03 September 2012

When Life Doesn't Go As Planned...

Yesterday was race day.  I didn't race.  I didn't even attempt it.  After my trip home to SD my training plummeted.  I still got about 10 miles in a week, but that wasn't enough to get ready for the race.

Then two weeks ago my hip started hurting to the point that it was painful to walk on it for about a week.  I guess I knew at that point that I wouldn't be meeting my goal this summer of running a half-marathon.

But, I'm okay with it.  Really I am.  I'm disappointed that I didn't accomplish my goal because for 5 weeks I worked really hard.  I got up at 6am and ran when I didn't feel like it.  I even ran 9 miles one night. 

Mostly, I can look back on this summer and know that I set a goal that was pretty lofty in all reality.  I know there are always unexpected hiccups in life, and especially with small children: illnesses, teething, waking in the night etc.  Right now in this season of life, being mom trumps all else.

I'm proud that I reached for a goal.  If we never reach for anything new or out of sight we'll never grow.

I learned that a lot of what we think we can't do is mental not physical.  The body has amazing abilities to keep going long after the mind has given up.

I learned that I'm more capable and stronger than I ever knew.

I learned that I need to do more to take care of myself in the midst of taking care of others.  I'm a better wife, mother, person when I do.

I learned that even when I make plans life can come along and change them. 

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

You may not have won the race, but you're a winner in our eyes!! We think you're the best! Like Paul in 2 Timothy 4:6-8 your eye is on the big prize..the only one that matters in life.