Faith Matters: Racing with God's Help
By: Tania Francois
Updated: March 19, 2012
Eleven thousand people took part in the Little Rock Marathon.
For Jarrod Woodley the race wasn't just about finishing, it was a test of faith.
Woodley ran the half marathon last year. Today, he's ready to take on the full.
He says getting to this point, cost him half his body but he gained trust, faith and a stronger relationship with God.
"In order to get healthy I gave myself a goal so that if I ran the marathon, I knew that I would stay healthy and that was my goal."
Woodley made the decision to lose weight after the death of his grandmother but for years couldn't get passed the 50lb mark.
"About two years ago I was at church and there was a sermon about what God wants you to do and I knew that that was something that God wanted me to do so I followed His plan."
Jarrod gave up sugar, started eating right and now he's at 200 pounds and showing off his race bib and shirt. He's now propelled his faith and taking on 26.2 miles.
"It's actually just a spiritual experience you know when you get into the zone and you zone out, he's just talking to you I've used my long runs as a time to really talk with Him about how my life should go."
Jarrod now wants to be an example of God's abilities.
"Get healthy. God can't use you on the earth if you're not here. So get healthy so that you can continue spreading the message of God loving you."
Jarrod finished the marathon with an unofficial time of 4:39:27.
He says he wants to go on, and compete in body building competitions.
Jarrod Woodley one day before the LR Marathon.
For Jarrod Woodley the race wasn't just about finishing, it was a test of faith.
Woodley ran the half marathon last year. Today, he's ready to take on the full.
He says getting to this point, cost him half his body but he gained trust, faith and a stronger relationship with God.
"In order to get healthy I gave myself a goal so that if I ran the marathon, I knew that I would stay healthy and that was my goal."
Woodley made the decision to lose weight after the death of his grandmother but for years couldn't get passed the 50lb mark.
"About two years ago I was at church and there was a sermon about what God wants you to do and I knew that that was something that God wanted me to do so I followed His plan."
Jarrod gave up sugar, started eating right and now he's at 200 pounds and showing off his race bib and shirt. He's now propelled his faith and taking on 26.2 miles.
"It's actually just a spiritual experience you know when you get into the zone and you zone out, he's just talking to you I've used my long runs as a time to really talk with Him about how my life should go."
Jarrod now wants to be an example of God's abilities.
"Get healthy. God can't use you on the earth if you're not here. So get healthy so that you can continue spreading the message of God loving you."
Jarrod finished the marathon with an unofficial time of 4:39:27.
He says he wants to go on, and compete in body building competitions.
Jarrod Woodley one day before the LR Marathon.
