My alarm went off at 5:40 am and my excitement quickly reached every part of my body as I jumped out of bed and got my race clothes on. We headed out the door around 6:30 and drove a mile to the starting line. The weather was incredible. The sun boar down as its heat gently greeted the awakening city of Nashville, as it was 48 degrees out.
It took us awhile to find parking, so we only had ten minutes to stretch before the race started at 7. The gun went off and we nervously began our trek of the longest distance we had ever run: 13.1 miles. The first mile felt great as we ran down Nashville’s Music Row and through the city. By mile 5, I was feeling the effects of all the hills and I quickly told Jesus that there would be no way I was going to finish without his help. We ran over the city’s bridge and down through a park where we were greeted by more hills and nature.
I had “I Run For Jesus” on the back of my legs and we got so much encouragement from other members of the Body of Christ. It was awesome! We didn’t know any of these people but there is something about putting your body through such exhaustion alongside of others that brings people together in camaraderie and towards a common goal of finishing together.
Once the last 2 miles hit, I knew I could make it. The last 0.3 miles was all downhill, thank God. We sprinted towards the finish line, hand in hand, smiling from ear to ear. That feeling of accomplishment is something I have never experienced before. I have never done anything so hard in my life, but knowing that I pushed through my own screaming body to finish a goal that I had set was incredible. It taught me to lean completely and utterly on Christ, especially in the times I felt I could not take another step. It taught me how the body of Christ should look-to be unified through encouragement and work together towards a common goal.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. -Galatians 6:9
;)
About to start the race!
;)
The writings on our legs
;)
My wonderful roomie; our number one fan and supporter!