Congratulations!!👏🏼 You’ve made it through week 2 of the 2024 Spring100!! Wow, what an energetic group we have this year. 🙌🏻 As I sort through the photos submitted this week, it is such a JOY to see so many families getting out and enjoying time together for their Spring100 walks. Such a blessing! ☺️💯 How about some fun Stats as we end Week 2:
4,093 have joined the 2024 challenge to date!
50,067.27 miles have been walked in the first 2 weeks
Just a friendly reminder! There is still time to join the challenge and catch up!! Spring100 Registration will close on April 8th. Once closed, we will not be taking any new members so NOW is the time to share this 2024 Spring100 Challenge with friends and family!!
So Great a Cloud of Witnesses
Mr Wesley Strackbein || Week 2 Spring100 Devotional
As we tread the race of life, we should be heartened by the vast throng of saints who came before us.
That’s a message we learn in Hebrews 12:
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, (Heb. 12:1)
This “cloud of witnesses” are believers, from centuries past, who had enduring faith in God and finished their race well. Their stories are showcased in the text immediately preceding this verse for the express purpose of encouraging us in our race.
“[Y]ou have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise” (Heb. 10:36), states the author of Hebrews, and from there he launches into a rousing description of the great Hall of Faith (Heb. 11:1-40).
Included in their number are Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses, David, and more.
Most of these witnesses lived in different centuries, yet their testimonies have a common theme—they walked by faith, not by sight.
They all ran their race of life, believing in promises, made by God, that they never saw fulfilled in their lifetimes (Heb. 11:13, 39). And because they believed, without seeing, they “obtained a good testimony” (Heb. 11:1-2).
By faith, each of them persevered—many having to wait a long time to see God bring about His plan for their earthly pilgrimage.
Noah labored tirelessly to build an Ark when rain had never occurred before. Finally, the Flood came (Heb. 11:7; Gen. 6-7).
Abraham and Sarah were promised a son, but decades passed, and Sarah remained barren. Then, in their old age, at God’s appointed time, Isaac was born (Heb. 11:11; Gen. 15:1-6; 21:1-3).
David was anointed as king of Israel while young (1 Sam. 16:1-13), but was hunted and harried by King Saul, for years, before finally taking the throne (Heb. 11:32; 2 Sam. 5:1-4).
Just as these witnesses endured years of waiting, believing God’s promises in faith, so we must do.
Their race of life also required them to make hard choices. Consider Moses, for example:
By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. (Heb. 11:24-26)
Just as Moses cast aside “the passing pleasures of sin” (Heb. 11:25), so, too, must we as we press on toward the prize.
Our faith is not in the “cloud of witnesses,” but in the faithful God they served. If we’re truly His, the same God who sustained them over many long, hard miles will sustain us in our journey.
May we run our race with bold faith, as they did, “for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Heb. 11:6).
QUESTION!! What is your game plan for conquering your 100 miles? Are you walking 1.1 miles every day? A few times a week? Or running all 100 miles in 36 hours? 😉 Comment NOW and let us know!
Don’t forget! These posts are made possible by YOU!! Your photo submissions and comments make these posts extremely fun and my job of putting them together super easy. Thank you! So with that being said, don’t leave without commenting, and remember to send in your Spring100 walking/running photos for a chance to be featured in next week’s post. Thank you!
LOVE this photo submitted by Spring100er Hannah H.! Such a great walking crew. 👏🏼🙋🏼♀️💯
“Running with the Roley family in North Carolina on yesterdays 5K distance.” Way to go!👏🏼
“A Sunday afternoon walk with cousins😍” Joanna G.
“Family hike at Red Bluff MI. It was SO cool! The erosion is actively eating the road. :)” Grace
“Wegner’s…..out getting some miles in.” 🙌🏻💯 WAY TO GO!!
Such gorgeous photos from this week 2 Spring100 walk!! Thank you, Ashlee S. for sending.🤩🙌🏻
“Funny things happened on our walk!” Cook family 👏🏼 LOVE IT!
“Penners enjoying a walk on Easter Sunday!” Great Spring100 walking group, great photos!! 🙌🏻
Love having these sweet friends join the challenge! The F. ladies and sweet little guy out grabbing their miles. 🙋🏼♀️💯
“Rejoicing in the Lord always! Thankful for good weather and for three generations of family to walk with!” Kristina M. — “Fun evening walk in the beautiful evening with Lucy!❤ Praise God for HIS wonderful creation!” Rebecca W. 💯🙋🏼♀️
“It was WINDY, but we managed over 5 miles! Hurray!” Becky L. Great job!!👏🏼
“We took a trip to see the Grand Canyon this week and did some hiking with the boys!” Esther C. — “Just finished a desert Marathon with a 35lb ruck sack in memory of those who died on the Bataan peninsula during WWII !!!” Timothy S. 🙌🏻💯 Love these photos!!
Melinda C. enjoying week 2 of the Spring100 in El Puente Nuevo in Ronda, Spain 🇪🇸
The Johnson family grabbing their miles for week 2 of the Spring100!🙌🏻 — “Samantha and I caught a few miles together on a sunny day.” Jane F. 🙋🏼♀️💯
“Walking spring 100 with my siblings; So fun!” Kristina R
“We enjoyed some beautiful spring walks this week!” The Bill Ladies 🙋🏼♀️💯 Way to go!!
Jacob B. checking in and grabbing his miles for week 2!!🏃🏼♂️💯
“Enjoying the beautiful weather the Lord has blessed us with!” J&J Moran — “Little man has been enjoying his miles in the stroller!” Sarah M. Keep up the great work!! 🙋🏼♀️💯
“Great walk and talk with my wonderful wife.” J Steve C. 🙌🏻💯
“Easter Sunday afternoon walks together! ☺” the Bartel family 👏🏼
“Enjoyed a Spring 100 walk with some of my family! All of the ladies here have Ruth or Elizabeth (or both!) as part of their name!” LOVE THIS! Such a fun walking group!! 🙌🏻
Treadmill miles happening for these Spring100ers!! L to R: Maddox I., Nathan K., Jude S., and Lori H. Jude writes, “50 miles done, 50 to go! First year doing Spring 100, and I am absolutely loving it! (Also decided to run it all instead of walking) Super fun.” WELL DONE!!!👏🏼👍🏻
“Got in some distance while putting invitations in mailboxes (allowed in Canada!) for a special meeting we had for Brazilians in Toronto last week!” P. Family — SUCH a great way to grab your miles! 👏🏼
Denise C. checking in for week 2 and HUGE shoutout to Emily!! She’s persevering and grabbing her Spring100 miles on crutches this week.🙌🏻👏🏼♥️ WAY TO GO!!
“My girls and I enjoying an after dinner walk!” Elisabeth M. Keep up the great work!! 👍🏻🙋🏼♀️
“50 miles done! 50 miles to go!” Trevor Penner, from Kansas– SOOO exciting!! Great job, Trevor!!💯👍🏻
Bethany M. soaking up some gorgeous sunshine and Spring views as she tackles week 2 of the Spring100!👏🏼🌸
“Running for some free chicken biscuts!!! 3 miles down!” Amy B. — “My sister Hannah and I love walking in the evenings to see the sunset!” Benjamin H. Great photos!!👏🏼
Gideon M. checking in enjoying his 2nd Spring100 and great coffee while he conquers his miles!!😁💯
“We enjoyed walking in the rain this morning and seeing all of the beautiful flowers that are blooming! :)” Bronwyn and Aliyah H. — “Enjoying some beautiful sunshine on my walk with my brother Morgan!!” Caroline F. Great job!! 🙋🏼♀️🙌🏻
Rosie A. checking in for week 2!! Love the lambs.😁💯
“Windy spring day!!” Suzette U. — Martens Family grabbing Spring100 miles together!! 👏🏼
The H. family tackling their miles in windy Kansas!🏃🏼♀️🏃🏻♂️
Warmer texas days for Ruth L. and her sisters as they enjoy Spring100 walks together!!👏🏼💯 — “Enjoying Gods creation: A beautiful, snowy day walk with family!” Sarah P. ❄️
“A fun walk by the Shenandoah river this week!” 🙌🏻SO happy to have the Halbach Family here for another Spring100!!
Gabby T. enjoying a Spring100 walk with friends and Holly C. says, “Walking the field in my backyard to get those miles in! ☺ First time doing this challenge and its been a great motivator to be exercising daily!” Great job, ladies!! 👏🏼🙋🏼♀️
Kandace E. enjoying the Texas sunset and good company as she conquers week 2 miles!!🙌🏻🌅
“Enjoying running with this girl!” Darleen W. — “I love getting in my miles with these two!” Delie H.♥️💯
“Having fun on an evening walk!” Joshua G. 👏🏼
Kuddos to all the mom’s out there pulling out the strollers, bundling up the children, and grabbing your miles!!!🙌🏻💯 Love these photos from Jane F. and Laura B.🙋🏼♀️
“Love all the family walks we get in during Spring100!” Renfer Family 🙋🏼♀️💯
Kate S. checking in for week 2 with these sweet girls!! 👏🏼🙋🏼♀️💯
“Walking on a brisk Utah afternoon.” Mike K. 🙋🏼♀️💯
“We are exciting to be doing the Spring100 officially this year! Enjoying our West Virginia hills. :)” Barker Family — “Lynn S. enjoying a walk with her sister-in-law and niece!”
“Been really enjoying some quality family time this past week on our walks! Also loving the amazing spring weather!” Natilyn H.
“S girls enjoying a fun sister walk!” — Long ladies checking for week 2!! 🙌🏻💯
“We always love walking together as siblings!! Sweet time of conversations and making memories 💛💛” The F. family
Megan B. checking in for week 2 of Spring100 💯 — “Long day but trying to get some miles in!!” Rachel C
“Going on a walk with one of my mustangs! Theyre kind of like dogs and follow me around😁” Erin P.
“The Miles family getting their miles”🙋🏼♀️💯 — Sally M. checking in for week 2 of the 2024 Spring100!
“Simply Sarahs!” Sarah M enjoying her Spring100 miles with a friend!!🙌🏻😁
“This is my first year and I’m loving it (and so is my dog 😁!)” Talitha — “We enjoyed a beautiful day in south Texas walking around our neighborhood park.” Tawnya J.
“It was a beautiful day for a walk at the Johnsonville State Historical Park” Nancy Z.
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A huge Thank you to Comfort Commander for supporting the 2024 Spring100 Challenge!
Michelle
My goal to conquer the 100 is just to walk at least 2.2 miles a day…one for today and one for insurance:):):) I have a Spring 100 “bucket list” to walk somewhere very exciting at least once before I’m finished. Thanks for asking! I’m encouraged by the devotionals and thankful for the contributors. Thank you for the amazing pictures! All very inspiring!
Rachel @Spring100
OHHH!!!!!! I can’t wait to see what exciting location you choose to walk!! 😍 Good idea on the “insurance”. Spring gets busy so the extra miles up front will be a huge relief when days are too full to grab a mile! 👏🏼
Abigail
My goal is walking 1.5mi a day and on rainy days, .75. I enjoy walking in nature with my dogs or my cat who faithfully walks behind. Great job Rachel for all your work and I hope everyone is having fun working out in any shape or form!
Rachel @Spring100
Your encouragement is a huge blessing, Abigail!! THANK YOU! Keep up the wonderful work. We are on our way to the finish line!!🙋🏼♀️💯
Rebekah Leake
I have been walking about 2 miles a night, on my lovely evening walks with my sister!💘 Lord willing I will finish my 100 miles before the end of spring but I am not planning on stopping at 100 miles! I have too much fun with my walks.✨ Loved seeing so many of my friends on this week’s post!❤️ Y’all are amazing, keep up the great work!🎊😃👏🏻
Rachel @Spring100
😍 The evening sister walks are my FAVORITE!!!!!!!!!! Good job, Rebekah!!!!👍🏻♥️
Linda Ohlhausen
I walk around the block in the evenings and that is 2.5 miles. Didn’t get in as many walks as I wanted last week. Being a caregiver for a parent means that he is my top priority.
Rachel @Spring100
You’re doing a great job, Linda!!!🙏🏼🫶🏻🙌🏼💯
Hannah
I plan on doing a consistent 1.1 miles a day, thought last week was a bit of a wash (quite literally), with the rain. I’ll catch up this week, and get back to my preferred method by the weekend. (:
Rachel @Spring100
Oh yes!!! Spring weather can be unpredictable!! 🌧 I am praying you get caught up and back on track. You got this! 🙌🏻💯
Hannah Reed
I’m really enjoying the Member’s Portal and having a friendly competition with some friends and family! It’s a great way to stay motivated! I like to walk 2-3 miles most days and hope to finish before the end of spring. I’ll plan to keep walking even after reaching 100 though! It’s a lot of fun to walk in the spring time!
Rachel @Spring100
Isn’t the friends feature so fun?! 😁✨💯 Oh good idea. Great thing is, you can still log miles even after you reach 100. I’m looking forward to seeing how many you get!!🥳
shericlaude
I want to thank Mr. Wesley Strackbein for the weekly devotional. (Last week’s devotional was excellent too!)
It’s so good to be part of this year’s Spring100! This is my 5th year to walk with the group. I wasn’t sure I would still be able to participate, but God has enabled me to push through the pain in my feet and legs and the fatigue, to maintain a steady uphill climb towards the finish mark.
The graph and personal mileage statistics have been excellent motivational tools to keep going! Seeing the line climbing ever higher and the tally of miles increasing has been fun. I also printed out Hannah Grigg’s Spring100 graphics and have been coloring the mile shapes in with different colors. I have a box of 96 crayons, so it is starting to look pretty at 2 miles per day!
Completing what I start, if at all possible, is the greatest motivator because God tells us: “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might…” Ecc 9:10. Following a good endeavor through to the finish is good for the soul. 🙂
Thanks for putting all this together for us again, Rachel!!!
MJS
Way to go, Sheri! Keep going! You can do it in the Lord’s strength!💖
Rachel @Spring100
I’m sooooooo thankful the Lord enabled you and you’re back for another year, Sheri!!! Means so much to have you walking with us.🙏🏼♥️🤗
MJS
Praise the Lord! What an encouraging devotional! I love seeing all these photos too.
My goal is to run about an hour a day and get a little ahead on my mileage. I have a trip coming up so it will be nice to have a bit of flexibility to take off a couple days while I’m on the road.
Enjoying the challenge so much. Keep up the great work, everyone!💖
MJS
Praise the Lord for this encouraging devotional!
Trying to run about an hour a day to get ahead on my miles. I’m planning on taking a trip soon and it will be nice to have flex space to take off a few days for the drive.
I love these photos! Keep up the great work, everyone!🙌🏻🎉
Rachel @Spring100
Good job getting ahead!!!! 🙌🏼♥️
Lauren Pinney
I walk 1 mile one day then two miles the next then three the third day. Then I go back down. I works unless it’s raining! It is great fun! I have made a lot of memories running with friends.
Rachel @Spring100
I like your walking plan!!😃💯
Stephanie Renfer
I don’t have a game plan as far as miles per day or week, but just get in as many miles as I can. Once I’m over 100, and it is closer to the end of the challenge, I start figuring out how many miles I need to get in each week to my goal. I walked 200 miles one spring.
I’m loving having additional family members join in this year…which results in even more miles, because there is always somebody asking if I want to go for a walk!😉
Rachel @Spring100
Great job on reaching 200 miles!! That’s wonderful.🙌🏼😃♥️ It’ll be fun to see how many you get this year!!
tirzahtroyer
Right now, I’m focusing on one week at a time, and doing big days when I can, and maybe skipping a busy day. On average, I walk 2 miles a day.
Rachel @Spring100
Good job keeping focused on the week before you, Tirzah!! 🙌🏻
John Silvey
I have no specific game plan…just get the miles in whenever I can with my busy schedule😮💨😂
Rachel @Spring100
Way to go grabbing miles with such a busy schedule!!👏🏼👏🏼
Jane Flournoy
I don’t really have a plan, but I’m trying to walk a 3.16 mile route every time I get a chance to walk.
Reese for the Parfitts
I failed to comment last week, but it’s been interesting to read about others’ strategies. We’re not traveling as much for deputation now, but about to move to Papua New Guinea next month during Spring 100 and we won’t have our own vehicle there at first… so I hope to be well over 100 miles by the end of spring, but we can never guarantee the future! My goal has been to never have a single day under 1.1 miles. Thankfully that has been the case so far, but if there has to be a missed day (like when we go over the International Date Line and basically lose a day from our calendar?) it should not be too heartbreaking because my daily goal is keeping me well ahead of schedule. It’s been great having several days that lend themselves to well over 1.1 miles of intentional walking. Currently staying out in the country, it’s wonderful to have quiet roads to meditate, pray, and worship the Lord as we see all the new buds and plants springing out here in Western New York! My wife has done a great job at keeping ahead even when we were staying in Canada for a while and her position holding down the home fort necessitated walking quite a few miles around the church basement… and when she got sick and her lungs didn’t appreciate the workout, she has remained ahead of the 1.1 mile/day average. She’s doing a great job and it’s been delightful to get to do some distance together now that our schedule has a temporary lull! 😃