My last post ended with me crying to my husband and ready to drive home. There was no way I could run this race. My husband told me I could come home and we could spend some time together, or I could get out of the car and prove to myself that I could run! (Gotta love that guy!) I hung up the phone, got out of the car, and was on my way to wait for 2 hours.
Soon I found myself ready to start the race. The horn sounded and off I went. Alot of people had their families with them or on the side of the road cheering them on to the end. Along the way, there were volunteers on the side of the road cheering us on, reminding us that we could do this. There were families sitting in their lawn chairs watching us run and clapping for us as we passed. At one turn, there was a dad and his kids with their hands out for high 5's. Those little hands gave me such a big boost!
These people, whose names I'll never know, encouraged me to continue my race. My finish line was in sight, my legs were hurting, I was out of breath, and someone ran by me and said, "Finish strong." That's exactly what I needed. I crossed that line and realized I had run the whole way! Seriously? I didn't even come in last! I went right to my car and texted my husband, "Done!"
As I was driving home I thanked God for helping me finish the race. I realized that He used those people all along the way to encourage me, to give me that boost I needed. They will never know how much they helped me!
I am challenged, yes, to run more, but also to be that encouraging person for someone else. Our race of life is filled with people that feel defeated like I did, people that feel like giving up because of a difficulty they're facing. There are people running by me every day that need that, "You can do it!" or "You're almost there!" or "Finish Strong!"
So, if you're one that is feeling defeated, I'll tell you what my husband told me. You can get out and prove to yourself that you can do this! There is an amazing God that gives strength and goes with us through everything we face. If you are strong in this race of life, I challenge you to be the encourager to those around you! God can use you to help someone in ways you would never imagine!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
My 5K Part -1
A 5K was never anything I had ever dreamed of doing, until this year. I convinced myself that it was something I could do, but only if I had people doing this with me.
The date was set, September 17, 2011. I quickly posted on facebook that I needed people to do this with me. In the back of my mind I knew that a little running and alot of walking was what I faced, but that was ok with me. The day was approaching, but my life was busy. I took on some extra responsibilities and failed to get much running practice. The thought came to mind that maybe I shouldn't do this.
I started 2 new workout classes the week before the race. The second class really worked my calf muscles, and the day before the race I found my legs sore and not ready to run.
Today! Race Day! Today is also my sons 12th birthday! Last night I baked an amazing cake for him and tasted a little too much of the frosting. I found myself very tired today. I really didn't want to go. No one was going with me. I was going to be alone (with 2,000 other runners). Can you see the excuses that I was making in my brain? I left early today, not really knowing what to do. So I got there over 2 hours early! I went to the registration table where they asked if I was doing the 1 mile fun run. Here goes my mind again! "Do they think I can't run a 5K?" "I know I don't resemble the normal 5K runner!" I quickly found myself back in my car on the phone with my husband. I started crying telling him I felt defeated. I was defeated in my quest for better health, defeated in keeping up with my duties for my family, defeated in...you name it!
Have you ever felt defeated? Maybe you have felt set up for failure? My feelings exactly this week and even today. I'll finish my story tomorrow. Just know that your struggle, these feelings can be overcome.
The date was set, September 17, 2011. I quickly posted on facebook that I needed people to do this with me. In the back of my mind I knew that a little running and alot of walking was what I faced, but that was ok with me. The day was approaching, but my life was busy. I took on some extra responsibilities and failed to get much running practice. The thought came to mind that maybe I shouldn't do this.
I started 2 new workout classes the week before the race. The second class really worked my calf muscles, and the day before the race I found my legs sore and not ready to run.
Today! Race Day! Today is also my sons 12th birthday! Last night I baked an amazing cake for him and tasted a little too much of the frosting. I found myself very tired today. I really didn't want to go. No one was going with me. I was going to be alone (with 2,000 other runners). Can you see the excuses that I was making in my brain? I left early today, not really knowing what to do. So I got there over 2 hours early! I went to the registration table where they asked if I was doing the 1 mile fun run. Here goes my mind again! "Do they think I can't run a 5K?" "I know I don't resemble the normal 5K runner!" I quickly found myself back in my car on the phone with my husband. I started crying telling him I felt defeated. I was defeated in my quest for better health, defeated in keeping up with my duties for my family, defeated in...you name it!
Have you ever felt defeated? Maybe you have felt set up for failure? My feelings exactly this week and even today. I'll finish my story tomorrow. Just know that your struggle, these feelings can be overcome.
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