One of my closest friends, Carol, asked me to run the Peachtree 10K Roadrace with her this year. It is something that I have wanted to do as well, so I agreed (with all my good intentions) way back in the early Spring. We ran the Memorial Day 5K together and planned to kick up the training from that point on. However, we left for vacation the week after and then I returned to a week of sickness and so on. . . unfortunately, I made lots of excuses not to run.
Me with Carol & Mary Ann--Finishers!
Needless to say, there wasn't much training and I was very discouraged. In fact, I was so discouraged that I contemplated just not running this year; I would wait until next year when I was better trained and prepared and could do 'my best'. Those who know me, know that I hate to do things unprepared . . . and yet I also don't like to quit something I've committed to do. I am so thankful for the encouragement of several faithful friends at that point. My good friends (and neighbors!) Stacy and Andrea reminded me that simply running the race, regardless of my time, would be such an accomplishment . . . as well as an amazing experience. My always encouraging friend Carol reminded me that we were in this together and that none of us were very prepared but we would persevere together. So, I finally made the decision not to quit--I would run.
I headed down to the race early Friday morning with Carol and her friend Mary Ann. On the way, Carol shared this verse with us in anticipation of the event ahead:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,
let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles,
and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Hebrews 12:1
I knew this verse well, and yet it took on such a new meaning that morning. As the race began, I was reminded of the verse two more times as I saw it posted on random signs along the route. That verse was for me and what an awesome encouragement it was! I pushed through the first three miles, only to find the last three to be a little easier. I think I gained a certain amount of confidence after that third mile and the knowledge that I WOULD persevere and finish was certain. What an AMAZING feeling to finally cross the finish line and know that I had accomplished what seemed impossible just a few days before.
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Thank you, God, for giving me the strength and courage to persevere, and for surrounding me with such incredible friends who lift me up daily!
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4 comments:
I'm so proud of you and Carol for continuing the race even though you were not as prepared as you wanted to be. What a great life lesson. Even when we don't think that we can finish the task that God has set before us, He is at the finish line cheering us on and encouraging us to "run the race".
I'm so proud of you! What an accomplishment. :) I'm breaking a sweat just thinking about putting on my tennis shoes. :)
Seriously, you all are inspiring me to at least start my morning walk again. :)
steph.
i knew you could do it and that you would be so glad that you did . . . what a great testimony not only to us but to your children as well!!!
are you in it for next year??!!!!
An for the Team :)
How did I miss this post!!???? I loved it! I'm so glad we ran it together. My favorite line? "One of my closest friends, Carol..." Ah, to be considered one of your closest friends is such an honor. I love you!!
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