‘Run for God’
Program focuses on physical and spiritual fitness
A group of nearly 20 people between the ages of 12 to 71, are taking the 5K challenge during “Run for God,” hosted at Advent Presbyterian Church in Cordova. It ’s t he fourth Christian-based Bible study and run training series hosted at Advent in the Christian Life Center on Monday evenings.
The mission of the 1 2-week program is to prepare participants to be better witnesses for Christ — physically, mentally and spiritually — while learning parallels of faith and endurance in each Bible study and running session. The program is designed for those of all ages and fitness levels who want to strengthen their endurance and walk with God.
Participants have their own reason for taking this journey. Some have never run and joined the group to build up for a 5K. Others haven’t run in a while and joined the group to build endurance. A few signed up to walk, not run, in the 12-week program.
Jayn Lando, instructor of the course and director of Advent’s Christia n Life Center, sa id, “Whether you are interested in losing weight, getting fit or you are pushing for a better run, it really doesn’t matter as long as you start somewhere.”
Ellie Mills, 71, has never run. She has two grandsons, ages 4 and 5, that she is trying to keep up with. Mills’ goal is to be in great shape for a trip to Tuscany in 2016. Her family has rented a villa and she wants to be ready to travel around on foot.
“There’s a hardy walk from the villa to the closest town,” said Mills. “I want to be ready.”
There are several repeat participants in the program. They all met their goal to compete in a 5K race and are back to build endurance. They like the encouragement they get by following the Christian-based program and from fellow runners.
Lando, follows the guidelines of the book, “Run for God — The 5K Challenge.”
For 10 more weeks, participants will gather at Advent on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. for discussion questions, Bible study from the “Run for God” workbook, followed by an outdoor interval training run session. The first two evening classes included a workout that started with a 5-minute warmup walk, then alternated 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for 20 minutes. As the class progresses, endurance will build by adding longer intervals, while incorporating a Christian focus on the journey.
Lando led another of the four Run for God series at Advent. The program led her on her own journey.
“I wasn’t a runner. Everyone kept asking me if I was going to be a participant,” Lando said. “I finally decided I might as well participate. If I was going to lead and encourage the class, I should join them.”
Lando is now an avid runner and enjoys witnessing others’ journey of growth and endurance through God’s directions. She participates in various 5Ks. It’s an experience she shares to encourage those who join the Run for God program.
By the end of the course, participants will have three local 5Ks to run together, including the upcoming Harbor Town 5K.
Anyone interested in joining the group, it’s not too late. The cost of class materials is $30. For more information, call 901-7555019 or go to adventpres.com/ recreation ministries.