Extraordinary (2017) - full transcript

Based on a true marriage journey, Extraordinary tells the amazing story of ultra-marathon runner and college professor David Horton, his wife, Nancy, and their attempt to finish their marriage race well.

[piano playing]

[man]

♪ Listen while you still

Can hear ♪

♪ Listen while you still

Can hear ♪

♪ The master's calling ♪

♪ The master's calling ♪

♪ Bow down

While your knees still bend ♪

♪ Bow down

While your knees still bend ♪

♪ The master's calling ♪

♪ The master's calling ♪

♪ I don't wanna walk away ♪

♪ Walk away from him ♪

♪ No, I don't wanna walk away ♪

♪ Don't wanna walk away ♪

♪ From him ♪

♪ Bind me to your side ♪

♪ Bind me to your side ♪

[headphones: music fades]

[panting]

[man]

Those who wait upon the Lord

shall renew their strength.

They shall mount up with wings

like eagles.

They shall run

and not be weary.

They shall walk

and not faint.

I wish I could tell you

that things have gotten better

since last year,

but you've gotten worse.

I just need to know

about the summer.

We talked about this

last summer.

You're bone-on-bone now.

That's what's causing

all the pain.

It's time

for that knee replacement.

-How's the ticker?

-Fine.

I got seven new pipes.

They're all pumping good now.

Seven?

[chuckles]

Only you, Horton.

Okay, let's say

I do it your way.

Once I do the surgery,

will I be able to run

next summer?

Run?

From California

to New York?

Most people can't do that

on two good knees, let alone

with a knee replacement.

Okay, so if I'm going to run,

then I need to do it first,

pre-surgery.

I did not say that.

Okay, but if

I was going to.

Look, I know it's tough

to accept.

But your competitive

racing days,

they're over.

Make an appointment

and we'll start

some pre-op work-ups.

If the mind is willing,

the body is able.

Heather?

Running class.

Seven years ago now.

I just started here

a couple weeks ago.

Do you want me

to schedule a follow-up?

No, no.

We're all set.

-How have you been?

-I've been great.

Hmm.

Look, you probably

don't remember this, but...

during that time

I had a lot of people

in my life

tell me that I was a loser

and never gonna finish school.

But you always

told me I could.

No matter what anyone said

or what obstacles I faced.

I've followed

your adventures since.

What you're doing

is very inspiring,

Dr. Horton.

Thanks, Heather.

That... means a lot to me.

There are times in life where

we're faced with a question--

where our treasure lies.

Is it in the riches

and the glory of this world,

or do we invest our gifts

in the heart of the father,

using them to meet

the needs of others?

For the Bible tells us

that where our treasure is,

there our heart will be also.

[groaning]

Dr. Horton!

Excuse me.

Step over, guys.

Go ahead. I got this.

Oh.

Guess who got

best blood today?

You know what I always say--

If the mind's willing...

The body is able.

I know.

I'm done.

-You're not done.

-No, I really am.

Well, can your resignation

wait at least a day?

I've still got

a few miles to run,

and I'm not carrying you.

Not with these knees.

Come on.

You can do this.

Come on.

[man]

♪ Each day is all the same ♪

♪ Mmm, busying myself ♪

♪ To ease the pain ♪

♪ And my solutions

They've been sad ♪

♪ But I can't find no time

To clear my head ♪

♪ I know ♪

♪ Life is more

Than what I've been told ♪

♪ The ancient words

Still feed my soul ♪

♪ And in them

All I need to behold ♪

♪ I still believe ♪

♪ I keep on fightin' ♪

♪ To make it

To the finish line ♪

-Sorry, Carl!

-Horton! Again?

♪ But even though

There's no end in sight ♪

♪ I'm gonna make it

To the finish line ♪

All right,

Mr. Extraordinary.

Put me to shame.

How many miles today?

Sixteen.

-Then the class joined me

for six more.

-[laughing]

What are you gonna do

with your summer off?

I'm not sure yet.

You know, if it's too painful,

I can take that down for you.

It's like ripping off

a Band-aid.

-Nope.

-Oh, come on, man.

Three out of five ain't bad.

Two of which you broke

world speed records.

You really believe

it's possible

to circle the Earth,

almost 25,000 miles?

Anything's possible.

-It's official. You're nuts.

-You said I was extraordinary.

-Extraordinarily nuts.

-Well, it's the crazy ones

that change the world, Mikey.

What happened,

Clark?

Typical running class

humiliation.

[laughs] Don't let old Doc here

talk you into anything

sane or reasonable.

[chuckles]

What's up?

Have you ever tried to do

so many things at once that

you can't do any of them well?

What's really

going on here?

To keep up with the bills,

I'm gonna need

to find a second job.

Well, with tuition,

getting the car fixed,

and rent--

I meant it.

I'm done.

I'm not letting you

quit.

Come on.

You can't give up

running, Clark.

You're good at it.

You're one of the few

who's not afraid to get hurt

or even bleed a little.

You have a chance to compete

in ultras and multi-days.

Maybe even beat one of

my world speed records

one day.

Well, which one are you

willing to part with?

The Appalachian Trail

or the Pacific Crest?

I want you to finish

what you've started.

Hopefully...

this will help.

I can't take this.

It's too much.

Well, bills

have this persistent way

of repeating themselves.

Take it.

Isn't your wife

gonna be upset?

Shouldn't you ask her?

If there's one thing

I know about my wife,

her heart is generous.

[girl]

Thank you.

You know, if you would've

told me six months ago,

when he had heart surgery,

that it would turn out

to be a blessing,

I wouldn't have

believed it.

-I have to admit

I'm a little torn.

-About what?

Well, I know the kids

need a vacation

with their dad,

but, you know, I'd like to

whisk him off all alone.

I mean,

is that a little selfish?

Oh, you are the most

unselfish person I know.

-Mmm.

-[boy] Thank you.

What you could do, though,

is fly them back to stay with us

while you two

take off together.

Oh, I like the way

you think.

That is why I am

the romance expert

in this friendship.

-[chuckles]

-[chuckling]

[girl]

Thank you so much.

Mom.

Where do you want these?

In the next room.

Where are you going?

Bringing a little art class

to the Daily Bread.

Next week I'm gonna

start teaching them

how to make mosaics.

Oh! I wanna help.

I've always wanted to learn

how to do that.

Okay.

You can come too.

Hi, Brandon.

Hey.

[exhales]

Thanks.

Where's Allison?

I had a little spillage

in the car.

I'm gonna go

grab some more.

Oh, Brandon.

Were you able to

clear the schedule

with your coach?

Yes, I told him

we'd be gone for a month,

and we'll be able to resume

prepping for the fall

when we get back.

So, where's this road trip

starting?

Springer Mountain,

Georgia.

Ah.

And don't you

tell your dad.

[girl's voice] Dr. Horton,

this morning I felt impressed

to write this note

to thank you

for all you've done for me.

It's been

a wonderful four years.

Thank you, ma'am. Thank you.

Hey, it's been great having you.

I don't even

recognize you.

I'm kidding.

I remember you

from the first day.

I'm teasing.

Thank you.

Hey.

You're right. It has been

a good four years, Becky.

[laughing] Okay, okay.

We're good, we're good.

-See you at graduation.

-Okay.

Thank you.

Without you, I'd--

No, no, no.

So, did you ever decide

what you're gonna do

this summer?

Maybe number four.

Really?

Yeah.

The Trans-Am?

That's awesome, man.

What I'm thinkin'.

Are you nervous?

Me, nervous?

Yeah.

Nah.

[laughs]

Here's the thing.

If I can conquer

the Pacific Crest Trail

or survive the Barkley--

Wait. But didn't you

almost die a couple times

on the PCT?

No, no, no.

That's living.

What do you love so much

about running?

It's the miracle of

pushing beyond your limits,

beyond

strained ligaments,

stress fractures,

exhaustion.

It's the boldness

of pursuing a dream

that no one else

understands

except for you.

[man on PA] And now to present

our special honors and awards,

our esteemed professor,

Dr. David Horton.

[cheering, applause]

It is my honor today

that you get to hear from

two of my dearest students,

Rebecca Anderson,

salutatorian,

and Clark Zealand,

valedictorian.

I've seen these two overcome

seemingly insurmountable odds

to succeed,

and not just to get by,

but as an old coach

once encouraged me,

to finish well.

Today, these two define

what it means to finish well.

[applause, cheering]

Becky?

Thank you, Dr. Horton.

If any of you ever wonder

if you can impact a life,

I'm here to tell you

that you can, to share how much

this place has meant to me.

So, have you told Dave

about the summer yet?

I'll tell him tonight.

The person

who changed my life

is Dr. David Horton.

Now, I know

this is supposed to be

my valedictorian speech,

but... I just have

to thank Dr. Horton

for being an inspiration...

with your "can do it,

literally no matter what"

attitude.

There's no one like you.

After the Pacific Crest Trail

almost took you out,

most people would've given up.

But not you.

I only wish I could go with you

on the Trans-America Footrace.

But maybe next year I will.

I just want you to know

that we're all behind you,

Dr. Horton.

We'll all

be cheering for you.

[cheering, applause]

Thank you.

Yeah! Go, Dad!

Are you out of your mind?

You're gonna run

across America?

What, do you think

you're Forrest Gump?

I can do it.

That's not the point.

I thought after heart surgery

and all the trouble that

you are having with your knee

that you were done.

Do you have any idea

what you put us through

every time you do

one of these things?

Mom, leave him alone.

If he wants to go, let him go.

-Be quiet, Brandon!

-You be quiet.

I'm the one

that goes to bed alone

for months,

who sits next to you

when you come back,

only for you to say

"Get away from me"

and "Don't sit too closely

because my body hurts too much."

I can't do it again.

It's just-- I can't--

I can't do it again.

Good night, Allie.

Night, Dad.

Dad?

Are you really

doing this?

Thinkin' about it.

That's usually code

for "I've made up my mind."

Well, it was just announced

in front of 20,000 people.

So what?

You don't have to.

I kinda wish

you'd slow down.

You're gettin' up there

in age, you know.

[laughs]

Thanks a lot there, kiddo.

Just trying

to keeping it real.

[laughs]

I just don't want you

to get hurt, out there

alone mile after mile.

I think about that

a lot, you know.

I won't get hurt.

That's

what you always say.

Good night, Allie.

I love you, sweetie.

What do you notice

about these pictures?

I have

a beautiful family.

She was playing Eve,

the lead in Applause, here.

I don't remember

that show.

You were running

the AT.

Brandon.

His soccer

tournament.

You were running

the PCT.

Allison's

16th birthday.

I took her out

when I got home.

[laughs]

You've missed so much.

You know, the first time

you did one of these things,

do you remember

what I told you

before you left?

That I hoped

that you achieved your goal,

but that you would be miserable

and missing your family so much

that you would never want

to do one of these things again.

This has nothing to do

with whether I love

or miss you guys.

Yeah, you're right.

It has nothing to do

with us at all.

You have made it very clear

where your treasure lies.

That's not fair.

Mmm.

Look, I don't know

how to explain it. Okay?

I just feel like

I'm supposed to go.

Nancy.

Listen. [stammers]

This isn't the easiest thing

to try to explain.

But I've been praying,

asking.

I've just been sensing

certain things about it.

Even that sermon on Sunday.

Were we even listening

to the same message?

I feel like God

wants me to do this,

to inspire people one last time,

teach people

how to really live.

Really, have you ever asked

yourself if you're really

teaching the right things?

Look, all I can tell you

is that

just as I was praying,

asking God

to show me what to do,

one of my former students

came to me,

reminded me

how we can do anything

despite our obstacles.

Is that God speaking,

or are you just hearing

what you want to hear?

Then Becky gave me that card

for graduation with a verse

about how we're supposed to

run with perseverance

the race set before us.

Is that

just a coincidence?

Who am I to argue with God,

if that's the way

you really feel?

[sighs]

Did you have something in mind

for us to do this summer?

No.

Nothing that matters.

You can go off

on your adventure.

I'm sure that

you're not gonna be

missing anything here.

Really?

So I can-- I can go?

Well, so I have

your blessing?

Yeah, if that's

what you call it.

I'm your wife,

not your mother.

[sighs] I'm not gonna

tell you what you can

and cannot do,

or even what you should.

But I just hope you can

live with yourself

when you get back.

What does that mean?

I just-- I wish

I could understand you.

Understand why this is

so important to you.

I just need you to trust me.

And trust him

to take care of me.

What if I asked you

to choose?

It's either this or me?

Please don't ask me that.

[speakers: sound effects,

mid-tempo beat]

You're listening

to 88.3, the Journey,

the best in Christian radio.

I'm your host

Barry Armstrong.

And I'm Linda Armstrong.

And today we have

in the studio with us

a very special guest,

the legendary

Dr. David Horton,

who is getting ready to leave

on his Trans-America Footrace.

Which,

if you can believe it,

begins in Huntington Beach,

California,

and finishes

in Central Park, New York?

Whew! Goodness.

That's right.

-From sea to shining sea.

-[chuckles]

Tell us about the Trans-Am race.

How does it work?

Well, each day is

between 30 and 60 miles long.

Um, all runners have to average

3.5 miles per hour each day

or we're disqualified,

and the runner with the least

amount of accumulated time

at the end wins.

Assuming, of course,

you finish.

I always finish

what I start.

Ooh!

You heard it, folks.

Uh, how many days

does this insanity take?

Sixty-four days.

Sixty-four days!

-From one end of the country

to the other.

-Wow.

Leave it up to Horton

to do the impossible.

[captain on PA] Good evening,

ladies and gentlemen.

Just outside

you'll see the Mojave Desert

on the way to our destination

of Huntington Beach.

For today's flight,

you'll receive 2,906 miles.

Welcome aboard.

What can I expect

when I get back?

I don't know.

[women laughing]

You always win it.

♪ B-I-N-G-O ♪

♪ And Bingo

Was her name-o ♪

Hey!

Thanks, ladies,

for keeping me company tonight,

even if I did lose

Candy Bar Bingo.

Hey-hey,

your loss is my gain.

I mean literally. Look.

I think I've gained

five pounds already.

You could share,

you know, Miss Champ.

Yeah, right.

You know you talkin'

to a food addict, right?

It's not time

to go home just yet.

Uh, it's late.

It hasn't been

the best day.

Come on.

Uh, okay.

Present company excluded, Marcy.

I just wanna go home

and go to bed.

You mean that one

that's cold,

lonely, and dark?

See, that is exactly

why you need therapy.

Of the Art Club style.

Yes!

What is Art Club?

I don't remember

joining a club.

First rule of Art Club?

What happens in Art Club

stays in Art Club.

[laughing]

What are you guys

up to?

Are we gonna

get in trouble?

Second rule of Art Club--

No poopin' on the party.

[laughing]

Okay, okay, okay.

And no peeking!

That's right.

No peeking.

You do, and I'll know.

I got eyes upside-down

and sideways.

[all laughing]

She does!

Nance, how long

did it take your hubby to

run that Pacific Crusty?

Crest. Sixty-six days,

seven hours, 16 minutes.

Averaged 40 miles a day,

Mexico to Canada.

Ugh. I'd rather

average 40 hours of sleep

every half-day.

Girl, if my husband left me

and the kids to do that,

I can tell you it'd be

a whole lot colder at home

than it was up there.

Okay. Open up.

Oh!

Oh, my goodness.

It's just beautiful.

You did this?

I love what you do

with the people

that come here.

Oh.

[exhales]

Hmm.

And what are those for?

[chuckles]

[exhales]

We can't

do that here.

Come on!

You gotta live a little!

Great way to let off

some steam, girl.

Yeah. Come on.

[whispers]

I dare you.

[laughing]

But-- But that's--

That one's so pretty.

But actually,

the pretty broken ones

do make the best art.

Do it now.

[all chanting]

Do it! Do it! Do it!

Do it! Do it! Do it!

Do it! Do it! Do it!

Do it! Do it! Do it!

Do it! Do it! Do it!

[laughing continues]

Yes!

[all laughing]

[phone buzzing]

[line ringing]

Here's for

all those days alone!

Yeah!

Hold up!

♪ Wait a minute

Let me put

Some Marcy in it ♪

[laughs]

It's my turn!

[all cheering]

I gotta work off

some of these candy bars.

-[screams]

-[laughing continues]

-[screams]

-[siren whoops]

[line ringing]

It's just art supplies, sir.

Classes start on Monday,

and we were just

getting everything ready.

You'd be impressed

by our diligence

if you knew us.

Do you have permission

to be here?

I have keys.

Aren't you that lady

whose husband's off doing some

cockamamy run cross-country?

Oh, see!

You had to bring that up!

That's what

this whole night was about--

to help her clean forget.

So sorry. I apologize.

I admire someone

who's that nuts

and doesn't come out

six feet under.

I'm gonna let you gals off

with a verbal warning.

Provided you pick up

everything here.

Coming back to check, now.

-Y'all behave.

-We'll think about it.

[police radio chatter]

Hmm.

Who knew being married to

the extraordinary Dave Horton

would have

such a good payoff?

[all laughing]

[Brandon's voice]

I'm proud of you, Dad.

I know how hard

these times ahead

will be for you.

Well, actually, I don't.

I've never done this.

I wish we could do this

together, and I hope

this isn't your last one.

You've always

been my hero.

Just don't die out there.

[man]

♪ Listen while you still

Can hear ♪

-[panting]

-[squawking]

♪ Listen while you still

Can hear ♪

♪ The master's calling ♪

♪ The master's calling ♪

[speaks Russian]

[Dave]

Sorry I haven't called much.

Reception in the desert

has been terrible.

I'm in Vegas now.

We've covered

340.65 miles so far.

Only 2,565.35 to go.

Tomorrow's big.

We run, uh, 55 miles.

I really miss you guys.

[speaks Russian]

You have allergies?

[chuckles]

Why you crying?

No, I was just, uh-- just trying

to connect with the family.

Looks like you beat me

in mails today.

Just not on running time,

I suppose.

Well, I am only ahead of you

by one hour, 17 minutes.

And 14 seconds.

But who's counting?

It's true.

How about we run together

later this week, yes?

Sure, yeah.

Make you feel better?

Sure would.

I'll wait till mile six

to leave you behind.

[laughs]

All right.

Is good?

Sounds good.

What I love about

seeing each of you work

is you get to take

and give a tangible shape

to these unknown pieces.

So, let's get ready

to begin.

Nancy, the one that

you helped me with

last week?

I sold it for $25

on the corner

down the street.

I haven't seen 25 bucks

in two years.

Oh, my gosh.

That is great, Denise.

When did you start

doing these?

My husband and I,

when we first got married,

we would travel a lot

and we would take

these amazing trips.

I would collect stuff

on them.

And then

when we would come home,

I would make a piece of art

to commemorate the trip.

Oh, this is going to

make a great memento

of that night.

[laughing]

[Allison]

What night?

What'd I miss?

Oh, just the night

that your mama

almost got arrested.

-Nina.

-What?

She caused it.

I just wanted your mama

to have a little fun

for once.

Speaking of,

I think that you and the kids

should go on that little trip.

That's what I've been

tellin' her, Neens.

I planned that trip

with your dad in mind.

There's no reason to go

to all those places he's been

without him.

So what?

He went without us.

Come on.

I have it on good authority that

I am a total blast on vacation.

There's no point

in waiting on him

to live our lives.

She's got you there.

You're right.

There's no reason

why we can't go somewhere fun.

Why didn't you tell Dave

what you had planned,

give him a chance

to choose?

'Cause I didn't want to know

that he wouldn't choose us.

[Barry] He's an educator,

a motivator, a runner,

and a thrill-seeking

wild man.

When he called in this morning,

he talked about the difficulties

of the desert.

His next stop is Utah.

But this morning

we have a guest with us

in the studio-- Becky.

Becky is one

of Dr. Horton's students

who just graduated.

She's here because

she has a story that

she'd like to share with us.

Becky, we're so glad

that you're here.

It's good to be here.

Um, it was my freshman year

of college.

All right, everybody,

what am I holding here?

-Yeah.

-Whatever it is,

it's disgusting.

[students chuckle]

This is five pounds of fat.

Ew!

Yeah. Imagine how many of these

we're carrying around with us.

Each pound represents

3,500 calories.

And how do we

burn those calories?

That's a question.

Anyone?

-Exercise?

-Say it with

some conviction, man!

-Exercise!

-Exercise. Exactly.

In your textbooks

I want you to turn to page six.

I believe

that's near the beginning.

Um, you.

What's your name?

Rebecca-- Uh, Becky.

Becky. I like that.

Can you read that first

paragraph for me, please?

"Running is defined

by the action

or movement of a runner...

to go quickly

by moving the legs."

Okay, okay, that's good.

That is good.

Um, Becky, I want you to

rip that page out of the book

there for me, please.

Yeah, seriously.

Just rip it right out.

Come on, Becky. Rip it!

There! Doesn't that feel good?

Doesn't that sound good?

Everybody, rip that page

out of your book.

Don't make Becky feel like

she's the only one.

You know what? Let's rip

the entire chapter out.

Beautiful.

Rip the whole thing out.

Yeah! There it goes!

Doesn't that feel good?

Rip the whole thing out.

Look at you guys.

You're exercising.

Here's the reason.

You can't

learn about running

out of a book,

and you certainly

can't burn any calories

sitting on your rear ends.

There's only one way

to learn about running--

by exploring

God's glorious creation.

[panting, gasping]

How you feelin'?

You're doing great.

Okay?

Just hang in there,

Becky.

Here.

You ready?

Let's keep going.

I believe in you.

You're doing great.

He has transformed

my attitude, my health.

Dr. Horton

gave me the confidence

to believe in myself.

He helped me appreciate

God's creation.

I'm a new person today

because of that wild man.

[phone buzzing]

Hello?

[sighs]

I've really missed you.

How you feeling?

[sniffles]

Feels like

a pressure cooker

out here, Nancy.

My shin splints

are unbearable at times.

Also, I think

I have tendinitis.

I've had to stop

and stretch often just to

keep it from hurting so much.

My knee is swollen.

My hamstrings are super-tight.

Today is a tough stage.

Over 50 miles.

I don't know

if my body can hold up

for the whole race.

You say that every time,

Dave.

You're out there to finish.

You know what?

I better get going.

I need to grab some breakfast

before we leave.

[sniffles]

Love you.

[sighs]

[whinnying]

[whinnying continues]

[Dave] Sergei.

What drives you

to do this?

In Russia, it's not

like it is for you here.

Yeah. Your family

actually wants you here.

They would not have it

another way.

But you are American.

You already have good life.

Why do you do this?

I do it

'cause I can.

That's it?

That seem kind of...

I don't know.

Excuse me for saying.

Hollow.

I'm a teacher.

Students look up to me

'cause I do what

I set out to do.

Gotta lead

by example.

And 'cause God's given me

this ability to run.

You believe there is a God?

-I do.

-What make you so sure?

I know it every time

I look around at creation.

I know it every time he's

there for me when I'm going

through a tough time.

I know it every time

he speaks to me

through his word.

What do you mean,

his word?

The Bible.

Bible.

I knew it the first time

my wife told me she loved me,

the day our daughter

was born,

first time my son

called me Daddy.

Creations...

don't just happen,

Sergei.

They're designed.

Hmm.

Your family.

They seem like

something to run to.

I'll see you tonight.

Stop weighing yourself down

with all that junk

you keep picking up, man.

Wait,

did you just say "man"?

I think

you just said "man."

I can't begin to know

what I'd feel like

in your shoes.

[chuckling]

I miss Mike when he's just

down the street at work.

Sometimes I think

about sitting in

on some

of his kinesiology classes

just to break up the day.

[chuckling]

Pathetic, huh?

No, now that's love.

When Dave calls,

I barely get to say anything.

[plates clattering]

Careful, now.

You have enough supplies

for your art class.

I don't know

what I'm gonna do, Nina.

Yes, you do.

[sighs]

Maybe Dave

is giving you all that he

can give you right now.

What if

that's not enough?

You took vows, Nance.

So did he. And when

did serving God become

not serving your family?

I know that it feels

like that right now.

But if he senses that--

that you don't respect him,

that you don't sup--

No, Nina, you have a husband

that you can respect

and somebody

that actually wants

to be with you.

But where does

not supporting Dave get you?

I know. You're right.

I knew this about him

when we were young.

But do you have any idea

what's changed for you

since then?

Early in our marriage,

I would go everywhere

with him.

I would meet him

at all the stops.

Then after we had kids,

I had to stay home.

Ever since then,

I've just--

I've felt like I've

been left out of a really

big part of his life.

Have you told Dave this?

You need to tell him

how you really feel, baby.

[pop music playing]

This is 88.3, the Journey.

Life, hope, music.

We've got Dave Horton

on the line.

Tell us about your progress.

[Dave on radio]

I'm doing okay.

Averaging about 45 miles a day.

Some days

are harder than others.

But, uh, I'll be honest,

this is-- this is much harder

than I expected.

[man] ♪ I can hear her say ♪

♪ Lead me with strong hands ♪

♪ Stand up when I can't ♪

♪ Don't leave me

Hungry for love ♪

♪ Chasing dreams ♪

♪ But what about us? ♪

Maybe I am a little

out of my mind

for waiting up for you,

expecting you to come around.

That's what families do.

They don't give up

on each other.

So go ahead,

sign the papers.

Give up everything

you and Lonney

have worked so hard for.

♪ But I still feel alone ♪

♪ I see their faces ♪

♪ Look in their innocent eyes ♪

♪ They're just children

From the outside ♪

♪ I'm working hard ♪

♪ I tell myself

They'll be fine ♪

♪ They're independent ♪

♪ But on the inside ♪

Horton,

how can we pray for you?

[Dave]

Pray that my body holds together

for the rest of the race.

♪ Lead me with strong hands ♪

Pray that God gives me

the strength to finish.

Between the prayers

and the word,

it keeps me going.

♪ Hungry for love

Chasing dreams ♪

♪ But what about us? ♪

[Barry] Any particular verse

that's been inspiring to you?

[Dave] One that's really

stood out to me lately,

"Run with perseverance

the race set before you."

♪ Call this our home ♪

♪ But I still feel alone ♪

♪ So, Father

Give me the strength ♪

♪ To be everything

I'm called to be ♪

♪ Oh, Father, show me the way ♪

♪ To lead them ♪

♪ Won't you lead me? ♪

♪ To lead them

With strong hands ♪

♪ To stand up when they can't ♪

♪ Don't want to leave them

Hungry for love ♪

[Barry] Anything else you

want your listeners and fans

to know, Horton?

[Dave]

Keep those letters coming.

It's always encouraging

to hear from friends.

♪ Show them

I'm willing to fight ♪

♪ And give them

The best of my life ♪

♪ So we can call this our home ♪

♪ Lead me ♪

♪ 'Cause I can't do this alone ♪

♪ Father, lead me ♪

♪ 'Cause I can't do this alone ♪

[alarm beeping]

Too slow, American.

Too slow.

Okay.

Oh, really?

Oh!

Ah! I think I just

beat the Russian.

Is that what

just happened here?

Hey, you know what

this reminds me of?

What?

How we beat you

to the moon.

Oh, the moon.

Well, I've never wanted

to go to the moon, number one,

and you're

the skinniest fat man

I've ever seen in my life.

Guess I gotta stop

beating you through

the food line, hmm?

You're getting fatter

in every state.

You should know this.

The furnace is hot.

I'll burn it off

when I run today.

Well, you and your chubby

little furnace will always

be behind me, so let's go.

[chuckles]

From Dad?

"God reminds me of you kids

daily on the road.

Here are two pieces

I believe God pointed out to me

just when I was missing you.

Early birthday presents."

Hmm.

That's cool.

Ah.

[laughing]

Ooh! Cool!

I can add this

to my charm bracelet.

Did you get

anything, Mom?

No. I guess

it's not my birthday.

I heard you on the radio.

But that verse

you keep bringing up,

"the race set before you."

I want to understand

how it saves people.

I never said it did.

Although I will say,

there's been someone

on the road.

Sergei, from Russia.

I've been able to share

about God with him.

Well, it probably doesn't

sound like enough right now,

but... God gave me

this ability,

and I haven't wanted

to waste it.

When did you decide that

this was your only race?

I mean, what--

what about marriage?

What about fatherhood?

It even seems like teaching is

more important to you than us.

I just-- I just guess

I don't under--

[Allison] Mom! We got a problem!

[sighs] I'm sorry.

I gotta go.

I don't know

what he was thinking.

Trying to follow

in dear ol' Dad's footsteps?

No.

Then what were you doing?

Why were you racing

those boys?

They were making fun of Dad.

Calling him cracked and crazy

to do what he does.

So I told them

I could beat 'em.

Mrs. Horton,

he's going to be fine.

It's just a sprain.

Nothing staying off it

and icing it won't fix.

All right, let's see

how this feels.

Okay. Watch it.

Can you update him?

Thank you

for everything,

Doctor.

Oh, no problem.

I'm sorry I wasn't able

to talk your husband

out of the Trans-Am.

You tried?

[chuckles]

Silly, isn't it?

That he might be swayed

over something that

he never should have done.

Yeah, that's my Dave.

I know it was probably

really difficult for him

to hear

that he'd never run

like that again.

Particularly

after the knee operation.

Can you try to get him to

call in and schedule the surgery

as soon as he gets back?

Yeah.

He's been pretty honest with us

about how hard these races

have been on you.

Well, he's done so much

to help us.

You have too.

I know you sacrificed a lot

because of him.

I appreciate that, Becky.

I know my husband

thinks the world of you.

Did you hear my interview

on the radio?

Yes.

I wasn't comfortable

sharing everything

on there, but...

with you I felt

like I should share this.

It was right

after high school

and the brutality

that usually comes with that

for somebody like me.

Years of being tormented

over my weight.

That first day of college,

I had no intention of staying.

I was just going to go

for that one day

and prove that

it was okay to quit.

And then

it would all be over.

But then your husband,

he took us on one of his runs.

He didn't see me

as anything other

than somebody who was capable.

He saw me

for what I could be.

And that's when

I started to see myself

that way too.

What do you mean?

I was going to end my life.

[sighs]

But even though he doesn't

always know what drives him...

he drives us.

[Nancy's voice]

I am so sorry I told you

I didn't see you as a hero.

You are my hero.

Always have been.

I had no idea your doctor

had given you that news.

I wish

you would have told me.

But I get it.

It would have made me

try to stop you even more.

But I do love you, David Horton.

Always will.

I will celebrate your return.

Oh, Son. All right.

You got one, man.

How 'bout that?

[horn honking]

[heart beating]

[beating faster]

What, something wrong

with the chicken

or something?

I think

we're supposed to stop

and pray for Dave.

Okay, let's pray.

Hey, everybody!

We have a prayer need

right here and right now

in the name of Jesus.

We have to pray for

this beloved woman's husband.

[heart beating]

If two or more

are in agreement,

yes, yes, Lord, yes.

Lord...

maybe I heard

what I wanted to,

coming here.

Maybe I made a mistake.

Did I put your name on something

you never wanted me to do?

Have I been

neglecting the treasures

that you've given to me?

Please don't let my family

pay the price.

If you make this pain

go away...

for one more hour...

I promise you

I'll make things right.

I don't understand

these Americans.

Hey!

Hey, you!

Rock collector.

What do you think this is,

vacation in Cabo?

Aren't you lucky.

This is one

of only three days

I was behind you.

Four.

Wait a minute.

Today's deadline--

did we miss it?

You think I would

just be getting here

if we were behind?

[speaking Russian]

We can still make

day's average.

Unless you plan

on just sunning yourself

for the rest of the day.

You all right, man?

I guess we'll see.

Give it to me.

Oh, you don't have to.

It's fine.

Come on.

Please.

I don't know why you

don't lighten this load.

I think

someone just did.

Why are you helping me,

anyway?

Oh, I'll still beat you.

Let's go.

Let's go, American.

What did

the doctor say?

Bruised my sternum.

Thankfully,

it didn't re-break, so...

[chuckles]

I see what you did there.

You have four days left.

You can't let it

beat you, David.

I won't.

God's helping me.

Got a guardian angel

on my side here.

God has got me

helping you?

I think so.

I guess we will see.

God's using you,

my friend.

Thanks for your help, huh?

[speaks Russian]

[Dave's voice] Dear Nancy,

I've been thinking

about you and the kids a lot.

Remember

Mountain Masochist?

It was pouring rain, freezing.

Mud in my eyes, ears, mouth.

Everywhere.

I had strained hamstrings,

shin splints,

and blisters the size

of half dollars on my heels.

Fifty miles

in that miserable weather.

I thought

I was suffering badly.

Then I saw you.

You were soaking wet,

shivering, near hypothermia.

[thunderclaps]

You looked like a wet rat.

And yet you were there

with a smile on your face.

It dawned on me

that you had been out there

for eight hours,

braving the weather

in freezing temperatures,

handing me food

and water bottles.

I felt terrible for you.

You've always had

a front-row seat to my misery,

and I'm sorry

I put you through that.

I know you've recognized

a lot of what I do

seems self-inflicted.

The truth is

that everyone thinks I'm

this extraordinary person

for all these crazy things

I've done--

[sniffles]

but the only person that I find

to be truly extraordinary--

[sighs]

is you, Nancy Horton.

You've always been

my extraordinary woman.

[crowd cheering]

Come on, Dave!

Thank you.

[chuckles]

[woman laughing]

[people laughing]

Stop it.

Stop it, stop it.

[Nancy]

I have another one.

Oh!

You'd think we all were

moving to New York City.

[phone chiming]

Oh, it's him.

Hey, sweetie.

Hi, Nancy.

I wasn't expecting you

to answer this early.

Aren't you supposed

to be running?

Everybody's about to leave,

but, uh...

I'm coming home.

Why? Are you hurt?

[mouthing words]

Nah, it's time.

I've been away from you

long enough.

Dave, listen to me.

You only have today

and tomorrow.

You can finish.

You and the kids--

you're way more

important to me.

My real treasures.

I've repeatedly

put everything else

ahead of you

and them.

Dave, I didn't give you up

for the past 62 days

for you not to finish.

Nancy.

Don't turn back.

I want you to finish.

Finish what you started.

[horn honking]

Hey.

You have our blessing.

Do you mean it?

We'll be here

when you get back.

[chattering]

Is that him?

-[cheering]

-That's him!

Come on, Dave!

Go, Dr. Horton!

Whoo! Come on, Dave!

[cheering continues]

[grunting]

Come on, come on.

Come on, Dave.

-Come on, Dad.

-[Brandon] Come on, Dad.

Let's go.

Come on.

[Nancy's voice]

When we started

this life together,

I promised

for better or worse,

sickness and in health.

The thing about love,

it makes you push through

even when there's pain,

it makes you keep going

even when you want to quit.

It hopes all things

and it believes all things,

and I believe in you.

You persevere

and you fight for what you love.

I love you, David Horton.

I will always be

at our finish line.

Dad!

Wait here.

Dave!

Dave!

Come on, Dave.

Come on, Dave!

Come on, Dave.

Get up.

Come on, Dave.

You can do it, Dave.

[no audible dialogue]

Come on, come on, come on!

[announcer]

After 2,906 miles

from Huntington Beach,

California,

to Central Park, New York,

David Horton!

What take you so long?

I've been waiting and waiting.

First place?

Of course.

But I know

you would finish

because...

your God is good.

Hey!

[laughing]

I promise,

this is my last

extreme race.

I know.

I talked to the doctor,

and I know everything

that's happened.

It's not

just because of that,

but for you.

I realized on the road

I don't need racing anymore

to truly live.

I don't want to

just start well with you

like I did 30 years ago.

I want to finish well.

That sounds extraordinary.

I'm so sorry

for hurting you.

I love you, Nancy.

I love you too, Dave.

[crowd cheering]

[man]

♪ Welcome to the planet ♪

♪ Welcome to existence ♪

♪ Everyone's here ♪

♪ Everyone's here ♪

♪ Everybody's watching you now ♪

♪ Everybody waits for you now ♪

♪ What happens next? ♪

♪ What happens next? ♪

♪ I dare you to move ♪

♪ I dare you to move ♪

♪ I dare you to lift yourself

Up off the floor ♪

♪ I dare you to move ♪

♪ I dare you to move ♪

♪ Like today never happened ♪

♪ Today never happened before ♪

♪ Welcome to the fallout ♪

♪ Welcome to resistance ♪

♪ The tension is here ♪

♪ The tension is here ♪

♪ Between who you are

And who you could be ♪

♪ Between how it is

And how it should be ♪

♪ Yeah ♪

♪ I dare you to move ♪

♪ I dare you to move ♪

♪ I dare you to lift yourself

Up off the floor ♪

♪ I dare you to move ♪

♪ I dare you to move ♪

♪ Like today never happened ♪

♪ Today never happened ♪

♪ Maybe redemption

Has stories to tell ♪

♪ Maybe forgiveness

Is right where you fell ♪

♪ Where can you run

To escape from yourself? ♪

♪ Where you gonna go? ♪

♪ Where you gonna go? ♪

♪ Salvation is here ♪

♪ I dare you to move ♪

♪ I dare you to move ♪

♪ I dare you to lift yourself ♪

♪ To lift yourself

Up off the floor ♪

♪ I dare you to move ♪

♪ I dare you to move ♪

♪ Like today never happened ♪

♪ Today never happened ♪

♪ Today never happened ♪

♪ Today never happened before ♪

[song ends]

[man] ♪ A joyful sound

Of praise to you ♪

♪ You're every promise

Proven true ♪

♪ For all my days

I'll dwell in your house ♪

♪ Oh, Lord, I know ♪

♪ I am safe here with you ♪

♪ I run, I run ♪

♪ I run to your goodness ♪

♪ I dance, I dance ♪

♪ I dance in your presence ♪

♪ I lift my hands ♪

♪ For all that you are to me ♪

♪ Fear may come, but I am sure ♪

♪ In the father's arms

I am secure ♪

♪ The battles raging

Inside my heart are won ♪

♪ I know ♪

♪ I am safe here with you ♪

♪ I run, I run ♪

♪ I run to your goodness ♪

♪ I dance, I dance ♪

♪ I dance in your presence ♪

♪ I lift my hands ♪

♪ For all that you are to me ♪

♪ And in the valley all alone ♪

[woman]

♪ Lord, you are with me ♪

♪ And when I'm weary

And I'm broken ♪

♪ Lord, you're beside me ♪

♪ My God won't look away ♪

♪ "Father," my heart will say ♪

♪ "I am safe here with you" ♪

♪ I run, I run ♪

♪ I run to your goodness ♪

♪ I dance, I dance ♪

♪ I dance in your presence ♪

♪ I lift my hands ♪

♪ For all that you are to me ♪

♪ Oh-oh, I run ♪

♪ I run, I run ♪

♪ I run to your goodness ♪

♪ I dance, I dance ♪

♪ I dance in your presence ♪

♪ I lift my hands ♪

♪ For all that you are to me ♪

♪ Oh-oh ♪

♪ For all that you are to me ♪

[song ends]