Today my passion for running came flooding back over me. It recharged me, energized me and left me hungry for more. As crazy as it sounds although I have ran 2 full marathons and several halves today was my first timed 5k! There is something beautiful about running a race that is over so quickly! You can push yourself harder because it is a shorter amount of time. Today was one of those days.. But today I wasn't pushed by me but by my good friend Vida. We had all decided to run our own pace and meet again at the end. I was quickly separated from the group but found Vida just a few minutes into the race, I took out my earbuds and started talking to her. Shortly after joining her I realized I was going to have to push it to keep up with her! We talked throughout the miles and after mile 2 I could feel my pace slowing, my heart pounding and breath shortening, " why don't you go ahead Vida, I know you can run this faster" I cried between breathes. "No, we are running this together" she firmly replied. We continued at a pace that felt fast for me and probably slow to her. We realized we were getting very close to the finish , she said "tell me when you are ready to pick up the pace" "I thought we already picked it up" I replied, "okay after the cones " as we neared the bright orange cones I ran with everything I had left in me, pushed it beyond what I thought possible.. My body was telling me "slow down, you can't do this" by my mind screamed, go! "There it is, there's the finish line, give it all you've got" her words gave me the final encouragement I needed. " we heard the announcer say " and with a strong finish- Vida Ice and Michelle Bader- we grabbed each others hands and together crossed the finish line.
There is such a deeper meaning to this story, the symbol of who Vida and I are to each other. She has always been the most amazing friend did has pushed me in other areas when I didn't think I had anything left to give. She believes in me. I believe in her. Together we are unstoppable. Her words, here prayers , her selfless beauty that radiates so strongly out of every fiber of her body has forever changed my life.
This is more than a story of yet another one of my races but an encouragement to think about how much your words can change another persons life. When you speak life into someone you can change the level of things they can and will accomplish! How amazing is that! You have the power to build someone up and help them to become all they were created to be. What an amazing responsibility and gift that is! Take a moment today to find someone, encourage them and help them finish their own finish line of what once seemed impossible!
