I honestly have no words to describe my race today in the Holy City of Teveria. Finished first, Israeli national champion, and in a time I never dreamed of 2:42!!! I always go into every race knowing Hashem is with me, but I felt His presence so strongly, I was wrapped in His loving embracing. This past week I've been listening to an amazing class from my mentor Rabbi Kelemen about tapping into our potential and realizing what we are capable of. Because at the end of the day we are put in this world to achieve a mission, and it's not just about we are meant to accomplish it's also about the bigger picture we are each part of, in revealing Hashem's glory in this world. Today's race was an opportunity for me to be that ambassador and reflect the gifts Hashem has given me. It was also an incredible lesson of Never Giving Up Hope and the power we have when we believe in ourselves.
Going in to the race I was pretty confident I could finish as the national champion. I knew there was only one other female competitor signed up and I had a pretty good shot at beating her. As I reached the half-way point, I was surprised to see another women already coming back...and I felt a sinking feeling in my stomach. Well, I guess today is not going to be day I thought with a bit of disappointment. I recognized the woman as another outstanding Israeli athlete, a previous national champion who already did 2:37 this year. Although I felt bad about letting everyone down, I quickly tried to shift my perspective and focus on giving it my all and just doing the best job I could. I had been conservative the first half, and after reaching the half way point I decided to pick up the pace because I had nothing to lose. The 3rd woman had dropped behind and now I was on my own. I started running faster, trying to see if I could catch up to the next person in front. In my head I wondered whether I would be able to maintain the pace and whether it was too crazy. Instead I kept repeating, "Hashem is with my every step of the way, anything is possible." At that point, I told myself that I'm not ready to give up on the race yet and it's not over until the finish line. I kept reminding myself that if I truly know where my strength is coming from, Hashem our infinite creator, than there are no limits. I refused to give up hope and I literally repeated those words over and over in my head, continuing to push the pace on my own. Soon I had reached a hill and I saw the incredible Elena Dolenina in front of me. I sped down the hill, cut across the course and found myself behind her. I took a deep breath and steadied my pace, preparing to follow her until I felt safe to push. After a few minutes, Elena, with incredible sportsmanship turned to me and said, "I'm finished, the race is yours." She encouraged me to go ahead and keep pushing so I could finish in the best time possible.....As I powered through the final kilometers I thought about all of the amazing Jews around the world who had wished me luck and shared kind words before the race...and I thought of Daniella Chaya and our dream to build Beit Daniella.
The next time you want to give up...the next time you feel ready to despair, remind yourself of the wellsprings of strength you have within, dig deep and remember WE ARE MORE CAPABLE than we realize.
Wishing you all a #ShabbatShalom and sending so much love!
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