“Why I Run”

By Don Lowe

A little more than a decade ago, Seneca, Missouri, resident Sean Roye, a pharmacist and father of two teenaged boys, had his world turned upside down after being diagnosed with Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and organs.

Roye struggled with health issues for quite a while before he received a “spiritual push” to get on his feet and get moving. He says, “After being diagnosed with Lupus, I spent a few years taking it easy as instructed by my doctors. “I didn’t feel well often and found myself tired most of the time. I was sitting at home and felt an overwhelming, almost audible voice telling me to run.”

Run is exactly what Roye did, and he has continued running, logging more than 10,000 miles over a 9-year span, while finishing the Oklahoma City marathon in 2018 and Chicago marathon in 2022, as well as several 50-mile ultramarathons and one 100-mile ultramarathon, not to mention quite a few traditional 5Ks and 10Ks.

While it wasn’t easy when Roye first started running, this man of faith persevered and he says, “The second day (after his first run) I woke up sore but feeling better, so I ran and listened to my Bible app, and 2 Chronicles, Chapter 20 (Verses 15-17) seemed to command my attention. “It struck me that these warriors had God’s promise but still had to get up and march out to face either their deaths or watch God’s victory. I felt being led to understand that running was to be my march, and God’s victory over my Lupus would come.”

Roye’s march has been steadfast and after starting with events that weren’t as long, his unwavering desire, determination and dedication led him farther and farther.

“After running shorter distances up to a half marathon (13.1 miles), it seemed the natural progression in my journey,” he says. “I was hooked. My Lupus seemed under control, and I felt better physically and mentally. Running the 50- and 100-mile ultramarathons seemed like the thing to do. If God had taken me this far, why not farther?”

Going farther takes preparation and Roye says, “Starting with a solid base of running (16-18 weeks out) you begin ramping up distances and specific training runs. Most never train the full distance but you prepare your body for the stress it will endure. “During training runs you must develop nutrition strategies and get your stomach used to taking in massive calories while moving. In an ultramarathon, the goal is 250-450 calories per hour, plus hydration.”

Roye says preparing the right way is all about “listening to your body. Since I have Lupus, I adjust to what my body is saying. Rest and nutrition are important. You need to understand it is supposed to be hard and build up mental toughness to carry through.” Finishing such a grueling race takes intestinal fortitude as well and Roye says, “You made the decision to be there, so focus on your ‘why’ and push forward. “I have ‘One More Step’ tattooed on my wrist next to my running watch to remind myself that I always have one more step in me. Sometimes that step is all you can focus on … then the next one.”

Whether it’s marathons or short jogs, Roye believes it’s beneficial to run and he says, “Our bodies were created in God’s image. God has given us the Holy Spirit (spiritual), the Bible (mental) and Jesus (physical). “I believe if we neglect any part of it, the rest suffers.

Running has improved my mental health and helped me during times of depression.” Roye loves running and says, “We’re built for challenges and need to try things that are hard. If you never step out of your comfort zone and put yourself in position to fail, then how do you know what you’re made of anyway? Also, cardio is a great stress release and being physically fit helps with feeling good.”

Regardless of the speed bumps along the way, Roye finds this to be rewarding. He says, “Running is my time with God. It’s the only time my mind slows down enough to be present most days. “You can never understand the feeling of crossing a finish line you never thought possible until you’ve experienced it. Your brain will throw everything at you to get you to stop, and clawing through these moments is freedom like none other.”

Sean Roye Fast Facts

Age: 38 years old

Children: Braden and Sean Jr.

Hometown: Stigler, Oklahoma

High School Alma Mater/Year Graduated: Stigler High School, 2005

College Alma Mater/Year Graduated: Southwestern Oklahoma State University, 2012

College Degree: Doctor of Pharmacy

Professional Career: Pharmacist

Hobbies: Running, Fishing, Hiking, Backpacking, Camping, Kayaking and Encouraging Brothers through Worthy Men’s Ministry

See more photos in the January 2025 print and digital editions