas I didn’t have a blister. We used my race bib pin, cleaned it off with a shout wipe (said a prayer) and I started popping the blisters. As I did the first one, the AS lady was like “that was an impressive blister – I’ve never seen one that big!” At least I get a PR for that. Ha! We took care of my foot, re-duct taped, put my shoe back on as I screamed. And I thought to myself, child birth has to be easier.

I. WOULD. NOT. QUIT.

The AS lady (never got her name) told Jeremy to get me moving, that it would hurt a lot, but make it to Dogwood AS as I had to be there by 6 a.m. I hate, HATE cutoffs! I never even thought I would have to worry about a cutoff at RR. But was I wrong. I knew we had to hustle. I got help out of the chair (that hurt like a son-of-a-gun) and barely hobbled out of the tent. Oh. My. God. Help. Me.

We had four (?) miles to cover in under an hour. Granted I had just run 74 miles by this point in some pretty terrible conditions. But SS does not give up. Nor quit even when the pain makes me curse. I knew I had to give it beyond the deepest layer. I started thinking about areas that didn’t hurt – which weren’t many! – like my ears, my nose, my pinky finger … and started finding the gumption to run. More like a hobble to start with, but turned into a run. I tried to stress to Jeremy how important that cutoff was and I think he finally understood it. He is a 15 minute 5Ker, so he knows speed. Which was perfect. He started pushing the pace and I kept up. I kept catching myself as I tripped over damn roots, but never once fell down. Score. We kept running. People heading back out for their fifth and final loop. I kept telling them I would join them. Jeremy kept pushing the pace and I kept following his lead. It was nice not to have to worry about running. Just follow him. We ran up hills. We ran down hills. We ran over the flat sections. I ran down the demons. As we neared the end of loop 4 and mile 80, we knew it would be close. I ran even harder. I crossed the line at 6:01 a.m. ONE FREAKING minute late. Joe (the RD) came over to get my chip and I asked him if I could please finish this race. I have never not finished anything I’ve started. He said he couldn’t. I lost it. But I was so exhausted I had no energy to put up a fight. Shannon gave me a big hug and told me she was proud of everything I did. Running 80 miles is not exactly easy, kiddo. I fell into a chair and got wrapped in a wrap blanket. Devin and Alida came over and heard the news. We were all heartbroken I think. It took eight hours (including AS stops) to run that loop – the first loop took four hours. You can see that I was in major pain.

What makes it even harder to accept is that we ran those last two miles in 16 minutes. I have NO idea where I got the energy to fight through some pretty intense pain, but I did. To God be the Glory.

I would not and did not quit.

So there it was. The end of Rocky Raccoon 100 mile ultramarathon as an official DNF. BUT I want to make this part VERY CLEAR. I did not quit. I was forced to not finish. SS (Sarah Stanley) does not quit, will not quit. I even asked to go back out and run the fifth and final loop, but I was told no.

Am I bitter? I have to say no. I gave it my all and then some and still some more. I believe that God had me be a minute over the cutoff in order to protect me. Am I disappointed? Of course. It is not easy having a public DNF, but I believe that God has a reason for it and I will bounce back and become stronger then ever and use it as opportunity to show others God always knows what he is doing .

I ran for 24 hours and completed 80 miles. 14.5 hours of running in the dark. I am proud of myself for fighting through some very painful times.

Shannon drove me over to the shelter where Alida gave me some warm PJ pants and a sweatshirt. I pulled off my shorts, put the pants on, threw the sweatshirt on over my clothes, and she helped me into the tent and onto the air mattress. I couldn’t move my right leg, so I had to lift it with my hand like a pulley system. It hurt like hell. Rosie was in bed because she fell and hurt her knee and still ran 76 miles until she, too, was forced to drop. Alida took a photo of us in bed. Neither of us could move and we were both cold. I took some NyQuil and was out like a light. Apparently I got up in the next hour or so and went to pee outside with the help of someone. I’m not sure. Then I fell back into bed and was out for a few more hours before we left the camp site around noon. Man was it a long day.

When we got back to Devin’s, I fell on to the bed and Alida covered me up with a blanket and put my feet up. They were SO swollen. I was out. It hurt to move, so I just stayed in one place for a very long time.

I’m sure I’ll write more about RR100, but that is what I have for now. I’m still tired. I can move better. I finally ate my first meal in 48 hours. Washed my hair and my face. Changed out of my sweaty clothes. Walked down the hall. See, it’s all about perspective .

Some closing thoughts.

Each time you run a 100 miler, you attempt to run a 100 miler. A 100 miler is fucking insane (as I said on loop 4 to the trees). I ran my first 100 miler Aug 22/23, 2009 and did really well. Placed eighth overall in the women and third in age.

Crew/pacers can make or break you. If you ever get the chance to crew or pace or volunteer for a 100 miler, do it. You won’t have any regrets. I’ve been on both sides. From a runners perspective, we can’t wait to see you. You are a huge piece of heaven to us.

I want to thank my crew that grew by the hour for being there for me. You have a hard job too and I don’t underestimate that one bit.

My nutrition/hydration were PERECT. Never felt better.

Each time you attempt to run a 100 miler you are doing something that 0.00000000001 percent will NEVER do. And that is something to be proud of.

Ever want to be inspired? Go crew/pace/volunteer for a 100 miler. It will change your life.

If you wish to sponsor a child in Africa, like I do, you can go here to do make a difference for a little boy or girl.

Running 100 miles is fucking insane. And that’s why I’ll attempt to do it again.

In the meantime, I’m getting some sleep.

peace, sweat, love: life

A sample of the race course conditions.

My feet at mile 40. Ready for duct tape!

Shoes after 40 miles. And these are clean.

Swollen feet about 10 hours after finishing running 80 miles.

Devin cheering Sarah on as she goes back out to run miles 40-60. Still smiling!

Its been a little over 10 hours (written Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012) since I’ve stopped running and I’m still trying to wrap my brain around the grueling day and night.

After I woke up from a deep sleep, I was inching myself across the bed and this thought popped in my head “if you could see me now.” So I’m writing a bit about that first.

If could see me now you might see this:

• Crawling across the bed to charge my phone because it hurts to move.
• Swollen feet the size of footballs.
• Blistered, mud-stained and cut up (from duct tape) feet.
• Looking at my water bottle 12 inches away and calculating how much energy it will take to get it and deciding it will take too much.
• Haven’t eaten a real meal since Friday evening and still don’t have an appetite.
• Still in PJ bottoms, sports bra, race shirt, long sleeve shirt, jacket and sweatshirt (same clothes 36 hours and counting). And shivering. 
• Lifting my right leg with my hands in/out of bed and any sitting/standing position because it is in so much pain 
• Sweat-dried hair.
• Sound asleep and being jolted awake with a soft scream as my feet blisters pop and continue to swell.

Stick around for the full, juicy report! And if you have any questions, post in the comment section.

peace, sweat, love: life

For the next few weeks, each Monday is a new series called “How I Eat.” Last Monday I gave you an overview of my food journey. If you didn’t get a chance to read it, I urge you to go back and read it. It will help you to understand the context of today’s edition.

I wrote seven different points last week and I’ll cover them in the coming weeks. Today I will talk about what I DO eat and DON’T eat. And try to answer the questions that you might have as you are reading.

First a few beliefs I have about food and our body.

1) Our body was made by God (1 Cor 6:19) and we should take care of it (personal responsibility)

2) If we have the ability/option to eat real food, we should

3) Our food supply/system has been drastically modified (no pun intended)

4) The majority of us don’t know where our food comes from, how it grows or how to gets to our plate

5) Our relationship with food is because something happened to us (negative or positive) VS starting with the earth (see point 4)

6) We misuse various terms like: “in moderation,” “I earned it,” “occasionally,” “my reward”

7) Our body ages and with it, comes challenges that we can either ignore or take positive steps to help improve

What I Do Eat/Drink

• Fresh veggies (organic where/when possible)
• Fresh fruit (organic where/when possible) 
• Nuts (and occasional nut milk/cheese)
• Meat/fish (organic, nitrate-free, farm raised)
• Earth based supplements (hemp hearts, brewers yeast, chia seeds, flax seed oil, etc) 
• Water (herbal tea on occasion) 
• Eggs

Most people are fimilar with the phrase “when bad things happen to good people.” I don’t believe that God tests people with “bad things.” I do believe that God uses the tough times in our life to remind us that we need Him in everything we do, no matter if we are in the valley or on the summit.

There is also another part to this. Good people can do everything right and “bad things” still happen. I was reading Genesis 39 and 40 the other morning and was reminded of this. If you aren’t familiar with the story, let me recap it for you.

Joseph was hated by his brothers, thrown into a dry well, then sold to slave traders. (When you do everything right and bad things still happen.) He ended up at the Pharaoh the King of Egypt grounds and he became a house servant. Now this would probably make us pretty upset at God. How could such a thing happen? Where is God? But the story gets better. Potiphar – the King – saw that the Lord was with Joseph and promoted him to personal assistant. Joseph was in charge of Potiphar’s entire household and everything he owned. A pretty important role in the those days! Now an interesting thing happened. God began to bless Potiphar’s household for Joseph’s sake (Genesis 39:5). His crops and livestock were bountiful and his household was running smoothly. God was blessing Joseph through Potiphar. Translation to us today: God might bless someone because we are doing our job that God has called us to do.

Then the story takes a turn. Joseph was handsome. (In my own mind I’m picturing tall, blue eyes, handsome and a killer smile.) Potiphar’s wife noticed the handsome man and wanted to sleep with him. But Joseph refused. One day when no one was around, she grabbed him by his coat and begged him to sleep with her. Joseph fled from her and in the process his coat was left in her hands. When she realized this, she gathered the servants and said “Look! my husband has brought this Hebrew slave here to make fools of us! He came into my room to rape me, but I screamed. When he heard me scream, he ran outside and got away, but he left his coat with me.” Genesis 39:14-15.

Now you and I both know the truth. Joseph fled because she tried to get him to do something wrong. When you do everything right and bad things still happen.

Moving on in the story. When her husband, the king, came home she showed him the coat and told him the untrue story. The king was furious and threw Joseph in prison. PRISON!! Can you believe it? When you do everything right and bad things still happen.

The story takes another turn. I love verse 21 “But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love.” See, even when we are in the dark valley God is still right there with us. Powerful. “And the LORD made Joseph a favorite with the prison warden. Long story short, Joseph was put in charge of the other of the entire prison. Verse 23: “The LORD was with him (Joseph) and caused everything he did to succeed.” Even in prison. Even in our dark valleys, God is still with us. Always remember that.

Now I’m not Joseph, but if it was me, my reaction and attitude would have been “this is not fair! That’s not the truth! Your wife made it all up – I was doing the right thing.” I probably would have felt sorry for myself and asked God “why are you punishing me for doing some good/right?”

What would your response be? Think about it. Moving on.

The story keeps going though. Now Joseph was a dream teller and some of the prisoners had dreams. Joseph explained what they meant and sure enough what Joseph had said would happen, did. Fast forward two years later, the King had a dream. Actually two dreams. And he was very troubled by them. And all of the magicians and wise (smart) men of Egypt could not tell the King what the dreams meant. Then the king’s butler went to the king. (The butler was one of the prisoners that Joseph had interpreted the dream for a few years ago and had forgotten all about Joseph. When you do everything right and bad things still happen. )

The butler explained what Joseph had done and the King called right away for Joseph to tell him what the dreams meant.

Genesis 41:16 is an important verse: “It is beyond my power to do this,” Joseph replied. “But God can tell you what it means and set you at ease.” Meaning man can’t know the future, only God can.

So the King told Joseph his dream and Joseph responded with God told him to. The dream was the classic story of seven years of plenty and seven years of famine. Jumping ahead, Joseph was put in charge of the ENTIRE LAND OF EGYPT. Can you believe it? What a roller coaster! From being sold by his own flesh and blood (his brothers) to then being the King’s personal assistant to getting thrown in jail for something he never did to being forgotten about by the butler to being put in charge of a country. When you do everything right and bad things still happen. 

Joseph was a good person, did everything right and “bad things” still happened to him. Did he get angry or bitter? From reading the Bible, it doesn’t say. It does say that he was faithful to God in whatever he did.

This entire story reminded me that things will happen to us that make no sense whatsoever. Instead of questioning “why God” or “why me,” getting bitter or angry, remain faithful in what God has called you to do. God still loves us. God still cares for us. And God is with us in the dark valley or bright mountain top.

When you do everything right and bad things still happen, God still blesses you.

Most people write about the end of the year around the end of December or January. But I’m not most people.

While the calendar may say it is Feb. 4, 2012, today is my end of one year and start of another. Today also happens to be the day I am running 100 miles. Yes running. Yes all in one day (or less). When I first registered for the race, I didn’t notice the date. Till a few weeks ago. I don’t believe it is a coincidence. And for some, running 100 miles seems impossible. But for what I have been through in my life, 100 miles doesn’t really seems all that bad. I don’t know you how celebrate surviving one tough year, but as fate (?) would have it, I am running 100 miles. True Sarah Stanley fashion (I ran my first 100 miler on my 30th birthday to celebrate it). 

2011 was (another) tough year. Let me highlight a few of the majors.

1) Setting a goal of running all 18 RnR’s and raising funds and advocating for different causes (the FIT Project)

2) Sensing God’s call to move to Colorado and four weeks later I packed whatever would fit in my car, took the rest to Goodwill, drove 2,000 miles solo in the worst winter storm in 50 years and spent the first night in Colorado in my car (it was 9 degrees). Feb 4, 2011.

3) Lost several part-time jobs and a roof over my head

4) Had former friends (some so-called Christians) not only turn on me, but stab me in the back AND chest

5) Being falsely accused, mocked, bullied, attacked and hated

6) Betrayal of agreements and promises

7) Sometimes flying to the races I was committed for and not knowing where I would stay or how I would get there (because of 3)

But I want to focus on 2. I left the Washington, D.C., area on Jan. 31, 2011 and started making the trek to Colorado. That evening I ended up in Columbus, Ohio due to a bad ice storm moving in. I got stuck there for the next 36 hours. Finally, on Wednesday morning, Feb. 2, I was able to start driving again and drove through some nasty weather to end the day in a foot of snow in Kansas City, Mo. Feb. 3, I left Mo. and started the eternity drive across the state of Kansas. I thought it would never end. God bless all of you who live there. I spent all day driving through it! I shouted out loud when I saw the wooden “welcome to Colorado” sign! Driving over the mountains on Route 70 I hit a blizzard. Welcome to Colorado, Sarah. I finally made it to the promised land. Barely knowing a soul. 150 percent knowing that God wanted me here.

Feb. 4, 2011. Unknown future. Uncertainty. But a peace that calms even the most stressed out soul.

I was in a brand new place, new state – everything was unfamiliar. Unknown. There were moments when I wondered how I would ever make it, let alone survive. While the full details of 2011 will be disclosed in my book, I can say that I did survive (who else would be writing this?!) and in spite of some VERY tough times, I kept the faith. Was it easy? No. Was it hard? You bet. Was it the right thing to do? Absolutely.

So today as I run 100 miles, it is a celebration of living and surviving a very tough year. Running 100 miles will be a piece of cake, comparatively. Because when God wants to do a good work in AND with you, you heed that calling. Even when it is tough and rough and dark and lonely and just doesn’t make sense.

I listed the seven major things that made 2011 a very tough and rough year, but I always believe in the positive in spite of the negative.

1) That friendships I thought were good, but God knew they weren’t and replaced with much better ones

2) I learned that God always provides, but not in the way I thought he would

3) Strength doesn’t come when we are strong; strength is made when we are weak

4) Determined to keep living with the passion and the faith and the grace that brought me this far

5) Forgiveness is healing

6) A few key people that made me believe in friendships and trust again

7) That just because I had/have tough times, it doesn’t mean I quit/give up, it means you dig deep and keep the faith

Perhaps you just found this site because of what I am doing today (running 100 miles) and you are having a rough, tough year or just plain life. You might feel alone, depressed and wondering why you are here. Let me assure you that God not only loves and cares for you, but has a plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11). That plan looks different for each one of us, but the one thing that remains the same is this: God loves each and everyone of us, no matter what state of that plan we are in.

Dear 2011, you taught me to never give me up. Dear 2012, remind me of 2011 when I am tempted to give up.

And Lord, to all of those who are struggling, help them not to give up. May my struggles help them to see that you are a God who cares and loves. Even in our darkest valley. Amen.

peace, sweat, love: life

Here it is. Race eve. Not just any race eve, but a 100 mile ultramarathon race eve.

It is Friday evening and I’m in Houston at Devin & Alida’s place. Devin is also running the 100 miler. Go us I’m just about to attempt to fall asleep at 7pm. 3:30am cometh quickly! 

I know people have questions about ultras, but particularly 100 miles in general.

#1) What will I eat?

I’ve written about it before, but aid stations (AS) don’t really have real, nutritious food. They have processed sugar, candy, etc. For this 100 miler I’ve made my food or bringing everything with me. At the AS I will eat cold, hard, boiled potatoes dipped in salt, fruit dipped in salt and hot chicken broth at night.

Here is the food I made and brought (and bought if we are going to get really technical!)

Sweet potatoes. I bought 7 LARGE sweet potatoes. I may never want to eat another one again! I mashed 5 and chopped the other 2. After mashing I added fresh, grated ginger, sea salt, a little honey, brewers yeast, cinnamon and a little Goji Juice. Once I filled the 25 little baggies, I added soaked chia seeds and hemp hearts.

Chopped sweet potatoes with fresh, grated ginger & cinnamon

Sweet potatoes with chia seeds

Sweet potatoes with hemp hearts and chia seeds

Row of sweet potato nutrition!

I will eat some pure energy nut bars (Lara Bar & Bearded Brothers), sunflower seeds, Q Energy, nut butter, and Gen UCAN. *I have no idea why it flipped the photos around. I didn’t have time to fix them. You’ll have to turn your computer or smart phone around if you are really picky

Gen UCAN (mix with water)

Justin's Nut Butter (almond)

sunflower seeds

Lara Bars

Bearded Brothers Natural Energy bars (with chia seeds)

Q Energy Drink (mix in water)

Alida also made cashew butter (raw/vegan) and I’ll have some with veggie chips. All the food I will be eating is additive free, chemical free, natural, and/or homemade. Just the way I like it

That’s the food part.

#2) Travel

For a big race (I think a 100 miler qualifies), I like to be at the race 2 days before hand. And smart decision that was. You never know about flight delays/weather/other. I flew into Houston, TX from Denver, CO. And not a moment too soon. A HUGE snow storm moved in just hours after I flew out. Hundreds of flights were cancelled. Thank the Lord I booked my ticket to fly out on Thursday.

Shannon picked me up at the airport and we made a quick trip to the store to get some ingredients (tuna, avocado, tomatoes) for my lunch. Then she dropped me off at Devin’s. I made my lunch, took a late nap, went and got all the sweet potatoes for race day and salmon for Friday’s night pre-race meal.

I had a good night of rest (although I was getting nervous) and woke up refreshed Friday morning. To a weather forecast of 80% rain and 83% humidity. 24 hours till go time.

I made 2 hardboiled eggs mashed with avocado and cut up cherry tomatoes for breakfast, then started preparing sweet potatoes! As they were baking I got some work done, shot a video, and tried to relax . Not much luck there. Ha! My best friend Rachel called me and then my friend Terry called and prayed with me. Definitely better after that!

Took a nap, mixed my sweet potatoes up and laid out all my food for tomorrow. This whole nutrition thing takes a lot of planning, prep and hard work!

Had salmon, peas and sweet potatoes for dinner and going to bed early. We have to be up at 3:30am and at the race by 5am. Race start is at 6am.

Pre race dinner!

I’ve trained hard for this. Put a lot of time, energy, and investment into it. I am ready by the grace of God.

My prayer is that I will run strong and that God will use my feet to honor and glorify him. And that children in Africa will be sponsored.

Thank you to my friends, my supporters, everyone that encourages me, and yes, even to the haters- you actually motivate me to do a better job for the Kingdom of God. So thank you!

I’ll be posting live updates as I am able (80% chance of rain might hinder that plan) or my crew will.

Till next time, may you be encouraged to go do something positive, something hard, and do it well.

Oh and you don’t want to miss tomorrow morning’s article. It’s really good if I do say myself.

Sweet dreams!

peace, sweat, love: life

Each Friday we feature a real-life person who has embraced a healthy lifestyle from a former sedentary life. We hope their story inspires you to start living and breathing a healthy life!

Today’s story is from Adrienne who lives in Phoenix, Ariz.

Sarah: 2003 was the year that started the change for you, can you share with us what happened?
Adrienne: In 2003, I moved to Arizona to take yet another job in television. While I’d been somewhat athletic growing up, I was always raised to think it was better to be smart, than pretty. And it showed. By the time I arrived in Arizona, I was at least 50 pounds overweight, a complete party girl, with many health issues looming on the horizon (diabetes, stomach issues, etc) and most of all, my self-confidence was shot. And I didn’t realize ANY of these things.

Sarah: How did you start your healthy life journey?
Adrienne: Through circumstance, a co-worker was successful following the Weight Watchers program, so I thought, “Why not?” In April of 2004, I’d removed 56 pounds to reach my goal weight, and was approached by Weight Watchers about becoming a Group Leader – and helping others reach their goals. Again, I thought “Why not?” and agreed to take the facilitation training and start part-time. Within weeks of the training, I realized that TV was no longer a good fit for me, and came to work for WW full time.

Sarah: Wow! That is incredible! Tell us about your new job!
Adrienne: Fast forward eight years, and I’m now one of the Managers of the company, helping with training, media and still leading members to reach their goals each week, some even taking off more than a hundred pounds.
This isn’t a WW commercial, though. Losing the weight sparked me to find ME. I often say “My outside matches my inside now.” I’m confident. I’m raising my family to be healthy and active, so they can avoid the struggles I had. My daughter has a fabulous self-image, which means the world to me, since I didn’t have that kind of role model growing up.

Sarah: Tell us how you started running.
Adrienne: After having my daughter, I was trying to find “my thing.” That thing that was mine, that wasn’t work. Or family. And some friends across the country reminded me about running. I’d dabbled in running here and there, but didn’t think much of it. Well, having a toddler was enough to make me lace up my running shoes and hit the pavement.

It was quiet. I could think. Or not think. And my feet just kept moving. The miles became my therapy. And I felt stronger and more confident than ever before. That was fall of 2010. Since then, I’ve run two half marathons, and more than a dozen other races. And then, less than two weeks ago, I crossed the timing mats of my first marathon. Needless to say, I’m hooked.

Sarah: What is life like today for you?
Adrienne: I’m healthier and happier at 34 than I was at 24. My goal used to be just to see my next birthday. Now my goal is to be that healthy, white-haired woman who passes the young whipper-snappers at races, while encouraging them the whole way.

Sarah: Do you have any healthy goals for 2012 and beyond?
Adrienne: My  goal is to run seven races. Raging from four miles to two marathons. I have specific time goals for the marathons so I’m working with a coach on that. Incorporate some cross-training and continue to live a healthy life!

Adrienne before

 

Adrienne after (finishing a race)

Back-to-back Marathons Part 2!

I was exhausted and feeling the affects of Jackson, Miss. hills when I fell into bed last evening I wondered how in the world I was going to run ANOTHER marathon in mere hours.

I woke up at 5 a.m. and prayed that God would give me the strength, courage and grace to finish this morning’s marathon. Ken had picked up my race packet last evening and that was a godsend. I had no energy to go pick it up. I repeated what I did 24 hours previous (mixed my Gen UCAN and got dressed) and hit the road for the short drive to the race start.

This marathon (BankTrust First Light Marathon) was very low key. It fully supports the L’ Arche Foundation. No chip time, the start line was a painted orange line, and gun start. Just the way I like it. I was still in a fog and between stages of pain and sleepwalking.

7:30 a.m. and the race began. I was thinking that I was going to be walking a lot and told myself to give the race my all. Whatever my all was. Surprisingly, my legs actually moved. And not just moved, but ran. I was happy. As each mile came and went, my legs began to get the hang of it. YESSSS …

There were other people who had run the full yesterday as well and so we quickly bonded. Or commiserated. Regardless we all encouraged each other. Around Mile 5 I started running with another back-to-back marathoner. He was VERY experienced, had run over 100 marathons and many, many back-to-backs. I quickly started asking him questions. We were also running at the same pace so it was a natural fit to run together. I think we were both happy for the company. He had run this course the last five (?) years and so he knew the tough parts on the course. 

I remember my heart kind of sinking when he said that this is a tough back-to-back to do. Great! Good thing I like challenges. Ha. He paced the five hour group yesterday and was shooting for a 4:30 finish time today. He figured I could run that time. The only caveat was that I ran pretty hard yesterday on a tough course and today’s course was not as hilly, but still tough. I don’t shy away from doing my best and said I would run a 4:30 pace as long as I was able to.

Mile 17-18 was a big climb, the sun came out and we grabbed oranges before we started up it. Although I was tired, I still felt strong. And determined to hit that time goal. The highest point of the race course came around mile 20. Most people don’t think Mobile, Ala., has hills. For the most part it doesn’t, but at mile 20 we were looking over the city. Good times.

And what goes up must come down. So we started a slow descent. After a few last climbs, we finally hit the last five miles and flatness! Happy, happy. I pushed a little harder and passed a ton of people. Including some relay runners that had just started. That felt good.

The last 5K I ran really strong and before I knew it, I was hearing the sweet sounds of the finish line. After a few turns, there it was and I ran the second marathon in a 24-hour span in 4:27! As I crossed the line I threw up a little and my new friend held me up. I stumbled over to a chair and tried to fully comprehend what I just accomplished. Tom helped me over to a bench and went and got me food. So awesome.

As I sat there, I was completely stoked and proud of myself. At the start of the day I had NO idea how I was going to walk, let alone run and I surprised myself by running pretty much the whole way. The feeling can not be described. To God be the glory.

The race was absolutely amazing. The marathon is fully supported by the L’Arche Foundation. From their website: “L’Arche is an international federation of communities in which people with an intellectual disability and those who help them can live, work, and share their lives together.” And that community MADE our medals and the special back-to-back awards. So touching. The marathon fees went strictly to L’Arche. The post-race party was also great. Tom, myself and other runner friends we made all talked about the race and other things where you wished you a mouse on the ground .

Soon, it was time to hobble back to the car and go get a shower! I wasn’t able to take an ice bath, so I put my legs up on the wall (a good trick to know) and then slept for a few hours. It felt great to sleep – finally!

Ken had friends over in the evening for dinner and it was great to meet more friendly people! I washed my sweaty clothes and then I went to bed. I had an early flight (again).

All in all it was a great, whirlwind, sweaty, long, fun weekend. My first back-to-back marathons done and won’t be my last!

The first weekend of January I embarked on my first ever back-to-back marathons. What is a back-to-back marathon? Glad you asked! A back-to-back marathon is when you run a marathon Saturday morning and then run another marathon Sunday morning. So 52.4 miles (plus travel) in 24 hours. Let’s just say it’s not for the faint of heart.

While I’m used to ultra distances and hardcore events, doing something for the first time still has that vibe of nervousness and anxiousness.

I’ve been training for Rocky Raccoon 100 mile ultramarathon and I needed to get in some long miles. I figured what better way to get the miles in then to add another challenge to the plate. Back-to-back-marathons it was! I registered for the races a few months previous and I was really excited to run both. I love home town races!

A 2:30am wake up call and I was once again bound for the airport- my second home at this point. I flew into Mobile, AL after a layover in Houston where I had to run from one terminal to another. I got my warmup run in early! After landing in Mobile, the hunt was on for some healthy food. No Whole Foods Market Bar this time. Thankfully I found a Panera Bread and had a salmon salad.

After getting to my friend’s place, I took a much needed nap. Feeling refreshed I buried myself with work and then researched for a nearby yoga studio. I was in for a treat! There were 8 people including myself. One of the fun things about traveling all over the country is the diversity of yoga studios across the nation. I love it!

It was a great practice- perhaps because I finally did a headstand! I had been practicing for years and I finally got it. It clicked when the yoga teacher had me squeeze my inner thighs- right above my knees- together. Granted the headstand was against a wall, but I was still excited.

That evening Ken made seared tuna and a green leaf salad. So, so good!

Friday morning it was time to hit the road and head up to Jackson, MS. Along the way I stopped and met up with Heather. It was a nice way to stretch the legs!

The drive from Mobile, AL to Jackson, MS was a little over 4 hours. Traffic was slow going through a few towns. However the drive went by quickly as I listened to messages by Steven Furtick at Elevation Church.

Finally arrived in Jackson and headed to the expo. It was small and awesome. They had a blues band playing, a harmonica in our goodie bag, and everyone was super friendly. Then I checked in to my hotel and pondered what I would have for dinner. The marathon had a list of places that were offering marathon specials vs a traditional pasta dinner which was another bonus point for Mississippi Blues Marathon!

I found a cute little restaurant and had a salad with crab. Got a gallon of water at CVS on the way back to the hotel and then crashed early. Oh what a party animal I am on a Friday evening!

Saturday morning came quickly. I rolled out of bed, went through my usual race morning rituals (drink my Gen UCAN, sleeveless shirt, compression socks, shorts, shoes with orange laces and a big smile ) and then headed to the start. It was on the cool side, but I knew it would be warm/hot/sunny later on, so I warmed up by doing some yoga poses while waiting in the potty line.

7:00am and the marathon was officially started! Let the back-to-back marathons journey begin!

As we started out the sun was rising and it was beautiful. Right away the course had a climb. My legs were feeling really, really good. It is amazing coming down from elevation to sea level. I felt strong and happy to run! I kept a pretty good pace and was surprised by how friendly everyone was! Usually I’m the one who talks to people around me- it was nice to have others start the conversation!

As the course went on, I was starting to realize that Jackson, MS had hills. And not just one or two, but like 50. I’m not kidding. The only thing saving me was that I was at sea level. However, sea level made me feel too good. I ran really strong, enjoyed the course, the people, the volunteers and wondered why no one told me that Jackson, MS had freaking hills! By mile 20, I was really feeling the affects of the heat and hills. I reminded myself that I had a marathon to run tomorrow so don’t die today.

MS Blues Marathon elevation graph

I just kept running and reminded myself that there was an end even if I didn’t see it. Finally, I could see and hear the finish line. Of course finishing on a slight incline. 4:12 and finished 7th in my age group. Not too shabby!

After crossing the finish line I walked over to the sidewalk and collapsed on the concrete. It felt great to just lay down and gaze at the sky. But I couldn’t linger long- I had an ice bath to get and another drive BACK to Mobile, AL. I dragged myself over to the post-race party and the food spread was pretty great. They had sandwiches, cookies, tomato soup, rice & beans, pizza…if you are looking for great post-race food, put Mississippi Blues Marathon on your list!

I sat on an ice chest as I ate some food and then a volunteer needed to get in it. I told her she would have to shove me off. I was so exhausted. She graciously got me a chair and I transferred my tired butt to it. Then I scrapped myself off the chair and began the walk over to the car. I saw some relay runners and I casually mentioned to them that they made the right choice.

I stopped at a gas station on the way home and bought 20lbs of ice. Ah, ice bath. It couldn’t happen soon enough. I lugged myself and the ice up to the room. Where is my sherpa when I need one?! After freezing my legs off, I got a warm shower and hustled to pack up and check out. Someone suggested a cafe to get some food and I stopped on my way out of Jackson. I met a nice couple and we ate together. I love nice runners!

I shot a quick video before finally hitting the road. Jackson, MS it was nice to see you all of 20 hours!

I stopped in Biloxi, MS on the way back and dipped my feet in the ocean and watched the sun set. Never miss an opportunity to enjoy the ocean!

I got back to Mobile, AL around 7pm, got a bite to eat although I was more tired than anything and fell into bed at 8:30pm. Marathon morning was just hours away.