Some amazing things have happened in my life over the past 12 weeks. I have been co-leading a Run For God group which has helped me immensely with recovery from herniated disk surgery. It forced me to return slowly to running instead of jumping back in full throttle as would be my nature. I have used the RFG training plan along with some long runs on the weekend to train for a half marathon....my 4th. The night before the race I was doubting my training. I had missed my last long run because sometimes life and weather get in the way of training. I was lying in bed praying and worrying about what I could have/should have done differently and for my race the next morning. Suddenly I said, "You know what Lord; whether I come in first or last tomorrow, let something I say or do bring glory to You. Because it's not about me." and I fell asleep.
We all know God has a sense of humor and He made me laugh/cry on race day. The half marathon was a local race. The first in a series of 5 marathons/half marathons in 5 states in 5 days. I ran well, felt good, and kept a steady pace throughout the race. I finished strong, walked to my car to cool down, retrieved my water bottle, and returned to the finish line to visit with spectators and friends. I asked a friend if I was the first local to cross the finish line. She informed me that I was first overall! Woohoo....that was my first overall win ever. It was a small field of participants, but God allowed me to have the victory.
So, here's where His sense of humor comes in. There was no ribbon, no special medal, no announcing of the names of winners. This was a hash mark race. Simply chalking up marathons and halves. So, no hoopla....I got in my car and as I was driving home, I began to thank God for the victory....it was also a PR by the way of over 3 minutes. This was a victory of healing from my back surgery as well as the win of the race, which hopefully inspires someone in my RFG group. As I thanked Him for the victory I began to cry asking how I was supposed to use this....then I began to laugh....remember, I said, "it's not about me". Maybe my sense of humor is warped, but I found it funny that He solidified that statement. I find it awesome that my Savior can give me a victory, teach me a lesson, make me laugh, make me cry, and make me want to do it all over again in one simple experience.I hope that God continues to use me to help people understand the parallel between their spiritual and physical well being. One last funny note, when the race results were posted, they were posted by bib # order, not time. Remember, It's not about me!
