47:52
I participated in my first race on Saturday. While Nicole, her sister Erica, and Erica's husband Ben ran the Mini, I took part in the 5K. I finished it in 47:52, and I was 2484th out of 3614 people. My goal was 45 minutes, so I didn't hit that mark, but I am ok with that. I had prepared for the race solely on treadmills, so I never got a feel for how a real world pace should be. I made up for my slowness by running the last .75 miles intermittently, so I know that I could've hit my mark with proper understanding of pacing.
I have never believed that I could do something like this. I had resigned myself to being out of shape and not very active physically. That ended on Saturday. I listened to my doubts instead of the One who created me. Despite the fact that I've done well with my weight loss and workouts, I had doubts, but He has never stopped encouraging me. I guess it took my running a race to realize that He is right there with me.
I told Nicole that I was considering doing the mini next year, and she said that she knows I can do it. I talked to some friends on Sunday, and they said I could do it. Some of them are doing a half-marathon in November and said I should try it. After thinking about it and talking to Nicole, I think I can too. I have plenty of time to prepare, and I have people in place who will help (Nicole just got drafted to be my coach).
I have no delusions that it'll be easy. I know it's hard work, and it's going to take time and patience, but with God, it's possible. And when I run this race, it won't matter my place or my time. All that matters is that I finish it.
I will run it as best I can. Just like I live my life for Him.
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. – Acts 20:24
