Twilight 10K Callaway Gardens

Day 205 - Weight 189.6 - Total weight loss - 42.6 pounds.

As you know from my previous blogs, I was training for the Twilight 10K at Callaway Gardens with my daughters and Melissa. The girls were concerened if I could even make it BEFORE we got there.I knew that I would be going it alone because Jennifer runs and Denise and Melissa walk a lot faster than I do. According to the rules, I HAD to make 20 minute miles or the trolley would come pick me up. I did NOT want to end this race riding across the finish line in a trolley!

When we arrived, I was so scared! I looked around at all the very slender, athletic people. I was literally shaking and about to cry. I was thinking, "What in the world have I gotten myself into? What makes me think I am good enough to even show up." It was at this point we met up with a great friend, Denise Burrell. She was running the course. She was also the girl's high school principal and is our Deputy Superentendant. But to me, she is a very special friend! She gave me a good pep talk and prayed with us.

The course was listed as a "flat, easy course." Well, it wasn't - it was 6.2 miles of hills and curves! It was also 80 plus degrees in November. I had my MP3 player loaded with 2 hours of music to get me through. I walked as fast as my little legs would go for the first 2 miles. I knew I could make 2 miles pretty fast because that is the distance of the walking school bus. I also knew I could do pretty good on the 3rd mile. It was after that when I started getting tired. I could no longer see Denise and Melissa and I was feeling pretty alone. That is when God sent me an angel to share my journey. Jan Cash and I found out we had a lot in common. We had both recently lost loved ones and that caused both of us to want to take care of our health. We also are one day apart in age - her birthday is the day before mine! She was so encouraging to me!

We hit the 5 mile water station and then had a big hill to climb. It really took a lot out of me. I looked up and saw someone coming toward us. It was Jan's beautiful daughter! She finished and came back for her mama!! I just teared up because it was so sweet! She got us back up to a good pace and was really encouraging us on. I looked again and saw MY daughter, Denise, coming back for her mama!!! I was so excited to see her and my pace picked up even more! Before long, I saw my other daughter,  Jennifer coming for her mama!!!! So excited! Denise Burell and Melissa Oliver came to meet me, too!!! They all got me through to the finish line! It was so wonderful to have friends and family to support me! I absolutely would never have made it without their help and encouragement!

 

 

We were all so fired up about completing a 10K! We had been training since May - we put the work in and now it was over! We had reservations at the Lodge and Spa so we went to our room, got on our bathing suits and jumped in the hot tub!

 

We wanted to dress up and go somewhere fancy to eat so Jennifer called and got reservations for us at The Gardens. We all got steaks and they were amazing!! We had such a great time!

 

I will always remember and treasure our great time together! God taught me something important that weekend. He showed me that our life here is like a race. It's tough but He hasn't put us here all alone! We just have to be willing to begin and to press on when it gets tough. He will provide what we need - when we need it!