Ryan Hall

     I am utterly shocked I've made it almost a month without mention of Ryan Hall.  If you don't know who that is: open up a tab, Google the name, and be amazed-- before I shun you forever.  To me, there is no one more attractive than a good looking, marathon running, faith advocating, Colorado based runner named Ryan Hall.  I love him.  He is married, so it looks like that door is closed...
     But in all seriousness, I really do admire the way Ryan fearlessly and joyfully shares his faith.  He did it when he set the American record in the marathon, and he did it when he had to drop out of the Olympic marathon this past summer.
     That is such a testament to me, that faith is something we need to hold onto regardless of the situation.  It's also something made clear in one of my favorite quotes by him:

"One of my favorite stories in the Bible is the story of Elijah outrunning a chariot to Jezreel (a distance over a marathon...I'm pretty sure he ran faster than any of us elites are running today). Sometimes God does give supernatural strength. Knowing that God does move in this way is what makes going to the starting line such a thrilling experience for me. I believe with all my heart God can do something miraculous through me. While I cannot coerce God into moving in this way I still have childlike faith knowing it’s possible, which I reflect in my running by being bold, taking chances and giving God an opportunity to do something amazing. However, I have found from my experience that often times what I hear God telling me is, "My grace is sufficient for you (2 Corinthians 12:9)." God has always provided enough strength for me to do what He wants me to do on the race course. It doesn't mean I always win or do something miraculous but I always have enough to accomplish the purpose which God called me to race for." ~Ryan Hall~