Will's Words of Wisdom

Will Brown is a veteran runner having competed in several marathons. He is serving as our Marathon Team Captain. He offers the following thoughts on the cost and the benefits of running a race.

Luke 14:28-30: (Jesus said) Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.' (NIV)

What does it cost? The first cost is the entry fee for your chosen event. You can enter at www.thebaltimoremarathon.com. For running the foundation consists of making sure you are fit to run (check with your doctor), having the right equipment (shoes, clothing), and building up aerobic endurance. Many people consider getting a physical before starting an exercise program. Once you're good to go, then shoes are important. You might want to go to a specialty running store (Falls Road Running is the official store of the Baltimore Marathon, www.baltimorerunning.com ) and get the correct shoes for your foot type. Running is much more pleasant in Baltimore if you don't run in cotton. Cotton keeps the sweat next to your skin, while a technical fabric wicks the sweat away and keeps you cooler. Non-cotton socks, shorts, and shirts really do help. Finally, it's important to start slowly. Almost all injuries happen because we go too far, too long, too fast. There are lots of beginner, intermediate and advanced programs for the 5K, half marathon, and marathon. Some good sites are www.halhigdon.com, www.coolrunning.com, and www.runnersworld.com, to name just a few. The shoes, shirts, shorts, and socks cost more than a few dollars.

But what are the benefits, the tower Jesus speaks of? There are many.

You'll help a great cause and join a committed team.
You might even lose a few pounds and feel better. Exercise does that.
You'll take part in a huge event, not as a spectator but as an athlete!
The runner's high is a real thing. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee said he cried when someone called him an athlete, after he lost over 100 pounds while preparing for his first marathon.
You get a beautiful running shirt, food and drink after and during the race, lots of people to cheer you on the course, and a great sense of accomplishment.
It’s fun. You don't have to run a marathon to be a runner. Most runners never run a marathon. They just run because it's fun.
And finally, you'll be doing all this for the glory of God, to be part of his people as we bless the community of Pen Lucy and the people of Baltimore.