This marathon was a spiritual event for me. I certainly could not have completed this of my own power, and without God, could not have done what I did.
I had been murmuring prayers about this marathon for months leading up to it – for all of our safety on race day, for a safe trip, for each of us to be successful, and so much more. This all came to a peak on race morning, about 30 seconds before the gun went off. I was fervently praying that we all make it through, and just put the entire race into God’s hands. Whether I finished or not, I was leaving it all up to God.
This didn’t stop after finishing the race. I was thanking God while we crossed the finish line, but was soon asking in prayer again. I ended up in the medical tent shortly after finishing (for nothing serious, fortunately). My blood pressure dropped tremendously after crossing the finish line, and I was passing out while medical volunteers brought me to a “bed” in the medical tent. Turns out I just needed some PowerAde and rest, but there’s nothing like a medical scare to keep you praying.
Suffice it to say, I could not have completed the race (or survived the race) without God’s help. If you’re ever wondering if there’s something bigger than you out there, attempt a ridiculous athletic feat. Nothing puts you in your place faster. 🙂