I spent this past weekend in San Francsico celebrating LOVE with Alex and friendship with my Sole Sistas. We attended the expo (slightly disappointed - will share later), went shopping at the Nike store, lunch in Union Square, manicures, rode in a limo to The Cliff House for a romantic dinner and RELAXED! It was a weekend I'll forever cherish.
As race day approached I woke up with a sound mind even at 4:00am (race started at 6:30am). I got in my normal routine: coffee, worship music, bible study and prayer. I waited for The Lord to guide me and I fully trusted Him in this process. I got dressed, taped up and we were headed to the race. Slowly my nerves started to kick in and once we arrived at the corral I lost it. As I said my goodbyes to Alex I stated to cry. I don't normally cry before a race but this time it was different. Especially since I'm 6 months pregnant! My fear was quitting, stress on my baby and being the last person to finish. But Alex gathered us in prayer. Prayed for our health and to enjoy each mile in Gods ways! He knew I needed to hear that. I said my goodbyes and off I went! We waited 45 minutes for our corral to take off. I was getting antsy but once we ran off I was good. The first mile was a hill! But since I trained for them I figured why not - GO FOR IT!
My plan was to run the first half of the race music free. I wanted to soak up the scenery, hear the people cheering and just focus on each mile. By time I reached the 5k mark I was feeling good. Running a good pace and Baby Noah was good. I had to stop at every bathroom station but it was a good break for me. Each station was 2 miles apart - there was no way I could hold my bladder HA! As I reached the 10k mark things started to change. I got a major cramp in my belly. Nothing I have experienced. All I could think of it was contractions. Stress on the baby! I didn't freak out. I just started to walk, pray and told myself that if it occurred by the next aid station I was going to stop. Had a mile to go. But once I reached the station the pain was gone. Praise God! I looked up in the sky, mist falling on my face and said out loud THANK YOU JESUS! I started to jog, walk, jog, walk and I found my pace again. Then mile 10 approached with another pain. This time in my right leg. Come to find out it was my sacitica acting up. Mind you mile 10 was 1,000 yards and UPHILL! This was not your average hill. I felt like is was David VS Goliath. The hill was Goliath! I had received a text from Alex and he gave me words of encouragement. One of my favorite worship songs was playing and I told myself SLOW & STEADY! I embraced every step, every incline and again I was in a place where God was pushing me through. He even sent an Angel my way. A labor and delivery nurse. She asked how far I was and told me to be careful and keep up the good work. You see God aligned everything for this hill. Why should I worry or be in fear? Yes it was hard but just like life you keep going! By the time I reached the bottom I still had the leg cramp. I was in pain and wanted to hurry up. I jogged what felt more like walking. Let me just say this was all a humbling experience. Before Baby Noah I was running at a 9:30 pace and now it was 12:45 pace. If you're a runner you know what I'm saying! So as I waddled along my mind was going in a different direction. I wanted to quit! My body was tired, I was in pain and I was DONE! But once again God came through. I got a text from Max saying GO MOMMY GO! I literally starting crying. I'm sure the runner next to me thought I was weird but I didn't care. This was not just a race. I didn't just show up and run. It meant a lot to me to finish and in hopes one day my children will know the adversity I faced. So, I got my game face on and RAN! Whatever I had left I ran my heart out! I visioned Alex, Max and Noah at the finish line. I visioned crossing the finish line and giving praise to God. I just visioned my life and all that I have faced.
I approached mile 13 and HALLEJUAH! I was almost done!!! I noticed the crowds were small so I started to look for Alex and I spotted him from afar. I made my way through and literally ran into his arms. My body was shaking, I could barely breathing and I was crying so hard I couldn't let him go. His hug was what I needed to finish. I'm not sure what I would have done if I didn't see him.
Watch Clip: http://youtu.be/q6a2vQfMgDw
At this point I had one more challenge to face and that was CROSS THE FINISH LINE!!!! And I DID! THANK YOU JESUS!!!!!
Aside from the marathon being in San Francisco with hills and running pregnant it was truly one of the most physical challenges I've faced. The weird things is I LOVED every moment!!! I've learned in this past year that I should and will honor God with my body. For it is Him that gets me through. I've always had a meaning for running but after this race I believe my new meaning has changed. I'm a RUNNER who loves Jesus! I'm not the type to just show up to a race. I believe each medal is earned. Race day to me is the celebration. Even if I have to face Goliath. I'll still OVERCOME!!! Jesus is the King of my Heart!
http://youtu.be/G3OTNMoe26g. This song got me through the past few miles. Listen to the lyrics.
Would I do this race again? YES!!! What I didn't like about the race was the expo. It was small, hot and overrated. The swag is super cute! The Tiffany's necklace is pretty. The memories will last a lifetime.
Life is a marathon and I am literally running it everyday. I'm not the same person I was on race day. My vision has changed. I now have a new meaning of running. My friendships are stronger. My marriage is a testimony. My sons give me new meaning of motherhood. My love for Jesus is stronger.
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