Six months ago my dear friend Kristine called and encouraged me to sign up for the Seaside Half Marathon. I looked down at my body that was just about as out of shape as I have ever been. I had not participated in any consistent exercise since prior to Colin's pregnancy. I had also spent 5 months in California eating my feelings.
This seemed like just about the craziest thing I could agree to do, but then the encouragement from other lovely ladies came in and I signed up. I know it was not by my wise judgement, but by the Lord's leading that I agreed.
A neighbor and a mostly online friend, Hannah, tweeted not too long later about recommendations for a spring half marathon for herself. I immediately suggested she join us on this adventure. She agreed and so began a three days a week running regimen. Doing this with a partner was irreplaceable and also a rather intense way to foster a friendship. If nothing else would have been gained, this friendship was worth it.
There were frequent group emails, music sharing and run meetups planned. It is amazing what community can do. Being a part of this took me from an inactive eater to a runner with confidence. I'm a runner.
The night before the race in my {extensive-I-can't-sleep} prayer time. I really felt the Lord speaking to my heart, "If this race is for your glory, don't do it. Give it up. If this race is for Me and my Glory, I will give you everything you need to complete it."
The morning of the race arrived early. We had plenty of time to park, eat and and overreact about how cold it was in the pre-dawn moments.
Kristine prayed over us. The perfect scripture intended for us all, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty!" (Zechariah 4:6)
And off we went in confidence into the crowd waiting for the start. I never heard the gun. I felt the crowd tighten and suddenly we were off.
Off into the beautiful, clear Florida sunshine.
Normally I hate the first 2 miles of any run, no matter the distance. But, with the excitement of race day morning that feeling never showed up.
However, somewhere in mile 2, Hannah's foot started really hurting. She had a previous problem that had barely bothered her in all our training, but here on race day she had to fight through the pain for 11 miles. I'm so proud of her determination. We stayed together. This whole thing was a team effort and race day was going to be no different.
The course was an out and back course. That turned out to be really fun. There were so many of us in our group that there was always someone to be looking for on the other side.
The entire thing felt like a celebration. Now, I'm not saying that about mile 9 my legs weren't screaming at me to stop. But, the feeling passed suprisingly quickly. The extent to which is enjoyed it is that as we sailed into the 12th mile I almost wanted the race to be another mile longer so all of this wouldn't be over.
Finish Line Elation
It was so wonderful to do this, but only more wonderful to accomplish it with this group of women.
Also, if you are a runner of races, put this one on your list! A beach vacation, great community support, a fast flat course and Vera Bradley sponsors the race so the swag is unbeatable.
**More stories to come on the amazingness of the whole weekend away.**
4 comments:
Honestly crying here in my office. So well said, my dear. I hadn't been able to clearly communicate how this was about so much more than the race and the bag, but you captured it perfectly. Humbled and thankful and overwhelmed at how God made it all possible!
oh, wow, katy! that's amazing. back before either of the boys were born, we were working out way through couch to 5k... but nothing much came from that. i ::think:: i'd like to run a half at some point in my life... but i'm not entirely sure about committing to it! congrats!
"If nothing else would have been gained, this friendship was worth it"...oh, Katy...I completely agree! Love you.
That's so fabulous!! Congratulations! That does sound like a great place for a marathon. And how awesome to have a whole group of people to run it with!
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