Written Oct 22nd
This morning the children and I got up early and headed to vail so I could run the pink ribbon 7k (4.3 miles). This was my first event since the triathlon I completed in April and the first running event over 3 miles since the 8 mile race I completed last December!
Some of you may run just to run, some may be like me and enjoy the community and helping charities involved with race events.
This race was important to me and I want to share why I do these things. I woke up this morning very discouraged, because last night was a rough night. My youngest daughter woke me up 3 times last night (11pm, 12am and 2 am). After she finally settled in, I started feeling sick (yucky intestinal issues, no need to say more). When I woke up at 6 am, I didn’t want to run. I was tired and hungry, yet I didn’t eat. I figured it wouldn’t agree with my body.
I’d been reading a book by an editor from Runner’s World Magazine about reasons to run, mile markers along the way, because like life, running is a journey. I decided to adopt her idea of running for particular things for each mile. It was easy for me to decide on the 4 things for this race.
Mile 1 - Friends - Being thankful for the friends God has given me who have helped me in many difficult times in my life, and especially the last year. Also, running for the ones I’ve been honored to help when they’ve needed me. And definitely thinking of Susie and what a special friend she was to me.
Mile 2 - Mercy - We are called to reflect Gods character though not everyone recognizes this. One of those aspects is mercy. For approximately 5 years I ran the mercy committee at my church, taking care of physical, emotional and spiritual needs I saw in hurting / ill people. The last 2 years Susie came on to this committee to help me. There were many times we talked over issues, prayed for each other, prayed for others and brainstormed how to make the mercy committee better. We became very close during this time, so much so within the first few seconds on the phone we could sense the others mood. Communities are important: not being alone and learning to not be selfish is one purpose of relationships. Being merciful towards others creates strong bonds.
Mile 3 - Courage - everyone has battles they have to fight that make life challenging and discouraging. Many days have been a battle for me with health issues, relationship struggles and a general feeling that my life has fallen apart and will never be back together again. But so many people have been there in their life and still been able to get up every day and keep fighting. We learn from others. Susie’s fight was battling breast cancer, which she beat the first time around, but over time it returned. To the end, she demonstrated strength and courage that deeply touched and inspired me. I miss her every day. I still find myself wanting to call her!
Mile 4 - Susie - the last 1.3 miles was all for Susie and by this time I was hurting so bad I wanted to walk, but I wouldn’t do it. In fact about every 20 steps until I saw the mile 4 sign the only thing that kept me from stopping was repeating “for Susie”… It took me some time to realize that I was saying this out loud (I was listening to music and assumed my chant was in my head). I was getting some strange looks from people that I was passing (I usually only get passed by people on races, so me passing people was a new thing for me!). Apparently there were times when I was passing someone when I said, “for Susie” out loud and that’s why they were looking at me that way (lol).
I was discouraged when we got to the track and I found out I had to run a lap around it to get to the finish line, but my kids had spotted me and were jumping up and down and shouting and so I waved to them and it gave me energy to go on. (I’m reminded of Hebrews 12: 1 - since we’ve been surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses let us throw off everything that hinders and the sins that so easily entangle us and let us run with perseverance The rqce marked out for us.) I forgot I was hurting, And in customary fashion that somehow always happens at the end of every race I’ve run (even my half marathon), my body takes over and speeds up. I finish in a sprint, sometimes at top speed, sometimes a bit slower but always really fast.
One day we’ll all come to the end of our fight. The race will be over. There will be rewards for our work. In the meantime, we fight the rough stuff, we run or walk, or crawl if we have to…and in love we help each other along for as long as we are together.
I almost gave up this morning before I even began. My time was slower then I wanted it to be (I wanted to tear up the road for Susie and perform my best ever), but I am pleased. Despite not being well rested and feeling in less then optimal health I ran and I finished, still within my maximum time goal. I know that finishing the race, no matter my official standing, is winning. A battle within myself was conquered while I was honoring those important to me…and I feel stronger.
I think Susie would be proud.
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