Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (NIV)
God is always working in my life! I recently returned from my latest race in Boulder, CO. I had an amazing trip and enjoyed the beautiful scenery and company. I was able to travel and race with my best friend, which was truly a gift from God! We raced in the USA XC Championships at the Flatiron's golf course. This is my second year to compete in this race, and I plan to return next year! I love this race because of the atmosphere and amazing talent it brings. I did not do as well as I planned, but I feel like this was a great learning experience for me to have. (this year 39th place; 32:23..last year 54th place; 30:39)
I knew I had to keep the race conservative from the start because I was racing at altitude, which would present a few challenges. I ran in Pueblo, CO last year for the outdoor track and field national championships in the 3k steeplechase and struggled with the altitude change from Evansville, IN. I was racing at an elevation of about 4,700+ feet. This was my first time running that high up and I felt like I was breathing through a straw the whole race! Naturally, I was a little worried when I found out I would be racing 8k at altitude because of my memories from the last race. Boulder, CO is even higher than Pueblo at around 5,400+ ft, which caused even more worries. I knew how bad my last race was and I did not want to feel that horrible again! I tried not to focus on this fact, so I just trained strong and knew I was stronger going into this race. This gave me the confidence to put my worries aside.
I started the race very cautious and tried not to go out too fast. After the first 2k loop I still felt strong, so I continued to play it safe until the last 2k loop of my race. I felt my breathing pick up as my pace picked up, but I knew this would've happened even at sea level. I was a little disappointed knowing I still had energy left by the end of the race, which made me realize I should have pushed a little harder each loop. This is why I called this race a "learning experience." I am still learning (and always will be learning) how to perform out on the tracks/ courses of each race. This also reminds me that I am always (and will always be learning) about life. Life presents many challenges and it always will. Learning/ making mistakes is what makes us better people. We can have regrets, but we always have to keep moving forward and remember that God is with us making us stronger. So if life is presenting a challenge, pray about it, move forward, and watch/listen for the answers. I have been thinking recently about my future plans, as far as running goes, and I am very excited to continue striving for new heights that I've never reached before! I'll write more about my new training as I get farther along! Remember, God is always with us and provides our needs!
-LOLO-
http://photos.denverpost.com/2014/02/15/photos-usa-cross-country-championship-at-the-flatirons-golf-course-in-boulder-february-15-2014/#7
(I got in the Denver Post pics with Jenny Simpson and Amy Van Alstine the winner!)
