Ascension : News From The Grotto - Thought For The Week
Submitted by The Islander (Shari Parkhill) 29.03.2007 (Article Archived on 12.04.2007)

A few months ago when the Triathlon was first announced, a good many of us thought, hmmm, I can do that, or part of it anyway. We decided on whether to enter as an individual or as part of team, eagerly collecting fellow competitors.

Although a few fit and hardy souls looked upon this event as one they wished to excel in, for most of us it was a personal endeavour, proof to ourselves that we could do something a little more challenging than our regular exercise routines.  The only thing a lot of us wanted to prove, was to prove to ourself that we could do it.  We weren’t out for great race times, just the feeling of accomplishment crossing the finish line would give us.  And bragging rights to our kids in a few cases!  We just wanted to be able to say that we participated in a Triathlon, even if it was just one part.

And so started the training.  After all, we had more than two months, lots of time to prepare.  For a few training even involved practice runs of the entire course.  For others it was off to the pool, sneaking in a few laps.  Folks could be seen biking, running and plunging into the ocean.  An excited atmosphere of anticipation settled over the island, as people prepared for this challenge. 

Then, the time grew short, it was really upon us.  Even at the last minute, teams were being formed and changes were being made, as a few people realized that certain parts of the course were not for them.  There was an air of nervous anticipation, and questioning of oneself, “can I really do it?”.   But the proof that we all wanted to find out was there, bright and early this morning as competitors started arriving at the beach. 

Distance swimming in an ocean was new to most of us, and presented quite a challenge to some.  But we persevered, and soon it was into the water, and on towards the buoys.  For some we felt that we were plowing our way around the course, being left in the wake of the faster competitors.  But eventually the beach beckoned (actually it beckoned at the end of the first lap, but we kept going) and we were grateful that this bit was almost over.

When the swimmers emerged from the water, they made their way across the beach to the transition area and either prepared for the bike leg, or gratefully tagged their teammates and tried to catch their breath.  Then it was the bike course that had to be tackled, 20 kilometres of a lot of steady inclines, not as grueling as Two Boats Hill, perhaps, but still challenging.  This is Ascension after all, where nothing is flat, and the wind is always in your face! 

Next came the runners turn.  Again, the individual competitors dashed off on yet another part of the race, while the teammates gratefully tagged their runners.  Off they headed on a 5 kilometre run.  Down the road, around the cones, and back to the gym.  Just a little farther, the end is in sight.

Eventually, the race was over, to the relief of a lot of people.  We had done it, finished what we had set out to do.  We’d proven to ourselves that we could do it, accomplished our own, very personal goal.  What a feeling of relief, and pride in ourselves.  Lots of cheers, hugs, and high fives were exchanged by an exhausted group of people determined to finish.  For the winners we offer the congratulations of an admiring group of fellow competitors.  For the rest of us, we need to take a moment to pat ourselves on the back. Wear your tee-shirt with pride.  We did it.

Like it says in the second reading, “we were racing to the finish line”, and we made it.  Not everyone gets there at the same time, or in the same shape, or with the same experiences, hopes or dreams.  But it is where we are all racing for.  God gave us the strength to push ourselves to the limit.  I’m positive that it wasn’t just me having a few conversations with God this morning.  All I wanted was for Him to allow me to dig deep within myself, to find that reserve of strength, determination and even stubbornness that we tend to forget we have, to uncover it, and use it to go that extra metre.  And everyone of us found it.  Proof that God is always with us. 

For everyone involved in the planning of this event, our humble thanks for allowing us to use it as a test of our inner strength.  For all the Ascension ‘athletes’ of all degrees of fitness and strength who participated, let me offer you a hearty round of applause.  Determination and faith in oneself is a gift from God.  We only need to recognize it and put it into play.  Well done!  At the start of the Lenten season I asked that God smile down on those of us pushing ourselves past our limits to complete the Triathlon.  Today he proved that He has.  Let us always be thankful for His presence in our lives.

I will be away for two weeks, visiting my family in the cold and snow.  I encourage everyone to attend Easter service at St. Mary’s and celebrate with your fellow Islanders.  God bless.