Lessons from the Finish Line: 12 Things I Learned About Life from Running 12 Races in 12 Months

Lessons from the Finish Line is the inspiring story of one woman's self-imposed challenge to run twelve races in twelve consecutive months. Her journey was filled with many trials that she could have used as excuses to give up on her dream. Instead, she chose to stay the course and finish what she started when she wrote the statement, "I am a marathon mom, soaring through twelve races in twelve months" during a personal development seminar at her company's annual convention. If you are looking for the motivation to dream big and pursue your own goals with unrelenting determination, this book is for you.

Ellen was born in northeast Georgia, the middle child of three. Before her twelfth birthday, she had already experienced more loss, trauma and grief than most adults. After the passing of her birth mother to cancer, Ellen's stepfather decided that he no longer wanted to be responsible for her. Fortunately, her aunt and uncle made the decision to raise Ellen after she was literally dropped off at their home with no place else to go. Despite the painful details of her early years, Ellen refuses to allow the circumstances of her past to define her. She fuels her passion to help others and make a difference in the world by sharing her story with abuse victims, foster children and potential foster parents. As a speaker, trainer and mentor, she motivates and inspires others to overcome difficult circumstances, pursue their dreams and achieve their goals with unbridled passion. In 2011, she and her husband, Rick became licensed foster parents. In that role, they were blessed to have six children come into their lives and capture their hearts. In 2014, the Marrs family grew from four people to nine with the adoption of a sibling group from foster care and the birth of their daughter, Jaeden. Ellen spends her time working in ministry at Redemption Gateway church, homeschooling her children, training for marathons and mentoring potential foster and adoptive families. She also teaches individuals, businesses, entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations the importance of expressing gratitude. She does this through her network marketing business, as well as her class, "Gratitude: The Missing Link". To relax, she enjoys running, riding motorcycles and spending as much time as possible outdoors with her family. Ellen, Rick and their seven children currently reside in Gilbert, Arizona. If you'd like to learn more about the Marrs family, check out their blog at lifeonplanetmarrs.com.