Unintentional Hill Training in Hungary

 August did not sneak, but rather, galloped past our noses. Vacations abounded, while running went in spurts. As the leaves start to turn and hearts become fixated on the goal, the running regimen will gain more consistency.

But first, a story from my trip to Budapest in August, which I've deemed "Unintentional Hill Training." Translation? I got lost. 

I love Budapest. For those of you who don’t know, Buda and Pest are cities on opposite sides of the Danube River, flanked by numerous suburbs and villages. Imagine a Western European city, then add a layer of grit over the buildings, some weather wear and tear, and you’ve got Budapest.

After 10 days in the city with a friend, my running tally was exactly ZERO. This was mostly due to the fact that I didn’t have my running shoes and clothing because my suitcase was delayed. However, I decided a run (with some prayer time) was in order, and my friend told me what streets to turn on to make a 3.5 mile loop. I was feeling confident of the route, except for a little zig zag through the city center. But hey, I’m in Hungary! I’m going for a run! Whoohoo!

I  made it through the center and started up the Diosd Hill. Now, I could wax poetic and make all sorts of analogies comparing the hill to our marathon training, and the celebration that awaits once we conquer the summit; but in all honestly, it was not that romantic or life altering. The simple fact is: I got lost. And kept running up hills. The only thing breathtaking about it was the unarguable fact that it was TAKING MY BREATH.

I KNEW I was supposed to turn left on a dirt road and run across a ridge where the whole village would be in sight. I ran up one hill. Not correct, back down, up the next. Not right. Breath is increasing. Dead end at the top of the next one. Did I mention how STEEP this hill was?! Soon I had no idea where I was; couldn’t see the village for the trees; and fear was starting to creep in: I don’t have a cell phone. I don’t know where I am. I don’t know the language.

Enter, a little “Nagyanya, or, “Grandma” in Hungarian. I proceeded to make hand gestures about running and trying to get back to the church in the center. She spoke in rapid Hungarian, but gestured left, so I kept going to the left. I f inally spotted the church (another analogy about the church being a guide to life . .. but I’ll abstain) and was able to make my way home. I strolled in like nothing was wrong: I conquer hills in Hungarian villages every day.

However, not my ideal form of hill training.

By: Summer North

Conquered That

Who exactly is running the marathon? What is the commitment level? These questions are still looming in the air, but over the past week our star competitors (the Hulk and Summer North) have set themselves apart.
On Wednesday July 25th The Hulk registered 1.7 miles in fifteen minutes. This was quite a feat for him as you couldn't label him a runner. Beat described how he felt afterwards. I got to talk to him the day before hestarted his training, and he said “ I am not sure I can even run a mile.” The Hulk conquered that.

Five days laterThe Hulk embarked on his adventure very early in the morning, beginning at 5am.He started his very own mini program. The program involved running 7 minutesand than walking for 3 minutes; sustained for 30 minutes, logging 2.3 miles.

 The Hulk has been inspired by many of his fellow friends and students. He has been encouraged which has driven him to new levels, but in the end, it's his choice. He has had troubles with motivation at times and sometimes prolonging runs because of fear. This past week he got over his fears as he showed his heart for running and determination to succeed in finishing the dangerous journey. He conquered that.

 Many of us areinspired at times in our life. Sometimes inspiration doesn’t always translateto action. We spark great ideas and plans of action, but we never really carrythem out, and if we do, it seems a half-hearted effort. We fall short and we lose the inspiration.

For Summer thisis not the case. She was very busy last week and had only one run on Monday the 23rd. For five days, the light seemed to dim a bit on Summer’sjourney, but then Saturday rolled around.

Inspired by thestart of the 2012 London Olympics, she decided to run 8.5 miles that night.

Now some of you mightthink it’s a bit crazy to do right on the spot, merely because of the Olympicgames beginning. Luckily our story continues because the common trap of inspiration, thenapathy, did not derail the intention to run. Her ideas and thoughts moved to action andcommitment.

She set off on the Washington & Old Dominion trail, where at mile 6 she said “this is not happening, I am so dead right now.” Just then it began to rain and rain. Itstarted pouring.

Summer noticed up ahead that she was running straight at a rainbow. Later, she said that she wastelling herself, “all I have to do is run to the rainbow.” She made it to the pot of gold and finished her 8.5 miles. The “inspiration trap” in which many are prone to fall into… Not Summer North. She conquered that.

The Rock/Roll/Dive Beginning

Although you might be thinking of "Stop. Drop. Roll," this blog is not intended for fire safety, but rather the inspiration to conclusion account of a strange (but awesome) journey. 

The story begins with two quirky and charismatic church small group leaders turning a teasing game into a competition. (which, honestly, aren't all youth workers just slightly off their rockers?!) Meet *Summer, an outspoken and verbally proficient young woman who has a penchant for running, debating, and travel. The other co-star is merely titled the "Hulk," who, though resembles the Hulk in stature, possesses an infectious laugh, a determination level like no other, giving nature, and is quite the family man with his wife and two boys. 
 
The setting is the Harbor, which serves as a playground, worship arena, and small group area for FCC's junior high and high school youth program.

Enter a vibrant young vocalist, Summer’s co-leader, who awes the two with stories of her sky-diving. 

"I would NEVER go skydiving," Summer emphatically declared. 

"Come one!" Hulk cried. "You would never go skydiving? It's such a rush!" he trailed off with a giggle. He continued to berate her good-naturedly. 

"Ok!" Summer pounced back competitively. "I'll go skydiving if you run a marathon." this will never happen in a million years she thought smugly. 

"Deal!" Hulk intoned. "I need to get back in shape. Never mind I haven't run since high school."

Handshake. 
 
And so the saga to run the Rock'N'Roll Marathon in March 2013 began with a snowball effect: others began signing up to embrace the game and join the awesome journey. The ultra-runner with hundreds of miles under his belt; the short blonde with quirky drive; the goofy Pastor of Students; all signed up with excitement and relish.

Now the questions remain:

Will the Band Ninja who leads worship and possesses unique hair products take on the challenge, with his entry fee paid by his doubting co-worker?

Will any students mount up the courage and  commitment to run the marathon?

Will Summer be able to face her fears, conquer her end of the deal, and jump out of a airplane?

Will the Hulk press on with his training in order to dance/run his way to the finish line and accomplish the challenge that Summer North gave to him?
 
The questions remain, only to be answered with the passing of time. Let's ROCK, ROLL, DIVE!!!!!!!!!!