The joy of having good health on race day is not lost on me for I’ve known the disappointment that comes with being ill before an anticipated race. When that happens, I down the natural remedies along with lots of water and although I reek of garlic, oregano, and elderberry, I’ve been able to finish a sprint triathlon 5 days after stomach flu, a half marathon while battling a low fever, and a full marathon with a hacking cough. When you’ve trained for months, it’s hard to give up your goal and while mildly ill or barely recovered, it’s possible to still race but expectations may need to change.

Each time when I had been sick near race day, I just showed up at the start line with my phone to call for a ride if I needed to drop out. It’s amazing what no expectations will do for race jitters. There are no race jitters! No nerves or shaking like it’s cold even though it’s warm and humid. It’s pleasant to have a break from expectations and just be comfortable doing what’s possible. It also reminds me about the plans we make and expect to fulfill in contrast with James 4:14a, and 15 “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring…” “Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.'” To know that determination and goals are good but that, ultimately, God may have a different plan can be a comfort. He loves us and is the only one who truly knows what is best for us. In each of those races where I was not in great health, I didn’t hit my goal times but was still able to beat my times from the year before — all without race nerves.

One time I had an issue *after* a race that derailed a long-time goal. For almost 6 years I wanted to qualify for the Boston marathon and trained hard to get my time lower with each race. However, after my last marathon I was dehydrated and needed to go to the ER for fluids. This was not a time where I’d been sick prior to the race and the weather was perfect for running. I’m not sure why I got so dehydrated but the Boston dream was pretty much shot by the look on the faces of my husband and kids when I said I’d like to try another marathon. I wasn’t going to scare them with my dream so I set that goal aside and focused on short races. I have to say I love these races much more than I thought I would. Running faster is fun and the training can take up as much or as little time as I have to spare. I even feel healthier and stronger than I did while continually training for longer races.

God’s plans are best and even though I don’t believe God is the one who makes people sick (thank Adam and Eve) we can still grow and learn. In Genesis 50:20 it says, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” This is Joseph speaking to his brothers who sold him into slavery. After his slavery, he was thrown into prison but through his prison connections, Joseph became a great ruler — second only to Pharaoh — and eventually saved Egypt and his whole family from starvation. Compared to betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment, having an illness before a race seems rather small but it’s still disappointing. Take hope in knowing that all disappointment is only for a season and that God has greater plans for us. He wants us to rule — maybe not over a whole nation — but there is greatness ahead when we follow God.

Happy Running,