Running isn't the first sport that comes to mind when people think of a fun sport and to be completely honest there have been plenty of times where I wish I was placed anywhere else on this planet than running in college. But these last two days of competing in my last indoor meet of my career I can say without a doubt that there is nowhere else that I would dream of being. Not a whole lot of tangible factors have changed between me dreading meets and workouts and me having a blast running with teammates in practices and meets. What has changed is my mindset and heart in it. What has changed is who I compete for.
I have always been a fan of the color pink. I wore pink socks every race in high school. I can still remember so vividly my family and friends sitting right past the finish line in the ridiculous heat of Austin, Texas at the sate track meet decked out in their pink "Team Allie" shirts. The area newspaper even wrote a whole front page article about my pink socks and my success. I loved the attention and support. I loved running to make my parents proud. To represent my town in a successful manner. I loved winning. I enjoyed it, but I didn't have joy in it.
Coincidentally, I wore pink socks this meet. The same family and friends that would tough out the heat and humidity every year at the state track meet sat in the stands 4 years later not wearing "Team Allie" shirts. Just as excited as if it were the state meet. There definitely wasn't any media asking for interviews and I was far from being the best in my races. But I have never had so much fun and joy running.
A verse that comes to my mind and heart every time I step on the track this season is Psalm 115:1 "Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!" In no way can I take credit for the transformation of my mind and heart. Or for the way that my body is holding up despite a collegiate career that has been plagued with injuries. I can not take credit for the joy inside. It is an absolute privilege that I am allowed to run in freedom and for the glory of our God!! Not to say that I don't wrestle with selfish desires to steal the glory and attention. But praise Jesus for his ability to transform hearts and to break chains. Praise Him for his peace, and forgiveness. The announcer did say the exact same name that boomed over the speakers 4 years ago as he announced the runners and I may have been sporting the pink socks, but I am definitely not the same athlete or person.
Family and friends, thank you for your unending love and support for so many years. Y'all have no idea how much of a blessing y'all are and how big a smile it puts on my face that y'all were there to cheer me on. Not many have such amazing people that care enough to be a part of a single girls life. I cannot express how thankful and humbled I am to be a part of yalls lives. Thank you thank you thank you!! :) I miss y'all already!
love, Allie
P.S. If anyone wants to take a trip down memory lane.
"Ralls' Reyna Shows True Colors in Win"
http://lubbockonline.com/stories/051207/hig_051207029.shtml
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