I finished my first triathlon!! Pretty stoked about this.... I decided back in April that I would do it. I used to be a swimmer so I training for that didn't frighten me, I was running regularly so the run seemed like it would be fine, but the bike was what I feared the most and did up until I got on the road race day. It was just a sprint tri: half mile swim, 15.3 mile ride, and 3.1 mile run. The hardest part was without a doubt the run. When I started running I was pretty sure my legs were still back at my bike. I rode my mt. bike with road slicks which proved itself to be a lot harder than a road bike, but it was still pretty awesome. This race was one of the most encouraging places I have ever been. It opened my eyes to what I believe the Lord wants from us as Christians. I had people at practically every step of the race cheering me on, "Go #276! You can do it! Keep going!" Times when I wanted to give up I didn't because people kept telling me to keep going. Do I cheer my brothers and sisters on when the going gets tough? Do I urge them to keep their eyes on goal? I was opened up to what we probably ought to be doing. I pray you consider if you are commiserating, encouraging, or avoiding it altogether. God is amazing. Training for races is an incredible thing... I'm starting again for a half marathon. Oh it's sweet. Praise Jesus.
1 comment:
I didn't know you had a blog! Very cool. Im thinking of starting one myself.
Im glad I got to read more of your thoughts on the Triathlon, as I totally look up to the commitment and teeth gritting those races must demand. I like how you applied the experience to "running the race" as Christians and the encouragement we receive and need to give. There are so many applications between the race and "the race," even in the patience and diligence it takes to train for a Tri. Your faithfulness to your training, even over surfing, made an impression on me. I always want to sprint in 10 different directions and get impatient when success doesn't follow instantly. Working at Starbucks (a while ago) initially cultivated this by fully unlocking the power of multitasking. Working there is like human Tetris on the 10th level and keeping the rhythm gets addicting - like a big video game. Throw bottomless coffee on that, and you can see why they offer mental health services at 20hrs a week.
In life, I am learning, having too many things on the burner can be synonymous with having a lack of patience and faithfulness with the cumulative steps. Ultimately, this affects any real running of the race - spiritually speaking.
I admire your faithfulness with the steps, both in training and in your walk with Christ, and have seen the fruit of that abiding first hand. :)
-Richy ;)
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