Wild Ride

Over the past two years I have been learning things and challenging myself.  I was invited by a woman I knew from high school to give obstacle course racing a try.  I gave her my excuses why my physical limitations would not allow it.  Her response was to show me adaptive athletes who were doing it!

Even though I still thought it was crazy I started to pray about it.  I talked to my doctors and got the ok; with one condition, I have to wear a helmet.  I talked to Mike a lot and he told me he thought I could do it.  I prayed some more and finally said yes. 

After I agreed and registered I fell and hurt my knee that required surgery.  I used this as an excuse to not exercise and get ready.  But total strangers showed up to help me anyway.  When I say help I really mean that I did the walking, but felt they did the pushing and pulling to get me over those obstacles.  Due to pain I had to stop, but I was on a high for months.

I am in a FB group with all of these incredible and crazy people.  

These people have taught me so much about life.  They face obstacles head first on and off the course.  I’ve seen pictures of their kids joining in the workouts.  It amazes me how they have time for family, exercising, and racing, but it seems like they do it seamlessly.  I have learned from them to try and stop trash talking myself.  I have learned that you can change at any stage of life and get healthier.

For trash talking I have prayed – a lot.  I want to see me the way God sees me and not how the world says a woman should look.  I believe in prayer and believe these prayers are helping, but I have a long way to go.

Over the past year I have worked on getting stronger and feel like I have.  I left out one major aspect and that was changing the way I eat to more nutritious options.  So this year I am going to work on getting stronger and eating wonderfully delicious healthy meals and losing weight.  For the first time my doctor said my weight is a concern and she is worried I may have diabetes.

Over the past two years I have learned to pray about things I thought were insignificant.  I have learned to grit my teeth and call on Jesus while doing squats to help me push even though I’m tired.  I’ve learned through Bible study to run my race.  I know this verse is talking about something different, but I have read it so many times: 

 

Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

I have been doing different Bible studies about perseverance, trusting in God, and so much more.  It may sound crazy, but obstacle course racing is strengthening my relationship with God. 

I can’t wait to see what changes come over the following year.  Not just physically, but more importantly,  spiritually!!