Life Marathons

The big question: How was it?!

To be honest, the weather sucked! Haha!  At 4am, when I woke up to get ready for my race, the temperature was 58 degrees- the high for the day.  There was a slight breeze and a 30% chance of rain.  If only I were a meteorologist and could get paid for being wrong! J  The temperature continued to drop after we left the hotel and the lightning put on quite a show.  Then, drop by drop, the rain began to fall.  The race: delayed.

At 7am the gun went off and I started shedding and tossing my layers to my mom who had waited in the rain with me the whole time.  I jumped in and started my race.

The rain poured and the temp continued to drop.  My adrenaline was pumping through my veins with each puddle I trampled through.  I kept on pushing and came to my first hill.  As others were slowing down, I put my TRX training to use and powered up the hill.  I had my trainer’s words echoing through my mind.  “This is it Alison!  Push through it!”  I continued onward and the time flew.  By mile 6, my Ipod stopped working from the rain and I was getting frustrated as my hands went numb from the cold.  I looked to my right and then to my left, as I went to make a full turn to see who was all behind me, I remember the devotion my mother shared with me.  I feel like it applies not just to running, but to each and every one of our lives.

Runners train themselves to be focused on one thing- the finish line.  They have one desire and they are not going to let what is going on in the stands or who is lagging behind to distract them.
Paul had the same sense.  He, too, believed that you couldn’t win a race by looking over your shoulder or glancing to the right or the left.  You can’t see what is ahead when you’ve got your headlight on the rear bumper.
Paul forgot his past, past mistakes, past grief, past everything.  Paul refused to let his past keep him from reaching his goal.  QUESTION: What are you doing in your race to claim the prize of a closer walk with God?

I had this devo running through my mind the whole time.  The run was a ‘Remembrance’ run.  To remember and honor those whole lost their lives.  But for me, this race was so much more.  This race was a reflection on my past four years of college, this last year of substitute teaching, my cousin that I lost 2 ½ years ago, the 90 lbs I’ve lost, and the many many more lessons learned.  So many people have shaped who I am.  I’m continuing to move forward.  I can’t finish this race when I keep looking at the past.  The past has shaped me, but it doesn’t define me.  I kept my eyes on the finish line, even though the storm was raging before me.  I label this as another #success for various reasons.

My question for you: why are you looking back?  What are you letting define you?  My advice, set your eyes on the finish line and go hard and go strong. 

#BeBlessed

-A

Finishing Time 2:04

In the storm~

Pushing forward

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