GOD WANTS TO FINISH WHAT HE STARTED IN YOU Surrendering your life to Jesus is the greatest decision you will ever make, but that's just the starting line. Many of us begin following Jesus without a realistic expectation of the price required to finish our spiritual race. As a result, we lose heart when the road becomes difficult. In Marathon Faith: Motivation from the Greatest Endurance Runners of the Bible, pastor and marathon runner John Van Pay offers help. Van Pay encourages readers by showing how the "endurance runners of the Bible" overcame obstacles on their faith journeys. By sharing personal adventures, humorous mishaps, and grueling struggles from his own endurance races, Van Pay shares how God helps when life gets tough—and how you, too, can finish strong.

When four-time Olympian Meb Keflezighi ran his final marathon in New York City on November 5, 2017, it marked the end of an extraordinary distance-running career. Meb will be remembered as the only person in history to win both the Boston and New York City marathons as well as an Olympic marathon silver medal. Meb's last marathon was also his 26th, and each of those 26 marathons has come with its own unique challenges, rewards, and outcomes for him. Through focused narrative, Meb describes key moments and triumphs that made each marathon a unique learning experience and shows runners--whether recreational or professional--how to apply the lessons he's learned to their own running and lives. Chronologically organized by marathon, 26 Marathons offers wisdom Meb has gleaned about life, family, identity, and faith in addition to tips about running, training, and nutrition. Equal parts inspiration and practical advice, this book will provide readers an inside look at the life and success of one of the greatest runners living today.

How to run and not grow weary Following Jesus is like running a race. But it's a marathon, not a sprint. While we prefer to live in the immediate, our God is not after quick fixes. His ways and his timetable are better. He wants to make us like Christ, and that takes a lifetime. So how do we run the race with endurance? In Endure, Daniel Ritchie explores how God's people run well. Within this book, you will find direction and encouragement for how to trust God in every year, every day, and every minute. You are loved by God. And specific attitudes and habits will build your faith and connect you to God's love. Learn how the seemingly mundane choices can be the most important—for your good and God's glory.

Journey with Olympian and American half marathon record holder Ryan Hall as he reflects on the joys and trials of running and, along the way, shows you how he found God in every step. Ryan Hall is an Olympic athlete and American record holder in the half marathon, but as a kid, Ryan hated running. He wanted nothing to do with the sport until one day, he felt compelled to run the fifteen miles around his neighborhood lake. He was hooked. From that day forward, Ryan felt a God-given purpose in running. He knew he could, and would, race with the best runners in the world and that his talent was a gift to serve others. These two truths launched Ryan's twenty-year athletic career and guided him through epic failures and exceptional breakthroughs to competing at the highest level. Now a coach, speaker, and nonprofit partner, Ryan shares the powerful faith behind his athletic achievements and the lessons he learned that helped him push past his limits, make space for relationships that enrich his life on and off the running trails, and cultivate a positive mindset. As you learn more about Ryan and his incredible path, you'll gain the tools you need to: Focus on your purpose and say no to distractions Select and strive for the right goals--goals for the heart and the body Deal with defeat and disappointment Endure immense pain and build resilience Run like you've already won Ryan's story is one of encouragement and inspiration for readers of any age and level of running ability--or none at all. It's a story that shows that you, too, can change your outlook, see God's hand in your life, and run the race that really matters. Praise for Run the Mile You’re In: "Run the Mile You're In is not about winning races and setting running records. It's about always moving forward. Moving outward is an act of courage. The reward is living the lifestyle and embracing the dream." --Bart Yasso, newly retired chief running officer, Runner's World "Ryan's journey on and off the course is touching and a meaningful way to live by helping others. This is an uplifting book of joy and finding your sense of purpose." --Meb Keflezighi, Olympic silver medalist; Boston Marathon and NYC Marathon champion

Turning 50 years old and facing some of life’s biggest questions are daunting challenges. A crisis of faith and crisis of health lead towards significant changes in one’s life. For Bruce Matson, a family man with a successful law practice, the struggles of health and doubt led to action. Combining to podcasts from notable Christian leaders Ravi Zacharias, Allistair Begg, and Tim Keller, careful research and preparation, and encouragment from family and friends, Bruce ran his race for physical and spiritual health. The Race Before Us by Bruce Matson is a wonderful memoir detailing the path of doubt to faith and spiritual malaise to running with God. Come alongside Bruce as he navigates the windy roads of faith and health in his pursuit of physical and spiritual well-being.

Are you searching for real meaning and purpose in your life? Are you considering the claims of Jesus Christ? This book is for you. Are you a new Christian? Did you grow up in the church but never learned the deeper truths of Christianity? Do you want to know why you believe what you believe and where to find it in the Bible? Do you want to experience real spiritual growth and victory in your life? Do you want to better understand the Bible and apply to your daily life? This book is for you. Based on the motif of running a marathon, The Race of Faith takes you on a seven leg, 26.2 mile journey from learning the very basics of the Christian faith to becoming a mature and victorious follower of Jesus Christ. 1st Leg = Follow. In this leg, you will learn what makes Christianity so unique compared to all other world religions; how the Bible is organized; the core beliefs of every Christian; and the purpose and work of the church. 2nd Leg = Invest. In this leg, you will learn how to study the Bible; how to pray; how to be a good steward of all God has given you; and how to develop and maintain the spiritual disciplines of your faith in order to endure any trial or crisis. 3rd Leg = Train. In this leg, you will learn how to worship and how to bear witness to your faith. You will also gain great insight into the Bible's message of redemption through overviews of both the Old and New Testaments. 4th Leg = Nurture. In this leg, you will gain a comprehensive biblical understanding of God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, human being origins and nature, the doctrine of sin, and how human beings can be saved from sin. 5th Leg = Equip. In this leg, you will learn the purpose and work of the church, including baptism and the Lord's Supper; what the spiritual gifts are and how to discover and use them for God's glory. 6th Leg = Serve. In this leg, you will learn God's mission and how to join Him in carrying out His mission. You will also learn the big picture of God's global redemption plan. 7th Leg = Share. In this final leg, you will learn how to share your faith; how to become a spiritual mentor; how to lead a Bible Study; and how to make a difference in this world - all for the glory of God. Becoming a follower of Jesus Christ is easy. Being a follower of Jesus Christ is hard. Are you ready for your Race of Faith? This book is for you. Use it as a tool, as a guide, and as an encouragement to grow in Christ and become all that God has called you to be!