Made for More #3

Our First Community Run

"Community isn't built in one day. It's built one conversation and one relationship at a time."

Before Trinity Endurance ever opened its doors, I knew I wanted to build more than a bike shop.

I wanted to build a community.

Not just a place where people came to buy a bike or get a repair, but a place where people could find encouragement, friendships, accountability, and a healthier way of life.

I wanted to create something for the Yukon, Mustang, and west Oklahoma City communities that would bring people together.

Then an opportunity presented itself.

I saw the Outlast the Night event was happening just down the road from the shop.

I knew immediately.

This was our chance.

Were we ready?

Probably not.

But I've learned that opportunities don't wait until you feel prepared.

Sometimes you just have to say yes and figure it out along the way.

I had never created a Facebook event before. Believe it or not, even figuring out how to do that became part of the adventure.

Like everything else in this journey, I made mistakes, learned as I went, and kept moving forward.

After creating the event, I shared it everywhere I could think of.

Every few hours I'd check Facebook.

Did anyone RSVP?

Did anyone even see it?

Would anyone actually come?

I'll be honest—I was nervous.

But I also knew something else.

Even if one person showed up...

It would be worth it.

Because community has to start somewhere.

Finally, the day arrived.

We got there early, and to my surprise people were already gathering.

I remember looking around thinking, "Wow... people actually came."

I spent the next few minutes introducing myself, trying to learn names (which I've never been very good at), and simply thanking everyone for taking a chance on something brand new.

As the group gathered, I realized something else.

I hadn't really planned what I was going to say.

I'd rehearsed different speeches in my head all week, but when it came time to stand in front of everyone, my mind went completely blank.

So I spoke from the heart.

I told everyone how thankful I was that they came.

I reminded them that they were capable of more than they probably believed.

That every one of us was made for more.

Then I did something that made me even more nervous.

I prayed.

Standing in front of a large group of people, not knowing what everyone believes, can be intimidating.

But I knew that's who Trinity Endurance is.

Faith is part of our foundation.

As I prayed, I realized something about myself.

I often worry about saying the right words.

My wife has an incredible gift for prayer. Every time I hear her pray, it's genuine, heartfelt, and inspiring.

I've caught myself trying too hard to sound encouraging instead of simply slowing down, being present with the Lord, and speaking honestly from my heart.

That's something God is still teaching me.

And maybe that's okay.

Because growth isn't just for the people who attend our events.

It's for me too.

That first night confirmed something I'd been hoping all along.

People on the west side of the city were looking for community.

Not just people who wanted to run.

People who wanted to grow.

People who wanted friendships.

People who wanted encouragement.

People who simply wanted to become a better version of themselves.

Since that first community run, we've hosted more events, and every time I look around, I'm amazed by the people who continue to show up.

Showing up matters.

Not because every workout is perfect.

Not because every conversation changes someone's life.

But because every time we show up, we're creating another opportunity for someone to feel welcomed, encouraged, and connected.

As we prepare for our first community coffee ride and all the events still to come, I hope we carry that same spirit into everything we do.

Whether you're an experienced athlete or someone who hasn't exercised in years, there's a place for you here.

Because this has never been about running.

It's never been about bikes.

It's about people.

It's about building a community where everyone feels welcome to take the first step toward a healthier life.

And maybe I've learned one more lesson through all of this.

It's easy to invite someone to a group run.

It's easy to invite someone on a bike ride.

But I want to challenge myself to go one step further.

To invite people to church.

To invite people into deeper conversations.

To encourage people not only to grow physically but spiritually as well.

Because we were never meant to do life alone.

We're better together.

And every invitation has the potential to change someone's life.

What We're Building

Every community run, coffee ride, trail adventure, and group workout is about more than fitness.

We're creating a place where beginners feel comfortable, experienced athletes encourage others, and friendships are built one conversation at a time.

Our hope is that Trinity Endurance becomes a place where people don't just improve their fitness—they discover purpose, belonging, and the confidence to take on challenges they never thought possible.

What's Next

Next up is our first community coffee ride.

Just like our trail runs, it isn't about speed.

It's about creating another opportunity for people to connect, build friendships, and enjoy the journey together.

One event at a time.

One relationship at a time.

One community at a time.

Made for More Reflection

Every meaningful community begins with an invitation.

Someone invited you to your first race.

Your first ride.

Your first run.

Maybe even your first church service.

Who could you invite this week?

Not because they're fast.

Not because they're experienced.

Simply because everyone deserves to know they belong somewhere.

This week's challenge:

Invite one person.

Invite them on a walk.

Invite them to a group run.

Invite them on a bike ride.

Invite them to church.

You never know what one invitation could mean to someone who needs it.

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up..." — 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Community Question

Who first encouraged you to become healthier, stronger, or more confident?

And who is one person you can encourage this week?

Because community grows one invitation at a time.

And every one of us was Made for More.