If i have things on my mind or heart, I will just converse with (god) like we're just sitting around.
During his 100-mile runs, Nathan Holland says he has conversations with God. "And then the best conversations are during those really dark, low times where things aren't going well and I'm struggling physically and mentally to keep going."Nathan Holland credits his faith for giving him the strength and endurance to run 100 miles at a time.
Yes, he does that.
Holland's most recent competition took place earlier this month when he earned "The Grand Slam of Ultrarunning" award for his participation in the 400-mile event that took place in California, Colorado, Utah and Vermont.
"The Grand Slam of Ultrarunning award is recognition for those who complete four of the oldest 100-mile trail runs in the U.S.," according to run100s.com. The 'slam' consists of officially finishing four 100-mile runs in four areas of the country all in the same year.
Nathan Holland competed in "The Gland Slam of Ultrarunning," a 400-mile event that took place in California, Colorado, Utah and Vermont. Contributed PhotosHolland, who lives in Ooltewah, started the grand-slam quest more than a year ago, but the first try didn't go so well.
"In May 2014, I attempted my first 100-mile run and learned quite a bit about myself and the challenges of trying to complete a 100-mile run," says Holland, 31, an industrial engineer at TVA. "I did not finish that race, but I learned so much and was eager to attempt another 100-miler to attempt the challenge again.
"I learned that I couldn't do this challenge, but that I needed the prayers and support from my family and friends and that, together with God, we could endure so much more than I ever thought, even when the cards are down and things are so much worse than you ever thought," he says. "It is not just a run for me, but for my family and so many of my friends that have supported me along the way."
Six months after that first race, he reached his goal.
"I completed a 100-mile run. I was so pumped coming out of that run and remembered having read about 'The Grand Slam of Ultrarunning' earlier that year," he recalls. "I have always liked a new challenge and thought that completing these four iconic 100-milers over one summer sounded like an awesome adventure. At first this challenge was simply something I wanted to attempt to see if I was capable, and it has turned in to so much more."
Among his biggest cheerleaders is his wife, Katy, 30, a short-distance runner, as well as his two daughters, Heidi, 4, and Harlow, 2, and his father and stepmother.
"I traveled to all four races," Katy says. "I didn't want to miss a single race, but I also went along so that I could help to crew him along the way."
And back home in Ooltewah, neighbor Lynn Owens cheers for Holland's success.
"I have not been to any of the races but would love to add that to my list next year," says Owens. "The Hollands, first and foremost, are a godly family - a beautiful, inspirational, fun, loving, intentional, seize-the-moment, give-God-the-glory family."
Holland openly admits that his faith is his foundation.
"I have always been a person to have conversations with God, not in a disrespectful manner, but if I have things on my mind or heart, I will just converse with him like we're just sitting around. However, when I got into ultrarunning, I learned that there are some times in the middle of the woods, mountains or wherever that he and I have some really heartfelt conversations.
"Sometimes it's because I am just in awe of the beautiful surroundings and am so thankful for the opportunity to experience these things," he says. "There are lots of times in long-distance runs where you are completely by yourself and get to experience some amazing views. It's nice to share those with my creator.
"And then the best conversations are during those really dark, low times where things aren't going well and I'm struggling physically and mentally to keep going," he says.
And that's a really good thing, he says, because on the most recent run, when he was chasing the 400-mile goal, Holland often second-guessed his decision to participate.
"It's inevitable that you will hit some low points during any run and, typically, the longer the run, the more lows you'll hit. In those lows you second-guess lots of things. Why am I doing 100-milers? Why am I running at all? Why would I put myself through this type of suffering etc.?
"But, just like the lows, there are just as many highs," he says. "Knowing that for every low there would be a high coming shortly after that helped me resolve that this was the right decision and that this journey was a blessing from God."
The 400-mile run took a little more than three weeks to complete, he says, and he had to overcome some obstacles, namely injuries, both before and during the run.
"In March 2015, I injured my ankle and learned a good lesson early before I ever ran one step of 'The Slam.' My plans aren't always God's plans and, if I am going to trust him like I've said, then I better believe that there will be times that I am going to have to put my money where my mouth is. I overcame the ankle injury and was able to go through the entire slam with minimal physical injuries."
Another obstacle was stomach and nutrition issues, he says.
"When I first started running in 2010, I dealt with nutrition issues and getting sick during and after races. Finally, in 2013, I found some nutrition combinations that worked well. Then, the very first run of 'The Slam,' my stomach issues came back with full force. Around mile 55 things just fell apart. I was vomiting uncontrollably. I had no energy and was on a downward spiral.
"I had about 45 miles to go and knew that I would need to eat/drink something to be able to continue. I had pretty much given up at this point and told God I just couldn't do it anymore. I felt terrible, not just physically, but mentally as well. I was letting my family and friends down. They had invested so much into this summer's adventures and I was spent halfway through the first race. However, I think that's exactly where God wanted me to be."
At that point he laid down on the ground, face first, and rested for about 45 minutes.
"I knew I was finished at that point and succumbed to the inevitable," he says.
But as he rested, his family and friends were praying for him.
"Katy, family and friends there and at home were sending up prayers for me to help send me strength and get me off that ground. I don't remember falling asleep but I remember waking from sleep with a tremendous leg cramp, coming to, and my stomach feeling 100 times better. I didn't know if I could go 45 miles but had a renewed strength and knew that I could go.
"It was just like Isaiah 40:31: 'But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.'
"I was still pretty much unable to eat anything but was able to drink some Coke and water, and I learned that, with God, I could manage to continue forward for the next 45 miles."
Contact Karen Nazor Hill at khill@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6396.