Grabosky took inspiration from his mother, who used to pray the Rosary whenever she ran.
The prayer requests he is receiving have opened his eyes to how “everyone is struggling with something.” He saw no better way to help those in need than to encourage prayer and pray for their intentions.
“It’s interesting how God works. I started out thinking I would need to finish this run for myself, but now more than anything I need to finish it for all those I am praying for,” he said.
“I believe God can help us overcome and make it through anything if we only trust in Him. I tell people who are in tough stretches that this life is often difficult, but God has a plan for us and if we let Him in our hearts He can and will do amazing things with our lives. If you truly believe that, then it is hard to not smile and look at each day with an optimistic attitude.”
His transcontinental route passes through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania. He will also swing through New Jersey and Washington, D.C.
Grabosky said people who want to support him should send in any prayer requests, which will help motivate him to finish. He also invited others to run or walk with him along his route.
He hopes to speak with as many people as possible along his way. He is scheduling talks with youth groups and welcomes any invitations.
The marathon runner is also asking for people to lend him a couch or a place to sleep the night.
“I know this is going to be an extremely difficult challenge and it would mean a lot to me to know people are keeping my health and safety on this run in their thoughts and prayers as well,” Grabosky said. “I have no doubt in mind there are going to some brutal days out there but I believe in the words of Philippians 4:13, that I can do all things in Christ who gives me strength.”
More information about Grabosky’s run is at his website http://jeffrunsamerica.com
Kevin J. Jones is a senior staff writer with Catholic News Agency. He was a recipient of a 2014 Catholic Relief Services' Egan Journalism Fellowship.