Being able to run has been a huge blessing because in 6th grade, I was asked by one of the high school coaches to run cross country after he saw me running at school, taking it seriously, but having fun. I decided to wait (due to being very shy and quiet then) until I reached high school to pursue running as an athletic extra curricular. I participated with the track team at the start of the season in the cold weather for the first 2 weeks of training. We were asked to turn in physicals and medical clearances to be permitted to run that season. So off I went healthy as a horse to my Dr. to get a routine physical and letter of clearance. But he did not clear me. Essentially, with my heart, he feared that the extra exhilaration and adrenaline from the desire to win my race would over drive my heart and he could be held liable. So I was not medically permitted to run track. I cried and cried and at 16 years old, snuggled up in my daddy's lap and let him console me with the word of truth and listened to him explain God's plans are sometimes difficult to endure but they always have a perfect purpose. It seemed so unfair. It was a time that I did not value my heart problems and felt different and restricted. It even made me angry because I ran for miles and miles with no shortness of breath all of the time, but yet one Dr. shut down all that joy and natural talent.
I got to college and was running more than ever and stronger than ever, every single day. There was one day I decided to just park my car and run from Seneca to Central and back to Seneca. and I did it. Just because I wanted to. No training necessary. How could God give me a natural gift and not let me use it to earn scholarships or compete? I still do not know that answer. God does not always reveal His reasons, but we have to continually trust Him. I had a best friend at the time who I got into running and she began running every day with me. We then ran our very first 5k together. And from then on we ran countless races together, bought our first pro running shoes, gear, and other cool running items as it became a passion. We traveled and ran and increased our mileage. We even ran our first marathon together--one of the hardest things I have ever done....but I did it! I ran a marathon! No Dr. note needed. I constantly say I am the Nike girl -"Just Do It." And so I do.
All this to say - My best average time running has always been 28 mins for a 5k. I once did 27 but it was mostly downhill so I don't count that, haha! Not very fast but I always placed in every race I ran. I cannot run faster. It is the fastest I can possibly go with my pulmonary valve being non existent and having quite a large leak and enlarged heart. I can't get enough oxygen to breathe better, I go dizzy if I try to go any harder. I literally just can't. My pending surgery will fix this.
When I say Ellie made me stronger- I mean- before I had her, I was still running and doing the same average speed. I would run in my neighborhood which is packed with large challenging hills and could not run the entire thing without pausing for what I call 3 "legs " of the route. 3 days ago, my 5k time was 31 mins and it was basically the best I could do. I would get finished and be covered in sweat and just DONE. But I felt sonething in me surface. A desire to get back to my 28 min 5k. So I told Eric, by the end of September I will be back at 28 mins. It will take me at least that long. The next day, I ran my neighborhood. With Ellie. Who has gotten fat and heavy praise the Lord. Haha! And her stroller. And for the first time ever- with added weight and strain- I ran the entire hood, hills and all without stopping. May seem minor, but I never have had the breathing capacity to do this. I was amazed. I could tell then I was stronger. So today, I decided--why not try? Why not go for it? I ran my 5k in 28 mins. I did it! I looked like I went for a dip in the pool...but I did it! In 3 days I achieved my goal I would have been lucky to accomplish in 2 weeks. Ellie instilled in me some new strength. I mean literally yes...I carried an extra 50 lbs on these legs when she was in my tummy...but I believe figuratively she also has put in me some desire to be stronger for her and for my family and for myself. To fight for life. To fight for my heart. To honor this body God gave me. God made me stronger by saving me and by giving me Ellie to open up a whole new world of strength in my life. I truly believe that.
I have many goals especially after having just had a baby 6.5 weeks ago. I am determined to beat the odds, the Drs. , and show this world how limitless God is. I am gonna let God use this body for His glory by striving to keep healthy, strong, and devoted to seeking Him in all aspects. Next 2 goals- Make 28 mins feel stronger, then move on to a 27 min 5k. No time limit on this goal accomplishment other than ASAP. Then I will break back into 10k running. I am very thankful God has allowed me to live so unlimited. He has made me stronger by giving me a baby--not weaker as Drs would tell you should have happened. And I may talk about that a lot but that is my story and my life and I am honored to possess it. Praises to the only one true King.
No comments:
Post a Comment