1 Corinthians 9.24 – Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
Isaiah 60.19 – The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.
Psalm 116.1 – I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.
God showed up in many ways on race day. I am going to do my best to recap it all…it was quite a day!!!
Butterflies were in my stomach at the start. Sweat covered every inch of my body at the start! The sun was baking each of us at the start. People were excited and ready to go at the start. Then right on time – 10:40 the gun went off. It took me about 8 minutes to get to the start line…not too bad. 🙂 My time was officially being clocked from this point on. No turning back for me!
As I started, I knew today was a day to run and not race. I knew today was a day to truly experience the RACE. I knew today was a story in the making. I knew today was the completion of a journey…a God-given journey. I knew today was going to be special! I really had no idea how special…He had a prepared a way!
Exodus 23.20 – “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you
along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.
The way He prepared was lined with spectators EVERY step of the way. Every inch of the 26.2 miles had someone on it yelling and cheering us on. Due to the heat, the cheering alone helped all of us put one foot in front of the other. We moved slowly but steadily toward Boston. Hopkinton is where it started and Boston was our goal.
Hydration! Cool focus! Yes, You CAN! Make it to the next mailbox! All of these things were going through my head as I started my journey. I had to remember if Dick can push Rick in this heat…I can push myself!!! Rethink the plan…Plan A was to PR and Plan B(in 90 degree heat) – Survive!
Plan B was to start slow and try to survive all the way to the finish line. It worked. How? My mailboxes became water stations. I had to stay cool. I had to stay hydrated. My new plan…run 2 miles…make it to the next water station. At the water station…drink Gatorade, drink water, dump water on my head and go again. Run 2 miles…arrive at water station…drink Gatorade, drink water, dump water on my head. Repeat until I reach the finish line.
The heat was God’s way of slowing me down. It was the blessing I needed to give myself permission to enjoy the run…to experience the run…to soak it all in(even the sun). Here is how it played out once Plan B kicked into place…
To be continued…
thenextmailboxboston 