The evening after my small group leader called me out about Ben, I headed downtown with some friends from church to pick up our race bibs and gear for the mini-marathon the following day. After grabbing our stuff, we were more excited for the race than ever and headed to a nearby restaurant for some carbo-loading.
Standing in line, my stomach began to churn. I tried to ignore it and look over the menu, but the closer we got to ordering the more it rolled and flopped. Though outwardly trying to maintain conversation, inwardly I was trying my best not to throw up. Just before it was my turn to order I told my friend that I needed to go to the bathroom and asked her to order for me.
Thankfully the women's restroom was unoccupied because as soon as I got there I upchucked everything I had eaten that day. My head was spinning and I felt sick, but I collected myself and went back out to join my friends. Still feeling terrible, I nibbled at my food, chatted a bit, and mostly looked forward to getting home.
That night, I camped on the living room couch and made multiple puking trips to the bathroom. My temperature consistently stayed over 100, peaking at 103 degrees, and amidst the chills, sweats, and bathroom trips I didn't get any sleep. All night I debated whether or not a person in my condition could run a mini-marathon the following day. If not, months of training and a hefty registration fee would be wasted. I especially didn't want anyone to think that I chickened out last minute, nor was I thrilled about not seeing and spending time with Ben.
When I texted my mom for advice, I was disappointed and yet relieved when she told me not to run. It was the right decision, but it was also a major let down. Determined, I decided that if I could keep down a glass of water, I would at least go to support Ben and my friends, even if I weren't running the race myself. With a temperature of around 100 degrees and glass of water in my belly, I left the house race day morning to meet up with everyone.
At the rendezvous spot I felt silly in my blue jeans and jacket. Everyone else was wearing running attire. Though disappointed that I wouldn't be running, my friends were very understanding. We loaded up and somehow I managed to end up riding shotgun in Ben's car. I was pleased with the opportunity, and though still feeling a little foolish, our conversation on the drive left me reassured.
Arriving downtown was craziness. Thousands of people from all over were milling about waiting for the race to start. As we walked towards the start line, I made the most of every opportunity to talk to Ben. We had to pass the finish line on our way and agreed on a nearby spot to meet up after the race. Soon I parted ways with them and watched the start of the race. Then I headed toward the finish line to wait.
I recalled that Ben had aimed to finish the mini-marathon in 1hr. 30mins. Once that time rolled around, I kept my eyes open for him, anticipation building with every minute. True to form, he came through the finish line at 1 hr. 31 mins. I was impressed. For a couple minutes I considered waiting for the others in our group, but quickly rejected that idea so I could go find Ben, knowing it would be a while before others would finish the race.
Making our way to the meeting spot, I tried to keep my eye on Ben in the midst of the crowds. He was coming through the refreshment lines at the end of the race and when I tried to go to him a race official instructed me to wait where I was. So I stood, as noticeably as I could, and watched him until his eyes met mine.
He was tired, and the sweat had dried in salt crystals along his face, but he had finished the race, and he had finished it fast, and he looked happy to see me. While he ate his refreshments, we chatted a bit, but it wasn't until the others had finished the race and joined us that he had regained enough energy to really hold a conversation.
I don't particularly remember what we talked about that day, except that he asked friendly questions about me and that the conversation was friendly in general. I still had no idea what he thought of me, but he was a very encouraging brother in the Lord and I was glad I was able to be there to see him and my friends race.
While we headed back to the car, Ben perceived my fatigue and weakness and asked if I needed a ride home instead of going out to eat lunch with the group. Thankful for his observation and compassion, I agreed that it would be best. Missing out on lunch would have been more disappointing if I weren't already so satisfied with the day. As it was, I arrived home content, and promptly went to sleep with a smile on my face.Labels: every day life
