SPORTS March 1, 2010 Issue

CROSS-COUNTRY FREEDOM

HEATHER LIBBE

TO ME, RUNNING IS A PERFECT WAY to glorify God. It allows me to express strength, freedom, dominion, and persistence. What a great way to overcome all types of mental and physical limitations!

I began running cross-country during my sophomore year in college. Unfortunately, my first season was a little frustrating, as I dealt with several different injuries. So at the beginning of last fall, I was resolved not to experience a similar situation.

This time, I decided that I would pray about anything that would detract from my spiritual freedom as God's child, naturally expressing health and joy. Rather than just showing up at practices to run and complete the workouts, I wanted being an athlete to mean so much more. I came to see running as, primarily, a time to glorify God and celebrate His goodness.