Keeping running - and life - in perspective

Editor's note: Erin Moeller, 37, of Mount Vernon is a lifelong runner who qualified for the last two Olympic Marathon Trials. A native of Ryan, she's a graduate of North-Linn and Wartburg and works for Benchmark Inc. in Cedar Rapids. She and her husband, Andy, have three children - Ryne, Evelyn and Kellyn.

By Erin Moeller, community contributor

As I type these words and reflect back on the past several months leading up to today, many thoughts rush through my mind.

If you've been following my past several columns, you likely know today is the day - Sunday, May 17, 2015 Marathon day.

In January, I shared with you one of my goals for 2015 is to qualify for a third Olympic Trials in the marathon. Since this date, I've committed, trained and prepared for today.

Earning a spot in the 2016 US Olympic Marathon Trials - slated for February 2016 in Los Angeles - requires me to complete 26.2 miles in less than 2 hours and 43 minutes. Sure, I've done this in the past. However, I'm now 37 years old and doing my best to keep up with 'life,” including three young and active children, a career I enjoy and spending time with family and friends.

It seems most everything will need to go perfectly in order for me to accomplish this goal - including a favorable forecast from Mother Nature.

As I stressed and stewed over the probable forecast for today in Green Bay, I quickly discovered I was throwing an elaborate pity party for myself. Poor me. I had trained so hard, sacrificed so much and poured myself into this dream of qualifying for the OT. Why, oh why, was Mother Nature throwing me this curve ball? Contrary to my preference of cool temps and no wind, it seems the forecast for Green Bay today includes a low of 61, high of 75, with 80 percent chance of thunderstorms, and winds at 15 to 25 mph.

Certainly not ideal for my liking.

It wasn't long and I started to put things into perspective. Sure, the forecast was kind of a bummer. I had been hoping and praying for everything to magically fall into place for the marathon. However, the voice of a dear friend kept ringing in my mind reminding me these issues I was stressing over are merely 'first world issues.” In the grand scheme of things, selfishly wanting to run a marathon pretty darned fast likely isn't going to change the world.

As I type these words, I remind myself we have friends currently dealing with much more stressful/important matters in life. It seems we all know someone who is battling cancer. Parents are anxiously awaiting the arrival of a newborn baby. Families are struggling to accept the sudden and untimely loss of a loved one. Students are anticipating the end of the school year and nervously planning their next chapter in life. Friends are anxiously awaiting the arrival of adopted children so they can provide these beautiful kids with a better life.

The list goes on and on.

When I consider these other more important and more critical issues, I am quickly able to put my life back into perspective. Yes, I want this third OT qualifier really, really bad. However, the world will not come to an end if my body does not achieve what my mind believes.

So, what's a girl to do? As Philippians 4:6 encourages, I've resorted to worry about nothing and pray about everything. As I run through the streets of Green Bay and the surrounding areas today, I will be praying for strength, endurance, speed and a little luck as I strive to reach the finish line before the clock ticks 2 hours and 43 minutes. However, this isn't all that I'll be praying for. As I commonly do, I'll be keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers along the way. I'll be praying for those who are battling cancer. I'll be praying for new families and growing families. I'll be praying for families and friends who are struggling.

Throughout these past several months, I have been overwhelmed by the support and encouragement I've received from so many. From friends, family, co-workers, clients and even complete strangers who have read this column and offered me support - you have all touched my heart in ways you'll never know. Please know how appreciative I am to each of you.

My race plan is ready, I'll strive to keep life in perspective. I have my heart, mind and body set on accomplishing this OT qualifying time and am willing to accept the outcome. Regardless of my finishing time, know that I'll give it my best.

l You may contact Moeller at emoeller26.2@gmail.com