Sometimes It’s Unexpected…
Posted by Brandi Wilson
Saturday was a big day day for me personally… I completed the Country Music 1/2 Marathon. Yes, I ran 13 miles…. 13 consecutive miles. “Why?” you ask. To be totally honest I was asking myself the same question in the start gate, again at mile 6 when the sun came beaming down, and finally mile 11 when I wanted to just walk.
I’ve never been a runner and still don’t think of myself a runner. But back in late December my husband mentioned possibly training for the half. That really sparked my interest which was then ignited by a friend who wanted to train together. I clearly remember stating on New Year’s Eve night that my plan was to “train for 6 weeks and then reevaluate the possibility.”
Those six weeks turned into four months of training. Four months of disciplined preparation and, to be honest, total doubt. Have I mentioned I ran 13 consecutive miles and I’m not a runner? 
I spent a lot of time wondering if I was capable of pulling it off. In fact I didn’t register until 9 days before the race.
The race was long and hard. It was as much of a mental battle as a physical battle… but worth every ounce of pain. Due to the sheer number of runners (30,000 to be exact) our running group split up around mile 3 and I was alone. It was really my biggest race fear… running alone.
I’m constantly teaching my boys that they’re never alone. When they’re scared of the monster in the closet or when they’re taking a tough test at school… God is always with them. It’s a simple concept we, as Christian, hear repeatedly regularly. “God is always with you.” I’m embarrassed to say that as much as I want my children to believe at their core that God is always with them, sometimes I doubt it myself. I mean let’s be honest… does God really care I’m running a half marathon?
He does…
As I was so gently reminded on Saturday. He was there as I pounded the asphalt. He was there when my goal was to just put one foot in front of the other. He was there at mile 11 when I felt the loneliest. He tenderly encouraged me. He softly whispered I was capable.
I finished the race strong. I finished the race empowered. I finished the race with a simple spiritual reminder… God is always with me, I am never alone.
“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
22 Responses to “Sometimes It’s Unexpected…”
April 27th, 2010 at 12:55 pmI wish I had heard you yelling to me at mile 11 now! I feel bad that I didn’t hear you! Just know that the whole time we were rooting you all on and knowing you could do it! So proud to know people that stepped it up for a good cause and for their own growth!
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April 27th, 2010 at 12:59 pmBrandi.. what an inspiring post! So proud of you for stepping out (and up) and running a 1/2 marathon… I also am not a runner and don’t think 13 miles is even in my vocabulary..LOL and the verse you posted at the end is quickly becoming a favorite of mine!
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Love this Brandi…so proud of you.
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You inspire me:-) Thanks for sharing your journey and thoughts. You are an example for all of us!
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You did it! Yay Brandi! So inspiring
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April 27th, 2010 at 2:52 pmI am so proud of you, Brandi! You killed it out there…just as you do in life, you pushed yourself past anything you thought you could do! I love you, friend!
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Never being alone is one reason I enjoy running to praise music. It’s harder for me to forget that way!
Congratulations on running a half!
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April 27th, 2010 at 3:22 pm1. Awesome job on completing the 1/2 marathon. You are awesome.
2. Great post. They are words I utter all the time to my children, family, friends and congregation…but I often find myself doubting that is true. Thank you for this reminder that we truly are not alone. God is with us.
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April 27th, 2010 at 3:33 pmSo proud of you girl!! Way to go!
My ultra favorite scripture. Jud preached on it this weekend too.
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Super proud of all the Nashville runner peeps! I ran my 5th half-marathon on April 17 and it was awesome to know other pals were going to run a half, too!
We should get a Leading and Loving It lady runner group together and run the half in Vegas or something:)
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Way to go! Mile 11 was killer for us! The orange wedges that were passed out got me through:) Such an inspiring thing to be a part of:)
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Love this post Brandi! Way to go… you’ve totally inspired me as I have had this teeny, tiny interest in running a 1/2 but like you, I am not a runner. Did track but i was the hurdle girl, not long distance. 
Your endurance and strength paid off and what an accomplishment!
BTW…one of my favorite verses.
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Congrats on running the half! Awesome job! So true about God always being with us, but how often do we believe that?! Thanks for the reminder, and congrats, again!
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April 27th, 2010 at 9:25 pmthanks for all your kind words guys!!!
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So inspiring! Just watched my brother crossthe finish line at the LA marathon!exhilerating just to watch..can’t imagine what ya’ll are experiencing! Want to try it someday…
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April 27th, 2010 at 9:42 pmBrandi! So proud of you! You rocked it!!!
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April 27th, 2010 at 9:45 pmMy running story is very similar to yours. 2 years ago I started running to have a common interest with my avid running husband. We ran our first half marathon together in 2008. I didn’t think I could do it, but the Lord carried me through it. We ran the Nashville Half last week also. Love that you give God the glory!
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April 27th, 2010 at 9:54 pmTotally made me tear up, Brandi! Way to go!!
I gave up running when I was just a kid and ran my first 1600 m (1 mile) race–I was so far behind, they started setting up the next heat before I finished!! Did not do a lot for my self-confidence, let me tell you, esp. when your Dad is the track coach! Thank heavens for “field” events in track and field–did much better at those. LOL!
And the verse is up in my top 10 list, I think. I love it!
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April 28th, 2010 at 3:12 amWay to go! One of my good friends drove all the way out there from here in Virginia and ran also. Small world.
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you kicked butt! Im so proud of you and I wish I would have seen you around mile 3 since I know you passed me up. Love you!
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Wow. I really enjoyed this video.
Thanks
Penny Hipp
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So proud of you Brandi! You are so right that it is a mental game. I. Hate. To. Run! But I have been training for a 5k for awhile now. I have spent a lot of time chatting with Jesus during those times because I need him to do it. I’m so proud of you for running 13 miles. That is amazing! U have inspired me to keep working on that 5k!
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