9 Jan, 2009
Debbie Shelton has run 62 marathons over the years, including one in every state.
Q&A: Marathon runner Debbie Shelton
By DAVID A. MANN
David.Mann@newsandtribune.com
When Debbie Shelton completed a marathon in 2000, she told herself she would never do it again.
That was 49 marathons and 49 states ago. The New Albany resident is one of only a handful of people who have finished marathons in all 50 U.S. states.
She decided to go out and try the marathon scene again in 2003, when she competed in Louisville's annual Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon. She later ran into a few members of the 50-state marathon club and the rest is history.
As a part of its weekly Q&A series, The Evening News and The Tribune recently sat down with Shelton. She told us about her sport, her routine and herself.
QUESTION: Favorite state to run in?
DEBBIE SHELTON: Impossible to say. Different states you like for different reasons.
Q: Prerace routine?
SHELTON: More mental exercise than physical. You have to be flexible.
Q: Do you listen to music while running?
SHELTON: If I'm not running with someone, then yes, I do like to listen to music while running.
Q: Favorite song to run to?
SHELTON: I listen to a lot of contemporary Christian. There are just so many inspirational songs.
Q: Your evening routine?
SHELTON: My husband would say I don't unwind. But I like crossword puzzles, reading.
Q: When do you train?
SHELTON: I do almost all my training at 3 a.m. [before going to work].
Q: Even when it's cold?
SHELTON: Do I like to run in cold weather? No. Do I do it? Yes.
Q: Which is better, hot or cold weather?
SHELTON: Too hot can be just as bad as too cold. About 45 to 55 degrees is the perfect temperature.
Q: What's something you can't live without?
SHELTON: Faith.
Read Full Interview at www.newsandtribune.com.
Run With Endurance
Hebrews 12:1-4 (ESV)
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood.
What does God's Story scripture teach us about running with endurance?
Life is like a race. Sometimes we run strong and fast; other times we feel tired. Some days bring uphill sections with boulders in the path, and some days the trails run easy and downhill with beautiful views. Jesus is our energy in this race. We need to remember that Jesus runs with us, encouraging us and reminding us that the race is worth it.
(God's Story Bible, pg. 1294)
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
Living by faith, trusting God to take care of our needs, pains, and hopes can be difficult at times. We may fight against confusion, disappointment, and the desire to give up and just go with the crowd. At those moments we must ...
- Remember the trailblazers - believers who have gone before. Read the stories of Noah, David, Joseph, or Rahab in God's Story. List people you know who are trusting Jesus right now.
- Focus on Jesus - He endured pain, ridicule, and disloyal friends so that your sin could be forgiven. The challenges you face in trusting God really don't compare to Jesus' extreme, love-driven sacrifice.
- Throw off sin - Take a close look at your habits and get rid of the things that drag you away from Christ's love. Evaluate your books, favorite websites, TV shows, and close friends. Be honest about bad decisions, knowing you are forgiven as you confess and leave the unhealthy stuff behind.
- Listen as heaven cheers you on to the finish line. You can do it! I am with you! I love you! Keep running!
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Choose someone from the list you made and get in touch with them today. Thank them for the example they are setting for you to trust in Jesus.
- Pray for someone today who has been disloyal to you as a friend.
- Do you know someone who needs to throw off sin? Someone who has admitted a struggle to you? Offer to help them by holding them accountable.
- Cheer someone on today. If someone is down - encourage them. If someone is hurting - pray for their healing. If someone is far from God - pray for an opportunity to share God's Story with them today.
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