I love adventures…I think I was made for them. Actually, I think most of us were made for them, yet so often we get stuck in the business of our lives and in the rhythms of our weekly schedules, that we fall into safe and predictable lives. I definitely have been susceptible to mediocrity myself, but I have to admit this last year has been a breakout of sorts for me. Living here at Horn Creek has given me the opportunity to dream, take risks, and find adventure in ways that I have not done for years. Especially this year, with Horn Creek in an uncertain place, I have done everything I can to seize the moment, while I have it.
I have been training for the Colorado Relay for the past 5 months. The Colorado Relay is a 175 mile 24 hour relay running race from Georgetown to Carbondale. It follows paved roads, dirt roads and trails over three mountain passes. My team entered the 5 man ultra race, which means each runner runs 6 legs adding up to approximately 35 miles a piece. Our team consisted of my brother in law Jeff, my step brother in law Craig, two other friends named Scott and myself. We aptly named our five-some: “Daddy’s Gone Wild”.
At any rate, the race was this past weekend, and it was filled with all the adventure I could ask for. We started the race at 9 a.m. on Friday and immediately climbed over 2000 feet in elevation and were running in snow. The first third of the race was run in a combination of snow, sleet, rain, mud, and wind. We began to pass other teams quickly and soon found ourselves in a race against time, fatigue, leg pain, sickness, injury, weather, and our own minds. We were wet, smelly, cold, uncomfortable and fully alive as we raced through day and night. There were low moments and high moments. The greatest part of it all was that we were not just running for ourselves, but for our team. It was not just about running one leg, but running for something greater. I ran to win, not just for me, but for my team. Every step was counted, and every mile was important. We were living in the moment, yet striving for the finish. “Daddy’s Gone Wild” ultimately would outrun the other 5 man teams to win the 5 man ultra race, and also beat 137 out of 145 10 man teams. It was an awesome adventure, especially for a 37 year old who longs to stay young.
It was great to be part of something much greater than myself, yet at the same time to be an integral part in the overall story. It reminds me a lot of what John Eldredge talks about in Wild at Heart, and in The Epic. He states, “We are now far into this Epic that every great story points to. We have reached the moment where we, too, must find our courage and rise up to recover our hearts and fight for the hearts of others. The hour is late, and much time has been wasted. Aslan is on the move, we must rally to him at the stone table. We must find Geppetto lost at sea. We must ride hard, ride to Minas Tirith and join the last great battle for Middle Earth.” Now granted, John was talking about our spiritual journey, and how we are called to join in the great story of God’s work in our lives and in the lives of others. But John also talks about us coming alive as men and as children of the King. Are we really living the Epic that God has created us for? Are we taking risks, pursuing dreams, living out our God given gifts each day? This race reminded me of what makes me come alive. I love adventure, and I love being a part of a greater story. That is why I love running; it is why I love camping ministry and ultimately why I am so thankful to be a part of God’s unfolding story of redemption.
I don’t really know why I am writing this. I do not know if it is for me just to process, or if anyone else will actually read this. But this I know…I was born for adventure, and I think many of my fellow friends are as well. If this race simply reminds some of them to pursue their dreams and remember their own part in the story - then it was all worth it.
-Jeff
I have been training for the Colorado Relay for the past 5 months. The Colorado Relay is a 175 mile 24 hour relay running race from Georgetown to Carbondale. It follows paved roads, dirt roads and trails over three mountain passes. My team entered the 5 man ultra race, which means each runner runs 6 legs adding up to approximately 35 miles a piece. Our team consisted of my brother in law Jeff, my step brother in law Craig, two other friends named Scott and myself. We aptly named our five-some: “Daddy’s Gone Wild”.
At any rate, the race was this past weekend, and it was filled with all the adventure I could ask for. We started the race at 9 a.m. on Friday and immediately climbed over 2000 feet in elevation and were running in snow. The first third of the race was run in a combination of snow, sleet, rain, mud, and wind. We began to pass other teams quickly and soon found ourselves in a race against time, fatigue, leg pain, sickness, injury, weather, and our own minds. We were wet, smelly, cold, uncomfortable and fully alive as we raced through day and night. There were low moments and high moments. The greatest part of it all was that we were not just running for ourselves, but for our team. It was not just about running one leg, but running for something greater. I ran to win, not just for me, but for my team. Every step was counted, and every mile was important. We were living in the moment, yet striving for the finish. “Daddy’s Gone Wild” ultimately would outrun the other 5 man teams to win the 5 man ultra race, and also beat 137 out of 145 10 man teams. It was an awesome adventure, especially for a 37 year old who longs to stay young.
It was great to be part of something much greater than myself, yet at the same time to be an integral part in the overall story. It reminds me a lot of what John Eldredge talks about in Wild at Heart, and in The Epic. He states, “We are now far into this Epic that every great story points to. We have reached the moment where we, too, must find our courage and rise up to recover our hearts and fight for the hearts of others. The hour is late, and much time has been wasted. Aslan is on the move, we must rally to him at the stone table. We must find Geppetto lost at sea. We must ride hard, ride to Minas Tirith and join the last great battle for Middle Earth.” Now granted, John was talking about our spiritual journey, and how we are called to join in the great story of God’s work in our lives and in the lives of others. But John also talks about us coming alive as men and as children of the King. Are we really living the Epic that God has created us for? Are we taking risks, pursuing dreams, living out our God given gifts each day? This race reminded me of what makes me come alive. I love adventure, and I love being a part of a greater story. That is why I love running; it is why I love camping ministry and ultimately why I am so thankful to be a part of God’s unfolding story of redemption.
I don’t really know why I am writing this. I do not know if it is for me just to process, or if anyone else will actually read this. But this I know…I was born for adventure, and I think many of my fellow friends are as well. If this race simply reminds some of them to pursue their dreams and remember their own part in the story - then it was all worth it.
-Jeff
Having fun passing another runner...
Jeff, Craig and myself on top of Georgia Pass
The saught after finish line...
2 comments:
Congrats on your victory! Always encouraging to hear someone strive for more.
Unbelievable. That's awesome.
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