Transformation through Run Club

I just finished the walking challenge today where I walked one mile per day for 30 days in a row and wanted to share the IMPACT that was truly made in my life (and those around me) that I could have never expected. 
 
1. It wasn’t a QUESTION of “Is this possible?” It was BELIEVING the statement that “This is possible.” 
 
I decided from the beginning that I was all in for this challenge. With that, I found myself doing things I never thought I would do to complete it. I was running as early as 5am around my neighborhood while it was dark and pouring rain and also found myself walking as late as 9 p.m. on a Monuments at Night Tour in Washington DC. Daily workouts happened from sidewalks, outdoor tracks, treadmills, roadways, field trips to the zoo, up and down hills, and even through a crazy route in our 4-story townhome when it was the only time and place I could manage to complete it with purpose on purpose for the day. (The challenge even fell within the month of my birthday and having a celebratory birthday run at 35 years old was the best way to kick off this next year of life.) Was it challenging? Of course! But was it possible? Absolutely. 
 
2. It impacted me and others while presenting priceless opportunities. 
 
My daughter (who is 3) sometimes participated with me and would encourage me on our walks together. One day I put her in the stroller and she said, “Oh mom, today you’re running! Let’s go!” And she cheered me on while I ran her around the neighborhood. She asked every day to see my circles on my Apple Watch to see if I got my exercise in and is always asking to stretch and participate. She is seeing her mom prioritize caring for her body and is already interested in taking care of hers. This is special and priceless to me. My friends and family knew about the challenge, and I had one friend who’s not even in MomCo participate with me and tell me it inspired her to start getting out and doing more physical activity. My engagement with neighbors increased, too, and on day 29 of the challenge I crossed paths with a neighbor who was driving in the neighborhood. They invited our family over after my workout to share a meal at their home. That may have never happened if I wasn’t outside amongst my neighbors. 
 
3. Jesus was at the heart of it all. 
 
I thought about Jesus and my MomCo family every day. While some days were filled with joy and praise, others were not. I completed workouts post-teary-eyes from a hard phone conversation I had, when I was having a stomach ache or mild knee pain, and even times when the weather was not ideal. But there was a commitment that I made to God and by sharing it with him and others, I was held accountable and many helped to carry me through. My husband and my daughter, my mentor, and my DGL leader, McKenzie, all cheered me on! I would text a selfie every day and journal my experience to reflect on and pray about. God’s goodness and steadfast love was seen in each day and workout, whether it was a 1-mile walk or 3-mile uphill run. He sustained me and surrounded me with loving community to carry me through in prayer and lovingkindness. I had, unbeknownst to me, carved more time for worship and spending time with Jesus by dedicating myself to this challenge. 
 
The pillars of being open to receive, building endurance, and living passionately for MomCo were all realized in this 30-Day Challenge. Being surrounded by a wonderful community cheering me on and praying for me meant the world to me and kept me strong on the days that I didn’t know if I could complete the challenge. It helped build my endurance and further produced my character and hope that I pray only continues to grow through the days, weeks, and years to come. And it sparked a passion and excitement within me: I now truly love making time to care for my body (mentally, physically, and spiritually). The power and beauty of connecting with others—and showing my daughter how to fight for what’s important in her life by pursuing the things that matter in mine—are some of the many lessons and joys I experienced along the way. 
 
This 30-Day challenge produced a wild hope in me. And I can’t encourage everyone enough to say “It is possible” and see for yourself!