I’ll never forget the feeling. I was treading water in Lake Monona before the start of Ironman Wisconsin. It was September of 2017, the weekend of my 24th birthday. It was just after six in the morning and the sun was peaking brilliantly over the horizon. The brisk water around me began to warm inside my wetsuit. Deep breaths in and out. I couldn’t stop a smile from spreading across my face as I waited for the gun to go off. People were all around me. Energy was building as athletes prepared to launch into the unknown of this day. I expected to be nervous waiting for the start—this was my first full Ironman triathlon. I wasn’t quite sure how my spirit, mind and body would endure 140.6 miles by foot. All spring and summer I had committed myself to training: swimming, biking, running like a madwoman. God had filled the monotony and exhilaration of those hours with His presence—a season of deeper prayer, self-discovery, tranquility. A new intimacy was born in me over these months. And as I waited for the gun to go off, I deeply felt all of the moment.
I’ve been part of teams since I was really young; sports have been a big part of my life—swimming, running, triathlon, soccer, lifting. I’ve competed and trained with some incredible teams and friends, and I’ve also trained solo. As much as I love the physical competing and training—what I really love is the team. I love the synergy, the leadership and character development, discipline and interior space athletics provide. There is nothing more inspirational to me than spotting potential in people and having the opportunity to be part of its development.
As our launch date gets closer, my anticipation and excitement to be part of this new team grows. Yesterday, marked eleven weeks to Training Camp. Training Camp happens in the first weeks of June just outside of Atlanta, Georgia at World Race headquarters. This time is an intensive time of training, meeting and preparing the team to be overseas. It is there that I will meet the people that will comprise this team I am privileged to be apart of 24/7 for 11 months straight. I get to be apart of a team of other young adults who love Jesus, desire to share His hope and explore the world. (WOW)
Over the years, I’ve learned through the discipline of long swim seasons that the unknowns of championship meets, race results and team dynamics are determined by preparation, dedication, character, grit and a lot of grace. I know the collective energy of teammates, loved ones and prayers lifts teams beyond their own capacity. The accountability and shared vision a team offers is like no other. As I prepare to be part of this new community, I am motivated to be the best version of myself for this new team. Unlike any team I’ve been on before, the end goal of this team isn’t a nationals meet, but the very vitality of souls. Evangelism, spiritual growth and sharing God’s joy are really exciting things to come together over!
As I wait for the gun to go off on World Race, I already deeply feel the privilege of it. I close my eyes and I can feel that morning in Lake Monona, the peace of God in my spirit. I open my eyes and see the water I’m treading in now as I prepare for this new race. There certainly is something courageous about waiting on the unknown. As the preparations continue, I pray to dig deep in preparing well.
God has laid on my heart the following ways to specifically prepare for the race in this season before Training Camp:
Read the New Testament. Continue intentional and joyful relationship with family. Continue pursuing fundraising in bold, relational and intentional ways (seeking the doors God wants to open/deeper trust for His provision). Submitting to my role as a nurse with a grateful heart. Submitting to the deeper work God wants to do in my heart through Spiritual Formation at Moody Bible. Rejoice in the Lord, always!
I share these ambitions for the synergy of my greater community to come around me and keep me accountable. I know there is no neutral zone in growth—that each day we either move forward or backward. I can only grow in God’s grace, not by my efforts. I am not better or worse because I do these things, but I know that God honors our intentionality in honoring Him. As I know more truly the gift of this opportunity, I am thankful for a season to prepare.
As our plane takes off towards Spain come August, I pray the same weightless smile will spread involuntarily across my face as God meets my fears and launches me into the unknown He has prepared before me.
