The best life insurance

"My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand." John 10:27-28 BSB

On March 29, Bankrate published an article titled, "Best life insurance for runners" in which they asked the following question, "Can being a runner impact life insurance rates?" And their answer?  If you are a runner, you might assume you will pay well below the average cost of life insurance. After all, the best life insurance companies look at your overall wellness when they underwrite your policy and set your rate. And since running generally makes you healthier, it should help life insurance providers offer you lower premiums. Or at least, you might guess that is the case... Ultimately, because running could positively impact your health, some life insurance companies offer lower rates on life insurance for runners. So what's the takeaway from all this? Being a runner doesn't necessarily mean that you will get lower life insurance rates only that you could get lower life insurance rates. Kind of confusing isn't it? 

Thankfully though, there's nothing confusing about the life insurance that Jesus provides; life insurance that doesn't promise a payout of money to the policy holders' survivors but eternal life to the policy holder, or the one who places their trust in Him. And unlike conventional life insurance that can be canceled, "no one can snatch" or cancel the believer's benefits. Jesus was clear that He knows those who listen to His voice and follow Him and "they will never perish." And the best part? This life insurance has no “rate” but is free to all those who choose to follow Christ. 

In light of all that, let me ask you this question my friend. If you were to die today, do you know where you would spend eternity? If not, I invite you to ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior right now that you, too, might know the sound of His voice and receive the eternal life that only He can provide—something, which I can assure you, is a payout greater and more certain than that of any life insurance policy this world could ever offer. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that eternal life is only found in You. Remind us how short life is Lord and that those who don't know Your voice will perish and spend eternity in hell, apart from you. Let that thought make us bold in sharing the Good News with others before it's too late. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!! 

Hello grace - Selah

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Spring into training

Hello runner friends!
Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series
MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog.

Now let's get started by talking about something that should motivate you to lace up those shoes... Spring!!!! Yes, finally right???? Well if you're one of those runners that went MIA this winter or seriously dialed down your mileage and/or your effort either due to injury or your serious dislike of running in darkness and freezing temps, let's talk about some things to get you back out there. And if you need extra incentive to get back to it right now (as if the warmer weather and the longer daylight hours weren't enough to do it), consider this.... the Bass Pro Marathon and Half is only seven months away!!! And let's not forget about the Dogwood Canyon trail runs. Those are coming up too! So what are you waiting for???  Get started today with these 5 running tips that are sure to have you "springing" into your training.

Set a goal

First things first right? This goes without saying. If you do NOT have a goal to shoot for, you will most likely NOT have a plan to get you there. And not having a plan many times turns into not having the motivation to log a few miles. Do you see where I'm going with this? Working towards a goal allows you to feel like you are accomplishing something and gives you a purpose for getting in those steps. Whatever your goal is, it should be challenging, yet achievable. If you are brand new to running, maybe make finishing a 5K your goal, or running for 20 minutes without stopping? Whatever your goal, set a realistic timeline to meet it and celebrate in a healthy way when you accomplish it. And remember this... if you have a big goal in mind (like a marathon or half), set small attainable goals (like a 5k or 10k) and use them as stepping stones along the way. Completing these will be the motivation you'll need to get you to that bigger goal.

Take inventory

This is crucial. Before you get started, check your gear. Are your shoes old? After taking a few months off from running, it's easy to forget how old or worn your running shoes might be so ask yourself, "When was the last time I replaced my running shoes?" If the answer is "I don't know," or "More than a year ago," you're probably ready for new ones. Keep in mind that you should replace your running shoes every 300 to 500 miles, depending on your size, weight, gait, and shoe type. Keeping a running log is great, not only for tracking your progress and runs, but also for keeping track of shoe mileage. In your running log, make a note of the date you started wearing a new pair of shoes, then keep track of your weekly running mileage. You'll then be able to easily calculate when you've run 300 to 500 miles in those shoes. This is really important for reducing your chances of injury because proper footwear matters that much. 

Start back slowly

Many runners who return to the sport after taking a lot of time off can find themselves injured or burned out if they increase their mileage too quickly. Even if you didn't take a break from running due to injury, returning to your old mileage patterns can be detrimental. So start slowly. Begin with a short route that you know you can run with ease. Be conservative with your running schedule. Don't run two days in a row when you're first getting back to it. And if you're not coming back from time off but working on building mileage, remember the 10% running rule...never increase your weekly mileage by more than 10 percent over the previous week.

Stay Positive

It can be frustrating to think about your past running accomplishments and it may even feel like they’re out of reach at this point. But don't beat yourself up! Simply focus on the positive steps you're taking and build momentum from there. And every time a negative thought comes into your mind, I want you to say this, "I may NOT be where I want to be but I AM taking the steps to get there. And I WILL get there!" Say this as often as necessary and as loud as necessary. And if you do find yourself getting frustrated about your progress, don't keep it to yourself! That's a great way to head down the "I'm just gonna give up" path of running and life (they're connected). Instead, talk to some of your running friends who have most likely had a similar experience. And here's the best way to stay positive.... continually remind yourself that, no matter how slow or fast your progress might be, you are still moving forward! Be grateful for every inch of progress you make by remembering that it's a blessing to be running at all. It's a blessing to have the health to move for that matter. 

Break those Bad Habits

For everyone who has taken any time off, there is a silver lining in the comfort cloud you were enjoying during that time on the couch. You didn't engage in any of the bad habits you might have formed and, if you're lucky, you may have forgotten them altogether. Bad habits that might have included things like not getting the proper amount of rest or the proper nutrition, neglecting strength training or even self-sabotaging yourself with negative thoughts or negative people. Well guess what? Spring is a time of fresh starts! And why not start fresh by leaving any bad habits behind and replacing them with good ones. Ones like remembering that you only have this one body and should treat it with care and by making conscious choices to surround yourself only with people who will lift you up and encourage you to be the best that you can be. 

So there you have it friends... Spring is a great time to make a fresh start. And if you're not a new runner or one that is coming back after some time off, you can still make a fresh start by reevaluating your goals and the many new ways and changes you can implement to get there. And remember, every single one of us is a work in progress. We can all use this season of planting and growing to become better in more ways than one. So get out there and enjoy the smells of new life budding and the sun on your skin. Spring is here and there are miles to run!!

Happy Running!!!

Allow Him to be your Guide

"Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'" John 20:29 NKJV

On March 28, Channel 58 News from Milwaukee told the story of 67-year-old Mary Callen, who they described as "an accomplished runner who’s competed in thousands of races over her career," before going on to say, "It’s an impressive record for any runner, and it’s made all the more notable by how she achieved it." And how did Mary achieve crossing the finish line of 162 marathons and countless other races without being able to see? “My guide holds a little strap in one end of their hand and I hold the loop and then we just run next to each other,” she said of the small woven strap she needs before she can head out on a run. Mary is blind. So every step she runs is also an exercise in trust. Mary went on to say, "I was just thinking about how long it’s been today that I've been running... and it will actually be 41 years this month.”

And you know, as Mary learned from an early age, it takes a great deal of trust to run alongside someone without being able to see them. She must trust them to lead her on the right path and to guide her feet to places where she won't stumble. Similarly, this is the same type of "blind" trust that it takes for us to follow Jesus. But unlike the disciple Thomas who believed in Jesus because he saw Him with his own eyes, we are blessed when we believe in Jesus without ever seeing Him with our own eyes--you can be sure that we "see" Him nonetheless though. We "see" Him with our hearts through the pages of the Bible, through the testimonies of other believers, through creation and through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. And because we can actually "see" Jesus, we can place our total trust in Him.

So if you are lost and struggling to find your way today, let me ask you this... Do you truly believe in Jesus Christ? Do you truly believe He is who He says He is? If so, trust Him completely. Give Him the “little strap” and allow Him to be your Guide as you run to the finish line. Doing so will not only ensure that you stay on the right path but that you complete the race set before you. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that the proof of Your existence is everywhere; so much so that there will be no excuse on judgement day for not having believed in You. Help us to be bold in our testimonies Lord that we might inspire the lost to "see" You before it's too late. Give us the faith to trust You with our whole hearts Lord that we would go where You lead us without question. It's in Your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

The Distance - Gary LeVox

Sing those praises

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11 NIV

Stepping up to the start line of the Prairie Spirit Trail 100 mile race early Saturday morning, I closed my eyes and silently mouthed the words I had prayed every day since my training began, "Lord, please grant me the strength to finish the race... but mostly Father, let me bring You glory through my pursuit of the finish line." And while I would love to say that I crossed that finish line in record time, I didn't. In fact, I didn’t even cross the finish line at all. But you know what I did do? I did sing His praises out loud for the 50 miles the Lord granted me the strength to finish because, get this... the Lord has always been faithful to me and He has never, even in the midst of my sin, withheld His love from me. In fact, He has personally walked with me through every trial, through every struggle and through every disappointment I have ever experienced in this life. And if you're wondering, "If God is so faithful and loves you so much, why wouldn't He just keep you experiencing trouble?" let me tell you this... God uses hardships to discipline those He loves which gives you and me every reason to praise Him when we are experiencing difficulty or conditions that are hard to endure. 

And you know, I'm certainly not saying that it's easy to be joyful when we undergo moments, days, months, or even years of discipline (which can be defined as the process of being trained for righteousness), I am saying that "later on," if we stay faithful and don't give up, this discipline done out of the Father's love will "produce a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." And if that doesn't make you smile, consider this... only a Father who truly loves His child would take the time to teach and train that child to be all that he or she was designed to be. Am I right? And that, my friend, is the very reason you and I can and should praise Him in the midst of any and every situation. 

So no matter what trial or trouble you might be facing today, if you have put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ and can call yourself a child of God, rejoice! The Father's discipline is a sign of His deep love for you. And if your situation isn't "pleasant" right now, take heart knowing that you will one day look back on it and say, "Thank you Lord for using that time to make me more like You. My situation was hard and I didn't understand it then but I am forever grateful for having gone through it now." 

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us so many reasons to praise You even when we are discouraged. God, you are so very good to us and give us so much more than we deserve. Help us to praise You in the good times and in the bad knowing that You are using every time to make us more like You. Cause us to remember that it's only through discipline and training that we can ever be all that You created us to be. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Child of Love - We The Kingsdom

We have a Helper who is always with us

"I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, so that He may be with you forever;" John 14:26 NASB

As you can imagine, running a 100 mile race is no easy feat. It takes months and sometimes years of training, preparation and planning. But you know what else it takes? People to help the runner get from the start line to the finish line; a fact that I was keenly aware of yesterday while sending out texts and emails to four of my amazing friends who volunteered to take shifts to support me at this weekend's Prairie Spirit Trail 100 race. One of them, Robin, would be showing up at the start line to pray with me and provide encouragement while Angel would join her later in the day to help transport supplies and tend to my nutritional and physical needs before Rachel would take all those duties over for the night shift. And you can't forget Gretchen. Gretchen is the friend that will join me at mile 69 (God willing I make it that far) to pace me for the last 31 miles of the race. Are those amazing friends or what? I surely think so and I am eternally grateful to God for each and every one of them.

But you know, while friends can most definitely serve as great helpers, they can't always be with us. Thankfully, though, we have "another Helper" who promised to be with us forever no matter where this life may lead us. And that Helper is the Holy Spirit whom Jesus, before announcing to the disciples that He would be going away very soon, promised He would leave with them and with us. To our great benefit, this Helper not only dwells in us but guides, guards, protects, counsels, teaches, leads, comforts, supports, encourages, strengthens and uplifts us; while also advocating and interceding for us when needed. Is that amazing or what? The Holy Spirit is the Friend who never ever leaves our side. 

So if you have yet to know this Friend and Helper that will never leave you nor forsake you, I invite you to do that today. It will truly be the best decision you could ever make. And if you think you're unworthy, think again my friend. The Bible tells us that everyone who calls on the Lord will be saved, no matter what they've done. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are never alone. The Holy Spirit is always with us and here to help us. Thank You for this gift and for loving us despite our imperfections, flaws and and shortcomings. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Hymn of the Holy Spirit - Pat Barrett

Rejoice in small beginnings

Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” (The seven lamps represent the eyes of the LORD that search all around the world.)" Zechariah 4:10 NLT

As I opened up my Facebook memories yesterday, I was moved to tears by the picture (me, my son and his friend after a race) and the words I posted nine years ago on March 24, 2012, "Woot! Woot! And give God the glory glory!!!! We just finished ... together. They ran it right under 30 minutes. I'm so proud of them!!" And while I'll admit that many of those tears were because I truly miss my son, Luke, who is now grown and out of the house, the majority of them were shed at the realization that God is so very good and so very, very faithful. You see, that was the day I first acted on the vision that God had placed on my heart to start a Christian running group; a group that would not only exist to glorify God and to spread the gospel but to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our community. And now, because of that "small beginning" on March 24, 2012, the Frog Fitness Group (FFG), whose members are bound by their love for Christ and the shared mission to serve Him by serving others, is the Christian running group I had dreamed about all those years ago. And while passing out flyers on that day inviting strangers to join this group that had only one member (me) might have seemed like a very small thing at the time, I realize now that it set the wheels in motion for the FFG ministry to be formed. Is that amazing or what? 

And you know, since the beginning of time God has been using "small beginnings" to set big ideas into motion; which is the very reason Zechariah warned us against despising them. You see, while the things you and I do for God may seem small and insignificant when we're doing them, "the Lord rejoices to see the work begin" because He knows the outcome and what will happen when a person or group is faithful in the small opportunities He provides. And while I’ll admit that nine years seemed like a very long time—especially as I look back at the way the Lord formed, directed and established this family of believers day by day,  month by month, and year by year—it wasn't long at all to the Lord, a thought that brings great joy to my spirit. 

So if the Lord has placed a dream on your heart today, don't expect it to come to pass overnight my friend. Be patient and be faithful knowing that "small beginnings" will only manifest into something big when you do all that you can do and leave the rest to God. 

Heavenly Father, I can't even begin to thank You for what You have done since the day you placed the dream in my heart to start FFG. To You be all the glory, honor and praise. Lord, for the person who is reading this who has a similar dream, I pray that You will fill their heart with a burning passion to see that dream come to pass and that lives will be changed through their pursuit to glorify You. Teach us to love small beginnings Lord that we would attempt things both great and small in Your name. It's in Your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Set the world on fire - Britt Nicole

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION-Just have fun

Hello runner friends!
Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series
MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog.

Now let's get started by talking about something that can literally zap your motivation to run... seriousness. Yep, I said it. The quality or state of being serious or of grave or somber disposition, character, or manner can take all the fun out of running which can in turn cause you to lose all motivation to continue lacing up day after day.

And now let's talk about fun which can be defined as an action that provides amusement or arouses laughter and lacks a serious or ulterior purpose. Why are we talking about fun? Because well... it's fun. And also because putting the fun back into running can make all the difference in how you feel about your training and your performance. But before I go any further, check out what my friend Keaton Garret wrote about his experience participating in his first Last Man Standing event last weekend; the experience that inspired this blog.

 

53.8 Miles
As I get older, I’ve figured out this is a lifetime sport and if I wanna do it for life I’ve gotta be smart. Friday I was having a little plantar pain out of nowhere. It stayed at bay for most of the race but twisted my ankle a bit. Live to fight another day. Happy with getting in the miles and staying awake past my bedtime.
A year ago this month was my first time ever running more than a half marathon. 26+ miles. A year from then, I have doubled! Woot. Happy with what I did, gonna do more.
I’m always telling the kids I coach that there’s no point in doing this if you don’t enjoy it and still have fun. There’s no point if you’re not having fun. I’m having fun...

Do you just love this story or what? First of all, let's look at the most important thing Keaton learned from his experience... there's no point in running if you're not having fun--a lesson he was blessed to learn at such a young age. 

So if your motivation has been lagging because you've been taking your training too seriously, let's look at a few ways you can put the fun back into running. And remember, unless you're paying the rent with all your race winnings, there's really no reason to take running so seriously... or life for that matter considering that none of us are getting out of this thing alive. So here goes....

Go on a group run

This is by far one of the best ways to put the fun back in running. At least once a week, run with friends and let them dictate the pace, allowing yourself extra time to complete the run if the pace is slower than yours. Focus on the moment and actively engage yourself in the conversation. And if you're not part of a running group, look for one in your area or start your own. It's well worth the time and the effort. 

Let go of the pressure

As every runner comes to know, it can be really easy to let outcomes determine the success of your running. In fact, looking at times, race results, paces and other data can become an obsession. And while that's not all bad for keeping you motivated, one bad race or workout can quickly zap that motivation. So put less pressure on yourself by celebrating the effort more than the outcome. And if you find that hard to do, leave your GPS watch at home and run for time. This will allow you to rejoice when you're done no matter how fast or slow you went. I personally do this often when I need an attitude adjustment. 

Enter a race for fun

That doesn't mean that you can't prepare or even go hard, it just means that you will make the determination beforehand to have fun. You might even think about doing an obstacle course race, a trail run or even a mud run. Look at doing something different than you normally do and just go and enjoy yourself! And think of this... by doing something you’ve never done before, you'll have nothing to compare it to and can trade your competitive streak for a laughing streak. 

Remember two things

Plain and simple, there are two things nearly every runner will forget if they're not careful. The first is this... running is a gift from our Creator. We did nothing to earn it, are many times not thankful for it, and don’t appreciate and cherish it as we should. But as someone who has worked in the health care field for most of their adult life, I will tell you this... there are millions of people in the world who, due to injury or illness, cannot run and would do anything to partake in it--to feel their feet hit the ground, to experience the rush of endorphins, to breathe in the outside air, and to experience the aftereffects of a good running workout. Remember that the next time you're taking it too seriously; running is a gift to be enjoyed and to delight in. 

And the second thing is this... there will come a time in every runner's life (if they are blessed to grow old that is) when they will no longer be able to run. It's just a fact. And to understand what that might look like, consider this story I want to share with you. My love of running stemmed from the joy my father had for running and passed on to me and my siblings. Since the time I was a little girl, I can remember him running every day and completing at least one twenty miler each week for fun (there were no races, events or GPS watches back then so it was literally just for fun). He would always tell me how much nicer the world seemed after a good run. This man ran through every condition imaginable (even a blizzard up in North Missouri one year) and always came back smiling. But just yesterday, my Father (who had been reduced to walking a few years ago due to heart trouble) after asking me where my 100-mile race was this weekend said, "You enjoy that Mimi. There's not many people who can do it and you won't be able to do it forever. You're really blessed, you know that?" "Yes Dad I sure do." I replied holding back tears, "I will enjoy every single minute of it."   

So there you have it friends. There's really no reason to take running so seriously. Enjoy every mile, every sunrise, every sunset, every friendship, every new road, and everything else running gives you. Take the time to be thankful and keep lacing up those shoes. Running is really so much fun when you remember what a gift it is!

Happy Running!!!

Finish the course

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;" 2 Timothy 4:7 NASB

If you're not familiar with the Barkley Marathons, you've most likely never done a search for races that are virtually impossible to complete. In fact, only 15 runners have ever finished the five laps it takes to conquer the infamous course under the cutoff time since the race started in 1986. That didn't keep sixteen of the nation's best ultra runners from attempting it on Thursday, March 18 though. But as reported by Runner's World on March 20, this was the third year in a row that yielded no finishers--only two of the runners were even able to complete a third loop, something that took the duo nearly 40 hours to do but still wasn't good enough for them to make the cutoff to begin the fourth loop. It's no wonder then that, "The course at the Barkley Marathons has won again" was the sentence that summed up the event. 

And you know, as hard and arduous as the Barkley Marathons course is to complete, it pales in comparison to the "course" that Paul told Timothy he had finished--a course that was marked with trials, temptations, persecutions, beatings, imprisonment, shipwrecks, and so much more. But through it all, Paul kept the faith and kept fighting the "good fight." He did not waver in his love for Christ, he did not compromise the Truth to "fit in," he did not give in to doubt or fear, and he did not give up on the calling God had placed on him to share the Good News. All of this, you can be sure, wasn’t easy for Paul to endure just as it won’t be easy for us... especially as we see how the world is changing by the hour. But you know what it will be? It will be worth it!

So if you're feeling like giving up today, let me encourage you to keep pressing on my friend. This world and everything in it will soon pass including what might seem like the hardest loop or race of your life. Keep fighting, keep the faith and finish the course. I promise you it will be worth the effort. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we aren't the only ones who have faced trials and tribulations in this life. Help us to understand how truly short-lived our troubles are in light of the prize we will receive if we will just keep running the race until we reach the finish line. Give us the strength to keep pressing on Lord and to speak Truth no matter what it costs us. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Good fight - Unspoken

Our afflictions are only momentary

"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison," 2 Corinthians 4:17 ESV

As I excitedly prepared to lead another free monthly Donut Run 5k that our running group hosts as an outreach on the third Saturday of every month, I felt led to check my Facebook memories before heading out the door. "Oh my," I thought as I began to cry over the post I had written on that same day in 2020; a post inspired by my early morning run, a run that began in cold wind and darkness with a heart uncertain as to what this new virus that had caused the world to "shut down" had in store. "So thankful for a God who always causes the sun to rise no matter how dark the mornings might appear," I wrote. I then used the hashtag "this too shall pass" along with a few others. "That March 2020 Donut Run was the only one in nearly seven years we ever had to cancel," I thought to myself as I then smiled. "Thank you Lord for proving yourself once again to be good and faithful during a period that will forever be known as the 'COVID-19 Pandemic.' You never left my side and You caused this 'affliction' to achieve so much good in my life and in the life of every true believer."

And you know, while "this too shall pass" is not an actual verse in the Bible as many people might think, it is certainly a phrase that reminds us, as Paul told the believers in Corinth, that the "light momentary" afflictions we will face in this world will not last forever. In fact, our hardships are not only fleeting when compared to our time in eternity but will appear minor when we consider all that God has in store for those who endure them and don't lose faith--something that should give every believer hope as we further consider that every trial, test and trouble we endure has the purpose of "preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison."  

So if you're feeling overwhelmed and weighed down by the problems, worries, and difficulties of the world today, take heart my friend. This too, whatever the "this" is, shall soon pass and you and I will be in eternity with our blessed Savior. Isn’t that a wonderful promise?

Heavenly Father, thank You for being the God who can always be trusted. You have never once broken a promise which gives us complete confidence that You won't start now. Help us to endure the pain and problems of this world by remembering that they are only fleeting and are preparing us for something so much greater. Thank You for being with us each and every step of the way to help us navigate life. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Help is on the way - Toby Mac

Be willing to go

“As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.’” Luke 9:57-58 NIV

As part of my job as the Wellness Coordinator at our local health department, I regularly interview inspirational people for a FitFriday segment that’s aired weekly. And I must say that I’ve heard some very inspiring stories during the time I’ve been doing this. But what Pastor Travis Boyt, who has lost over 100 pounds through diet and exercise, said off camera (while filming this weeks’ episode) is something that really inspired me. “In 2019 we were building our dream home when my wife’s cancer spread,” this father of four said. “The contractors rushed to finish it so we could spend what we thought might be her last Christmas there. The house is about as amazing as you could expect. It’s 3200sq ft, 5-bedroom, 2 family rooms, and 3.5 bath, the porch wraps around, and it sits in the middle of some amazing country.” Thankfully, Travis went on to tell me that his wife was now doing well (a miracle) and he and his family were answering God’s call to lead a church in Iola, KS— which meant they were selling their dream home. “My mother doesn’t understand how we could leave but I told her that I’d rather be in God’s will and living in a small house with no utilities than outside of God’s will and living in a mansion.” Do you just love that or what?

And you know, when it comes to worldly luxuries, Jesus clearly told the man who vowed, “I will follow you wherever you go,” that following Him wouldn’t be glamorous, comfortable, or easy. In fact Jesus said that He didn’t even have “a place to lay his head.” This, of course, didn’t mean that Jesus was penniless only that the nature of His mission would keep him on the move and totally reliant on the Father to meet His daily needs, with no excess to fall back on—a reality of being a follower that only those who truly love Jesus will ever embrace.

So if you’ve vowed to follow Jesus wherever He goes, let me ask you this my friend... would you still go if it meant giving up your “worldly luxuries” to do it? I sure hope so because I can assure you of this... being in God’s will wherever that might take you is always better than being outside of His will no matter how comfortable that might make you.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we must be willing to give up everything if we want to follow You. Help us to be willing to do more than to simply vow to follow you Jesus. Cause our hearts to be ready and willing at a moments notice to leave everything behind to go where You say go.... knowing that You will take good care of us along the way. It’s in Your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Sparrows - Cory Asbury

God causes everything to work together

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:28 NLT

Upon hearing the news of legendary runner Dick Hoyt's passing yesterday, I was quite saddened. Having shared the Boston Marathon racecourse with him in 2014 for his very last Boston Marathon and my second (he completed 32), I was quite familiar with the story of Team Hoyt which began in 1962 when Dick's son, Rick, was born and immediately diagnosed as a spastic quadriplegic with cerebral palsy as a result of oxygen deprivation to his brain. Dick and his wife, Judy, were advised to institutionalize Rick because they said he had no hope of living a "normal" life; something Dick and Judy refused to believe. Instead, they fought to integrate Rick into the public school system which he entered in 1975 at the age of 13. A few years later, in 1977, Rick wanted to enter a 5-mile race and his father agreed to push him in a wheelchair. That night, Rick told his father, “Dad, when I’m running, it feels like I’m not handicapped.” And just like that, the duo began running together as Team Hoyt inspiring the formation of The Hoyt Foundation in 1989 that serves to promote the inclusion of the disabled into all facets of daily life. How's that for good coming out of what the Hoyts were told was a "hopeless" situation?  

And you know, the Bible is very clear that "God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." This doesn't mean that "everything" in our life will be good, only that God will use "everything" that happens to us to fulfill "his purpose." Which means, for the believer, there is always hope! Something that is very hard to grasp and understand when that "everything" includes things we might feel are unjust, unfair or even unbearable. But guess what? When we place our trust in Him, despite those feelings, we will soon understand that God can indeed bring good out of all seemingly hopeless situations; something the Hoyt family came to understand. 

So if that "everything" in your life includes a few things you just don't understand, don't think you can handle, or don't think can be redeemed, hold tight my friend. Fix your eyes on Jesus as You trust Him to fulfill the promise to make all things "work together for the good"--a promise that has been tried and tested and has never, not even once, failed to come true for the person who loves God.

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a God who never breaks His promises. There have been so many situations from the beginning of time that appeared hopeless and yet, time and again, You always worked them for the good of those who love You. Remind us that You are the same God yesterday, today and forever and that You can still be trusted Lord. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

All Things

 

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION-Fall in love with running

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog.

Now let's get started by talking about a way you can fall in love with running for the first time or fall back in love with it again if you've lost that loving feeling; and why it's so important when it comes to motivation. 

So do you remember the first time you met your significant other? Most likely the thought makes your heart flutter right? Remember how you would do anything to please that other person and how you wanted to be with them all the time? Okay, so maybe not all the time but you get my point right? Well running is just like that. When you learn to love it, it will be something you look forward to which will make it easier to get in those training miles. And you know where training miles lead? To the finish line, which leads to a finisher's medal. And doesn't everyone love having a finisher's medal placed around their necks? Of course. But unfortunately, earning that prize requires a lot of work... work that won't feel so much like work if you love what you're doing. 

And just how can you get that loving feeling? Or get it back if you've lost it? You know, the loving feeling the Righteous Brothers sings about that is "gone, gone, gone, whoa-oh?" One word... volunteer. Not just for anything though but for a race. You see, if you want to be motivated to run, or to push yourself harder or further than you currently are, watching other runners who are motivated and in the throes of attempting those things you want to be motivated to attempt will jump-start your achy, breaky heart. Oh wait, that's a song for another time. Let's move on by checking out some of the volunteers' stories from the Racing for Daylight 12-hour Ultra I was blessed to direct and run last weekend. 

First up is Jim Burns who many of you readers will recognize. Jim has participated in this race since the very first year. However, due to injury, Jim had to sit this one out. But.... he still participated by volunteering! And by doing so not only kept himself motivated to hold onto his love of running so he will return to the sport when he's healed, but motivated everyone around him. 

Even though I was unable to run this year, I sure enjoyed this event immensely. So many people I see at races that I never have a chance to actually talk to I was able to spend a few moments with and listen to and share stories with. To me that is something special. I want to thank Laura Shoephorster and Stephanie Sinden not only on their accomplishments but for putting up with me in the kitchen. I was so happy to hear people telling me about setting first and goals at the race, so many firsts for people. I was happy that Channa Ringo and her running buddy let me take their 50k accomplishment photo. And talking for extended periods with Jody Rhoads and Jenny with the very bright lights. I especially liked her story about the leaping tarantulas at a trail race. And I cannot forget to mention my Joplin friends. Henri Rik Coëme, I was both surprised and thrilled to see you and Miles show up!! Craig Smith, you are still the best crew chief in the business. Sheree Lundien Wilson, I have always been in awe of your accomplishments. I did not know that this was your first 40 miler!! Great job. It is hard for me to believe that I actually achieved that goal before you. Debbie Yerington-Smith, I am so glad that you were healed up before this race. I know how hard you and Sheree worked for this 40+ miles two years in a row!!! I was so happy to get to walk a mile or so with you and Melissa at the end of the night and listen to you both. Melissa, I know how proud you are of everyone's accomplishments and glory be to God that we were able to even have this event this year. I am so proud and honored to have been able to be a small part of it!!!! - Jim Burns

Do you just love that or what??? 

Now meet new runner Stephanie Sinden. You'll love her story too! She was not a runner (and I don't think the thought of becoming one ever crossed her mind) until she volunteered to work the aid station at the Bad Dawg 2020 Ultra in November. And guess what happened? She fell in love with running that night! All the excitement the runners had for the sport inspired her to begin running herself. She had been working really hard and completed her first 5k on Saturday night before volunteering at the aid station. Pretty neat right? I sure thought so! Here's what she had to say...

Sometimes in life we think we can’t do something just because of different circumstances . Then we are able to see others of all walks of life by volunteering. I find that if you put your heart into it and have the faith then anything is possible. Don’t let others tell you that you can’t do something - Stephanie Sinden

And now, check out Laura. Up until Saturday night, the longest distance she had ever run was 6.2 miles--the same distance she had planned to complete before beginning her volunteer position. She was so inspired by the runners coming into the aid station though, that she went out and did several loops throughout the night (while Jim Burns held down the fort) and ended up completing 20 miles!!!! How's that for showing the power volunteering can have in motivating a person? This is what she had to say... 

Laura at a 10k race in 2020

I was bored and figured I might as well walk/run, lol. Also hearing the miles everyone else ran, I thought to myself, if they can do it, so can I. Then my husband texted me after he saw my blisters and told me I needed to quit. That was what pushed me back out. You did read my shirt, right? "Quitting is not an option"? We bought it at the Navy Seal museum last week. - Laura Schoephorster

And last but not least, Jenni Sherman gives her take on the benefits of of volunteering...

This year I’ve been feeling like something is missing, I love running and competing and have done racing since I was 14. But lately that little hole has not been filling up. So after doing my longest run last year, I felt so much love from the volunteers that I wanted to give back but didn’t know how to start. So I figured I would just ask to do it at Racing for Daylight. And after coming home, I felt very happy and found myself wishing I could do more volunteering. I loved seeing everyone running and motivating one another. I was very happy to not be in race mode so I was able to enjoy everyone and hear about them and their running stories and goals. - Jenni Sherman

So there you have it friends. If you're unmotivated today, why not go out and volunteer at a race? It could very well be the catalyst you need to rekindle your love for running. Because, believe me, if running had a voice it would be singing, "Bring back that lovin' feelin'. Whoa, that lovin' feelin'. Bring back that lovin' feelin' 'Cause it's gone, gone, gone, And I can't go on, whoa-oh."

Happy Running!!!

Hang around the right people

"Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes and said to the entire Israelite assembly, “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good." Joshua 14:6-7 NIV

For me, one of the best things about being a race director is hearing all the stories from the races I'm blessed to coordinate--something that I really enjoyed over the course of the 12-hour Racing for Daylight Ultra event held last weekend. And not only during the race but for days afterward. The reports of people surpassing their goals really had me smiling. And I must tell you that as I read the numerous posts of the people who had put forth extraordinary effort, I noticed something that every runner who had surpassed their goal had in common.... they had been hanging around someone (or a group of someones) who routinely dares to dream big and acts on those dreams. They "hung out" with runners who focused on what could be done rather than what could not be done and who, either by their actions or words, inspired them to adopt the same focus and to dream big and go after it. 

And you know, to see how valuable a mentorship can be, one need look no further than the relationship between Joshua and Moses. Described as Moses' assistant, Joshua "hung out" with this great man of faith who the Lord spoke to as a friend, and no-doubt by doing so saw how God was working in his mentors’ life—ways that inspired him to imitate Moses' larger-than-life faith in the Lord. In fact, the Bible tells us that when Moses sent the twelve spies to check out the land of Canaan, ten came back with a terribly daunting report that left the Israelites utterly afraid to enter. But guess what? Joshua, along with Caleb, said, "The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good." Why the difference in perspective? Because Joshua knew that, with God, all things are possible--an attitude largely formed from hanging out with the right person. 

So if you're struggling to grow in your spiritual life today, look around my friend. Are you surrounding yourself with people on fire for God that will encourage and motivate you to attempt impossible things? People that will share stories of the way God has worked in their lives to inspire you to trust Him even more? If not, I would encourage you to do that very thing. After all, hanging around the right person or persons can literally change your life. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for those people in our lives who are so on fire for You that they inspire everyone around them to seek You. Help us to be those people Lord. Compel us to study your Word faithfully and to follow after You with our whole hearts that we might inspire others to do the same. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Take me on a ride - We the Kingdom

Don't back down

“They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, "Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed." But I prayed, "Now strengthen my hands.’” Nehemiah 6:9 NIV

"Good morning Dave," I said to my friend upon answering the phone early Saturday morning. "What's happening?" I then asked, anxious to hear the status of the flooding on the trail we were scheduled to be hosting a run on later that evening. Dave, my friend who is also our race timer, then said, "The trails are flooded in and out. We either have to reschedule, cancel or find a different location. There's no way we're getting in there. It’s still raining and the river hasn't even crested." "Hmmmm...." came my reply knowing in my heart that canceling or rescheduling was not an option. "Give me a few minutes to make some calls." And you know, by God's grace, within 30 minutes we had gotten the approval of the City Administrator to use the meeting room at the city’s aquatic center as an aid station that just so happened to be near a paved road that served as our new 3.4 mile route. And guess what? The rain stopped before the event began and we were blessed with nearly perfect running weather. Amazing, right?

And you know, as this story illustrates, when you and I set out to do God's work—in this case to host a free 12-hour ultra as both an outreach project and a fundraiser for a local charity—we will always encounter opposition; whether it be from people, random circumstances or nature, it's just a fact. But as Nehemiah knew, our reaction should never be to throw our hands up in despair or to cower down in fear thinking we are "too weak for the work," but to, instead, pray for the strength to rise up to those challenges and overcome them. 

So no matter what opposition you might be facing today, don't back down my friend. Doing so will not only defer or destroy the plan God has for you but could affect countless others who are counting on you to be strong and press on despite any resistance. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that our decisions affect others. Had Nehemiah given in to fear, the wall would not have been built and countless people would have suffered because of it. Had Dave or I thrown in the towel, the race would not have happened and many runners would have been disheartened and let down. So in the face of opposition Lord, we ask that You strengthen our hearts and hands so that we might complete the task You have called us to do. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!! 

Blanca - Not backing down

Withdraw often

“So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.” Luke 5:16 NASB

"I don’t want to miss one word you speak, quiet my heart I'm listening," were the lyrics of the song flowing into my earbuds earlier this week as I struggled to listen amidst the sound of the wind. It was actually blowing so hard that I withdrew from the trail I was running on and headed in the opposite direction. And while I could still hear the sound of the wind after turning around, it was now muted enough to be able to hear the words as I silently prayed over the lesson the wind and the song revealed. “Lord, forgive me for the many times I’ve let the world drown out Your voice; for the many times I failed to withdraw from the noise to pray. Thank You for the blessings of early mornings and quiet country roads where I can come and meet with You. Compel me to seek this time with You above all else.” 

And you know, while Jesus walked as a man on this earth, He was pulled in many different directions. People wanted to hear Him teach, they wanted to be fed, and they wanted to be healed. In fact, knowing that His time was limited, you can be sure that Jesus made the most of every moment... but never at the expense of forsaking His time with the Father. The Bible actually tells us that Jesus “often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.” And if Jesus placed such a high priority on spending time alone with the Father, then we should too. 

So be sure to withdraw often to a quiet place to spend time with the Father my friend. Say to Him, "Lord I don’t want to miss one word You speak, because everything You say is life to me. I don’t want to miss one word You speak, quiet my heart I’m listening...” and then truly listen to Him. You’ll be so glad you did. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing us to personally come to You with our cares, concerns and questions. Help us to come often with thanksgiving in our hearts, praise on our lips and ears that long to hear what You have to say. May being in Your presence be our greatest desire. It’s in Your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

I’m listening - Chris McClarney

A healthy diet is important

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10 ESV

As most runners know, eating a diet high in protein is essential for our bodies to function properly. However, most runners concentrate solely on their carbohydrate intake (think gels, gummie bears, M&M's, oranges, potatoes and bananas) when running or racing long distances. But now, new research suggests that protein intake before and during a marathon is just as important, if not more important, than our obsessive carbohydrate ingestion. Higher protein consumption, they went on to say, is related to better performance times and lower reduction of lean body mass after the marathon. That's good news right? And while the recommended dietary allowance for is protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of bodyweight daily, athletes, they say, should generally consume more—up to 2.4 grams per kilogram of bodyweight, depending on their goals.

And you know, while improved performance and faster recovery times are a great reason to be sure our diets contain the right nutrients and macronutrients, there's a reason far greater for us to seek to take in proper nutrition... so that we can perform the "good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." You see, you and I are God's workmanship, specifically and uniquely created by Him to serve Him. And we can only do that as we should when our bodies are functioning as they should. Which means you and I have a responsibility as believers to consume only pure and whole (spiritual and physical) foods that will properly fuel our bodies and our minds.

So when making choices on what foods to eat, let us remember that food is fuel—nothing more, nothing less. What we put in is what we get out. And if we want to be all that God designed us to be, we must make our physical and spiritual nutrition a priority.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that what we eat, what we listen to and what we watch will affect the way we "walk" and perform the "good works" you created in advance for us to do. Help us to be conscience and careful to only consume those things that are pure, wholesome and good Lord that we might serve You to the best of our ability. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Reward yourself

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog.

Now let's get started by talking about how consistently rewarding yourself can keep you motivated for the long run. But before we do, I urge you to look at rewards or prizes from the eyes of your younger self (think kindergarten and elementary school). Stickers were the bomb back then right? Especially when they were placed beside your name after completing a task or passing a test. Do you remember how excited you were as you competed with others to get the most stars or to get those "special" stickers?  I don't know about you but when I knew there was a gold star involved, I most certainly put forth extra effort. 

So while there are many different reasons rewards are given, for the sake of this article we will be talking about two...

1. The return for performance of a desired behavior; positive reinforcement.

2. Something that is given for some attainment.

Positive Reinforcement - I love this one. This is something long distance runners have learned to embrace but would serve all runners well. Why? Because running for extended periods of time can not only be boring but tiring; two things that will cause a runner to entertain thoughts of giving up. Continuous rewards provide positive reinforcement which will help runners avoid these thoughts and feelings. How does this work? Well.... running intervals (running for a set period, followed by walking for a set period from start to finish) is the way the majority of ultra runners complete long distances and a technique that is soaring in popularity for distances from the 5k to the marathon. And the reason it works is because a runner gets a rest reward for every run segment. To see how that looks in real time, consider what my friend, Jody Rhoads, and I did over the weekend to complete a 50k training run. We ran for 45 seconds and then walked for 30 seconds. We did this from start to finish which means we received hundreds of rewards in the form of walk breaks over the period of 31 miles. We didn't mind putting in the work because we knew that a reward would follow our effort. See how the rewards worked as positive reinforcement? 

Something that is given for some attainment. Alright. So while this might look different for everyone, my version is coffee! There is no better reward that I can think of for finishing up a long run, hard run or any run for that matter. The thought of giving myself a hot cup of java after putting forth some determined effort can literally keep me motivated for tens of miles and get me out the door in the morning. And while I don't know what type of reward will motivate you, check out the rewards a few of my friends said inspire them to press on. 

Guys!! We made it through week 1! Reward yourselves - small victories need to be celebrated! Here’s what my hubby rewarded me with! On to week 2!! - Amber Box on completing day seven of the 45toFit 45-day program (and inspiring this subject because she is still killing her workouts). 

And Jill Brockman had this to say... When I complete my weekend long run training... of course it’s pizza on Sunday nights;) I also motivate myself with new shoes! Anytime I’m completing a big race such as a marathon or 50k... new shoes or running attire are always the reward! I use this for both of my teenage daughters if they do a half marathon! When I complete my upcoming 100 miler I’m treating myself with a trip to the beach! Can’t wait!! 

And you'll love how Alicia Adamson motivates herself to keep on going... How I reward myself. I had to really think about this. Do I even reward myself for accomplishing goals? When I really sat down to think about it, I reward myself daily. Sometimes it is allowing that sweet treat in the evening after a long hard workout. Sometimes, it is popcorn and movie night just because I made it through my stressful work day. It really just depends on what I accomplished that day that I feel like I need to reward myself. Life is too short not to allow grace and rewards. Eat the cake.

A reward process is important because it gives short-term incentives for the bigger goal. If that makes sense. And it gives you a tangible reward. it has shown in some people that shopping or giving you something, releases dopamine and a sense of euphoria. I have a list of things that I would like for myself, and if I reach a goal and I'm able to buy something off that list. - Rachel Bowers who is also training for an upcoming ultra

For the goal I just reached, I am buying new jeans that fit. They will reaffirm my sense of accomplishment every time I put them on AND keep me accountable so I do not go back. - Rebecca Ito on reaching a milestone she has been working very hard to attain

So there you have it friends. The power of prizes doesn’t stop at childhood. So find what rewards motivate you to do hard things and attain your goals and give them to yourself. Create a reward system so you'll have something to work towards receiving. Heck, be like a kid again and track your progess with good old-fashioned tally marks, or make a chart complete with stars and stickers. Place it somewhere visible (think the refrigerator where your mom used to post your accomplishments) so you’ll see it often and remember how far you've come and what lies in store if you don't give up. That's the power of the reward system and positive reinforcement. 

Happy Running!!!