Mindshift

My 2011 race schedule is coming to an end. I have enjoyed spending this year training and racing. All the hard work and excitement has been building up for THE race...the one race that I want that PR! The Middle Half!!! My goal (and hope) is to finish under 2:00...I don't care if it's 1:59:59!

HOWEVER...

I met with my coach today...

The conversation went something like this:
Him: How do you feel your running is coming along?
Me: Good
Him: How's your foot?
Me: It hurts...and now I am getting this little knee thing
Him: Hmmmm
Me: What are we going to do to get me ready for the Middle 1/2 with these things? I REALLY want that PR.
Him: Well, I want to encourage you to shift your mindset.
Me: Huh?
Him: When we run, we need to glorify Him! He is the reason that we are able to run. I want you to consider that this is not the race for that PR. I want you to consider that God has other plans for you with this particular race. When you run this race, I want you to listen to your body but also pray for his guidance. He may have something that He needs from you to glorify Him. It may be the PR that you want, or it may be something totally different. (Oh, and he said that he doesn't want me to run with anyone or with any music)
Me: Hmmmm

So, this has been on my mind and in my heart since this conversation. At first, I wanted to cry. My heart and mind were focused intently on THIS race and THAT PR. At first, I felt like I was giving up.

After spending some time thinking, replaying his words, and praying, I feel differently. I don't know what all of this means. I don't know what this looks like. What I do know is that I agree with my coach. If it were not for Him, I would have never had the ability to stop smoking. If it were not for Him, I would not have laced up my running shoes for that very first run. If it were not for Him, I would not be able to run...at all! If it were not for Him, I would not have this life that blesses me. If it were not for Him, I would not have these AMAZING people in my life to speak these tough truths to me.

If his plan is the PR, that would be gr-8! If not, then He has something better in mind. It may be something so subtle that I would have missed it if...

Not for this mindshift...

And THAT would be the true tragedy in this...

...To miss seeing HIM in action!!!

Hmmmm....

....to be continued!!!