Don't Give Up Project # 2

Many started, but only few finished the full marathon on a hot May (20th) day in Green Bay, WI

Jessy #30 running up to the 21mile marker.

A sign along the way to inspire the runners to keep going.

Jessy is being helped out of ice water by her fiancée Andy.  He was such a huge support.  She finished the race in 5 hours and 11 minutes (her mom's birthday).  The day was filled with small miracles.

Behind Jessy were IV stations.  They called the race quites at 9:35 in the morning because they had ran out of IV fluids.  Jessy finished the race at a little past noon.  Seeing people dehydrated and packed with ice was the defining moment for me of what she had just accomplished - 26.2 miles.

This is the image that I couldn't wait to take.  For everything she went through, 5 months of training, a moment of panic that the race wasn't going to continue, and a feat that not many can say they have done.  It was amazing and inspiring to be in her presence.  It felt as if she was an old pro at these things we call challenging.

  

I feel so blessed to have experiences such a day.  We can go on and on about the difficulties put in our path.  The things that seem impossible and so overwhelming.  But just like the people in the race that told her to stop, told her that it was to hot to run,  we are continually fighting a battle of "Nos" and "Your not good enoughs".  Jessy knew the work that she put into this journey and by putting one foot infront of the other she was able to cross that marker...... the one that reads "26.2 miles You Could of Hurt Yourself".   She crossed that finish line and she Didn't Give Up.  What a blessing to see God in everything.  With Him by our side we are truly capable of anything.  As tears well in my eyes Jessy you are truly a blessing to so many, we love you.