Monday, June 12, 2017

“I DIDN’T SIGN UP FOR THIS!”
by MRTT member Lisa Preuett
I used to HATE running. Not one athletic bone in my body, I was always one of the last ones picked for sports teams at school. The only time I ran in school was when it was required in high school gym class. The day I had to run one mile around the track was disastrous. Thinking I was going to collapse, I eventually finished and got my passing grade. Never again, I thought.
But fast forward to early 40’s when a woman’s metabolism comes to a screeching halt and the number on the scales continues to rise. I had to get in shape. Joining a fitness club, I started working out and lifting weights. Cruising on the elliptical machine was my favorite. Then out of nowhere, I started hearing friends and family members talk about running 5K’s. Seemed like these races were popping up all around me.
Just weeks later, I heard about an upcoming 5K race in the rural county where I live. Could I do it? I was in good shape now. Maybe now I could actually run.  
Stepping onto level pavement in my neighborhood, excitement—and not dread—flowed through my veins. Starting with a slow jog, I breathed in the air with determination. My first goal was a half mile. Although slow, I found my pace—never stopping to walk. Over the next several weeks I gradually ran longer distances until I finally reached three miles. I’d found my comfortable pace, thankful my neighborhood roads were smooth. No intense hills or uneven sidewalks. Running this course repeatedly, I figured I was ready for race day.
Following directions for the race location, I parked my car in a field next to a heavily wooded area. Nervously looking for the start line, I asked someone where to go. “Oh, the cross country course starts over there and runs all through the trails.”  What did he say? Where was the paved road I’d envisioned? Runners made their way to the start line—facing the edge of the woods.  The excitement for running my first 5K turned to embarrassment. This was NOT what I signed up for! My original goal was to run the race without stopping. Now I wondered if I’d even finish. I’d come this far and couldn’t back down. My family was there to support me. I couldn’t let them down. I’ll do this and check it off my bucket list.
Just seconds into the race, I brushed past tree limbs and almost tripped over roots on the narrow trail. People passed me quickly, almost knocking me down. Looking ahead, I noticed—and felt—a steep incline. I’d never run uphill before. My slow jog fizzled out quickly.  Catching my breath, I had to walk. The path continued to twist and turn, and suddenly my feet stepped into a pile of horse manure! Why didn’t someone clean this up before the race? Stepping off the trail, I attempted to wipe my shoes off. I desperately prayed, “God, this isn’t what I signed up for; please get me through this!”
Back on the trail, I kept going. More twists, turns, uphill, downhill, tripping over roots—this was no fun. Why hadn’t I checked into this 5K more thoroughly? If I’d known this was a trail run, I never would have done it. I’d trained for a month. All that time and effort—for this?  Trudging up the final hill, I heard people cheering. The finish line must be close; I couldn’t wait to be done. My short-lived excitement for running had almost disappeared. But that’s when I heard it—the gentle voice of God whispering to my weary heart.
Lisa, this race is a lot like life. Keep on running; there’s more I want you to discover.


I finished my first 5K and it wasn’t my last. Running became a major part of my life from that day forward. With the support of a running group, I’ve run multiple 5K’s, 10K’s, half-marathons, a full marathon and (gulp!) even a Tough Mudder.
Sometimes the very things that drive fear and disappointment are the very things that bring passion and purpose. Even the things we initially say we “didn’t sign up for”.


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