YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION
April 27, 2009
Reflections on the Kentucky Derby Marathon
Yeah, Brendon and I finished together the Kentucky Derby ½ Marathon on April 25, 2009. Just he and I together and the faith in God with the encouragement of my fellow runners. It was an amazing celebration of months of training, hours of praying and courage to share my son with others. At first I was afraid, the race was crowded: “Would I clip the heals of my fellow runners?” “Would we be pulled off the course even though we had permission to run.” Would I make it on my own pushing Brendon 13.1 miles up hills, in the heat and through the pain?” Despite my fears, I had the courage to act. This is what courage is, the ability to act despite fear, to have faith, to trust that “all is well.” Courage is not an emotion but an action!
The experience was awesome. God gave me the ability to move forward despite the pain. The first 4 miles were hilly, and I mean really hilly. I felt like some cartoon character pushing a boulder up a steep hill with my nose. But despite the difficulty, I took time to take in the scenery. To enjoy the shade of the trees going through Iroquois Park, running through Steeplechase (being spurred on my the commentary of sports broadcasters calling the race), past the beautiful homes and even the recovery houses, the poorer sections of town. The crowds as well as the runners were diverse and I loved that. I enjoyed To appreciate the encouraging words of my fellow runners. They spurred Brendon and I on with words, I believe, were sent by God to help alleviate my fear of not being accepted on the course. Words such as, “What an amazing job you are doing.” “I can barely run this marathon myself, much less pushing a stroller.” “Keep going.” And from the crowd, looks of surprise from the children, smiles from the adults, and high fives whenever we could reach out. We heard things such as, “Look at that.” “Wow.” And “Keep it up, you’re doing a great job.”
Even more than the words of my fellow runners, I enjoyed Brendon. I engaged in conversation with him, listened to his humming and cheerleading, and calling out, “Passing on the right.” I appreciated his enjoyment of the experience: waving at the crowds, splashing water on him to cool him off (did I mention it was really hot), and we even got to run through a fire hydrant. When the last three miles threatened to do me in, I told myself the goal was to enjoy the experience and just to finish. I conserved energy for the big sprint at the end, always Brendon and my favorite part. At one point I had a certainty that I would finish but I wasn’t sure I would have enough to sprint strongly at the end. It was Brendon’s unselfish concern, “Mommy are you ok?” and “It’s ok if we don’t go fast at the end,” that moved me forward. And we end strong and fast, really fast. It was amazing! Thank you God again for the burst of energy , for the courage and for the gift of my strong legs.
Often having a child with a disability can be difficult but it is hours like this (we finished in 2:52:38, under 3 hours my goal.) that spur us on to the finish line, keep us moving forward, allow us to keep working to allow others to be inspired. It is my prayer that I can remember that God sends me inspiration and encouragement when I need it. He has allowed others to share their gifts with me and he has allowed me to share my gifts with others. I was gifted with the physical strength to run. Brendon was gifted with the spiritual gift to offer encouragement and compassion. And the runners shared their inspiration.
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Monday, April 27, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Perseverance
Today in my meditation I was reading about perseverance in the book Running Within by Jerry Lynch and Warren Scott Interestingly I was reading a section on Perseverance This is one of my sections in my book about my journey toward acceptance of my son's disability and the lessons I have learned.
As a mother of a child with a disability and a marathon runner it is necessary toward acceptance and fulfillment that I learn the lessons of persistence. As quoted in the book Talent accounts for 5 percent of most achievements. It usually takes 5 years of consistent training before you come to your own as a runner. I had never heard this but I agree fully! When I took up running, I learned that it took commitment and perseverance to continue. I have found that setting a goal toward a marathon or even toward physical health requires me to run no matter what. Often I find myself not wanting to run! To skip the training because I don't feel like it, the weather, lack of time, other more important things to do, etc. the excuses are limited. Running often doesn't make me feel great when in the middle of it. In fact more often than not this is the case. When I committed this year to run as a spiritual medium, I learned that I can run as a prayer and the dedication to this activity often is something I don't want to do because it is often uncomfortable, painful, and creates a lot of fear. But the perseverance has allowed me to increase my spiritual connection to God, to learn the lessons of faith. Often I do not know what my life plan is but I keep on the road toward doing the work of God (hello everyone it is difficult because it often requires change!) I have learned that it is supposed to be this way. Jesus didn't have a picnic of a life, it wasn't fun, and it was incredibly painful. This is necessary toward the faithful journey. Does my life really express the beliefs and morals I proclaim to have? Only the action that is required allows this to happen.
I have also found that having a child with a disability requires the same perseverance, dedication and commitment. And when I look back I realize that it does take about 5 years!
Giving up is not part of the journey toward faith. Persistence, commitment and dedication are the requirement but the rewards and connection toward a spiritually fulfilling life, toward living the life that God intends is well worth the struggle.
Blessings on your road!
As a mother of a child with a disability and a marathon runner it is necessary toward acceptance and fulfillment that I learn the lessons of persistence. As quoted in the book Talent accounts for 5 percent of most achievements. It usually takes 5 years of consistent training before you come to your own as a runner. I had never heard this but I agree fully! When I took up running, I learned that it took commitment and perseverance to continue. I have found that setting a goal toward a marathon or even toward physical health requires me to run no matter what. Often I find myself not wanting to run! To skip the training because I don't feel like it, the weather, lack of time, other more important things to do, etc. the excuses are limited. Running often doesn't make me feel great when in the middle of it. In fact more often than not this is the case. When I committed this year to run as a spiritual medium, I learned that I can run as a prayer and the dedication to this activity often is something I don't want to do because it is often uncomfortable, painful, and creates a lot of fear. But the perseverance has allowed me to increase my spiritual connection to God, to learn the lessons of faith. Often I do not know what my life plan is but I keep on the road toward doing the work of God (hello everyone it is difficult because it often requires change!) I have learned that it is supposed to be this way. Jesus didn't have a picnic of a life, it wasn't fun, and it was incredibly painful. This is necessary toward the faithful journey. Does my life really express the beliefs and morals I proclaim to have? Only the action that is required allows this to happen.
I have also found that having a child with a disability requires the same perseverance, dedication and commitment. And when I look back I realize that it does take about 5 years!
Giving up is not part of the journey toward faith. Persistence, commitment and dedication are the requirement but the rewards and connection toward a spiritually fulfilling life, toward living the life that God intends is well worth the struggle.
Blessings on your road!
New Sights on the Run, Florida Vacation
New Sights on the Run
April 11, 2009
This week Andrew and Brendon and I spent the week at the beach for spring break! We came with Angie and her girls and Benjamin. It was great. I got to run three days. The first two days it was cool, perfect weather for running, even needed a long sleeve shirt.
Angie’s condo is on the marina with a path and I ran around that as well as the neighborhood. I love running in new places, looking at new things. This is a huge complete with little bungalows, lots of boats, pools and condos. Even early in the morning there were people out walking their dogs. For the most part they were friendly, I waved to everyone. I like to wave to people but after awhile it gets distracting.
I am so grateful, I even got my 10 miles in, the last long run before the marathon. I did that two days ago and the weather was nice then, one of the cool days. I’m glad for the willingness to keep going, originally I was going to put it off until today. I prayed for willingness and it came.
Today was typical Florida weather, warm and muggy. I was dripping almost from the first moment I set out the door. Of course I also forgot my sweat cloth and sweat was dripping from my face into my eyes. I drenched my shirt also. Oh well, it felt good to get back and take a good shower.
It is so great to enjoy this time away from the daily tasks of life. I really needed it!
April 11, 2009
This week Andrew and Brendon and I spent the week at the beach for spring break! We came with Angie and her girls and Benjamin. It was great. I got to run three days. The first two days it was cool, perfect weather for running, even needed a long sleeve shirt.
Angie’s condo is on the marina with a path and I ran around that as well as the neighborhood. I love running in new places, looking at new things. This is a huge complete with little bungalows, lots of boats, pools and condos. Even early in the morning there were people out walking their dogs. For the most part they were friendly, I waved to everyone. I like to wave to people but after awhile it gets distracting.
I am so grateful, I even got my 10 miles in, the last long run before the marathon. I did that two days ago and the weather was nice then, one of the cool days. I’m glad for the willingness to keep going, originally I was going to put it off until today. I prayed for willingness and it came.
Today was typical Florida weather, warm and muggy. I was dripping almost from the first moment I set out the door. Of course I also forgot my sweat cloth and sweat was dripping from my face into my eyes. I drenched my shirt also. Oh well, it felt good to get back and take a good shower.
It is so great to enjoy this time away from the daily tasks of life. I really needed it!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
24 Days to Go!
24 DAys until the Kentucky Derby 1/2 marathon. I am so ready. This week I have 10 miles in my long run and I keep putting it off!
Putting things off... I really never thought of myself as a procrastanator but I guess I fit the profile on occassion... making excuses, finding other things to do, doing nothing, classic symptoms of sloth. Running in a lot of ways is like my life. The things I dread, don't want to do but have to do, are hard, take time, effort and energy I will tend to put off as long as I can. But when it gets uncomfortable and I begin to feel guilty, unproductive and irritable.
Prayers do a lot to move me into willingness. I have found that it only takes a small spark of willingness to push me into action. On the road tomorrow 5 miles and 10 this weekend! Happy procrastonating!
Putting things off... I really never thought of myself as a procrastanator but I guess I fit the profile on occassion... making excuses, finding other things to do, doing nothing, classic symptoms of sloth. Running in a lot of ways is like my life. The things I dread, don't want to do but have to do, are hard, take time, effort and energy I will tend to put off as long as I can. But when it gets uncomfortable and I begin to feel guilty, unproductive and irritable.
Prayers do a lot to move me into willingness. I have found that it only takes a small spark of willingness to push me into action. On the road tomorrow 5 miles and 10 this weekend! Happy procrastonating!
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