Mark Wagner
Well-known member
Hi 'My Friends'
(I know this should be in Active Lifestyles, but I put this in Post Surgery to offer hope, that things do get better. Just trust in God and don't quit.)
Sometimes I feel stupid; maybe not very humble, when I share my success with you. Some of you struggle so hard. I remember that first year, and the difficulty I had. Then there is few others whom just breeze through surgery and are back on their feet going strong in a month! I am happy for them, but wonder in the back of my mind why my recovery did not go along at a faster clip. We are all different physically and mentally, and that is what is so wonderful. (I mean come on now, can you imagine 800 of us whom all worry about each other like Ross!
Just kidding Ross, you make this site happen.) One thing is certain, in my case, after the first year post surgery the race to recovery was on!
A marathon is 26.2 miles. I have run three full marathons presently with times of 4:55, 4:47 and now 4:29. I guess that is not too shabby for an old man, whom has had his heart taken out of his chest and stopped for just under 3 hours. I have now run 2,638 miles and have reached a mile stone of 100 marathons (training miles and competitive miles inclusive) and have presently run the distance of the United States from San Diego to New York City, and currently am on my way back. (Okay, I am patting myself on my back a little. I apologize.)
My point ... where all different, and not everyone can or will want to run a marathon; but if you set a realistic challange before you, trust in God, and don't quit; your whole out look on life can change for the better spiritually, physically, and mentally. We have all been given a second chance, (some third and fourth ...) What you do with that chance is your choice.
God bless all of you as you move forward into this next phase.
During my second marathon, World Vision sponsored me to help raise money for widows and orphans in Zambia, Africa. My run 'Second Chance. A Run for Hope' was used as a model to raise money for children around the world. As of recent, I was sent a link, and out of that model it has now grown into a program where athletes and runners, walkers etc. can raise money for widows and orphans. My testamony, and the link to the site is below. You may pick any event in your area, and walk or run for a purpose. Enjoy the site.
Remember, "Quitting is not an option."
Blessings to all ... Mark
https://www.worldvision.org/worldvision/guest.nsf/phim_home?OpenForm&cmp=ILC-PHIM
My testomony ....
http://www.worldvision.org/worldvision/comms.nsf/stable/phim_testimonials2
(I know this should be in Active Lifestyles, but I put this in Post Surgery to offer hope, that things do get better. Just trust in God and don't quit.)
Sometimes I feel stupid; maybe not very humble, when I share my success with you. Some of you struggle so hard. I remember that first year, and the difficulty I had. Then there is few others whom just breeze through surgery and are back on their feet going strong in a month! I am happy for them, but wonder in the back of my mind why my recovery did not go along at a faster clip. We are all different physically and mentally, and that is what is so wonderful. (I mean come on now, can you imagine 800 of us whom all worry about each other like Ross!
Just kidding Ross, you make this site happen.) One thing is certain, in my case, after the first year post surgery the race to recovery was on!A marathon is 26.2 miles. I have run three full marathons presently with times of 4:55, 4:47 and now 4:29. I guess that is not too shabby for an old man, whom has had his heart taken out of his chest and stopped for just under 3 hours. I have now run 2,638 miles and have reached a mile stone of 100 marathons (training miles and competitive miles inclusive) and have presently run the distance of the United States from San Diego to New York City, and currently am on my way back. (Okay, I am patting myself on my back a little. I apologize.)
My point ... where all different, and not everyone can or will want to run a marathon; but if you set a realistic challange before you, trust in God, and don't quit; your whole out look on life can change for the better spiritually, physically, and mentally. We have all been given a second chance, (some third and fourth ...) What you do with that chance is your choice.
God bless all of you as you move forward into this next phase.
During my second marathon, World Vision sponsored me to help raise money for widows and orphans in Zambia, Africa. My run 'Second Chance. A Run for Hope' was used as a model to raise money for children around the world. As of recent, I was sent a link, and out of that model it has now grown into a program where athletes and runners, walkers etc. can raise money for widows and orphans. My testamony, and the link to the site is below. You may pick any event in your area, and walk or run for a purpose. Enjoy the site.
Remember, "Quitting is not an option."
Blessings to all ... Mark
https://www.worldvision.org/worldvision/guest.nsf/phim_home?OpenForm&cmp=ILC-PHIM
My testomony ....
http://www.worldvision.org/worldvision/comms.nsf/stable/phim_testimonials2
