From Special Guest Blogger Joe Reynolds

(Hillenblog would like to wish congratulations to Shannon...and Joe for this accomplishment...Way to go!...and thanks for letting me use you as my first ever "Guest Blog"...I see this like the way Jay used to fill in for Johnny occasionally)

5:12.52

She did it! Shannon finished 26.2 miles in 5 hours, 12 minutes and 52 seconds. Attached are a few pictures. Through out the morning we (Kids & I) moved from the starting line to the 11 mile marker, the 18 mile marker and then the finish line to cheer for Shannon as she passed. What was interesting about the marathon were runners called “Pace Setters”. They each wore red shirts with the estimated completion time on their back. As I watched them come across the finish line they were within seconds of their scheduled arrival time. Obviously, if you followed these folks you could guarantee your finish time.

After watching several of these “Pace Setters” cross the finish line I could not help but think of the verse in 1 Corinthians were Paul says “Be followers of me, even as I am of Christ”. What he was literally saying was imitate me as I imitate Christ. So…look behind you, are there any followers? Oh, I’m sure you will see many but ask yourself – are they imitating Christ or something else you’re chasing?

Thank You!

Thanks to everyone who has prayed for and encouraged Shannon over the last several weeks. She told me at dinner tonight that one of the things that kept her going was the fact that so many people had encouraged her and that she couldn’t let them down. Again, Thanks for all you support, calls & cards!

Have a great week! Set the Pace!

Joe Reynolds