You Win Some, You Lose Some

That is the hardest thing for me to wrap my mind around. I have never allowed anyone to tell me what I can and cannot do. In fact, the quickest way to get me to try something is tell me that you don't think I can. I am not sure where I picked up this mindset but it has served me well over the years. I never give up and I give everything I do; all that I have.

In high school and college I was determined to get A's, just so I could prove to myself and everyone else that I was smart. Studying was something that I enjoyed and I liked to see the results. Making the Dean's List was something that only fueled my desire. This was something that I had control over. I knew that if I studied hard, I would do well.

I have carried this mindset into my physical aspirations. If I work hard then I will perform well. Makes sense doesn't it? In the last three years I have competed in three triathlons, at least five 5K's and two 50 mile bike rides. In each event I improved in some way on my last attempt. That is one of the reasons I love to compete. I have control over my results. Or do I...

This morning I ran a 5K in 31 minutes. That is awful! My 5K time from last weekend (which I ran after a 600m swim and a 13 mile bike ride) was 30 minutes. And my last 5K time (not in a triathlon) was 27:50. So you can see that my performance this morning was horrendous. There are many reasons for my poor performance-

-I had the flu for three days prior to the race

-Due to the above situation I did not drink any water this morning

-I was overdressed for the weather

-At mile two I began to feel faint and dizzy, precursors to my tendency to faint in the heat

-I suffer from restless legs and did not sleep much last night or the night before

-It was VERY hot and humid (making me even more dehydrated)

I could go on and on and make a long list of excuses. But that is all it would be, a list of excuses. I have got to let this race fall by the wayside and learn my lessons.

Lesson #1- I do not have control over everything. I cannot control that fact that I was sick, have restless legs, and the weather was hot and humid.

Lesson #2- Remember what I do have control over and make sure I get those things done (HYDRATION, dressing appropriately)

Lesson #3- In the grand scheme of my life how I performed in any race has little to no value in God's eyes. Sure I can have a Godly mindset with those around me. But really, am I sharing the gospel during my run? Am I pursuing the plan that God has set out before me? Am I doing all that I can to bring God glory? No, I am pursuing my goals and my ambitions.

So when I have a bad race day I will endeavor to remember those three lessons, especially #3. Racing is fun, but it is not important. I have learned in my life that the truly important things in life cannot be attained by my strength, but by God's loving hand.