Today I want to document a wondrous moment. This moment is not even close to the most wondrous moment as of late, but a small wonder of its own right. Months ago, I signed up for one of my favorite trail races, a half marathon race called the Surly Trail Loppet. I have run this race a few times, each time breaking last year's record. This year, I was not expecting to break any records since I decided to run the 5k instead of my usual half marathon. For good reason- I am going to be a mama! (The most wondrous of wondrous small wonder!)
I actually only started running again a few weeks ago after a 2 months hiatus. Each day, I ask myself: How you doing? Up for a little fresh air and movement? And everyday that my body says "YES!", I head out to run with pure gratitude.
That's how I felt this morning. I entered the race with no plan. I told myself that I am allowed to stop, walk, jump, leap over trees, whatever felt good. I warmed up with an easy 2 mile jog and then waited for the race to begin.
Well, by some weird trick of nature, I won my age group. A new record for me! A small wonder.
So what have I learned? Well, everyday I've been learning so much. I feel different. Motherhood is going to change me. I've learned that I won't always be able to do the things that I want to do. There is a little one who already needs me to slow down and I am learning that I might be okay with that. But, today, I also learned that slowing down can bring surprises.
A few days ago, I was reading through old journals. Here's an entry from high school: "My mom said that these next ten years are ging to be a fast, huge, unstoppable decision-making time...an exciting time until I reach the biggest decision of all, who I should marry and whether or not we should have kids. Then things will slow dow" (8/12/00).
And here I am, a little over ten years later, married to the man of my dreams and a baby on the way. Mom's right; things are slowing down but I am as happy and filled with wonder as ever.
