Run for Africa Recap

This morning I participated in the Run for Africa 5K.

I had been really looking forward to this race, because I had a special family in mind.

Additionally, I hoped to run the race in 23 minutes. I knew it would be hard (especially since I've been working more on endurance than speed), but I was ready to bring it. :)

Unnnntil my blood donation. I know it sounds silly, but that wiped me out. It's been eight days since I donated, and still my body is struggling. I've tried to do everything correctly; I've properly fueled my body. Still, I felt dizzy and trembly all week whenever I worked out. Quite frustrating.

My mom reminded me that I could still have fun and still honor the Brannon family without being so "driven." Of course I knew this, but I was still disappointed.

This morning when I awoke, I decided to take on an optimistic attitude and go out there and do my best at that moment. I was stoked for the cause and ready to have a good time!

This was a smaller race, so I started much closer to the front than I ever have. I felt like I was pacing myself okay, but I'd forgotten how difficult that is to do with fast runners around. Turns out I ran my fastest mile ever (7:08) on the first mile. If you know anything about races, you know this is never a good idea. It's much preferred to save your energy and finish strong. After that I had to be content with a slower pace and watch lots of runners pass me. Yes, it was humbling. :)

Mile two seemed forever long (probably because of mile one), so when I felt like stopping I remembered to pray for the Brannon's little girl - a child somewhere far away in a country that has endured far worse than a breathless mile. I kept on, thankful for the mile two marker, even though I'd considerably slowed down my pace.

Perhaps God was trying to show me that what I think best or good doesn't always fit what He has in mind for me. As Allie and Jeremy wait longer than they'd expected or hoped, perhaps He is showing them, too, that His plan is perfect. I know that the disappointment I felt in failing to meet a 5K goal is far removed from the pain they must feel in this waiting period, but I feel like God gave me just a small glimpse into what they must be experiencing. He caused me to stop and think about more than just myself in the here and now.

And for that, I enjoyed the race. The race atmosphere was uplifting and encouraging, and I loved having so many familiar faces in the crowd and on the track! Did I mention our t-shirts are awesome?

You're probably wondering how I did, so I'll tell you. Yes, I made a new personal record. No, I didn't meet my goal. But all of a sudden, that doesn't seem to matter. What matters is that there is a God whose heart beats for the orphans, whose Hands are working a perfect plan for their lives.

Julia and I with our Rwanda: Hope bracelets

Julia's group of friends that ran with us

Pre-run - you can tell by all the energy :)

Yes, unharnessed energy

So I said that competition doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things; it doesn't, but I'm still my father's daughter. I had to cross the finish line passing somebody. :)

I don't typically run with my arms flailing. Please note this is after crossing the line.

 I crossed at 24:47, but my official time (according to the timing chip) was 24:29.

The actual, physical running part of this race was not my favorite. While I love running, I did not feel well on my feet today. I thought for quite a while I would lose that piece of toast I ate for breakfast. I'd love to tell you that I crossed full of energy, but the truth is that I felt pretty darn awful. I sat with my head between my legs for a good 10 minutes.

Here comes Julia! She finished up at 30:33!

Clay was there, too!

And so was cute little OGC baby, Hunter. His daddy was in the race as well.

Julia and I post race. Feeling good enough to walk around at this point.

When we were leaving, Katie (Julia's friend) pointed out that I had placed in my age category. I was so out-of-it that I never even thought to check the board. And to be quite honest, I didn't think my time good enough anyway.

I made 3rd out of 33 in my age-group (Women, 20-24). It was a wonderful surprise! This was another reminder that God is Good to us even in the face of our disappointment! I know it probably seems like I'm reading a lot into this whole race deal, but I don't believe for a second that anything happens by accident. God put it on my heart to run this race, and I truly feel as though He showed me His heart for the orphan through my personal race experience today. Even though I was frustrated and determined (me? stubborn?), God brought everything to fruition that way the He intended. And it was Good.

Allie and Jeremy, I know our Good God is up to something much more wonderful than race times and medals. Even though the race is over, I will continue to keep your family - in the U.S. and in Rwanda - in my prayers! His own hands will place your daughter in your arms. And it will be Good in His eyes.

Love you all!