I am definitely not a runner. In fact, if you see me running past you, you should join me and do your best to keep up because something or someone is chasing me. I usually love the way that I feel after running…but nothing about the preparation or participation in running is really my jam. But I REALLY loved this book and the opportunity to learn more about Ryan Hall and his journey as the Fastest American Half Marathoner as well as a husband, father, and most importantly…a man of faith. Run The Mile You’re In is a powerful testimony of the way that the Lord has worked in and through Ryan Hall before, during, and after his decorated running career.
Ryan Hall has earned a lot of accolades as a runner…and well-deserved! I really enjoyed learning about how his faith has developed as the impetus for his passion for running. He met his wife Sara at Stanford University and they adopted “The Four Sisters” from Ethiopia. Our family adopted our son from Ethiopia, so I really resonated with a lot of what Hall talked about as he recounted their travels to Addis, to the orphanage, the process, etc. What a blessing to learn more about this family’s story!
I highlighted several things while reading and have posted those notes below. I have already passed this book to a friend and would imagine I’ll recommend it to others as well. What a powerful testimony of keeping your eyes on Jesus and simply running the mile you are in.
- Passion that comes from our own drive is so much more powerful than passion derived from another person’s dreams. p. 22
- Once an athlete finds their purpose, they can focus their entire being on cultivating it. p. 23
- I like to look at failure as resistance training. p. 45
- Whatever we fix our mind on grows, which is why it’s so important to monitor our thoughts. Perhaps this is why Paul tells Christians, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worth of praise, dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8 p. 48
- “I can’t afford to have a thought about myself that God doesn’t have about me.” Pastor Bill Johnson p. 50
- Jesus states, “I do not receive glory from men…How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God?” John 5:41, 44 p. 52
- “For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:16 p. 82
- Comparison sucks the life out of what we are doing. We are all on a beautiful journey, so let us be thankful for every step, even if our journey looks different from someone else’s. p. 100
- “The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered.” Proverbs 11:25 p. 115
- Grace for the moment is the key to endurance. p. 121
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”