Finding Your Crew: Community That Carries You to the Finish
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you,
you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
— John 15:5
Some runs you finish strong.
Others you finish on your knees.
But either way — you never finish alone.
That’s what this week’s Rhythms & Roots episode is all about: Your Support Crew — the Community That Carries You to the Finish.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in running, pastoring, and everyday life, it’s that you were not created to do this alone.From Genesis to John 15, the story of Scripture reminds us that God is community, and we reflect His image when we live connected.
Pillar 1: Spiritual Rhythms — Abide and Stay Connected
At the root of every strong community is a shared connection to Christ.
Jesus called it abiding — remaining in the Vine.
That’s what your church family, small group, or prayer partners do. They help you stay spiritually hydrated when your soul runs dry. They remind you of truth when the noise of life gets too loud.
Spiritual community keeps you connected to the Source.
So ask yourself: Who are the people who keep me rooted in Christ?
If you don’t have that yet — start small. Invite someone to pray with you once a week. Open up your Bible together. Community begins with conversation.
Pillar 2: Physical Rhythms — Show Up and Move Together
There’s something sacred about sweating, struggling, and striving together.
That’s why I love our Arvada Runners Run Club.
When it began around 2015, it was just a handful of runners. Now, dozens show up weekly — different ages, paces, goals — but one heart: to show up together.
They don’t run for me, but they do run with me.
They hold me accountable to my goals, celebrate every finish line, and remind me that progress is more important than perfection.
Physical community builds consistency and joy.
If you’ve been looking for motivation, this is your moment to take the first step — literally.
Start Tonight —Join Arvada Runners Halloween Run!
Time to check out a new local business and have some fun together!
We’re meeting at Olde Town Social in Olde Town Arvada, and they’ve offered to open on a Monday night just for us!
Let’s show up and support them — they’ll be serving food and drinks after the run.
Details:
- Olde Town Social, Olde Town Arvada
- Arrive early for a group photo; we’ll start running around 6:15 PM
- Dress for the weather and bring a headlamp!
- Costumes optional, but encouraged — it’s our Halloween Run!
- We may zig-zag through the neighborhoods to enjoy the decorations.
Community doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it starts with lacing up your shoes and showing up.
Pillar 3: Rooted Living — Grow Stronger Together
In the ultra-running world, people talk less about pace and more about presence.
It’s not about medals; it’s about stories shared over coffee mugs and finish lines crossed together.
That’s a picture of faith, too.
We weren’t made to compete — we were made to complete one another.
So whether it’s your faith community, your family, or your fitness crew — remember:
Your roots deepen in community. Your strength multiplies in connection.
How to Find Your Crew
If you’re feeling disconnected or alone in your journey, here are three simple steps to start finding your people:
- Show Up.
Don’t wait to feel ready. Just show up. Whether it’s a church group, a run club, or a small gathering — most community starts with one simple act of courage. - Stay Consistent.
Community takes time. Keep showing up even when it’s awkward or inconvenient. Deep roots grow slowly. - Be Honest.
Don’t just share your highlights — share your struggles. The people who walk with you through the hard miles are the ones who’ll cheer the loudest at your finish line.
Final Thought
You don’t need a perfect community — just a present one.
And you don’t need to have it all figured out — just stay connected to the Vine.
Because no one runs alone.
See you tonight at Olde Town Social — and remember to bring your headlamp, your costume, and your gratitude for the people who keep you going.