Tom Wales Memorial Run

Today, I participated in the Tom Wales Memorial Run.  It was a 5K run benefiting Washington Cease Fire, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing gun violence through public awareness and common-sense legislation, a cause Tom Wales was tirelessly passionate about.

For those of you who don't know me, I used to be in the military in Singapore and running was "strongly encouraged."  Actually I developed enjoyment from running because of the military.  However, I have not kept it up since moving to the US.  I tried to start running while in college but I discovered I had a hard time breathing when I ran outside so I stopped.  I did start running the treadmill at the gym when I joined but let's just say, they were far and few between.

I never really considered doing anything like this before today.  A lot of my friends are into Triathlons and what not, but I haven't really had any interest.  I don't think I was ready to commit the time and energy to train.  And my work commitments made it a little difficult to keep a regular training schedule.  Then a few weeks ago, I watched an British indie movie called "Run Fat Boy Run" and I was inspired and challenged to do something.  I needed to stop making excuses and make myself train for something and finish something in life.  It is also probably good for my health.  So, when I heard about this run and that some of my friends were already training for it, I decided to sign up as well.

Now figuring out the training part was a little tricky.  I tried my hardest to do what I could to prepare.  Between the bad weather, work and other commitments I had, I think I managed maybe 4 practice runs/jogs.  As such, I was definitely under prepared especially for not ever doing something like this in 13 years.

Today finally arrived.  It was a gorgeous spring morning here in Seattle.  So beautiful!  The flowers in bloom and the sun shining proudly.  Best place in the world to live!

So we gathered at Volunteer Park on Capitol Hill in Seattle bright and early.  It was cool to have a few friends all in this together.

Amongst us were some experienced runners and then some like me, who were going to be lucky to finish the race.  My goal was to complete the race in time for the prize presentations and also not walk during the race.  Pretty simple goals but having never done the race before, I was a little nervous.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here's me trying to figure out my tag and looking confused.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here's me rounding the final corner of the run.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Approaching the finishing line.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally crossing the finishing line!

 

I am glad I went into the race without much knowledge about the course.  Josh told me after the race that it was a somewhat tough course for a 5K because there were a lot of uphill running involved.  I guess that was something to be proud of.  I am actually quite proud that I was able to achieve my goals - I finished the race and I didn't walk during the race.  I think I probably finished the race in 30 minutes.  The official times will be posted later on.

 

 

 

 

 

Runner 146, after the race.

 

I had fun today.  It will be fun to try a 5K run again but this time actually work harder to bring my time down and get better.

Since I ran the race mostly by myself (my friends were either way ahead of me or behind me), I had time to ponder.  I was thinking about the run and I couldn't help but think about the race in terms of my life and spiritual journey.  I thought about my lack of training and reflected on my failure at times to keep up with my spiritual training (reading the Word, praying, etc.)  There were many times during the race I was ready to stop and just go home to take a nap.  I was ready to give up, and it is also true in life.  It is true also in life, that when a little uphill climb comes, I have a choice to push through or throw in the towel.  I thought about the pacing in running the race.  It is so easy to get excited and just run to the front of the pack at the start of the race but lose steam after because I am not pacing well and/or haven't trained enough.  Again as a Christ-follower, so often I get that "mountain top" experience and I start sprinting but soon I find myself gasping for air.  But pacing myself worked because I gave myself time to recover from the steep climbs and other elements that are involved.  I also used people around me as a guide in pacing and the same applies in life.  I have people I look up to and trust and people who mentor me and they help me pace my life's journey.  This race was also mapped for us to run on pavement for some stretches and trails for some parts.  Life is like that sometimes.  I go through "paved" roads but sometimes I make certain choices that take me down trails that are uneven, rocky and muddy.  But the coolest part is I know that if I stay the course (as in the case of this race) and put my trust in Jesus, eventually the final stretch will be visible and I can hear the announcer's table calling out the names of people who are the finish line.  I actually rejoiced in that thought because I can't wait for that day when I round that corner to the final stretch of this life's race and I can hear our Great Announcer calling out my number, cheering for me as I make it through the finishing line and I hear Him say, "well done you good and faithful servant...come and share your Master's happiness!"  It will be worth it all!

I must say I not only enjoyed the race today but I was greatly challenged and inspired.  Thank you Jesus!