I was blessed to be given the time to train for and compete in the 
Iron Star half-iron triathlon for the November 7, 2010 race in Conroe, 
TX.  Weeks 1-8 of training were golden... years of dealing with a 
chronic hamstring strain never reared its ugly head during this period 
and I felt great going into my training runs "injury free"... so I 
thought.  After competing in the Towne Lake Olympic tri at week 8, my 
old injury came back in full throttle.  I now could hardly run a 
couple of miles without having to stop and stretch it out, return home 
and ice it for days,  and the start of carving time out to go to 
therapy sessions to rehab it two to three times a week. I spent the 
last 4 weeks of my training doing water running and even did a couple 
of my 3 hr bike rides on a recumbent bike!  Now that was boring!!!  I 
feared I would have to let go of my desire to do the Lone Star and 
prayed for God to bring healing to my injury and supply my need for 
trust during this disappointment.  I rested up the week before the 
race and decided I felt good enough to give it all I had, knowing He 
was sufficient for me in all circumstances.  It was a very cold 
morning, but my wetsuit kept me warm in the water.  I had frozen toes 
until mile 20 on the bike, but never cared much about it because of 
how beautiful God painted the scenery around me.  At mile 55 of the 
bike I knew the hardest part for me with my given injury was just 
ahead.  I talked with my gracious Savior and He reminded me of how 
strong He was in me and that I could be bold and courageous to face my 
"giant" of 13.1 miles of running.  I knew my husband, my Dad and his 
wife would be there to cheer me on for the 3 loops of 4.4 miles.  I 
knew my mom and 3 children were anxiously waiting back in Houston by 
the phone to hear all about my race.  Every step my feet would take I 
prayed for God to give me the next step.  Around mile 7, I felt the 
tightening pain of my hamstring and I knew there was nothing in me 
left to give, but by God's power alone He would run one step ahead of 
me so I could focus only on His strength alone.  There was a group of 
Tri4Him on one certain curbside of the loop and they joyfully cheered 
me on each time I passed them... I looked forward to that curb knowing 
they would give me the encouragement I desperately needed!  This was 
my first race I got to wear my Tri4Him top in, and I felt like I was 
glowing!!!  I heard people say, "Go Tri4Him!", and "You got it 
Tri4Him"!  They didn't know my name, but they did know who I 
represented!  That was reason enough to be out there with a race 
victory or not!!!   Humbled as I crossed the finish line, I wanted to 
put my arms around God and hug him.  He did it instead and I was blown 
away when I found out I had won 1st place age group!   Regardless of 
the place I received that day, my true victory is in Christ because of 
His great love and sacrifice for me on the cross.  I am so thankful 
for Tri4Him and to be a part of a group that wants to glorify God in 
their lives.
Elaine Griffin