This was my first race back since my hip surgery, and really the first time in a long time that I went out thinking of it as actually a race. This was no "fun run" to me! I have found some new crazy determination to get back out there and reach some new goals, and today was the first step in that plan.
But...it ended up being a little different than I planned.
When I was running cross country in college, it was very common for my races to end with me collapsed just across the finish line, unable to breath. I pushed my limits and refused to let anything hold me back, even asthma. I gave everything I had in each race. You never know how much to can do until you try! Really! ;)
Today, I went out with the same mentality. Holding nothing back! I think that when you've raced in collegiate races, you probably never race like the average person again. People in front of you aren't pacers or friends, they are people to pass! And if you decide you're actually racing, then you push the edge... and sometimes you go straight over it.
Today, I think I waved to the edge at mile 2.. But there was a big difference between the many tough races in college and today's race. After every race in college, there was someone I knew waiting at the finish line to catch me!
Not today! I crossed the finish line, on the verge of passing out, and nobody was there!
I stumbled a few steps...
And then, a guardian angel stepped in and caught me. I don't know her name. I'm not even sure if I could pick her out of a group. I think I only looked at her face once or twice. But she saved the day.
Sure, I guess it was her job. A medic or police officer or something... <Wow, that's kind of embarrassing that I don't even know!!> Those details are all a little fuzzy... But she was sweet and strong and took care of me. She found my inhaler, and I ended up in the medical tent and then in the ambulance to get checked out and to warm up until I could breathe better.
Having experienced similar endings to races many times, I knew I would be fine. It was nothing new to me. I knew what to do, but I also knew I needed help. And there she was, my angel, ready to catch me.
The whole ordeal has made me think about how much God really cares. He didn't leave me hanging. Right when I was about to fall, he sent me help.
The next time life has me thinking that I'm going down and it seems like God must be sleeping, I hope I remember today. I hope I remember the feeling of being caught by a stranger sent from above.
And I hope that I rest in knowing that God is always there, holding me up, and ready to send in help at just the right moment.
But...it ended up being a little different than I planned.
When I was running cross country in college, it was very common for my races to end with me collapsed just across the finish line, unable to breath. I pushed my limits and refused to let anything hold me back, even asthma. I gave everything I had in each race. You never know how much to can do until you try! Really! ;)
Today, I went out with the same mentality. Holding nothing back! I think that when you've raced in collegiate races, you probably never race like the average person again. People in front of you aren't pacers or friends, they are people to pass! And if you decide you're actually racing, then you push the edge... and sometimes you go straight over it.
Today, I think I waved to the edge at mile 2.. But there was a big difference between the many tough races in college and today's race. After every race in college, there was someone I knew waiting at the finish line to catch me!
Not today! I crossed the finish line, on the verge of passing out, and nobody was there!
I stumbled a few steps...
And then, a guardian angel stepped in and caught me. I don't know her name. I'm not even sure if I could pick her out of a group. I think I only looked at her face once or twice. But she saved the day.
Sure, I guess it was her job. A medic or police officer or something... <Wow, that's kind of embarrassing that I don't even know!!> Those details are all a little fuzzy... But she was sweet and strong and took care of me. She found my inhaler, and I ended up in the medical tent and then in the ambulance to get checked out and to warm up until I could breathe better.
Having experienced similar endings to races many times, I knew I would be fine. It was nothing new to me. I knew what to do, but I also knew I needed help. And there she was, my angel, ready to catch me.
The whole ordeal has made me think about how much God really cares. He didn't leave me hanging. Right when I was about to fall, he sent me help.
The next time life has me thinking that I'm going down and it seems like God must be sleeping, I hope I remember today. I hope I remember the feeling of being caught by a stranger sent from above.
And I hope that I rest in knowing that God is always there, holding me up, and ready to send in help at just the right moment.