Today is Tuesday, June 21st, 2011; Karen's Korner #2092
I have signed up to run in this year's Iowa Games next month. That means I'd better practice (and hopefully, I don't pull or injure something that eliminates my participating!)
The Iowa Games isn't about skill or being the 'best'; it is about participation. When I turned 60, I decided I was going to compete. Never ran a timed race in my life. Adult age categories are broken down in five-year increments. I was in the 60 - 64 year old category. I figured I would have the slowest time. Everyone else would have been former high school and college runners; maybe competing in 5Ks and things like that.
I was wrong.........I was the only one competing in my age group and the oldest woman entered in track and field. I ran the 100 meter.......and I got first (not hard to blow away the competition when there isn't any!). The next year I participated again and did the 100 meter and 200 meter.
Now I am in the next division of completion - 65 - 69. Since I can compete in up to four categories for my entry fee, I am signed up for the 100, 200 and 400. I decided against things like the long jump or high jump; might pull something from which I couldn't recover.
If I am going to run around the track one lap, I'd better see if I can get that accomplished in practice.
Every day I am 'running' around a track in our county for two laps. I can't say as how it is enjoyable for me. Every part of mind and body wants to stop. I can make it once but after that, I REALLY want to stop!
A couple of days ago, I started to pray or think about people on my 'prayer list'. I pray for Jen who asked me pray for new employment for her or for Nora with health issues, for which I friend asked me to pray. I don't personally know either of these gals. I begin to think about other family members and friends. The first thing I know, I am around the track for a second time.
Sometimes I have more energy as I finish, than I did toward end of my first lap.
What makes the difference?
If I were going to define it: I have my mind off myself!
What else might be going on? I am not sure.
So unless some other 'old gal' shows up and claims the gold medal, it might be mine again in 2011.
If you see me 'practicing' some day when you drive by an area track and think, "She calls that running!??"
Remember you were warned!
Dear Father in Heaven, thank You that You allow us to pray to You. You knew and know that it would pay all kinds of dividends for each one of us who take the time to do that. Forgive me; I don't take advantage of that opportunity as often as I could or would like. Help me to spend a bigger portion of my minutes a day........praying! I'll think of all kinds of reasons to do other things! Thank You for Your Love and Your Patience! Through Jesus' Name Who helps us do things we can't do in our strength. Amen.
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