6:45am. My watch flashes and beeps, pushing me to get out of bed. Time to run! Steph is already up and moving. I grab my clothes from a pile on the floor. Gross! As you can imagine, they reek of sweat since I’ve been wearing them each day to exercise for the past week. I hold my breath and pull my shirt on while telling sleepy self: “I love running. I love running. I LOVE running...”
Before the Race even began our squad had a Facebook group going so that we could discuss anything from packing tips to support-raising ideas. Some people threw in their physical fitness goals and suggestions for how to stay in shape on the Race. At training camp we finally met and in the mornings we were strongly encouraged to exercise as a group. We were getting creative with what we did, but I remember telling myself that I’d keep up and do whatever the majority could do.
In Bulgaria and Romania, Sachi and I worked out with Steve T. the best we could. We got up most days to do Insanity or P90X in the alleyway or back yard depending on where we lived. I for sure dropped the ball in India with lots of excuses…the sun is ridiculously hot (not to mention that without time zones the sun rises extremely early), it’s socially unacceptable to wear shorts in public, our only private place to workout is the roof and there are crows that swoop at your head up there, we are working pretty hard with painting and sanding anyway. So all in all, the workouts were dropped in India.
Nepal brought a team change and my new teammates were ready to go! Ben and Stephanie have been such an encouragement in many ways, but a huge part falls in the realm of exercise. While in Nepal we ran a few times, down the path to school and up a small hill that overlooked our home. Once or twice Stephanie and I did a video workout with Shaun T. or Tony Horton on the roof.
Kenya was the real deal though. Each day we ran at 7am. We strived to run at least 5-6 days a week for a few miles at a time. We would run to the intersection where people caught the bus each day. As time progressed we ran farther, up the hill and to the gas station on the right. Each time it got a bit easier to wake up and get going. The hill on the way home still got me sometimes, but I felt good afterward.
Starting into Rwanda Ben and Steph quickly found a good route. I was out of commission for a few days at the beginning of the month because of a little sickness, but my teammates were kind enough to slow down a bit when I joined back in. Now we’ve been running for two weeks here. Each day we pass smiling and friendly neighbors, women on their way to work with their produce balanced on their heads, and the children who never cease to make us crack a smile. These kids are up early and they always peek over the fence or through it, running up to shake a hand or offer a wave. “Mzungu!! Mzungu!!” comes the cry of pure excitement. It’s really quite cute and would be more hilarious if I wasn’t panting for breath at times.
Still, as the days go by I find that it’s getting easier. We run up hills, over bumpy roads and have to dodge lots of mud puddles on the way (it rains for at least a few minutes on most days). The end of the run usually has us beating the mud cakes off of our shoes so we don’t get the house dirty. I actually still have mud splatters on my legs while I’m typing this. Anyway, what I used to despise…running…has now become something that I enjoy. I can’t believe I’m typing these words. Running is fun.
Today we stopped for a quick break at the halfway point but nobody was really hurting or breathing hard. Each day the run is a bit smoother and easier. I had an epiphany on the jog today: it’s amazing that none of us have had any injuries or problems so far. With all the running and walking we’ve done over the past weeks there have been a few stumbles and one or two scrapes from the hill, but no twisted ankles or swollen feet. We’ve had minor blisters but nothing serious.
Back at debrief in Kenya I remember one thing that was taught – When you are in a hard time or tough spot, recount all the good things the Lord has done and how he’s been faithful in the past. It’s impossible to stay in a gloomy mood or to be angry after remembering his goodness and mercy. While running I prayed and thanked God that my team and I hadn’t been hurt. I thanked him that we have the strength and ability to go all these miles. In fact, it occurred to me that I myself haven’t really been sick at all for the past 6 months. Of course there’s a little upset stomach depending on what was for dinner, but nothing serious or painful.
While I had been moping around or complaining about the small things these past few days, I realized how many blessings I have taken for granted. We have had good times of ministry here as well as ample down time to rest or spent with teammates. In fact, when I notice a bad attitude or problem and actually decide to take it to the Lord, he listens. I’ve had lots of problems being able to sleep this month. There are many factors that play into it, but this week I tried lots of things to help me sleep… Lots of things except praying about it. Finally, last night I asked my team to pray. If I didn’t get a good sleep soon I was going to be a pathetic witness with a short temper. It affected me emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically. I was on the verge of tears because I just wanted SLEEP!
So my team prayed. They interceded on my behalf and last night I slept amazing. And it’s all because the Lord heard our prayers and answered. Glory be to Him for something as simple but absolutely necessary as a good nights rest.
I don’t know if you’re jumping mud puddles or running miles, suffering from insomnia or are just down in the dumps. Whatever your circumstance, look to the Lord. Even if you’re in the midst of a rough place now, remember what he’s faithfully done in the past. If you’re doing well now, look back to where you were before and see the trials that he’s brought you through and how you’ve grown in the process.
