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]