I met my wonderful friend Malia (@rnrgrl808) through Instagram many months ago. Not only was I captivated by her incredibly scenic running photos from Hawaii, but she and her husband’s running was so inspiring! In February for Valentine’s Day, I began a contest on MarathonMomma.com where many runners shared their #RunninRomance with us (Click HERE to read their #RunninRomance). I was AMAZED by the story that unfolded. I am so excited to bring Malia’s incredible story to you and even more grateful that she is my friend! ~ Laura

Enter Malia

 Aloha, my name is Malia. My running journey began in 1996, shortly after giving birth to my 2nd child.  The only running I did before that was on the soccer field. I also spent both pregnancies as a “professional walker”.

I started to run because my son, Makai, was born very ill and was essentially fighting for his life for 6 months.  He had more than a dozen blood transfusions, bone marrow biopsy, and spent countless hours in the hospital, including a week in PICU, where doctors told my husband and I that he may not survive the night. They said that if he did survive, he would have severe brain damage.  I had a 2 year old daughter at the time as well. This is when I realized I had a choice: I could stay in bed and cry, turn to alcohol, or find a way to release my stress.  My walks with the Baby Jogger turned into runs. I found that with no TV, telephone, laundry or housework to distract me on my runs, I was able to pray without interruption. The only place to turn is prayer. My knees were worn out from praying. That started what continues today: my solo runs are my prayer time.  

Makai, much to the surprise of the entire staff at the hospital, not only survived but began to thrive. The brain damage that appeared on MRI tests cleared up when he turned one year old. He was named the “Miracle Child” and is only here today because God wasn’t ready for him yet.  That experience cemented my faith in God and through Him ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. (Side Note: Miracle Child is starting his freshman year at Northern Arizona University running XC, and Indoor & Outdoor Track.  They’re kind of a big deal!)

When I went through that experience and medical professionals couldn’t explain “why” he was alive and thriving, I knew that it was only because of God that Makai was ok.  I have not doubted God’s plan nor hesitated going to Him ever since.  I wouldn’t wish that experience on anyone– yet through our darkest times we grow closest to God, and for that I am thankful.

In 2004, I was diagnosed with Follicular Thyroid Cancer, that had spread to my chest. I continued to run to cope with the fear and anger I was feeling.  I had 3 children, and was diagnosed 8 days after my youngest’s 1st birthday.  I knew my mileage but had no idea what my pace was. I used that time to pound the pavement to pray and reflect on what was going on with me.  I think my face went from a huge smile to tears and back again with each step. Although my energy was low after surgery and treatment,  I know the time spent on the road helped me heal physically and emotionally. I ran the Honolulu Marathon in 2007 and raised money as a cancer Survivor. 

In 2009 my husband, Steve, deployed to the Middle East for one year. When he returned home in 2010, he was different.  There are many labels for what war does to a person, but words on paper and training classes did not prepare me for what happened to him, me, and our marriage during that time.  We ended up separating and divorce was on the horizon.  I went to a new church (I felt uncomfortable going to our home church) with a friend.  It was one of the most painful times I ever experienced, yet trusted that God would get us through it.  Through prayer and counseling, we made a conscious decision to work on our marriage in December of 2011. 

In her husband Steve’s words…

“I was about as far away as you can get from being an ideal husband or father. But despite giving her every reason to leave me and never look back, Malia wouldn’t give up on us. She fought tooth and nail for us and for our family, and I reluctantly agreed to give “us” one last shot.”

Steve mentioned wanting to run 2012 miles for the year 2012.  I told him that I wanted to try and qualify for the Boston Marathon. So we started January 1st, 2012 with a training plan. My goal was to qualify for Boston at the Honolulu Marathon in December.  I would guestimate that over 90% of our runs that year were together. I am a talker, so we would start solving all the problems at 4am, and if Steve didn’t want to talk, he’d push the pace.  We spent many mid-week mornings on the road at 3am, getting in 20 plus mile runs so we could get home and get the kids ready for school and head off to work.  Most weekends were filled with their activities so we got the training in when we could.  No subject was taboo. We literally found our way back to each other through running.  “Date Nights” were spent on the trails in Hawaii.  

In the middle of the year, June 27th, we renewed our wedding vows for our 20th Wedding Anniversary.  It was a new beginning for us. We ran our own races at Honolulu, and both qualified to run Boston.  We also completed 2012 miles on December 30th, 2012, with a day to spare! I became very competitive with myself that year.  When I get to a starting line, I am prepared to give it my best effort.  I love the encouragement from other runners that goes on during races!

Boston Marathon Finish Line

 Steve and I still do most of our training together, even if that means me getting up at 4am to run with him before he goes to work.  I have met many people from Social Media in real life, and some of them are my dearest friends.  There is a group of us that span from the West Coast to the East Coast and all the way to Europe who communicate multiple times daily.  I love these people, despite having not wrapped my arms around 3 of them!  They get me. They don’t judge me or tear me down, yet lift me up and don’t let me take myself too seriously. My prayer is that I do the same for others.  We’re all on different journeys, with different goals and capabilities, and each journey should be celebrated! I don’t surround myself only with people who run, yet I find there is a connection with those who do.  You don’t have to explain ANYTHING. Sleep. Fuel. 8pm bedtimes.  Not drinking a bottle of wine. Compression socks.  It’s a tribe. A community. I am inspired and motivated by my running friends.  And value their faith in me.

It was difficult to leave our Ultra Running Team community in Hawaii when we moved to Colorado in June, but we are already finding those who share the same passion as we do.  I ran a 12 hour race because of an IG connection.  She introduced me to the church we are now attending. Running and God are connected for me.

 Running is a lifestyle.  I have run more than a few marathons since 2012, qualified again, and completed a 50k.  I spend most of my race time praising God for what feels good, and when I start hurting, praying for his strength to get me through it.  A dear friend, Shamu, gave me a bracelet that says BELIEVE.  Believe in my training. Believe in my capabilities.  Believe that through God all things are possible.  I glance at my bracelet often.

Although my parents and oldest and youngest children don’t run, they appreciate how much it means to me.  When I PR’d at my last half marathon, hearing them cheer me to the finish line and hug me is priceless.  There are no words to describe my joy in having Steve and Makai run the half with me so I would PR.  They encouraged me and talked me through the last climb to keep me on track.  It was a family affair and for that I am grateful.  

Mahalo,

Malia