Preparation, Planning & other Musings- Thanks John Wooden!

The U.S. National Aquathon Championships were held today in Canton, NC. I decided to give it a shot - I've never been National Champion at anything, so I figured the $58 entry fee was worth the chance. The race usually consists of a 5K run, a 1500m swim, and another 5K run. Because the water was cold enough (70 degrees) to make the race wetsuit legal, the race was shortened to a 1500m swim followed by a 5K run. I awoke at 4:30 AM to rain showers and mid 60's temps. I made the 1 hr trek to Canton and the rain stops - I do my usual run warm-up and put the wetsuit, swim cap, and goggles on - only to have the goggle strap break rendering them useless for my swim. In times past, I would have panicked - not this time. A little pre-planning on my part and some Divine intervention saved the day. The only bag I could find in the dark this morning was an old beach bag that had an extra pair of Nike goggles. Thinking that PERHAPS they may come in handy, I left them in there. It's rare I take two pair of googles. If there's one thing I learned reading John Wooden's book on Life and Leadership, it's to prepare yourself FULLY, paying attention to all details along the way, not worrying about the competition. So I prepared, having back-up goggles and a running visor to keep the downpour off my eyes. The swim starts, and I quickly tuck in behind some faster swimmers and draft. I get out of the water (it's coming down heavy), and run to the transition area. My shoes are soaked, but again - I had prepared to run in wet shoes with no socks on several training runs this spring. I took it out hard, posting a 6:00 minute up-hill first mile and proceeding to pass many of the same folks who took me in the water. As I'm running, I'm looking for big, old guys - in my division, Masters (40+) Clydesdale (195 pounds). The run course was an out and back, and coming back during my last mile I pass a Baptist Church (it's parking lot was nearly empty despite services starting in a few minutes). I couldn't help but glance over and see the parking space closest to the door with a sign above the space "Pastor's Parking Only"...and my mind drifts off the race for the moment (so much for focus!). I'm thinking, who would go to a church where the Pastor demands the closest parking spot? Take my word for it, the handicap parking spot was FURTHER away from the church. So much for Servant Leadership - WWJD? His spot would be across the street baby. So in the midst of a heated battle, I get stoked by this pastor's poor example. I kick it down the hill, and across the finish line, in 46:16. About an hour later, the results post, and I find out I'm U.S. National Champion, making the National team earning a spot in the World Championship's next month in Australia. It's beside the point that I can't afford the trip over - I prepared and prevailed, reaffirming my belief in PHIL 4:13 "I can do ALL things through Him who gives me strength". My effort was not my own, clearly. I was fueled once again with His strength and I consider myself blessed to compete on a stage so big, for His glory. BTW, the visor that I wore? Team FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) Endurance. The coolest part of my day, however, happened during my 7 mile cool down - coming back down the hill about 1.5 miles from the finish, I came across a young lady who was walking - she was German, a transplant to Sylva, NC, and this was her first Tri (a Sprint distance tri was being held at the same time, same course). I came up from behind her and encouraged her to start running again -she started running, keeping pace with me, for the next mile. With 1/2 mile to go, she slows to a walk again - we talk, and I tell her it's time to bring it home in a big way - no walking allowed! She picked up the pace, and she sprinted down the final stretch to the chute and across the finish line - her 1st finish!!!!! I was so fired up for her - and was reminded once again why I do what I do - it's not about me, it's about living my life in a way which allows me to serve as a role model and a light for others so that they may become the very best versions of themselves. And it doesn't get any better than that......BELIEVE!