Defeat. Victory.
Failure. Triumph.
Uncertainty, unexpected, unanticipated conflict, confusion, circumstances. Forward movement.
It’s been a pretty amazing and memorable few days since I last wrote about our initial experience with the #yycflood. I have so much to update you guys on, so much that I’ve learned and felt and some pretty neat moments to share mixed in with the frustration of events out of my control.
When I last checked in on the blog, I was hanging out at my in-laws’ place with Mikey and my mom, putting my feet up and letting everything sink in about the lack of my first marathon in Banff due to washed out road conditions on the highway and working through the emotions of my mom being here without us being able to do much together. Everything was different – unexpected and NOT what we had planned. There have been so many time in my life when things have not gone according to plan, and I’m reminded of the truth in Proverbs 16:9:
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” and
“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will prevail” (Proverbs 19:21).
We’ve all experienced when things don’t go according to our own plans, but what matters most in those moments is what we chose to do and how we chose to act in those situations.
So, after half a day of lounging and staying inside, we finally ventured outside to explore and eventually head to a cheap matinee with my mom. En route to the theater, we were rear-ended and totalled our car. We absolutely couldn’t believe it, and I was worried about my mom’s health with her in the back seat but she was okay. Amazingly, we all were okay! Things could have been a lot worse, but it shook us all up a it and we finally took off – limping, as it were – home in the car.
Once settled at home, I got the news I was waiting for over several days: the Banff Marathon had been cancelled (as I mentioned in my last post). Of course I was sure it was going to be cancelled since the highway to Banff was closed from the east and west, and it would have been odd if the even still went on in the wake of so much disaster, but I was still discouraged. I tried to let it go and kept thinking about how much others had lost…
This took my “Flexibility in Training” thoughts to a whole different level!
After the mandatory insurance phone calls and more sitting post-accident, Â we all went to bed tired and a bit dazed, ready for a fresh day. And a fresh day it was! We all felt ready to do something else and move on, and something that we’d talked about the day before – running my own marathon – that had seemed so defeating and inappropriate at the time now seemed like a way to redeem the weekend. After a bit of brainstorming, we hopped in my in-laws’ car and grabbed some clothes from our still-evacuated apartment and headed south east to Waterton National Park. The damage to the surrounding areas was pretty extensive and just hard to believe:
We chatted with the neighbors, our building manager and people in the street, everyone incredulous at the huge propane tanks in the street, cars turned around and huge logs on major roads. Soon enough we headed back with fresh gear, ready to hit the road and explore an area we’d all never been to and run a race that was supposed to be…
We had fun exploring the town of Waterton and walked around, checking out the little shops and eventually stopping for dinner and mapping out our game plan (while staying hydrated with Nuun, of course!).
After watching “Spirit of the Marathon” and still not really believing this was happening, we said good night and all had a rather restless sleep. The morning included some homemade coffee by my mom (my favorite kind she brought from California!), a bun and almond butter with a banana and a few sips of water. We got dressed, packed the fuel and headed back into Waterton from Pincher Creek where we were staying.
It was go time.
Rather than walk you through mile by mile, I’ll let my husband’s incredible video work do the job for you, although I will mention a few things:
– The start was quite anticlimactic. “3, 2, 1, go!” and I began trotting down the path.
– My mom held onto my phone which was mapping our route as we went using Map My Run. This, coupled with the fact that I did some extra solo on the Wishbone Trail, ahead of the bikes and not realizing they couldn’t make it through the mud, combined with the extra weaves here and there meant that we’re not entirely sure how far I went, although we are certain it was over 26.2 miles.
– The headwind on the way back was INCREDIBLE. Very strong and I was a bit nervous about it right from the start when I realized I’d be running against the wind the whole way back from the drive in.
– Mikey biked ahead and filmed so many neat, unique shots and gave me fuel and water as needed!
– My mom never left my side and was behind or beside me the ENTIRE time. I was so encouraged by my supporters and couldn’t have done this solo marathon without them.
– Shout-out to Zensah for keeping me going with their arm sleeves for a bit and compression leg sleeves for the entire race! Not only did they play a role in my recovery (see below), but they helped when I was being scratched and scraped and running through mud puddles on the Wishbone Trail!
– Oh – and it was BEAUTIFUL! And HILLY! And HARD! But GORGEOUS! Check it out for yourself:
The finish was extra hard as we kept going until I reached my hopeful distance, factoring the extra calculations in and estimating best we could. I didn’t know where the end was and can understand the benefit of seeing an actual finish line. On top of that, the wind was whipping harder than ever as I rounded the final bend and pushed on through the end of the point. It felt odd to finish and I was filled with emotions, needing to walk it out to process them and not exactly feeling triumphant while also feeling proud at the same time. So many mixed emotions. My time was somewhere between 4:30 (on my watch as I stopped it when we weren’t sure where to go) and 4:45 (on the iPhone), which I’m happy with considering it was half of a trail marathon (where my shoes got sucked off twice in the mud! But thanks to my Lock Laces, they were easy to slip back on!) and half of a run-into-the-wind marathon. As soon as I returned to myself, I was ready for a few pictures:
My two amazing supporters…I’m not sure I adequately expressed how incredible they were to me as I was struggling at the end of the race, doing the “marathon shuffle” and grunting in frustration at the wind! So thankful for you guys. 😀
After a quick dip in the freezing lake (quick dip meaning I tried to sit, literally could NOT handle the water, stood for a bit and hobbled out), we were off to eat.
The rest of the afternoon included going to the Prince of Wales Hotel, laying in the sun and chatting, reading books and taking it easy. We went back to get ice cream in the village before heading home and promptly to “Wold War Z” for a 7 pm improptu movie in Pincher Creek! What.a.day.
Waking up rested and surprisingly NOT sore, we hit the road for a beautiful drive back to Calgary. Side note: I’m shocked that I was barely sore this whole week! I was walking down stairs fine, up then easily, wasn’t stiff at all and couldn’t believe that my body recovered so well. Not what I anticipated and so thankful for that! The next morning we drove home, checked out our apartment again and then my mom and decided to do some shopping for our home. Well…you’re not going to believe what happened. On the road, in slow moving traffic, there was all of a sudden a loud CRUNCH and a feeling like an earthquake and just like that there was a dump truck full of boulders dealing with flood help in the side of our car – or rather, my in-laws’ car!
Thankfully, no one involved was hurt – can you imagine how bad this could have been? I was shocked but not panicked and from here we dealt with the information, filed an accident report and headed home – we never made it to the shopping center. 😉
So, so many things were not as we planned this weekend. So many people suffered so much worse, and considering we were in 2 car accidents, evacuated for 7 days minimum (just got that update yesterday as our building was “red flagged”) and had a cancelled marathon that my mom traveled up here for, I’d say it was still a good weekend. So much learning, so many hard talks, so many tears once the dust all settled and the emotions and relief took over, so many memories and moments of laughter and times spent thanking God for his protection and plan. One thing is for certain: he knew that I would not run the Banff Marathon from the moment I started training for it; God knew that my mom would be a part of a historic time in Calgary; he knew that we would all have our ups and downs and live some incredible experiences. Through it all, God remains faithful and good. Were there some defeats? Some failures? Some conflict and confusion? Yes, but in a way, no. There was learning and growth and crazy circumstances and moments we will not soon forget.
…and that is part of the story of my first marathon – the Waterton Marathon – in the midst of the #yycflood, during an evacuation, with 2 car accidents thrown into the mix and a weekend visiting with my mom, in-laws and husband. Whew.
Learning from it all, growing from it all and still processing all that’s happened… Downtown opens slowly tomorrow but I will be taking Wednesday off to deal with the car insurance, sleep in, get groceries and get ready for Thursday and Friday. Here’s to adventure runs, unexpected days, safety when things could have been worse, protection from God, moments with family and the unknown – it really is different, and in some ways better, than I could have dreamed up despite the hard circumstances in the mix.
Live well & be well friends, and thanks for letting me share my journey with you! Run on,
Bonnie
Oh Bonnie, I honestly have no words, only tears. I can feel every bit of what you must have been feeling since all of this has happened. Such a loss of control, yet through it ALL God is so faithful, and He will be faithful to complete it. I love what you said about how He knew you wouldn’t be running the race, but He prepared you just the same for everything literally thrown at you!
You are such an incredible inspiration Bonnie, I am in complete awe of what you have endured and accomplished! I feel the same as you, there are so many others who are far worse off than I am. I still have a home, our building had no flooding whatsoever, yet I have to catch myself in my self-pity for not having power or hot water going on 5 days now.
Praise and thankfulness to God for His continued blessings in our lives. Continued prayers for you and Mikey as you handle all the p’s and q’s.
Love you girl!! xoxo
Wow, Christa…I read your comment right away and your support and encouragement means so much to me…You have continued to check in with Mikey and I, offered to help and been amazing to us in this time! Thanks for your kind words and recognizing God in all of this; crazy to think of what others are going through and I am continually grateful for what’s transpired. Aren’t you glad that God is in control in a time like this and every day? 🙂 Glad you are well! Say hi to Mark…curious to know if he’s been out running anywhere yet. Love you guys!
You. Are. Amazing. What an inspiration in the midst of so much craziness, you embrace God’s promises and thrive! Congratulations on your solo-marathon distance (a feat in itself) !! You are seriously amazing!
Oh man, thanks Heather! I cannot point to Jesus enough though. You’re right – we need to cling to God’s promises daily but especially in times like these. And hey – I’m a marathoner now! It was unofficial in many ways and very official in others…I’ve joined your ranks! 😉 Thanks for all your support along the way.
what the heck?!!?! what an amazingly weird time!! i’m so proud of you and the marathon, Bon! You amaze me – and your attitude!
“Amazingly weird” – that’s exactly what this time has been! So thankful for Jesus. 🙂
Hey Bonnie and Mikey
I LOVED that video. That was my favorite spot on our Yellowstone trip and how I wish I could of been there to see you run the marathon. You didn’t even look tired at the end – very very inspiring to watch. What a weekend you guys had and yet you made it turn out so great! Speaks well of all of your accepting and non complaining attitudes!
Love Bonnie
Thanks, Bonnie! Isn’t Waterton amazing? Gorgeous and so rugged and wild. Thanks for your encouragement…although the attitudes weren’t great all the time, God helped keep things in perspective for us, kept us safe and made possible some amazing memories. See you guys in August at Loon Lake – Lord willing. 😀
That seems almost unbelievable! So crazy. But I’m glad everyone is ok and that you are making lemons out of lemonade!
err….lemonade out of lemons. oops
Yes – I think that’s what so many people in our city have been doing all weekend/week long! 😀
Wow Bonnie… you blow me away. I am so happy you ran anyway. you never cease to amaze me with your positive attitude – even after TWO car accidents. So glad you are all safe.
Thanks, Laura! But I promise that it’s not my attitude – it’s not that infallible. 😉 It’s Jesus – and this weekend would have been different without him in my life, that’s for sure. Hope you continue to recover well from your surgery!
This is beyond words – amazing, beautiful, courageous. What a beautiful video (the scenery is ridiculously gorgeous) and I’m so glad that you were able to run. I’m sorry that it wasn’t exactly under the circumstances that you were hoping. I’m so glad that you and your family are safe.
Isn’t that scenery incredible?! God made a beautiful world for us to enjoy. 🙂 And yes, safety for us all is so valuable – pretty amazing considering all the circumstances.
Awesome views! but man, the trials you all faced this weekend. 2 accidents? in addition to dealing with flood damage. Geesh. But you kept the faith girl. And reacted to make the best out of it. Nice solo marathon – with views like that… sweet. Love the video and the family bond. And congrats! Glad you all are safe, too.
Kind of a crazy weekend, hey Christine? 😉 I see you were just training in Lake Tahoe – we’re going there in August with my family (well, Loon Lake – not too far away)! 😀 Keep up the good work with your marathon training!
That’s amazing that you ran the full marathon distance by yourself. That takes alot of dediction and motivation. Great Job and glad to hear that God was watching over you and keeping your safe!! You did amazing, all things considered and praying for those invovled with the floods!!
Thanks, Bryanna! I appreciate your note! 😀
Oh man Bonnie! I thought my first marathon was full of hiccups. Sheesh – it was nothing! Your spirit is infectious, the scenery is gorgeous and you truly are a MARATHONER now. Not only that a trail marathoner too! Congrats! May you have nothing but boredom in your life for a bit now. 😉
haha Boredom…what would I prefer when it comes to the action or uneventful days?! 😉 A marathoner – I like that! Thanks for your encouragement all along the way!
Awww…. Bonnie, I love this post and the VIDEO! Mikey did a great job (as usual), and I’m so glad he could do that for you as a way to document such an incredible event. I am so happy for you that your mom was there to go right along side you as you ran. 🙂
And I couldn’t help but think how this is such an illustration of you (and Mikey) and how your attitude has been with life over the past few years. You guys have had quite a few surprises or unexpected changes (especially thinking of cancer, peacefield, etc.) and yet you keep moving forward, not dwelling on self-pity, but recognizing the “stumbling block” and finding a way to courageously persevere. And all the while bringing glory to God in your response. Thanks for being such an example to me of Hebrews 12:1-3.
Love you, Bonnie and congratulations on completing your first marathon!
Your encouragement and that verse mean so much to me, Anna…it is so evident to me that Jesus has been molding me during this time and I am so grateful for his grace and patience with me…I had my moments this weekend! 😉 Your flowers helped kick a crazy weekend off to a beautiful start; wish we could enjoy them more but they are in our currently evacuated apartment…The arrangement is amazing – just the stuff that I love! 😀 You are continual source of encouragement and joy to me; thank you for being such a solid friend.
this gave me tears. Tears of joy and relief and happiness! during such a hard time, you found God’s comfort and strength. CONGRATS! what an amazing day!
Thank you Lindsay! It is so clearly God’s strength that helped us through this weekend – at least clearly to me. I hope that’s evident in this post as well; to God be the glory!
I’m speechless and in tears. The strength and courage of your spirit is amazing and awe inspiring. You turned an otherwise negative experience into something uplifting and positive. Congratulations Bonnie! It was an honor to meet you at Blend, wish we had had more time to get to know each other.
Lisa! Thank you for your words! I knew I was meeting an amazing woman (runner, mom, individual!) at BLEND and wished we had more time to chat as well. Thanks for your pre-marathon words – you were an encouragement to me even if you didn’t realize it! 😀
I’m in tears! Bonnie, you are a hero – you are an inspiration to others who train and train and train when unexpected situations arise. You’re a blessed soul and I praise you!
Oh! Kat, I am so touched by your words! 😀 But don’t praise me – praise Jesus! He’s the one who took me through this time, kept us safe and encouraged and created that beautiful land for me to run in. I look to him and praise him for all that has happened this past weekend. 🙂
Bonnie you are a phenomenal woman, inspiring, kind, loving, beautiful inside and out. I hope to be more like you everyday. thank you for sharing your story…ehh sorry about the car talk about adding to a rough weekend, how crazy!!
congrats and I can’t wait til you get a full blown finish line and medal experience
Your words are incredibly touching, Amanda! I looked to you as a source of inspiration during my training; glad I got to finish the race! I am pretty sure this was unreal, unique and incredible, but yes – that finish line and medal experience will be awesome one day. 🙂
Tears & tears. Praise the Lord for such an amazing first marathon experience – all of it! What a blessing to be able to run in creation, and to see His handy work even in the midst of all the world can throw your way.
No greater way to show the world that you CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens you!
Congratulations, marathoner!!!
Wow – I must say that you are so inspiring. I am so sorry you’ve gone through so much “unexpected” but the way you are handling it, the outlook, that’s what says it all. Congrats on getting in the marathon miles.
AMAZING!!! This whole post was inspiring!! I love that y’all did the marathon still – what an incredible story. Great job!!!
And, that hotel is gorgeous!
AMAZING – I had no doubt that you would make the best lemonade out of all those lemons you were given! What a movie too – nice work to your production crew and sag bike lol – what an amazing adventure and beautiful day! I am a little upset you didn’t do a handstand off a buffalo. 🙂 You are a rock star and an inspiration! Way to go Bonnie, Way to go! Almost makes me want to run one…almost.
xoxo from Trinidad
Shoot! Handstand on a buffalo?! Totally forgot. 😉 Thanks for your encouragement – you made me feel great throughout my entire training. 😀 Love ya, friend.
WOW! CONGRATULATIONS! YOU’RE A MARATHONER!!
Love this post- your positive attitude, your sweet support from family, you victory! And so grateful that the Lord spared you & your family from any significant injury and loss last week!! He is so good!
You said it! God is so good. 😀 And it’s fun to say I’m a marathoner now!
LOVE YOU! AND LOVE THIS!!! you’re such an inspiration!!!!!! love the video too!!!!!
All those exclamation marks and capital letters make me so excited! 😀 Thanks for your support!
GRETA BLOG! wow so much has happened in a few days, extremely eventful!!!!!!!!!!!
with all that, moving forward with a full heart should give you much strength 🙂
congrats on that run and ur so blessed with support!!
as always, GREAT PHOTOS thanks for sharing w the world!!!
Well it wouldn’t mean too much if I shared and no one read, so THANKS FOR READING! 😀
Truly inspirational! Your determination and attitude are unbelievable. I’m so glad you shared your experience with us. I want to be just like you when/if I grow up!
Oh thank you for this amazing comment, Jean! I’m assuming this is Jean from the gym…and I want to be like YOU – 59 years young and working towards that six pack while already having achieved SO many fitness goals. Well done! Will be in touch about next week. 🙂
Holy crap! That is an intense weekend. First, glad everyone is safe. So many things, oh so many things. I can see how running in the distance was almost a necessity to get through what you have been dealing with. That’s so cool that your mom basically went on a 4-5 hour bike ride. GO MOM! The video was awesome and I watched the whole thing. (GO ME!) When you were at the finish next to the water, my first thought was “walk in the water” and glad to see that you did. I’m not sure how long you were in there, but just 10-20 mins can be all the difference in NOT being sore. Ice baths are amazing like that.
KUDOS missy. and YOU better come run some miles with me when you get out here. Me, you, the iron horse trail and some good miles and convo.
Pavey! This comment absolutely made my morning…The run was hard, beautiful, necessary (you’re right!) and full of support from my mom and Mikey – I am so grateful for them both. I wasn’t in that water for long (OH MAN it was FREEZING!) but wasn’t sore one bit the next day – I’m baffled by that!
I will take you up on your offer to run on the Iron Horse Trail – so familiar and brings back some great memories thinking of it. Would love to make some new ones with you out there on my next visit – Christmas for 2 weeks! 😀 Your comment means so much to me; thanks for taking the time to read (and watch). 😉
This was a really beautiful post, car wrecks, flooding and all. You are so inspiring! I loved that video!
Bonnie – wow!!! Amazing- crazy-unexpected moments in your life!! It’s amazing how God works flexibility into our lives. I love your heart, your realness, your faith in a great God. Congrats on running your first marathon!! Woohoo!!! Great video!!! Special times with your mom!! 🙂
Oh girl! You are amazing. I had been seeing your FB updates but just read this post and watched the film (fantastic work Mikey!) knowing what led up to and surrounded the marathon, I couldn’t help but laugh and shake my head as I watched. “Well lets keep going,” that sums it right up! You are awesome; clearly fueled by that God of yours 🙂 And I agree that we had both been experiencing a roller coaster of emotions as of late; yours pretty sudden, mine had been slowly building like storm clouds on the horizon for weeks, some of it stemming from my desire to do the things I’m “supposed” to do, while still trying to do the things that feel the most life giving, then realizing that I can’t do it all, nor can I do it without God and that is what broke me yesterday. It’s hard but it’s a good process to be in. Thanks for your encouragement from afar!