Born Dirty

Last weekend I ran in a race with friends old and new. 

When I signed up for the Dirty Girl Mud Run in early January I had envisioned running in warm, late March, temperatures--the perfect start to the spring. Reality wasn't as idyllic, dictating temperatures near freezing, with clouds that threatened rain.

 Born Dirty wasn't deterred; we were ready to face the course rain or shine! Heat or chill!

It was an especially fine day for me. I was "competing" in a race I never imagined I'd run, but I also had two worlds collide. The team this year included dear friends Elisa and Meg. 

Meg and I knew each other back-in-the-day when we both lived in Southern Arizona. We had grown up in the same church, and have been friends for over 20 years. She moved to NC four or five years ago. Every time we get together I can't believe how incredible it is that we live in the same city! I feel so blessed to have this dear friend back in my life. 

Elisa, my running partner (and living proof that God answers prayer), also ran in the race. When I moved to NC eight years ago, I prayed God would send me just one true friend. Within hours of arriving I met Elisa at a park, and we've been amigos ever since. I cannot express what her friendship has meant to me over the years. 

So to have both of these precious gals with me was the sweetest gift. 

AND, as if that wasn't enough... there were five MORE friends that have been sent along the way. Some of the other team mates are gals I've known over the years through homeschooling. The rest are friends I've come to meet at our new church, and hope to get to know better in the coming days. All are fun, amazing women.

Now, for the race itself... it was AWESOME! I did things that I never thought I would do... scaled walls, climbed ropes, ate mud... I would totally do it again! As a matter of fact, I've already got it on the calendar... March 23! Who's in?