Preparation is mandatory for track meets. In this part of the country we can experience rain, sleet, wind, breezes, sun, clouds, showers, drizzles, gusts, and whatever else mother nature decides to throw our way, and all at the same meet. That means wearing layers of clothing as well as hats. gloves, coats, and rain gear. And don't forget the blankets and cushions--metal bleachers can be extremely cold and hard.
Preparation is also mandatory for the competitors. At the district track meet last week, my grandson was competing with the possibility of making it to state. Six of eight runners would make it. Because the bottom four guys' times were hundredths of seconds from each other, it would be anyone race, and it was going to be close.
My grandson knew exactly how he was going to run the race. He and his coach had discussed it. He wanted to run his first lap in 1:02. He would probably be running last at this point. He then would speed up a little, passing at least one guy to get into position coming off the last corner to kick it home in sixth place. That was the plan. That is what he was mentally prepared for.
First lap. He ran exactly 1:02 and was in last place as planned. Second lap. He sped up, passed one guy as planned. Then, after coming out of the last corner, he kicked it into high gear and moved into sixth place--as planned. All the spectators could see he was giving it all he had. We could also see that the boy he had just passed was also giving it all he had. He was slowly gaining on my grandson--inch by painful inch. The two boys were now running neck and neck, one ahead, then the other. Neither gave up, both leaning at the finish line for a photo finish. Then my grandson collapsed, knocking the other boy down in the process.
After the dust finally settled, the boys slowly got untangled and on their feet again. Neither were badly hurt, but my grandson left quite a bit of skin on the track. Not only were his shoulder, elbow, and knee quite bloodied up, but he had also gotten spiked in the side. Sadly, he failed to qualify for state competition. He missed it by .01 second, but he had gotten his personal record.
We were all disappointed for him and felt so bad about his fall and resulting abrasions. He amazed us, though. When he finally joined us in the stands, he had a huge smile on his face and nothing but positive words on his tongue--no excuses in sight. He later told us that when he was just a few steps from the finish line he knew he was "goin' down." His legs would no longer hold him up. He had given his all.
As I sat behind him wondering why he had such a big smile and positive attitude after missing an opportunity for state competition, a light bulb slowly began to come on. Of course. Why did I not see it sooner? The reasons for his unending grin were many.
He had prepared for and run his perfect race. He had gotten a personal record. He had given his all.
All four bottom seeded runners had gotten personal records, too.
He was smiling for everyone.
As usual in cases like this, the Lord spoke to me. These are some of the reminders I heard:
- Preparation is essential. Without a plan, doing your best isn't possible.
- Get your plan from the coach.
- Stick to the plan.
- Give it all you have.
- You might get bloodied in the process.
- Make no excuses.
- Celebrate the victories of others.
- Smile.
- Speak positive words.
- You don't have to win to be a winner.
Thank you, Grandson of mine, for these reminders,
Nana
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