Embracing God's Goodness: How The Trinity and Triathlon Training Strengthen Friendships

Two months ago, I was working through questions in my "Fully Alive" Bible study and a question came up that took me my surprise. The question read "Think about yourself a year from now: what would a more courageous, audacious you look like?" The same day that question came up, another prompt from the Year in Review journaling came up that made me really take notice! "Things you're still eager to explore next year" was the prompt. Interesting how those two very similar questions appeared on the same day, I thought. Only God could have orchestrated these two things to appear on my radar on the same day!

When things or themes seem to happen in multiples, it is always good to dig deeper and spend time in prayer to figure out what God is telling me. I slowed down, took most of my plans off my long to-do list, and really sat at His feet to ponder and listen. One of the first things on my list He addressed was my exercising. I felt strangely drawn to compete in a 5K Walk/Run again. What??? I really don't even like running. Walking I love, but a 5K Run? I kept on asking Him questions about this. The nudge from Him came to look into what races were close to my birthday in May.

There are many websites one can use for finding 5K races, but I decided to use the Runsignup website. Sure enough, there were some races either two days or a day before my birthday! The one my eyes were drawn to, was The Shi-Tri, a TRIATHLON in Owosso, Michigan on May 17th. In 2023, before my breast cancer diagnosis, I had wanted to participate in this event. However, by the time I found it, it had already come and gone for 2023. So Kevin and I vowed that one day we would participate in it. But now, with my endurance not that great yet and my strength not at the best level, should I really endeavor this monumental task? Had I heard God correctly? Was I biting off more than I could chew?

But no, the more I pondered and prayed and listened, the more I heard a resounding YES from the Holy Spirit. And I also kept on hearing this reminder from Zechariah 4:6 ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit.' So, I decided to tell Kevin what I had decided to sign us up for when he got home. He was beyond excited and didn't even question my sanity or my ability. He immediately went into the basement to start working out! For those of you who don't know Kevin, he is amazing. He has competed in numerous half-marathons, Marathons, Ultra-Marathons, three Iron man competitions, and a variety of Triathlons (running, kayaking, cycling) in the past.

The day after all this happened, I discovered a box with money in our bedroom bookcase. I was confused as to where this money had come from. Had I found a hidden stash of Kevin's? I was floored. As I was looking at the money, memories from the fall and winter of 2024 slowly returned to me. This was hard earned cash I received when I had knitted and crocheted various hats, beanies, and pumpkins due to my boredom of staying home during radiation treatments! I was over the moon! I immediately knew what I would do with that money.

Originally I had saved up the money to get a tattoo covering all the scars from my surgeries. However, once I decided to become a vegan and get rid of any toxins in my environment, I decided to use that money for something really special instead. Then life happened and I was focused on working through my trauma. So I forgot about this special stash. Of course having had chemo-brain and poor memory did not help me to remember the money either. No, it was going to take me looking for something in the bookcase and coming upon this proverbial treasure, followed by my initial confusion, and then the 'aha' moment.

I immediately knew I had to get something for Kevin with this money! He is such a generous man, so unassuming, so kind and he deserved a gift for Christmas, even though we decided not to give each other gifts this year. I started searching for a good quality vintage road bike for him on Marketplace. I found a few, but didn't know which once would be a good buy. So the Holy Spirit reminded me of Kevin's friend Rudi in South Africa, who would be able to guide me. Of course I ended up consulting Kevin as well and both guys chose the same bicycle!

The next step was to contact the seller. We agreed to meet her after a Sunday morning church service. When we arrived, she was standing by the bicycle smiling and greeting us in a very welcoming way. Kevin got to check out the bicycle while this sweet lady showed me around her farm. When we came back from our little show-and-tell adventure, Kevin was smiling like a little school boy on Christmas morning. He gave his resounding "yes" to the bicycle. I handed over the cash in the envelope and we we on our way. Of course I haven't seen much of Kevin most evenings, as he has totally stripped the bicycle and is working on a tune up. He is planning on using this bicycle when he competes in the triathlon in May.

We took the plunge and recently signed up for the triathlon. I contacted my dear Physical Therapist, Kathy Pepper, who owns Empowering Wellness, to ask if she would check out the training program for me I had come up with. She agreed and has since added a few exercises and ideas. I am so very thankful for her help. Kevin's expertise was very helpful as well. So now I am working out multiple times a day and have 17 weeks left bore the triathlon. My favorite time to work out is when Kevin and I can work out side by side!

We have our basement set up as a workout zone and it helps to have company down there.

As I was putting together my training program, I was thinking about many things. I started wondering who would help me, who would pray for me, and I even started having doubts. I soon realized that a triathlon has the word TRI in it and so it started taking on a whole new meaning. I thought about my "why" for this race and realized I want to do it mostly for God's glory: God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Get it? TRI (trinity)! My goal is to finish the race, not to win anything or beat anyone. I want to celebrate GOD's goodness in my life.

Then an amazing thing happened. I told my friend Denine about this triathlon. She immediately told me that I would need a crew. She asked me to sign her up! The same thing happened when I told other friends and their husbands. They want to be there. I have watched a YouTube video of another participant competing at this event a few years back, so I know I cannot do this triathlon on my own. This generous offer from friends, has made me realize that God has it all in His hands!

I realized that a huge part of the race is getting in the right mindset. I cannot allow negative thinking or doubt to overshadow God's provision. So I asked some of my payer warrior friends if they would pray for my training. I call these dear people my TRI-Angels! I started a special group on Facebook to keep my TRI-Angels updated. God has given me such great ideas, including posting a video of me working out on the rowing machine and another video of me training for cycling, plus creating Affirmation cards with Bible verses that I have shared. I never thought that this would mean much to anyone, but these things have blessed my TRI-Angels.

As I'm sitting here, reading what I have typed up, I can not help but be blown away! I am so very thankful that I have a loving Heavenly Father who cares so much about me and about you. He wants to be involved in each detail of our lives. He created us, so He knows most intimately what stirs our hearts and makes us tick.

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

Ephesians 3:20

*As the website is free, I am not able to upload any of my own pictures. However, if you click any of the highlighted links, you will get more information on the triathlon.

I promise to keep you updated on my progress!

Praising God for His goodness!

Until next time, God bless