Run to HIM

Can you believe it has almost been a year since I have competed in my last Triathlon?
That’s right. I have not done a triathlon since Ironman Louisville last August.

This year it has been a struggle for me to commit to a race. I didn’t know why until I really began to pray and search my heart this winter. I realized that too much of my identity was in Triathlon and not enough in Christ. I looked for affirmation in the recognition of placing on the podium instead of affirmation in my relationship with Christ. Once I came to this realization, I spent the next several months of pulling back on the hours training for triathlons and pushing into the hours I spent training for godliness. I thanked the Lord for the amazing work ethic and self disciline He has blessed me with which has allowed me to thrive at this sport. I asked him, “Lord, how do you want me to use my gifts of work ethic and self discipline to glorify YOU instead of myself?” And I heard Him say He wanted me to work hard at my relationship with Him, with others, and to show self discipline by getting into His word and inscribing it on my heart.

The transformation did not happen over night, but through spending time with Him, His word, and serving others instead of myself, I feel 100% complete in Him. I am ready to race TOWARDS HIM, not worrying if I place on the awards podium, because I know my prize is IN HIM. I still enjoy the sport, and the training, but I can take it or leave it.

I am doing my first race tomorrow and have no anxiety or fear about it. Infact, I do not have any expectations other than to have fun and glorify Him. I have honestly spent a total of 2 hours training this week as serving others now takes priority over serving myself. There is so much more I could write on this amazing growth process… but I’ll keep it short and sweet this time as I am on my way out to meet a friend for dinner and have a glass of wine!