Author: Melisa Arroyo
After a few years of not signing up for running events, I made it my goal to run a few this year. I started with an 8K (approx right under 5 miles) and I signed up for the local Gasparilla Run. On event day, I got up super early to have my cup of coffee, bagel and peanut butter, and put on my running gear.
As I was waiting what seemed like days for the race to start, I saw “race pacers.” Basically, race pacers run at a certain goal pace holding up a wooden stick with a sign on it. Races that have these pacers are really helpful because you can avoid going too fast (which can happen from the adrenaline on race day) and not being able to finish the race.
I realized that I was standing behind one that would be way too fast for me and started the walk back to a slower one, really trying to not make it too obvious.
Finally, I found one that I was sure I could follow and I got right behind her. After a few minutes, the slow walk among the thousands running began and off we were to the starting point. Woo hoo! If you have ever entered an event like that, nothing can describe the high of experiencing the sounds, sights, and energy.
So there I was, following right behind my pacer, eyes glued to her, because I didn’t want to lose her among such a big crowd. I almost had this “get out of my way people” attitude because I wasn’t planning on losing sight of her.
About 10 minutes into the race, I saw my pacer slow down move to the outside area and she headed towards the hydration area. What???? Are you kidding me? “The race just got started”, I thought “and she’s stopping to get water?”
I decided to keep running trying to pace myself the same. Suddenly, I started losing my rhythm. Was I going too fast? Was I going too slow?
I did the best next thing. I found someone in front of me that seemed to have a good rhythm and follow them. I did that for a few minutes until I decided I needed someone faster.
I tried another person. I told myself this time I would follow that person, but I lost her. I felt the voice of the Lord saying; “RUN YOUR OWN RACE.” I knew it was God’s voice. I’ve heard it before, yet I looked for someone else. That person stopped to get water too!!! What? I wasn’t ready for water yet. Water is for the birds…
I was actually pretty tired by then. The sun was brutal so I decided to hydrate at the next station, but not for long. I didn’t even want to slow down to a walk but was forced to because of all the people there.
I took 2 sips of water and off I went again, looking for someone else to follow and pace myself. I heard that voice again; “RUN YOUR OWN RACE.”
So I decided to pay attention this time and I went for it. I had no idea how fast (or slow) I was running but I was going to give it my best. I got to mile 4 and thought I was pretty tired. Yet I knew I was almost finished. I continued giving it my very best even though I felt exhausted.
I saw the finish line ahead. I thought of my high school days when I would sprint at the very end. I tried to sprint but it was probably more like a “faster jog.” There it was; the crossing li
ne, finish line, the victory line. I crossed it and slowed down enough to get my medal and take a picture with a half smiling face. Yay! I made it!!
I still wasn’t sure what my time was. I was hoping it would be the goal I set for myself. When I finally saw my time on the results, I had to blink twice. Not only did I finish a few minutes ahead of my goal; I completed each mile with about 45 seconds less that I had projected. Now I really understood His voice. By running my own race, I broke out of my safe zone into everything my body could accomplish that day.
Many of us, tend to follow what everyone else is doing, but what is God telling you to do? Run your own race.
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