So today I planned to cover 14.4 miles in all. Going 7.2 to St. Anne's church and 7.2 back to where I parked my car. I mapped my route carefully to make sure I don't lose my way and to see what road and neighborhood conditions to expect. The last time I drove to Byron was about 7 years ago so the way to St. Anne's is totally unfamiliar.
I headed out running at around seven in the morning. I appreciated the cool gentle headwind. Moreover, I enjoyed traversing the pancake flat asphalt roads. The run to St. Anne's was easy as pie. I would even say it was a boring run except for the noise of the passing cars, trucks, and trailers and the sight of the busy farm workers. So it was rather uneventful until around Mile 10 on my way back. I was praying the rosary and I was at the 4th Glorious mystery when I passed a gated house. I could already hear barking sounds as I got closer to the house, when I saw a big dog dashing across the front yard. I wasn't worried since I saw the cyclone wire fencing the perimeter of the house. The dog kept running towards me and then it slipped through a small opening and out the street towards me. The next moment the dog was right in front of me! Without hesitation, I jumped off the sidewalk and ran across the road and in front of a passing car. I barely got hit by the car!
I kept running for a few moments then I looked back. The dog was nowhere to be seen and the car simply sped off. Trying to recall what just had happened, I realized that the dog actually stopped on its tracks about 5 feet just before it could've attacked me and the car screeched to a stop about 5 yards just before it could've hit me. For some reason, I actually felt safe and protected. And I think I know why...I was praying the rosary at that time. I honestly believe God sent his angels to save me today.
I went on my way to finish my run and continued to pray the rosary. I am blessed today to have receive God's special protection.
 |
| St. Anne's Catholic Church, Byron, CA at Mile 7.2 |
I discovered your blog last week and read your story about your wife passing. I am sorry for your loss. My husband and I are training for our first half marathon ( St. Jude in Memphis). My husband ran when he was younger, but I am a beginner as of January. I recently got back to running 4 to 6 miles (I had an injury) and I am slow. I pray when I run as well. It is my motivation to persevere! I am also approaching my training and half marathon as a pilgrimage of sorts and offering it for the repose of my mother's soul who had left the faith; We are Catholic as well. The day I read your blog I had to run 4 miles, so I started out and began my rosary I remembered you and your wife in my prayers. As I was running and tempted to stop, I remembered your wife and asked for her help as a runner :) I believe in the communion of saints and I believe she helped. My run was awesome and my pace was a lot quicker! I mean no disrespect. I just thought you should know! I enjoy your blog and just know that someone in Mississippi is running and praying for you. Please add me and my family to your prayers! The pictures of the churches are beautiful!
ReplyDelete@talso66, Thank you for your kind words. Thank you for reaching out to me by sharing your story. It touched my heart today and helped me to carry on. Thank you, too, for your prayers. You and your husband shall be in mine, too, especially as you persevere in your running. God speed!
ReplyDeleteWow...I am so happy to find your blog! I am going through RCIA and training for the Memphis Marathon (my 10th). I've been trying to figure out the best time of day to pray the Rosary.... Today will be my first day praying the Rosary while running. I found a great podcast with scriptural mysteries. I wish you the best! Thanks for blogging...
ReplyDelete