|
|
| |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
| Aargh! I Walked! |
|
| |
This morning I ran my ninth 5K race, an affinity I discovered about a year ago. For all you non-runners, 5K is 3.1 miles. For all you runners, I'm still a "beginner"! I have definitely not mastered the 5K yet. I am borderline as to whether I can run the distance or not. I run almost daily, but normally only 2 or 2.5 miles. When I entered today's race, my record showed I had a 50-50 chance of running the distance. I had run 4 previous 5K races without any walking, and walked about a quarter mile of the other 4. Today would break the tie, and I was mentally ready. I knew I could count on the race itself to give me a little extra adrenalin and momentum, I knew the course well, and I was prepared to run through my "wall" no matter what.
I had only one goal for today's race. Although I had previously placed second in my age bracket in three smaller races (smaller meaning less participants), this was such a large race they actually give trophies to all age bracket winners, instead of the usual around-the-neck medals, so placing was definitely not in my thoughts. Nor was I hoping to beat my best personal time (29:36), because I hit it in December and haven't done that well again even in practice. All I wanted to do in today's race was to run the entire distance, no walking. I didn't care about my time. Just no walking!
I ran a great adrenalin-motivated first two miles, faster than I've ever run 2 miles. Then I hit the wall. And I walked! Can you believe it? I was so prepared. I knew the wall would come. I knew if I stopped to walk even a short distance I would lose my momentum. I knew if I kept running through it, I could make it. I knew how exhilarated I would feel if I met my one and only goal! But I walked. Only for a short distance, and I had a strong enough finish-line sprint, but I missed the mark I had set for myself.
So I should have been disappointed, but my disappointment evaporated before it ever took hold. I had such a great time at the race, and as always, I felt so physically invigorated afterwards. I had some wonderful conversations with some of my running friends: especially a work colleague, a former student, and a prospective member of Enon. And somehow, with my 31:45 finish, I placed third in my age bracket, winning my first real running trophy! 
Since I started running I have grown to love the running metaphors of the Bible. Every race bombards me with life lessons. Today's lesson: Running a successful race demands right direction, but not human perfection. I didn't accomplish what I set out to do today, but I am confident that whatever God's goals were for today's race (health?, relationships? sowing seeds? . . ., and I did sense His presence), He accomplished them, despite my personal "failures."
12:9 but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Tomorrow will bring new races and new life challenges. Thank you, God, for not being disappointed with our human imperfections, and for making something good of even our "failed" attempts in this race we call life! Guard and guide our direction, that we may ever be moving toward the goal You have set before us.
3:12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 3:13 Brethren, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 3:14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
|
|
| To leave a comment or start your own blog: |
 |
or |
 |
Already a member? Login |
|
|
|
|
| Kathy, great story and a great lesson here. Thanks for sharing it. Just remember, even though Peter got all the grief, he was the only one to step out of the boat. Keeping his eyes focused on the prize. So did you. |
|
|
| Great job Kathy, I'm not up to that much of a run , in fact last weekend I broke down at the 2.5 mile mark, on a bicycle! First bike ride in several years, a lady friend talked me into it, even my pride couldn't keep me up with her! |
|
|
Cathy |
 |
July 28, 2007 at 7:41pm |
|
| I could never do what you did. There's no place for my coffee and cigerette !!!! |
|
|
| Congratulations Kathy!!! That is so awesome! And what a beautiful trophy, you must be proud! I am really happy for you, and I knew as soon as I read that you walked that there was a great metaphor coming. And you didn't disappoint. Right now I am so thankful that God smiles on my efforts to please him despite my occasional incompetence. Trusting that as long as I keep myself pointed in the right direction and moving forward (another metaphor you could have used!), God will develop me as he sees fit and use me where he needs me. Thanks for another awesome contribution! ~mike |
|
|
Kathy |
|
July 28, 2007 at 9:02pm |
|
Mike, thank you for adding more strength here! I added your thought to my final prayer!
Cathy, lol! I can see a McDonald's lawsuit about to happen!
Dennis, thanks for the laugh! You were a good sport for trying! Maybe just a nice dinner for the next time! :)
Thank you, Encourager in DC! :) |
|
|
| I am inspired! Way to go, Kathy! |
|
|
| Awesome accomplishment, Kathy! You run girl! Dave |
|
|
Kathy |
|
July 29, 2007 at 12:14pm |
|
Dennis, my laughter was not at your bicycling skill. 2 1/2 miles can be a tough ride, especially if there are any hills! I commend you for riding, and I need to dust the spider webs off my own!
Soozanne, Dave, and Patrick, thank you for being so kind! :) |
|
|
Kathy;
Proud of you sister. If we required strength and courage to walk (or run) with christ, well I'd have been disqualified a long time ago.
Once again I'm proud of you.
Love,
Dave |
|
|
| Kathy, during the sermon this morning, I thought about you and what you wrote here. Pasor preached on, among other things, Joshua moving into the promised land. He was one of few that kept his eye on the prize regardless of what happened along the way...same is true for you here, lady. There were changes (disappointments, perhaps) along the way, but you didn't let it stop you from completing what you had set out to do. I like that. |
|
|
Bunny |
|
July 29, 2007 at 1:49pm |
|
| Hi Kathy - David & I started walking 2 weeks ago and I thought we were doing great until we found out a guy in our church logged 1000 miles of walking yesterday after one years time. We have a long way to go! :o) |
|
|
kathy,
I was laughing at myself! In my job I do a lot of walking and sitting. I may walk several miles around a building troubleshooting a problem in a companies fire alarm system, and then drive for an hour or so. It isn't the most aerobic type of exercise. My comendation to you isn't even reagrding the race, but rather for your motivation to keep working everyday on the range of things you have on your plate. As a 50's single, I find internal motivation to be the hardest part of life in general. As I talk to variuos singles it's that constant aloneness that so easily leads to way too much introspection and often to depression or even general malaise. Keep at it, keep on encouraging also , you have wonderful words of care and concern ! |
|
|
Kathy |
|
July 29, 2007 at 7:01pm |
|
Thanks, Dave! The life changes you have been making surely take strength and courage, as I know your "race" can be very challenging, and impossible without keeping your eyes on the prize before you! God bless you!
Keep it up, Bunny! After yesterday's race, one of my race friends was laughing and commending me for the way I came from behind another runner and "took" him by a half a step at the finish line. I was totally unaware that that even happened or that there was another racer near me. When I run, it is a very personal effort, not to compete against other runners, but to give my personal best effort. There will always be someone who can log 1000 miles, and we can be happy for them, but we all have different goals. Or, hey, you and David could start a walking log blog here and see how long it takes you to reach 500 or 1000 miles!
Dennis, we should write some blogs about living single. (Or have you done that already?) It does bring a set of unique challenges, just as being married does! We were all designed to live in intimate relationship with each other, caring about each other, and being cared about! A special prayer for you tonight!
Voice, thank you for sharing that! |
|
|
| Felicitaciones por tu logro ;-) |
|
|
Kathy |
|
July 31, 2007 at 7:00am |
|
| Gracias, Lourdes! |
|
|
Sue |
|
August 02, 2007 at 11:32pm |
|
| Congrats on the trophy! And thanks for sharing. |
|
|
| Way to go, Kathy. I love your blogs. You are such an inspiration to everyone! Thanks! |
|
|
Kathy |
|
August 05, 2007 at 5:37pm |
|
Thanks, Sue! Thanks, Hazel! And so are you! :) |
|
|
JayKTX |
|
August 08, 2007 at 9:00am |
|
| Beautiful trophy and blog. Congratulations to a worthy overcomer! |
|
|
Keith |
|
August 08, 2007 at 9:13am |
|
Hi - running is the best sport I have performed in my life. What is your training regiment look like?
I know for me that I can't get pulled to run too fast in the beginning. Otherwise, I get slower. Training with other runners helps to get past the walls we runners have. Running various paces helps - fartleks are something I recommend. We all hit walls - don't let up and you will overcome.
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
It is also in song by Paul Baloche. Very catchy upbeat song.
Keith |
|
|
Kathy |
|
August 08, 2007 at 7:25pm |
|
Thanks, Jay!!
Keith, so nice to meet you! It sounds like you could teach me a lot! I think I need to find a training partner for accountability. I know you are so right about the fartleks / various paces, and I have been telling myself the same thing the past couple of weeks especially. I run sprints once a week, and hills once a week, but not within a 5K run. (I run almost daily, but usually only 'til I hit my same wall!) Reading Runners' World is a great motivator, and I'm sure any advice you have for me would be helpful! Maybe you'll write a "how to train" blog sometime! Do you run 5K? 10K? marathons? I'd love to hear about your running! |
|
|
Norm |
|
August 09, 2007 at 7:58pm |
|
I didn't walk. I didn't even crawl. Although that's the memory of a race (not mine) that I think will forever remain etched in my brain. I don't remember the race, I don't remember the year and I don't remember all of the details. What I seem to remember is the guy who was about to win the marathon. And you see his body completely shut down. He couldn't even walk across the finish line. He had to crawl. |
|
|
Kathy |
|
August 09, 2007 at 9:57pm |
|
| Wow, Norm! What a painful story! Now I don't know if I'll ever run again! :) Did he win? |
|
|
Norm |
|
August 10, 2007 at 3:29am |
|
I really want to say it was the Boston Marathon, but it's been too many years. And no he didn't win even though he had a fairly large lead. This happened on the home stretch at a point where he could see the finish line. Truthfully it was sad and amazing at the same time. |
|
|
I love it, that is a serman for sure! Congratulations, just for staying in.. When I started doing Pilates I thought I was going to die and found every excuse to not do it but realised if I can't find 30 mins to exercise, than I better re-organize. Thank you for sharig that with us. :) - Susan
|
|
|
Kathy |
|
August 17, 2007 at 2:33pm |
|
| Thanks, Susan, and welcome to MyChurch! |
|
|
Becky |
|
November 30, 2007 at 6:16pm |
|
You know Kathy I have wanted to read and comment on this blog for a while....
When I lived in KC I participated in both the MS 50 mile fund raising walk and the MS 150 mile bike ride. With the help of many donations I was blessed enough to raise almost $3,000 for the MS Society. My three best friends the "blister sisters" bonded over four months of training which totaled 450 miles before the walk in JUNE no less, and I was about 165 lbs and my one girlfriend was about 320 lbs.
The biggest blessing I ever received occured in the training with my girlfriends... we trained in the morning and the evening and on the weekend. I also took my beagle Snoopy (I know original name) along. The first time we did a 20 mile walk he had lips that were bleeding from sniffing the trails and he passed out in a convertible, also he slept for 2 days... HA. Wore his tail so tired he didn't even want to hunt for the rabbits in the neighborhood and sneak out of the house.
Anyway getting back to the blessings my three bffs and I talked about spirtuality, life, the bible and bonded beyond knowing everything about each other that sometimes we really didn't care to know...therefore we chose to walk with new strangers.
Another blessing was that during the walk I got to walk with an 84 year old man who when his daughter asked him to walk he is hard of hearing and he thought she said 15 mile walk not 50... he was so cool He was Pentacost and he taught me so much. I loved my walk with him and kept up with him for a long time.
on the second day I hear God say go back and check on Mere bear... so I did and I walked another 2 miles after walking 40 miles in two days. She was dying and almost ready to give up so I encouraged her to finish the days walk... the third day I chose to walk with her alone. IT WAS SO HARD... she was crabby and I was a light of Jesus... Look at those flowers. God is such and artist... she would get angry and say I DON"T CARE my FEET HURT.. she was carrying a few pounds you know so we continued... then it was really sad when we were the last out of over a hundred to cross the finish line to walk the final mile downtown... What was really sad about it was that women who had MS in scooters passed us... argh. my state winning trackster wanted to sprint an 400 meter just to have some pride.
But we finished and we met some great people for a great cause... HOPEFULLY I will be blessed enough this year to do the same thing but in Raliegh NC, not KC MO...
LOVE YOUR BLOGS AND YOU SISTA
|
|
|
Kathy |
|
December 01, 2007 at 11:35am |
|
| Becky, what a great way to spend quality time with friends and also help a great cause! I have participated in the MS Walk the past 3 years, but I do the 3 mile walk, not the 50! My hat's off to you for both the 50 mile walk and the 150 mile bike ride! I took up biking briefly prior to getting into running, and I seriously considered that ride one year, but decided two days (plus who knows how long for recovery) might not be enjoyable without friends along. The farthest I rode was a 50K (31 miles). I'm a little biased toward the MS cause (see my blog #1), and I personally thank you for such a sacrifice of yourself! |
|
|
| Keep on running/joggin/walking for Jesus, Kathy! I commend your efforts! |
|
|
Congrats on your trophy! That says a lot that you take the time to run the race. Exercise comes few & far between for me. I need more activity. Your blog has good analogies & hidden treasures. Thanks for sharing.
Shannon |
|
|
Kathy |
|
December 04, 2007 at 9:12pm |
|
Wyatt and Shannon, thanks for your uplifting words! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subscribe to this blog
back to top
