Perseverance to Waco - Persevering Despite Disappointment
Sunrise on Saltese Flats
Guest post by Stephen Robinson
A little over 3 months ago, giddy with anticipation, I stood on the lake shore waiting to enter the water and start my race at Ironman Coeur d’Alene. Years of training and preparation all came together on this hot June morning. I couldn’t wait to begin.
In approximately 16 hours, I hoped to be crossing the finish line on Sherman Avenue and hear words I had rehearsed in my head over and over again. Stephen Robinson, You Are an Ironman! Would I cry when I finished? Would I be able to walk? I had replayed the moment repeatedly in my head with a different ending every time. Little did I know in that moment, this would not turn out to be the day.
People ask what my strongest leg of a triathlon is, and I give an answer that isn’t much of an answer, “I would have to say it’s my bike, but I am a strong swimmer, so yes, those two disciplines are my strongest.” This day was no different. As soon as I settled down in the water, I raced to my personal best time and pace for the 2.4-mile swim. Coming out of the water, I quickly scanned the crowd to see family and friends cheering me on. It felt surreal to be competing instead of volunteering. This was really happening! Time to get through transition and hop on my bike for one of the most grueling 112-mile Ironman bike courses in North America.
Heading out of town on the first loop of the bike course
I am so grateful and humbled that Sue invited me to share the past couple of weeks about my story of persevering through my Ironman journey.
You may recall the guest post I wrote last October about the deep disappointment I experienced when a big Ironman dream ended. (If you missed that post, you can read it here.)
Saturday on my last long ride before Ironman Waco in less than three weeks, I reflected on my journey to becoming an Ironman. I took this sunrise picture, see above, because it served as a reminder that each day is a new beginning, an opportunity to turn disappointment into hope.
Today, as I rode through Coeur d’Alene, I passed the spot where my body shut down and my dream shattered that hot Sunday in June 2021. It was funny, but as I rode along East Coeur d’Alene Lake Drive, I didn’t even think about the disappointment of not finishing. Instead, I was reminded of a special verse:
“When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.”
Isaiah 43:2
I’ve heard it said, “time heals all wounds.” While that may be true, I know it is the Lord—not merely the passing of time—that has healed my heart and mind. Staying close to God won’t always prevent bad things from happening, but I am learning it will make hard times easier to go through.
In my last post, I shared the impact faith has played in my Ironman journey. I believe God will be with you in the same way when you put your faith and trust in Him and allow Him to work in your life.
