At a time when many are looking for raw, authentic lives of faith, author C. Craig Burns offers an autobiographical journey through his diagnosis of an incurable cancer and into the world of ultra marathons. Experience real life situations in vibrant detail as you run, walk, climb, and run some more along with Craig through the mountains of Virginia and West Virginia. An official finisher in five ultra marathons in 2007, plus the Boston Marathon, Craig continued his training and competing albeit as a self-confessed back-of-the-packer while in the midst of overcoming Lymphoma. Rebekah Trittipoe writes: I believe that the reader will be moved by Craigs ambition, determination and positive attitude. He has been able to capture what it means to live a life fulfilled; not out of selfish ambition but motivated by a selfless love for Christ. So next time you are feeling sorry for yourself read a few pages and understand your own struggles from a different perspective. Bradley Mongold, world renowned bow hunter and ultra marathon runner, writes: I found a tale of humorous candor, of great generosity, and of inspiring faith. I found a tale of not only overcoming the impossible, but of hammering the incurable. Mark Batterson, lead pastor of National Community Church writes: Once you start reading this book, you wont stop until Craig reaches the last finish line. Rev. David Grant, missionary and director of Project Rescue says: You may find it difficult to read this book and not be motivated to change. The trail of Constant Forward Motion winds through every aspect of the authors life. The people, events, and experiences are all actual and authentic. The story includes doctor reports, prognoses and steps of faith following news such as, You either have cancer or HIV, and is filled with often humorous observations. Craig serves as pastor in Vienna, Virginia, and the support of the congregation at Vienna Assembly of God is integral to the narrative. You will be exposed to a subculture of ultra runners that in the authors own words are crazies, whose determination, perseverance, humor, character, friendliness, helpfulness and kindness prove to be a source of great refreshing. Craig has been married to Brenda for 30 plus years, and brings practical, implementable strategies for a marriage to remain strong and positive through decades of church ministry and seasons of great struggles with health. The book contains actual examples of people hearing from God concerning the future in the context of ultra marathons. For the outdoor sport enthusiast, there are even hunting and fishing treks. The book offers a glimpse into the faith lives of everyday people working and living as part of Craigs congregation. Set in the community of Vienna, Virginia, the authors life touches those inside and outside the church community. Never missing a Sunday or a day of work throughout the diagnosis and journey through multiple health issues, Craig offers a view into the life of a person living by faith. There are no edits to the raw emotional ups and downs and potential choices and temptations that swirled through his head. It becomes an incredible story, as a promise of faith to complete a series of runs, culminating in one of the most difficult in the world, the Mountain Masochist 50 mile trail run, is accomplished while battling Lymphoma. There really isnt anybody who wouldnt be encouraged by reading this book. Excerpt: In most races, the back of the packers like me never get to see the front-runners after the race begins. This course looped back upon itself. Seeing the lead and second runner, running in near sprint form, up the wooded trail was a sight I will not soon forget. Eyes blazing with fire, hats and beards covered with frost, and legs pumping in perfect form were a sight to behold. Oh, so that is what it looks like to run fast, is what went through my head. And they did it for 34 miles making six creek crossings, up and down innumerable hills, through wooded trails laced with roots and rocks, up and down flights of rickety wood stairs, across nearly rotten boards covering other creeks, carrying all they needed so they wouldnt stop at aid stations, and then smiling and enjoying life afterwards with the rest of us, but the front runners are not like the rest of us... ...I asked for a picture with the finish line banner in the background, and I then sat on a table nearby and broke down and wept emotional tears of joy and relief and thanks to God. ... Preaching and doing all the things a pastor has to do on a Sunday are always interesting the day after a Saturday run. Sunday was a great day in the Lord and I was able to do the steps into the church, operate the stick shift while giving someone a ride to church, deliver the Word, and even chase my granddaughter around a restaurant afterwards. Thank you, Lord for the first finish of the faith promise runs for 07.
