Amazement—
May I just share with you what is blowing up my pre-conceived ideas about how this race would go?
Rob is awake and working forward at least 21-22 hours a day. His sleeps are short and powerful. His breaks are minimal and timed.
The business of a Kansas highway rushes past Rob.
He is still waking himself up after each rest. I told him it will be quite the day when his crew actually has to wake him up. He said, “Yeah, it will be the day after the race.
Rob DeCou, surrounded by Jo Dee Ahmann and Madisyn Heinstand, feels 100% after a quick break. He’ll be spending all day in record-high temperatures while racing through Kansas.
He is alert, aware, concerned about all those around him. This is Day 7 of the race and I really thought by Day 4 he wouldn’t be coherent. His great desire is to stay in his right mind until the finish line. I pray God gives him the clarity he so strongly desires. I have seen that miracle before—with Christina. I know it is possible.
He is still giving direction to his two crews—trying to make sure everything is going smoothly. Jamaica, his mechanic, said the reason Rob is able to do that is because the crews are doing such a great job.
He has been pedaling through a heat wave in Kansas—upper 90’s and humidity. He LOVES that he can fill his jersey and cycling shorts with ice. A great help and relief. The beauty of the recumbent bike.
Rob smiles while racing down a highway in Kansas.
The increased giving to 3000 Miles to a Cure is so appreciated. For this, Rob is flying down the backroads of the United States. I believe Rob will meet his goal of $20,000. Will you join this community of giving? Please give here.
All that and more. So beautiful…
It is the privilege of a lifetime to watch this race mile by mile, pedal by pedal, prayer by prayer, joy upon joy. All in a setting of perseverance, agony, intensity, timed stops, 45 minute rests, aching muscles, sore feet, blisters, sunburn, and so much more. I will forever be changed. I will never have to look far for inspiration to continue in difficulty, smile at adversity, and experience joy in the most difficult of situations. Rob asked me this morning, “What are you learning about yourself?” (May I say I DO NOT understand how he is able to be concerned about anyone but himself.)
Rob awakes in the coldest environment he’s faced yet at 38 degrees. His crew gets him fed and warmed up before taking the trip to Wolf Creek Pass.
I told him I am more convinced than ever, on a deep, deep level that the joy, peace, and abundance that God provides has NOTHING to do with circumstances. I am watching, taking it all in and saying Rob is experiencing far beyond what he could ask or imagine and it has increased my capacity to believe.