In preparation for my Thanksgiving Day Marathon I am going to read “Heading Toward The Finish Line” by Rick Karamptasos.
Rick is a personal friend that I met at a 5K Race in China Grove North Carolina almost 10 years ago. We made an instant friendship and have had the opportunity to run in 3 Marathons together. Myrtle Beach SC, Hatfield McCoy in Goody Kentucky, and Nashville Tennessee Country Music Marathon. I will start this one as soon as I return from Vacation in North Myrtle Beach and will blog a review one day in the next week. You can purchase a copy at amazon.com
Product Description from Amazon
Rrrick’s story tells how faith helps us approach many finish lines in life. He speaks of the effort, expense, and pain expended for marathons and goes the extra mile to compare that to preparing for the ‘final finish line.’ Chris Gillespie, Founder & Executive Director of TEAM 413 – GRACERUNNER Ministries: “Rick Karampatsos loves to run. He loves to train for races. He loves the start of a race. He loves putting one foot in front of the other as he moves through each trial. He loves the exhilaration of finishing a race. However, Rick loves our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, above all else. His story is one that exemplifies the mercy, grace, love, and care of Christ in ALL things. As you read, listen to Rick’s heart! You will be blessed by this hero of the faith.”
Richard Hopkins, President and Founder of ChristianRunners.org: “There is such a parallel between Hebrews 12:1 and Rick’s endurance that my heart fills with joy when I read and/or think about it! What a great example to us all in our run as believers, our run in every day life, and of course our run on the course!” “Rrrick” Karampatsos is a Christian and a marathoner. He is a native of Massachusetts who now makes his home in Florida. He combines his love of Jesus with his love of running to uniquely encourage others. You will share his running adventures – almost feel his pain, see the beauty of America through his eyes, benefit from the lessons he learned, know that humor helps, and witness the faith that keeps feet moving when moving is the last thing you want to do. Doctors told him he would have trouble walking; running wasn’t an option. But, Rrrick’s faith gave him another story to tell.
Ronnie