Monday, October 7, 2024

77: Marathon Training Devotional

 Introducing: "Faith, Hope, and Love on the Run: A 26.2 Week Journey for the Runner’s Soul"

I’m thrilled to announce the release of my latest project, Faith, Hope, and Love on the Run: A 26.2 Week Journey for the Runner’s Soul—an Online/PDF Devotional designed to inspire and guide runners of all levels on a unique, holistic path of training. It’s a journey that connects body, mind, and spirit, drawing lessons from some of the greatest role models in distance running history. With a foreword written by none other than “Coach Jeff” Galloway, 1972 U.S. Olympian and beloved running coach, this book offers something truly special for those who love the sport and seek deeper meaning in their running journey.

What to Expect / How it Works:

Faith, Hope, and Love on the Run isn’t your typical training manual, nor is it a traditional devotional. It’s something entirely unique—a blend of inspiration, practical wisdom, and personal reflection tailored for runners who want to strengthen not just their bodies, but also their hearts and minds. The online resource is not overtly religious or exclusive in any way, but does integrate the powerful, personal stories of runners—each week offering a new lens through which to view training and life.

Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

  1. Weekly Themes Inspired by Running Icons
    Each of the 28 weeks centers around an iconic athlete from the distance running world, focusing on a key lesson from their life or career. These aren’t just athletes—they are role models who have overcome adversity, demonstrated resilience, and used their gifts to inspire others. From world record holders to everyday heroes, their stories will motivate you to push your own limits, both in training and in life.

  2. Practical & Mental Strength Exercises
    After exploring the athlete’s story, you’ll find practical exercises designed to build both physical and mental resilience. Whether it’s a mental strength drill, a body conditioning exercise, or a journaling prompt, each week’s practice is tailored to help you apply the lesson to your own running journey. The exercises encourage you to reflect deeply on how these principles can transform not only your running but other aspects of your life as well.

  3. Reflection and Connection
    At the heart of each week’s practice is an opportunity for personal reflection. You’ll be invited to think about your own journey as a runner and how you can integrate the lessons you’ve learned into your training and your daily life. It’s an opportunity to connect with the runner inside you—on a deeper level.

  4. "For The Long Run" – Bonus Multimedia
    As an added bonus, each week comes with “For The Long Run” suggestions—a podcast episode, video, or other multimedia resource that allows you to explore the theme even further. It’s designed for those who want to dive deeper and continue learning, long after the week’s devotional has ended. Many of these resources come from The Running Anthropologist Project, where I’ve spent years interviewing athletes, coaches, and thoughtful leaders in the running community.

Who It’s For:

Whether you’re just starting your running journey or you’ve been at it for years, Faith, Hope, and Love on the Run is for anyone looking to blend purpose with practice. It’s for runners who believe there’s more to the sport than just hitting a certain pace—it’s about discovering strength, hope, and love on the run, and allowing those values to guide you both on and off the road.

Why You’ll Love It:

  • Inspiration from Legends: Each week offers insight from legends like Eliud Kipchoge, Patti Catelano Dillon, Courtney Dauwalter, Meb Keflezighi, Mike Wardian, Joan Benoit Samuelson,  Tatyana McFadden and many others, weaving their stories into practical lessons life and training.
  • Holistic Approach: It’s not just about raw speed or endurance—it’s about building resilience in all areas of life, integrating faith and determination into everything you do.
  • Tailored for Runners: The weekly exercises and reflections are designed specifically for runners, offering practical tips and challenges that align with your training. More like a weekly training blog than a book! Jump around, circle back to any weekly tools and have fun. 

If you’re ready to embark on this 26.2-week journey, I invite you to dive in and explore the lessons, stories, and exercises that will help you grow as a runner and a person. I hope it brings you as much joy and inspiration as it has brought me in creating it. Google Doc/DOWNLOAD LINK HERE

Happy running, and may you find faith, hope, and love along the way!

For more information and weekly updates, visit me at RunningAnthropologist.com, or RunningAnthropologist on IG or Facebook, or your favorite podcast platform where you can also listen to interviews and insights from many of the athletes featured.