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| 45 year young Latisha |
my birthday sentiments.
Dearest loved ones,
Today I woke up and got ready to run my "No Medal Half Marathon." Yes, 13.1* miles without the crowds, fanfare and a medal at the end. The fanfare (if any) was left to my 3 who rode the trail on their bikes. This "race" was my ode to Him; thanking Him for every step He allowed me take and an unspoken reminder to myself of who, why and what I am. I had one goal in mind - finish.
It was still dark outside when I loaded their bikes onto the truck. I wanted to start early while it was still cool. I loaded the electric air pump and decided against bringing the manual pump. It was overkill. We'd be fine.
When we arrived at Silver Comet Trail the boys started to pump air in their tires and learned quickly that it wasn't working. It actually deflated the tires! This is a very popular trail that's used by thousands and not one of the 10 bikers that I asked had an extra pump. The last rider suggested we try another trailhead 4 miles away.
After reloading our bikes and traveling to the other trailhead, getting their tires pumped at the trail's bike shop, I started my race.
Jalyn decided to ride alongside of me while the boys went ahead. Not too far, but far enough that we could see them at a great distance. Miles 1 to 6 were easygoing. I ran them at an impressive pace. Jalyn and I talked about any and everything. Even breaking up the monotony with songs. The turnaround came quick and soon I was headed back to where I started.
Miles 7 and 8 weren't so easy. My pace slowed and I got bored. Jalyn's company wasn't helping the miles pass by. I needed something.
Mile 9 came and I could feel the change in temperature. My cool start was a distant memory to the heat that I was feeling. It must have been too hot for the wildlife too, because we ran up on a snake that was slithering on the trail. I was glad for the distraction, but I knew I had 4 more miles to complete. I couldn't stay and watch the snake.
I was well into mile 10 when I noticed my toes were hurting. Then my feet felt like they were on fire. Darryle was still riding ahead, Jacob and Jalyn swapped places a few times to encourage me and ride ahead to look for hills (there were no hills) or anything that I may need to be aware of. It took everything in me to place my feet on the pavement.
[exhale]
Darryle slowed down enough for me to get his attention. I told him I think I'll be fine if I could just give my feet a rest off of the pavement. He suggested that we switch shoes. He would run and I would ride his bike.
"Your feet will be swimming in my shoes, but you should put them on and I'll wear yours."
It was the relief I needed.
I rode his bike for about .5 mile before I started to feel bad about him squeezing in my shoes. The break did me a lot of good, but as soon as I was pounding the pavement again, the fire was there to meet me. I didn't stop. I needed to finish now. They were counting me. I was counting on me! I don't remember praying, but I felt like I was relying solely on my faith to get me through.
By the time I got toward the end of mile 12, I told them to just go ahead and I'd see them at the end. The boys went. Jalyn strayed before she too rode to meet me at the end.
I don't know how much time passed before I began to see the end at that point. I don't know if it felt like a long time or if the time flew by. I do know that they had to be two football fields away from me when I spotted them. They looked like ants. As I got closer, I started to think about the race - my life. Every mile I ran was my life. Easygoing, carefree, fast, tried, tested...
A flood of emotions landed on me. Jacob was walking toward me clapping, but all I could hear and feel was exhilaration, tears, joy and strength. My chest was heaving from crying, my face was distorted with smiles and confusion. I didn't know what I was feeling. My emotions were all over the place. Then came Jalyn. I could clearly see the finish and my pace picked up a little. They were smiling and cheering. Then there was Darryle, my cool, not very affectionate teenager who was waiting with open arms, cheering for me. I finished. I finished. I finished!
My birthday wish to you is to finish. Finish strong. Finish well. Finish by faith. Don't get distracted or discouraged. Lean on others when you need to, rely on Him and know that the end is sweet!
Thank you so much for making my story worth living and finishing. I love and appreciate you all.
~ Latisha, Tish, Mom, Sister Cousin, Aunt Tish
*it was actually 13.43 miles
Today I woke up and got ready to run my "No Medal Half Marathon." Yes, 13.1* miles without the crowds, fanfare and a medal at the end. The fanfare (if any) was left to my 3 who rode the trail on their bikes. This "race" was my ode to Him; thanking Him for every step He allowed me take and an unspoken reminder to myself of who, why and what I am. I had one goal in mind - finish.
It was still dark outside when I loaded their bikes onto the truck. I wanted to start early while it was still cool. I loaded the electric air pump and decided against bringing the manual pump. It was overkill. We'd be fine.
When we arrived at Silver Comet Trail the boys started to pump air in their tires and learned quickly that it wasn't working. It actually deflated the tires! This is a very popular trail that's used by thousands and not one of the 10 bikers that I asked had an extra pump. The last rider suggested we try another trailhead 4 miles away.
After reloading our bikes and traveling to the other trailhead, getting their tires pumped at the trail's bike shop, I started my race.
Jalyn decided to ride alongside of me while the boys went ahead. Not too far, but far enough that we could see them at a great distance. Miles 1 to 6 were easygoing. I ran them at an impressive pace. Jalyn and I talked about any and everything. Even breaking up the monotony with songs. The turnaround came quick and soon I was headed back to where I started.
Miles 7 and 8 weren't so easy. My pace slowed and I got bored. Jalyn's company wasn't helping the miles pass by. I needed something.
Mile 9 came and I could feel the change in temperature. My cool start was a distant memory to the heat that I was feeling. It must have been too hot for the wildlife too, because we ran up on a snake that was slithering on the trail. I was glad for the distraction, but I knew I had 4 more miles to complete. I couldn't stay and watch the snake.
I was well into mile 10 when I noticed my toes were hurting. Then my feet felt like they were on fire. Darryle was still riding ahead, Jacob and Jalyn swapped places a few times to encourage me and ride ahead to look for hills (there were no hills) or anything that I may need to be aware of. It took everything in me to place my feet on the pavement.
[exhale]
Darryle slowed down enough for me to get his attention. I told him I think I'll be fine if I could just give my feet a rest off of the pavement. He suggested that we switch shoes. He would run and I would ride his bike.
"Your feet will be swimming in my shoes, but you should put them on and I'll wear yours."
It was the relief I needed.
I rode his bike for about .5 mile before I started to feel bad about him squeezing in my shoes. The break did me a lot of good, but as soon as I was pounding the pavement again, the fire was there to meet me. I didn't stop. I needed to finish now. They were counting me. I was counting on me! I don't remember praying, but I felt like I was relying solely on my faith to get me through.
By the time I got toward the end of mile 12, I told them to just go ahead and I'd see them at the end. The boys went. Jalyn strayed before she too rode to meet me at the end.
I don't know how much time passed before I began to see the end at that point. I don't know if it felt like a long time or if the time flew by. I do know that they had to be two football fields away from me when I spotted them. They looked like ants. As I got closer, I started to think about the race - my life. Every mile I ran was my life. Easygoing, carefree, fast, tried, tested...
A flood of emotions landed on me. Jacob was walking toward me clapping, but all I could hear and feel was exhilaration, tears, joy and strength. My chest was heaving from crying, my face was distorted with smiles and confusion. I didn't know what I was feeling. My emotions were all over the place. Then came Jalyn. I could clearly see the finish and my pace picked up a little. They were smiling and cheering. Then there was Darryle, my cool, not very affectionate teenager who was waiting with open arms, cheering for me. I finished. I finished. I finished!
My birthday wish to you is to finish. Finish strong. Finish well. Finish by faith. Don't get distracted or discouraged. Lean on others when you need to, rely on Him and know that the end is sweet!
Thank you so much for making my story worth living and finishing. I love and appreciate you all.
~ Latisha, Tish, Mom, Sister Cousin, Aunt Tish
*it was actually 13.43 miles
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| The snake on the trail |
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| Sweet ending |
Ahhhh! That was so beautiful. I'm sitting in my office - eyes filled with tears. Although you shared the story with me in person, it was much different reading it. And thank you for encouraging us to FINISH. Knowing the crazy year you've had - this was a powerful message. Love you!
ReplyDeleteLeeeee! I just read both of your replies. :-) :-) Love you to life.
DeleteWhat a great accomplishment to look back on! Sometimes we need reminders and this is evidence of God’s ability to help us endure and finish well!! So thankful for your witness, your friendship, and your willingness to share how God brings you through. You are so loved my friend, and I and many others are cheering you on as you run each trail and as you journey through life.😊💜
ReplyDeleteThank you. <3
Delete