SGS

Going back a number of years, running was a sport that was an anathema to me.  In my primary school days I ran slowly.  I mean R-E-A-L-L-Y slow!  I was often the slowest in the class, and I went to a co-ed school.  I still remember the comments made by the jovial (and late) Mr. Dempsey who was my P.E. teacher at the time: “Sam… you’re like an old chook!”  (He is still one of my favourite primary school teachers.)  Succumbing to the belief that I was no good at running, this also affected my athletics ability – I was abysmal at any track and field event.  However, I found my redeeming grace in swimming.  I was often the fastest at it – and I was in the waterpolo B team at high school.  Problem was that during in my school days, track and field events were the more popular events: the swimming competition wasn’t on the school calendar (until the final year I was in primary school).

In March 2007 Steph and I ran in a 5K “Fun Run” community event.  It was the furthest I’ve ever run and I often had to slow to a walking pace.  This year I embarked on a quest to challenge myself physically (something I’ve been putting off for way too long!)  A couple months ago I signed up for the Gigasports 10K run with a few friends from church.  My colleague, Keith (P.E. teacher), gave me a training plan: run long distances on Saturday and Sunday, run about half of that on the preceding Wednesday and Thursday, do some crossfit on Tuesday and Friday with Monday being a rest day.  I followed most of it, but definitely sticking to the distances!

This morning I completed the 10K in a time of 1 hour 8 minutes and 38 seconds.  Before the race I had hoped to finish within 1 hour and 20 minutes.  It was the furthest I’ve run and I didn’t stop at all – not even for water (my excuse was the queue!)  I would like to thank God for blessing me with this body and I hope to keep running races both physically and spiritually.  Thank you Steph for supporting me – I know you pray for me while I train in the morning and you lie down in bed 🙂  Thank you Keith for your encouragement, support and giving me an intensive training plan.  Thank you to all the ICA people who ran ahead, beside, behind me and also cheering from the sidelines!

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13 (NLT)