So much has come and gone since my last entry...a lot I wanted to take the time to put down, but just didn't have a chance. Maybe I will be able to back track soon. Today, though, my mind is filled with thoughts of my first 5k tomorrow. If anyone had told me back before this all started in January that I would not only consider running, but running/walking in a 5k I would not only have laughed, I would have called you a liar and given all kinds of excuses. Yet here we are....I can't honestly say I can run all 3.1 miles, but I can run WAY more than I could in January. Training has been hard, but was going smoothly until April when foot issues set me back and I lost some training days. Then a pretty bad allergy/sinus infection had me running inside on the treadmill which is WAY different from running outside. Especially when this week we started hitting record breaking heat temps and I realized it is gonna be way hotter than I had originally thought on race day. This week I knew I had to get some running in outside. Tuesday night our Run for God group had agreed to meet at the Hixson High track to run our 3 miles. The hope was that by run time at 7:30p.m. it would have cooled off some. NOPE. It was probably around 98 degrees on a blacktop asphalt track....uuggghh. I hadn't eaten anything, I had never had issues with that on evening runs before, but I had been running inside. It was SO hot and I was so focused on not getting dehydrated I missed all the warning signs I know so well that my blood sugar was dropping. I was pretty determined that even if I had to walk since I was so hot I was gonna finish that 3 miles, but lap 8.5 (.5 lap from 2 miles) I realized I was in trouble. I was shaking and feeling like I was gonna faint and/or throw up. I made it to the bleachers where Rick was and let him know my sugar was bottoming out. My friend Carrie walked me to the car to get my glucose tablets and after a while all was well.
Needless to say if you know anything about me and my anxiety, that sent me for a tailspin. I fought my thoughts that whole night. I was suddenly VERY afraid of the heat and running in it....3 miles no less. Rick sent me a great story with a verse in it yesterday and it helped me get back on track with my thoughts. Last night we knew we had to do our last training run in the heat, but we waited until about 8:30 pm and hit the track. Our schedule was 2 miles and while I ran very little I finished my 2 miles and did a lot of praying. It was just what my anxious mind needed. To realize that I can be outside in the heat and exercise and be ok!!
So my thoughts as I head out in a bit to get my race pack and get a peek at the route are...1. You guys who run a lot amaze me!! Sometimes I feel silly being proud of my 2 or 3 miles when I know people running13-26 miles. Ya'll had to start at the bottom too though right?? 2. I really can't believe this is here and that I am gonna do this. 3. I am still nervous, but I'm kinda excited too.
Some things you could pray for me, Rick and the other Run for God friends.....obviously safety in the heat, and physical safety(no injuries),endurance, and that we will have fun! :)
I am praying that I would stay out of my head and lean into my Heavenly Father and stay focused on my music and the message. I am praying that God will Run along side me, be my biggest cheerleader, that He will give me each breath and I will know His presence. Maybe that sounds silly to you, but I say, all along this has truly been a journey for Rick and I WITH our Savior we want HIM to receive the glory for the finish.
