That is what I do - unconsciously - I sigh. I sigh when I am exhausted in any way, be it: mentally, emotionally, spiritually, or lately physically. I don't even know I'm doing it - it's a little like talking to myself...which I, admittedly do! I prefer to think of it as "thinking out loud"! ha! I'm not crazy but I do chose some crazy paths for my life. I guess that's why I have been doing my best to step back and let someone else do the picking! Right now...I would much rather follow than lead! So...here we go!
Recently I ran a mud run with my dad, uncle, step-brother, and best friend. Until a few months ago I had no idea what a mud run was, but I agreed to running it! Let me tell you - this is no joke! It is a 6 mile run, with 28 military style obstacles along the way - most of which are preformed in the mud...all while wearing cargo pants and boots. Sooooo....maybe this wasn't my sanest moment!
The morning of the run I was so excited! I wasn't nervous at all...ignorance is bliss! My team (the mud bugz), and I started the race on the sand portion of a Thoroughbred race track. A mile and some change later were entering into our first obstacle. As I ran my muscles felt strong, but something started to happen in my head. No...it wasn't the mental aspect of the race...it was my nemeses - allergies! It slipped my mind that my severe allergy to hay might flare up on a horse track! I only THOUGHT this was going to be a challenge!!!!
As I rounded the corner to the obstacle and jumped into the muddy pit I realized another surprise waited for me...5lbs of water my pants soaked up in each leg. Really....REALLY! I'm not saying I didn't think this was going to happen...I'm just saying there is a big difference between - thinking about something and that thing becoming a reality!
My body is soaked from water, sweat and newly flowing sinuses. Luckily I had an amazing support system pushing and pulling me through. Never once did they say a negative word - always encouragement to lift me up and carry me.
The closer to the end of the race the harder the obstacles became. My least favorite used the last remaining reservoir of strength in my upper body. It was two stories high and left my arms bruised and brushed with broken blood vessels. If I would have given up or fallen from lack of strength there was no one there to save me. I was on my own. As I crested the top and descended to the glorious ground my eyes were wet with exhaustion. Blinking back the tears my body was done, but the race wasn't.
Eventually we were back on the sandy path, the end in sight. My team would set tiny goals, "let's run to that cone or this sign". We pushed and pushed never giving up! Finally we were running, muddy soles over the finish line. We fought the fight...we ran the race...and we made it to the goal!
It's eerie how similar my life is to this race. Often I am full of bliss and ignorance for the path that lies ahead of me. I start running and realize this wasn't what I had signed up for...I stumble and need assistance. Sometimes left to conquer on my own. The lessons I learned from that race and the one of my life are worth all the pain and agony endured! Not only did I go beyond what I thought I was capable of but I also bonded with people in the midst of all of it!
These lessons leave me to ponder if this is what our race is all about. It's not always pretty and my race - even though we are running side by side - is not the same as yours! It might not be hard for you this time around, but I will be here when you need to lean on me!
I am bound to my bed for the time being. Blasted with illness - an ear infection in both ears - I have been put down! This race did me in, yet I will recover and in the end...I won!
-Peace
P.S. As I looked at these pictures a huge smile stretches across my face! We did it! The hard part is over and only the beautiful memories remain!
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