Saturday, July 23rd was the day of River's Edge 10K in Waterloo. Both my parents and I had signed up for this race way in advance. It was sure to be adventurous, hard, and fun!
We all left that morning while it was still dark--a little before 5. My sister and grandma came along with us. It was nice to know someone would be there to cheer us on.
It had stormed that night, and lightning was still flashing around us when we arrived at the race site. This was a pretty large race, and the organizers had loud speakers thundering out music right at the starting line. I thought it was sort of a funny coincidence that the first words of one of these songs happened to be "Struck by lightning..." The race organizers announced that we would run rain or shine, but if it was lightning at 6:30--race time--, the start would have to be delayed 20 minutes (abiding by the track and field rules.) I think we all were hoping--and praying--that the storm would quickly pass on by. No one wanted this important race to be delayed.
We all left that morning while it was still dark--a little before 5. My sister and grandma came along with us. It was nice to know someone would be there to cheer us on.
It had stormed that night, and lightning was still flashing around us when we arrived at the race site. This was a pretty large race, and the organizers had loud speakers thundering out music right at the starting line. I thought it was sort of a funny coincidence that the first words of one of these songs happened to be "Struck by lightning..." The race organizers announced that we would run rain or shine, but if it was lightning at 6:30--race time--, the start would have to be delayed 20 minutes (abiding by the track and field rules.) I think we all were hoping--and praying--that the storm would quickly pass on by. No one wanted this important race to be delayed.
We all lined up at 6:29, anxiously hoping the race organizer would not look too closely at the sky. Well, he didn't! There was an excessive heat warning on this day also, and we were warned not to overdo it. Just in case we did, the race organizer announced, ambulances were provided. Eight-year-old world record holder, Jaden Merrick was there, and several other fast runners. At 6:30 sharp, we heard, "Ready?....Go!!!" And we 200-some runners took off.
The race went pretty well overall. At one point it started raining, but we were all so hot by then that the shower was gladly welcomed! It was pretty hard.
Sometimes when running 10Ks I feel like I just can't do it. At times it's easy to get discouraged. But if I just keep going, pretty soon everything will be great again. In our lives also we sometimes can get discouraged at things. But we must just keep going, like when running a race, with smiles on our faces. We can know our God has the whole world in His hands. That means He has us, our lives, and all the problems we may face in His hands too! We can always just trust Him, and be happy anyway, despite what our circumstances may be. In the end everything will be great again, just like in running.
When I was finally to mile five, I took a glance behind my shoulder. The next runner behind me, only about 100 yards away was... my mother! "No," I thought, "I can't let her beat me!" Even though I was growing tired, I knew I had to pick up the pace. I knew from previous races that she could still be totally full of energy while I was totally exhausted. So, I tried my best, and didn't let her beat me. :) It wasn't as hard as our half marathon, but still, thanks to the rain and humidity, we all crossed the finish line completely soaking wet.
The race went pretty well overall. At one point it started raining, but we were all so hot by then that the shower was gladly welcomed! It was pretty hard.
Sometimes when running 10Ks I feel like I just can't do it. At times it's easy to get discouraged. But if I just keep going, pretty soon everything will be great again. In our lives also we sometimes can get discouraged at things. But we must just keep going, like when running a race, with smiles on our faces. We can know our God has the whole world in His hands. That means He has us, our lives, and all the problems we may face in His hands too! We can always just trust Him, and be happy anyway, despite what our circumstances may be. In the end everything will be great again, just like in running.
When I was finally to mile five, I took a glance behind my shoulder. The next runner behind me, only about 100 yards away was... my mother! "No," I thought, "I can't let her beat me!" Even though I was growing tired, I knew I had to pick up the pace. I knew from previous races that she could still be totally full of energy while I was totally exhausted. So, I tried my best, and didn't let her beat me. :) It wasn't as hard as our half marathon, but still, thanks to the rain and humidity, we all crossed the finish line completely soaking wet.
My papa came in second in his age group, and my mama was second in hers too! I came in third in mine. Afterward, we enjoyed a fancy, post-race breakfast! We were invited to come back for seconds, thirds, and even fourths. I would say the organizers did an excellent job on organizing the race. It was my second 10K race ever, and it was very fun!