God’s Will- Training for Triathlon #2

Less than 3 weeks out from my second triathlon and I had not run a single step. And after my unsuccessful swim, I was really worried about being able to complete the triathlon.  I mentioned it at PT and they had me get on the treadmill and try.  I ran for a minute and 54 seconds, a long way from the 3.2 miles I would need to cover.  Cleared to start running I was advised to alternate between running and walking. My first time out I made it for a total of 5 running minutes.  As I learned after the swim, I had missed the cut off to defer the race.  At this point I figured God wants me to do this race so he will make sure I get through it. I started to put more effort into what I could do, biking and swimming.  The bike part was going well, I could cover the ten miles but did not get in any bridge training.  I signed up for another practice ocean swim.  This time I went without the wetsuit because I would not wear it at the actual tri.  The water was warm and I asked to swim with a buddy and two volunteered.  Just as I cleared the breakers, I felt I was slowing my buddies too much and my breathing was out of control.  I still had not made it to the first buoy so I waved my buddies to go without me and turned around to shore. As I did I heard a voice, “where do you think you are going?”  I tried to explain to the lifeguard why I was going in and he reminded me I was here to practice.  He told me he would stay with me and I could rest on the board when needed.  I was out of excuses so I turned around and headed towards the buoy.  It was slow going but I was making progress.  Another group was helping a first timer with his swim and having others nearby was comforting.  About half-way through the course, another swimmer needed help so I was passed to the watchful eye of a second lifeguard at this point I was feeling confident I could complete the swim for today.  As I rounded the final buoy I took a moment to realize how nice the water was and felt sad the swim was almost over.  This time getting out of the water I was elated and ready for the swim portion of the triathlon.  God provided the support I needed, when I needed it.