They refuse to see

"'The Lord has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts— so that their eyes cannot see, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and have me heal them.'" John 12:40 NLT

In an article published Tuesday titled, "A sprint for the record book: Reno runner sets Guinness World Record in Black Rock Desert,” it was said that Reno runner Megan Merenda logged over 1,100 miles in 2021, but come to the record books, only one of those miles mattered. Merenda set the Guinness World Record for the fastest recorded mile run by a blindfolded woman when she ran a 7:19:63 mile at the Black Rock Desert in November. She received official notification earlier this month that her record had been finalized. “As soon as I started running, it was like ‘OK, I’m going to do this and it’s going to be good.’ And I felt good the whole time,” Merenda said of her record-breaking run. “When I crossed the finish line, I was just blown away and over-the-moon happy.” An avid runner for more than a decade, Merenda, 43, her sister and a friend concocted the idea for running blindfolded while on a spring 2021 trip to the Black Rock. After logging a respectable 10:15, Merenda looked up the world record and saw she was only two minutes off. She knew she could beat it. She spent months running in the dark to train and researching what she needed to do to satisfy Guinness.

And you know, when it comes to walking or running in the dark, the Bible tells us that most of the people in Jesus' day, even after He had performed many signs in their presence, would not believe in Him. And because of that the Lord blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts— so that their eyes could not see, and their hearts could not understand. In fact, their hearts became so hardened by their unbelief that it prevented them from being able to turn to Jesus and be healed. Likewise, many people in our world today will not believe in God despite all that He has done and have resisted Him to the point where their hearts are so hardened that they cannot ever accept Him or even acknowledge His existence. 

So don't be discouraged or surprised if your witness for Christ doesn't have people flocking to the foot of the Cross or winning you popularity contests my friend. Our job is to continue preaching the Gospel in a way that is loving and kind despite the pushback we will receive. And while you and I are responsible for reaching out to others, they are responsible for their decisions. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that people today are no different than the people in Jesus' day. No matter how strong the evidence presented to them that You are real, they will refuse to believe it out of pride or an unwillingness to change their behavior. Lord, please give us the skin of a rhino and the heart of a dove that we might preach with all compassion but be resilient when we are rejected, ridiculed or even persecuted for our faith. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Keep a positive outlook

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 ESV

In an article published recently titled, “This 97-Year-Old Runner Won't Stop Competing. Here Are His Secrets,” Dixon Hemphill said, I'm an optimistic person. That's what has kept me going." Still, for all of his successes in the sport the article outlined, Hemphill has suffered a few setbacks. In 1999, at age 74, he was hit by a car while riding his bike, which left him with a collapsed lung, broken ribs, a broken pelvis, and a 41-day hospital stay. Hemphill had to stop running for about a year—a hiatus he says permanently sapped some of his fitness. In 2018, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, though he never had to undergo chemotherapy or radiation. He’s now in stable condition under the supervision of his oncologist. And then came COVID-19, which again forced Hemphill to temporarily refrain from running for a year... Despite the hiccups, Hemphill has always remained resilient. “I’ve got a positive outlook, which I think has helped me a lot,” he says.

And you know, a positive attitude is something that’s important at every age. And for the believer, that mindset comes by “being content with what you have” knowing that God will provide what you need when you need it. Not only that, “he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you,’ a promise that is true from our very first breath to our final one. That means we can be free of the worries, cares and concerns those without Christ allow to consume them. Charles Spurgeon said it this way, “I cannot under the influence of this grand text find room for doubt or fear. I cannot stand here and be miserable to-night. I am not going to attempt such a thing; but I cannot be despondent with such a text as this, ‘I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.’ I defy the devil himself to mention circumstances under which I ought to be miserable if this text is true. Child of God, nothing ought to make you unhappy when you can realize this precious text.” 

So, refuse to be anything but content with what you have my friend. “Keep your life free from love of money” and keep a positive attitude by trusting the Lord to provide what you need when you need it. This will give you the positive outlook that will allow you to smile when things look bleak saying, "I have nothing to worry about because my God is always with me." 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You will never leave us nor forsake us. Knowing that Lord, how can we not be content? But yet we are sometimes. Forgive us for these times Father and restore our minds to remember that every Word that you have ever spoken has proven to be true so that we can and will be content in all circumstances. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - The FOMO is real

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 developing a case of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) can be a great motivator! But first let's talk about FOMO.... what it is and why it can influence a person to do something they really don't want to do, don't have time to do, or aren't trained to do. So as defined, FOMO is a feeling of anxiety or insecurity over the possibility of missing out on something, as an event or an opportunity: If I don't run this race, my friends are going to be having fun and posting pictures. I can't miss out on that so I'll sign up even though I might die. This feeling is real, let me tell you. And it has the power to provoke a runner to sign up for things they might regret. Did I tell you that it was also contagious? 

To prove my point, check out this real-time example of what FOMO looks like having experienced it for myself this week after finding myself on a group chat started by two of the craziest local runners you'll ever meet... Jody Rhoades, who just so happens to be my co-pacer for the Bass Pro Marathon, and Ed Green who is also a pacer for the Bass Pro Marathon (you don't have to be crazy to pace at BP but it helps!). I love Ed and Jody to pieces but they can sure talk me (and everyone else) into doing crazy things!

It all started with an unexpected group notification Monday... "Add whoever is coming! 50 miles starting at 10pm fri night." followed by a link to a 50 mile virtual race. And before I knew it, this group message literally blew up! People were adding people and everybody was making plans to do this "virtual" challenge the night before we had already planned to begin the 6-hour ultra Ultra Sweaty Santa run at 6:00 a.m. for charity. This means we would begin running at 10pm Friday and finish at 12pm Saturday and finish two runs in one fell swoop. Sounds like a great idea right? Well I for one didn't want to miss out on the fun so signed up to join in on the shenanigans as did several other runners. "Hmmmmmm," I later thought. "FOMO causes people to do crazy things. Especially as the hype rises. The more the runners in the group talked about how great it was going to be, the more people chimed in and the more people signed up!!" Even people that didn't have a 50-mile race on their radar. 

The conversation went south so quickly, spiraling into memes and crazy comments, that I had to write about it. Knowing that I asked the million-dollar-question ... how did FOMO influence you guys to get signed up for this virtual race? And here are some of their responses... 

Every time I'm around this bunch I feel like I can do anything and everyone fully supports you. I mean people pay for that kind of therapy and here we just sweat for it. I mean, how often do you find this big of a group of people where not a single one thinks you don't belong there regardless of your "type"? I never leave one of these stupid events regretting it, ever. And that's something amazing.- Cindy Rieckhoff

I've been looking to do an overnight 12 hour and since I missed out on chasing daylight plus I've been wanting to challenge myself and if you guys can do then so can I. Actually, how'd I even get in this group? - Elisha Stout

I debated…do I just arrive for Sweaty Santa or add these miles? In the end, the debate in my head, settled on…I may not reach 50 miles but I don’t wanna miss the chance to laugh even longer with some friends I haven’t seen in awhile. - Angie Fellers Beard

It's like the domino effect! One of us has a horribly stupid idea, and someone takes it and runs with it (see what I did there) before you know it we are all agreeing to the madness! It always ends up being an adventure! - Stephanie Lane

I am selfishly doing back to back 50 milers so I know how much to prepare my crew for my whining in October when I do the sofa king awesome challenge.- Rachel Baker

I would never do this on my own so why not with a bunch of other people! - Kyla Mahoney

Running is always better with friends. Be that two legs or four. I am inspired every week seeing my friends crush their goals and it motivates/pushes me to do the same. - Shelly Ann

It's about the people! Not sure I will make the 50 miles either, but if I do or if I don't I love this crazy group of people and I wouldn't want to succeed or fail with anyone else! - Karen Latham Olson

I do it to prove something to myself. To prove my body can do something stupid hard. Then when all my idiot friends will be there… it makes it so much easier. No one will really let me die. - Jill Brockman

Peer pressure maybe but I really like the way Jill looks at me when I say sure I’ll go with you and hopefully not die.- Dylan Mcguire.

The fear is real! I’m totally not ready for this but I signed up because I just can’t miss out on the fun. It’s all about the friends! I sign up to do stupid things because I get to do it with my friends. - Larry Sharp

So there you have it. The real reason FOMO has so much power to stimulate our resolve to get out the door and run is because as much as we all love running, being with friends is what really motivates us. After all, running hurts and needless suffering only makes sense when you're running with like-minded individuals that you love like family. There's just something about being together that makes it all worthwhile. So find a group where the FOMO is always real. You'll have more fun and do more crazy things than you could ever dream of. And speaking of fun, you better get signed up for Bass Pro and Dogwood Canyon! This crazy group will be there and you don't want to miss out on the shenanigans!

HAPPY RUNNING!

Confess and Renounce

“He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.” Proverbs 28:13 BSB

In an article titled “Former parkrun CEO apologises for receiving undeclared funds from clothing brand supplier,” published on June 24, Nick Pearson expressed formal regret for having “an undisclosed and unapproved agreement by which he was receiving a commission from a third party supplier.” I made a huge error of judgment,” he wrote. “Not only that, I breached the trust of good people. I believe that everyone should be accountable for their actions and that includes me. During my time as CEO of parkrun, I entered into a consultancy arrangement that benefited me financially and represented a direct conflict of interest. I failed to declare this to the trustees or my colleagues. I have co-operated fully and paid parkrun all monies received under the agreement. I have let a lot of people down and I understand the disappointment and anger that will cause. Rebuilding trust will be a very long process, but I commit to doing everything I can to make this happen. I will continue to fully co-operate with parkrun’s legal representatives where required.

And you know, while it might take years or even decades for Nick to rebuild the trust with the individuals he has wronged, he did what every person should do when they have sinned against someone else.... confess and repent. But believers must take it one step further and totally renounce their sin. You see, true repentance goes beyond feeling or expressing sincere regret or remorse about your wrongdoing or sin, it’s abandoning, rejecting, and refusing to do that sin ever again no matter what steps you have to take to avoid the temptation. Not only will this allow you to “find mercy” but will open the door for you to eventually rebuild trust with the person(s) you have wronged. 

So knowing that it’s very hard and sometimes impossible to rebuild trust once it’s broken, vow to live in such a way that your integrity can never be questioned my friend. This will not only spare you heartache but those around you as well. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that trust can be easily broken but very hard to repair. Lord cause us to seek righteousness that we might never have to experience this for ourselves. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Let us sing to the Lord

“Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!” Psalm 95:1 ESV

After spending all day in the triple digit heat and scorching sun Saturday for a 15-mile run with friends before working the Battle of the Bands concert (an all-day event where Christian bands competed for prize money to benefit their addiction recovery programs) I had the task of coordinating, I was beyond thankful for the early morning 70-degree temperatures and light rain the Lord blessed me with for my Sunday morning run before church (my favorite run of the week). “Oh Lord,” I thought to myself as I smiled and prepared to sing along with the praise and worship music streaming through my earbuds. “You are so worthy to be praised. Yesterday was hot but we lifted up our praises to You. Today is a cool day and I will praise You both now and later when I join my new friends (fellow believers I met at the BOTB whose church I would be visiting) in corporate worship. Oh how I love to worship You! Thank You for being “the rock of our salvation’”

And you know, when it comes to the praise and worship of the Father, the psalmist said, “Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!” I just love this because it’s a reminder that, while we most certainly can and should worship God with songs of praise when we’re alone, it’s important to do it with the community of God’s people with whom we share a love of Jesus Christ. There’s just something special about being a part of the “us” that sings and makes a joyful noise to the Lord as one body! There's just something about it that makes God's people more on fire to serve Him. 

So whether you’re alone or with a body of believers, offer your sincerest and heartfelt praise to God, lifting your hands as the Spirit leads you to my friend. After all, you’re not singing to be heard by the congregation but singing to be heard by the audience of One.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that all of our praise and worship belongs to You. You are the rock of our salvation and the One to whom all honor is due. Stir our hearts to make a joyful noise unto You at every opportunity. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Build your spiritual muscle

"Search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek him." 1 Chronicles 16:11 NLT

In an article titled, "Want to Build Muscle? Here’s What You Need to Know to Make It Happen" posted by Runner's World recently, the writer said: If you want to be a successful runner, you need to be a strong runner. And that means you need some muscle on your bones. It’s common for runners to shy away from building muscle mass—and strength training, for that matter, which helps you build that mass—but doing so has many benefits. For example, research suggests that strength training and building muscle can improve your performance and help prevent injury. Building muscle can also help you live longer, according to research. And one study also finds a link between runners with more lean muscle mass and better bone mineral density and content. The writer then went on to describe how the body builds muscle, saying it was a combination of overloading the muscle through strength training, and then allowing it to rebuild itself through rest and taking in an adequate amount of protein. In other words, running helps build muscle but diet and strength training are important factors in changing a person's body composition. 

And you know, when it comes to building spiritual muscle or increasing our spiritual strength and power, the Bible tells us that we are to "Search for the Lord and his strength" and to "continually seek him." This searching is the act of looking for something thoroughly, intently and carefully until that "thing" is found and the seeking, similarly, is actively and intentionally attempting to find something until that "thing" is found. And since we will never know all there is to know about God or be at the point when our faith has reached maturity with no more room to grow, the act of searching and continually seeking to know Him will grow our faith and our knowledge. 

So make it a point to grow your spiritual muscle my friend by picking up your Bible daily, lifting up your hands in praise, and seeking and searching to know Him. This will be the best exercise you will ever get and will reap dividends into eternity. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we become stronger spiritually when we "work out" by reading the Word and meditating on it. Give us a passion to do this each and every day Lord that we, by Your strength, will continue to grow our spiritual muscles. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Smile through the trial

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” James 1:2,3 NKJV

In a timely article titled "The Running Gear and Health Products We Tested in June 2022" published by Runner's World on Monday, the following was said: To help you find the best shoes, apparel, and gear, the Runner's World gear team is constantly testing the newest products on roads and trails. We can’t lie, it’s a fun part of our jobs. As dedicated runners, we have plenty of products that have become part of our daily runs and race-training routines. But we also get access to the newest gear, food, and clothing that find their way into our gym bags, home gyms, and get used in our everyday running routines. Those are the types of products you’ll find here in Things We’re Testing. The various editors went on to share some of the things they personally tested--from sunglasses and sports bras to socks and shorts--and the reason they found the products worthy of recommending. 

And you know, when it comes to constant testing, the Bible tells us to “count it all joy” when we “fall into various trials...” Why? Because the testing of our faith produces patience. The word patience here though doesn’t describe a passive waiting but an active endurance. You see, patience (as it's used here) isn’t so much the quality that helps us sit quietly in the doctor’s waiting room, but the one that stirs us up to complete a marathon or persevere under extreme trial. Trials can be joyful things then, especially when we remember that the testing of our faith reveals the strength and quality of our belief in God so that it will not only be evident to ourselves but to those around us... something that has the power to inspire "those" to follow Jesus.  

So, smile and rejoice when you’re going through trials my friend, no matter how hard they might be. Doing so will not only give you the faith that will enable you to stand firm through every adversity, hardship, setback, affliction or problem that you will face, but will inspire fellow believers to develop the same steadfast trust and complete confidence in God for themselves. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for being with us as we go through the troubles and suffering sin brought into the world. Help us to rejoice when we face adverse conditions Lord, knowing that there is always a greater purpose for all that we are called to endure. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Dress appropriately

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's affecting every runner in the Midwest right now... heat indexes in the triple digits. This high heat and humidity not only has our air conditioners working overtime, it has our hypothalamuses working overtime as well. Running in these extreme conditions is not only hard but can be dangerous too. Which is the very reason runners should run in the early morning or late evening and wear the right clothing. 

And speaking of clothing.... did anyone else see local runner Gary Shaw's post yesterday in celebration of World Naked Hiking Day? It seems he and Nicole Fleming (in the photo) have been off on another one of their adventures and were in Loch Ness, Scotland discovering a way to beat the heat when they get back to Missouri.

Seriously though, I wouldn't suggest trying this here. You will most likely get arrested, extremely sunburned or both. And think about this... where are you going to put your phone and your keys? So knowing that running nude is NOT a good option for staying cool this summer, check out these tips to minimize your chances of getting overheated.

Wear Synthetic-blend Clothing - Avoid wearing cotton when running because it holds your sweat and doesn’t dry quickly, which can lead to chafing. That rule should apply to all of your clothes, including socks, underwear, and sports bras. Cotton clothing can also be an unnecessary strain on your system. Cotton’s lack of sweat-wicking causes it to hold onto moisture, weighing you down and creating extra insulation. This is the last thing you need in that sweltering heat! Stick with lightweight synthetic running gear that will wick the sweat- and that extra heat- away from your body, keeping you cooler. Synthetic fabrics (such as CoolMax or Dri-Fit) wick moisture away from your skin so cooling evaporation can occur. Although the technical fabric running clothes may cost a little more, you’ll appreciate the comfort — especially during long runs.

Dress Lightly and avoid dark colors - Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing will help your body breathe and cool itself naturally. Tight clothing restricts that process, and dark colors absorb the sun’s light and heat. Light colors reflect the sun from your skin so you can see how important it is to choose your clothes wisely. 

Choose Running Socks Carefully - Don’t wear 100% cotton socks during your runs (ever!). Your feet will most likely be sweating a lot, and cotton tends to keep your feet wet, which can lead to blisters. Look for synthetic blends like those made from polyester, acrylic, or CoolMax, which are best at wicking away moisture.

Wear Shades - A good pair of running sunglasses help protect your eyes from the sun’s damaging rays. Also, wearing running sunglasses helps prevent headaches that come from squinting or exposure to bright light. And let's not even start talking about the wrinkles squinting causes giving us an extra incentive for protecting our eyes. 

Wear a Visor, Not a Hat - If you want to wear something on your head to protect your face from the sun, wear a visor, not a hat. A hat traps heat on your head, while a visor will allow your head to release heat and will be much cooler. I really like to run in sweat-resistant visors during the summer months because they have an absorbent terry band that helps prevent sweat from dripping into your eyes. And not having a full hat makes a huge difference!

Use Sunscreen - Apply your sunscreen (at least SPF 15) before you get dressed for your run. Some hot weather running clothes are usually made of mesh or very thin fabric, so they might not provide protection from the sun’s rays. Also, your clothes move when you run (or you may choose to take off some clothes, like your shirt). So it’s best to make sure you’re fully covered with sunscreen.

So there you have it friends. It's hot and it's humid and it's going to stay that way for a while. I wish I could tell you that we will get a break in the heat soon but I don't want to get your hopes up. So dress appropriately, get out when it's cool and keep your eyes on the finish line. Don't give up! The way you and I train this summer will determine whether we make it to the finish line of the Bass Pro Marathon/half or the Dogwood Canyon trail run this fall (when it’s much cooler). 

Happy Running!

Be ready to stand against the schemes

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11 ESV

Knowing that the day of my next hundred-mile run was drawing ever closer, I set out yesterday for the first of the many long training runs I’ll need to complete to ensure I’ll be ready to step up to the start line. And since seeing the same scenery over and over can exponentially add to the monotony and boredom of running for hours on end, I decided it was time to “take back” what the enemy had stolen from me... my favorite running route. The memory of the day that happened was fresh in my mind early yesterday morning as I neared the property where two aggressive dogs had approached me just a few weeks earlier causing me to turn around in fear after holding my own long enough for the owners to come out and collect their pets. “You have nothing to fear this time, Melissa. You’re ready,” I told myself as I slowed down to a walk edging closer to the rundown mobile home, weapon in hand. This time I saw four dogs. “Get back!” I firmly shouted with authority as I stopped in my tracks and held my ground. Thankfully, after three more verbal warnings the dogs retreated to their porch about the time the owner opened the door and let them in. Smiling as I picked up the pace to a run again, I said a silent prayer thanking the Lord for the courage and the tools to “stand against” the enemy.

And you know, if there’s one thing I’ve learned about “the schemes of the devil,” it’s this... if a person isn’t fully armored up before the systematic, intentional, and devious attacks come, they’re toast. Did you get that fully part though? As Paul clearly understand, you and I must wear the “whole armor of God” if we are to be able to “stand against” the evil plots of the devil. Which means not picking and choosing what pieces we wear—a practice that will only leave us with gaps in our protective gear which the devil will find—and making especially sure that the belt of truth is fastened securely into place. This my friend is how you and I will have the courage and tools to “stand against” the enemy.

So be sure to make putting on the whole armor of God your highest priority of the day. Spend time in the Word so you’ll be girded up and ready for whatever scheme the devil has in store for you and stay alert at all times! In other words... be ready.

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us everything we need to fight the spiritual battles that are sure to come our way, especially as the end days draw nearer. Help us to understand fully what’s at stake if we lose to the enemy so that we would take the necessary steps to be prepared to stand firm and fight. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

The Father can make anyone clean

"'So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him." Luke 15:20 NLT

Nearing the end of my early morning run before church yesterday, I slowed down to reflect on the beauty all around me and to count my blessings as I do daily. Surrounded by wide open fields in all directions, I was never more thankful for the miles and miles of dirt roads around my home that I had access to run on by simply walking out the front door. But as I looked down at my feet I had to smile. “These dirt roads are a blessing for sure,” I thought to myself. “But they sure don’t help a girl keep her shoes clean.” This was only the second time I’d worn my new white running shoes in the blistering heat of summer and the sweat combined with the dirt and grime of the road I loved so much had left my shoes with some brown stains. “Oh well,” I thought shaking my head. “This is nothing that can’t be made clean with some stain fighter and a good wash.”

And you know, it was fitting that yesterday was Father's Day. It was a day that I not only thanked my earthly father for loving me despite the many years I went my own way but my Heavenly Father as well, who welcomed me with open arms when I turned from a life of sin and back to Him. In fact, the Father didn’t only welcome me back but came running to me while I “was still a long way off.” Do you get that? I was a long ways from being perfect but the Father ran to me! “Filled with love and compassion,“ the Lord then gave me a “good wash” and restored me. But isn’t that what a good father does?

Perhaps you’re that prodigal son or daughter that is in need of restoration today? If that’s you, run to the Father like I did my friend. Allow Him to give you a “good wash” and a fresh start. You’ll be so glad you did. In fact, it will have you counting your blessings. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the simple reminder today that there is no one too dirty that can’t be made clean if they will simply turn to You and ask for forgiveness. Thank You for being such a good Father and for extending love and compassion to us despite our sin and shame. We love you and we thank You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Focus on prevention

'Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV

In a timely article published this week by Women's Running titled "5 Common Summer Skin Problems Runners Face," sunburn was listed as the number one summer skin problem. The solution? To focus on prevention, they said, and to make SPF your friend. We know you’ve heard it a million times, but it’s important enough to repeat: Sunscreen is non-negotiable for runners, even on a cloudy day. “When you’re going to be perspiring, the key is to get a water-resistant formula that will stand up to your workout,” says Dr. Noelle Sherber, a Washington, D.C.–based dermatologist. At the minimum, you need a 30 SPF rating, and a “broad-spectrum” designation on the package, which means that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Sherber also looks for a combination of mineral and chemical filters, which tend to be most reliable in terms of protection. If you’re out for a long run, chances are that you’ll need to reapply. Most sunscreen packages will give you an estimate (e.g., 80 minutes, though two hours should be the max). Pro tip from Sherber: Set an alarm on your phone to make sure you remember when you need to re-up.

And you know, taking steps to avoid getting sunburned is one way that you and I can avoid pain. Another way is to choose our friends wisely. Why? Because as Paul clearly understood, “bad company corrupts good morals.” You see, whether you and I want to believe it, we are heavily influenced by those people we hang around with the most. Which is the very reason you and I would do well to surround ourselves with godly, moral, and upright people who will help keep us from falling into sin and having to experience the pain that always comes along with it. Now this doesn’t mean that we can’t associate with those people who might not be striving to live a righteous life. After all, these are the people we should be witnessing to. But they shouldn’t be part of the inner circle of friends we consider close and whose influence we know will serve to draw us closer to Christ.

So take sin prevention very seriously my friend—knowing that the after effects of disobedience linger much longer and are much more painful than any sunburn you could ever get.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that consistently hanging around with people that don’t share our same faith and morals can lead us astray. Help us to truly understand this that we would not be deceived Lord. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Be patient while you wait

"Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near." James 5:7,8 NLT

In a timely article titled, "How to Stand Running in the Heat. Everything you need to know about running in hot, humid conditions this summer" published by Runner's World magazine last summer, the writer said: Because of the heat and humidity, most people wouldn’t pick summer as their favorite season for outdoor exercise—walking and running included. Spring or fall normally wins that honor. But summer does have a lot going for it. More daylight before and after work means more time to get outside. What’s more, with all the swimming, lawn mowing, gardening, hiking, and vacations, it’s easier to be more active in the summer, so your fitness level is higher. In a further attempt to inspire runners to safely get outside, the writer listed ten tips to help us optimize our hot weather workouts, including my favorite, which happens to be the hardest one. Be patient: Give yourself eight to 14 days to acclimatize to hot weather, gradually increasing the length and intensity of your training. In that time, your body will learn to decrease your heart rate, decrease your core body temperature, and increase your sweat rate.

And you know, whether you and I are waiting for our bodies to adjust to the heat or waiting for the Lord to come back (as every believer should anxiously be doing), it’s absolutely crucial that we stand by patiently as James instructed us to. Why? Charles Spurgeon explains it this way, “A man to whom it is given to wait for a reward keeps up his courage, and when he has to wait, he says, ‘It is no more than I expected. I never reckoned that I was to slay my enemy at the first blow. I never imagined that I was to capture the city as soon as ever I had digged the first trench; I reckoned upon waiting, and now that is come, I find that God gives me the grace to fight on and wrestle on, till the victory shall come.’ And patience saves a man from a great deal of haste and folly.”

So keep your eyes on the clouds and your hands on the plow my friend. Work hard while you’re waiting, knowing that your work will be rewarded when Jesus returns to take us home. 

Heavenly Father, it’s so easy to get discouraged as we look around at the rapidly declining state of morality in our world. Help us to patiently work to win others to the foot of the Cross as we wait for You to come back Lord. Give us courage to fight the good fight until the day the trumpet blows. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!
 

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Life is short

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 the majority of people forget to take into account when making the decision whether they will or will not do something... life is short. As defined, those three words are a proverb meaning that one should make the most of one's life, as you never know when you will die. It's that not knowing when you'll breathe your last breath then, whether you're 28 or 88, that should motivate you to take chances and to do crazy things while you still can. Living with the knowledge that "life is short" is something I strive to do each and every day.

Which is the very reason I had to smile when I read local runner Samantha Boeh's social media post on Monday:

A few weeks ago, someone posted that a group needed a runner for the KT82, a race that I’ve been wanting to do for years. After I initially saw the post, I thought about responding that I would join, but I was hesitant because after no running for 9 months due to injury, I wasn’t trained to be prepared for the race. I debated for about a week, prayed about it, and talked with a friend about running. “Do it Samantha. Life is short. Take chances. Do crazy things. You only regret what you don’t do,” was her response. So, I responded to the post saying I would join the team. Needless to say, running with strangers was going to be a bit scary, I mean people are crazy these days, but, let me tell you these strangers are amazing people, and race day was just wonderful. Even though we had never met, we made a cohesive team from the start. Running an 82 mile relay with this group was such a blessing, and I was happy to be part of the team! It was tough. The heat tried to get the best of us, but we supported, encouraged, and hydrated all day. Muscles became sore…we rolled, taped, and even dry needled to stay fresh. The mental challenges were the worst. We got tired, but we didn’t let it get the best of us! (Thank you, Nate Boeh for sending me encouragement and supporting me through this.) Thanks for the words, Melissa Martinez. I am glad that I took a chance and did a crazy thing! I hope that one day I can do it again but be better trained next time around. Thank you to all my teammates that made the KT82 a wonderfully memorable day, and most importantly thank you for allowing me to join the team!

As you might have guessed by now, “Do it Samantha. Life is short. Take chances. Do crazy things. You only regret what you don’t do” were the words I spoke to my friend in an effort to encourage her to step out of her comfort zone and experience life as it's meant to be experienced! These are also words I’ve been speaking to myself for many years, having gained the knowledge that I only have the here and now and that tomorrow is never guaranteed. And let me tell you what... I have never ever regretted stepping out of my comfort zone, taking chances and doing crazy things! And neither did she on this day!! I mean just check out the smile Samantha had on her face AFTER doing the crazy thing she was debating!

So there you have it friends. This is more proof that living a life without disappointments over missed opportunities is well worth the effort and the temporary pain of stepping out of your comfort zone. It is also something that will grant you peaceful sleep at night. Why? Because as I've always said, "Regret makes a very hard pillow." For this reason, take chances friends. Do crazy things and be thankful that the knowledge that "life is short" causes you to pursue a life with no regrets. 

Happy Running!

There are hearts in need of resuscitation

"But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved!" Ephesians 2:4,5 NLT

In an article published by Fox21 News on Saturday titled "'I was dead for 24 minutes’: Runner thanks those who saved his life," it was reported that Mark Smith was finally able to rejoin the runners who resuscitated him after he went into cardiac arrest a year ago. “It’s just an honor to be here to have this opportunity to say thank you to people and meet them because I was dead. And so being able to run with them has been so great,” he said. Smith returned to the Garden of the Gods 10M/10K/Trail Race to meet the team that bravely stepped in and saved his life in 2021 at the very same race. “I was running along and I looked down and said ‘oh, there’s Rock Ledge Ranch’… and then I was in the hospital,” Smith said. The quick actions of several runners and onlookers had kept smith alive for 24 minutes before he was able to get an automated external defibrillator (AED). “We, just as a group were like okay, we got to start compressions and everyone get in line we need to do this,” said Kathy Cheney, one of the runners who stepped in to help. “I was dead for 24 minutes. But you were there. You dropped to the ground and started compressions or in some other way kept me alive for those 24 long minutes when the AED arrived,” said Smith. “Because of what you did that day, I lived. You did that. I want to say thank you. I want to meet the team that saved my life.”

And you know, it’s stories like this that remind me just how important it is for every runner to be ready, willing, and able to perform CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) at a moments notice. We just never know when we might have to bring someone back to life. Sadly though, there are millions of people in our world today that are in full spiritual cardiac arrest with no one ready, willing and able to deliver the Good News that causes dead hearts to beat again. And the Good News is this... “because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses.” It is by grace we have been saved! 

So knowing that those who are dead in their sin are in desperate need of spiritual resuscitation before it’s too late, may we be found ready, willing, and able to speak the words in red that bring life into all that is dead. Let us be the reason someone can say, “Because of what you did that day, I lived. You did that.”

Heavenly Father, thank You for this reminder that we may only have a brief moment in time to perform the necessary steps to save someone from dying both physically and spiritually. Lord cause us to be ready, willing and able to go wherever You call us to go and to speak whatever words You command us to say without hesitation. Compel us to study the Word daily that we might be equipped to win souls for Your glory. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Things will get tougher

“‘If racing against mere men makes you tired, how will you race against horses? If you stumble and fall on open ground, what will you do in the thickets near the Jordan?” Jeremiah 12:5 NLT

In an article titled “Man v horse: Powys race won by runner Ricky Lightfoot” published by the BBC yesterday, it was reported that trail runner Ricky Lightfoot became the third person to ever win the man versus horse race since it’s debut in 1980. Crossing the line, the 6ft 4in (1.93m) athlete had no idea whether he had won as the people and animals take slightly different routes. After asking around, he discovered he had come came out on top against 1,000 runners and 50 horses with a time of 2:22:23. He took home £3,500 after beating the first horse by more than two minutes on the 22.5-mile (36km) course in Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys. The 37-year-old Cumbrian said winning was "pretty good, like.” Race director Mike Thomas said Mr Lightfoot, a member of Cumbria running club Ellenborough AC, beat the horses "quite comfortably" on Saturday. The last time a human beat a horse in the race was in 2007, and the first time was in 2004.

And you know, like many believers in our world today watching the evil schemes of wicked, ungodly, and immoral people, governments and organizations seemingly flourish and thrive, the prophet Jeremiah asked the Lord, “Why does the way of the wicked prosper?” To which God met Jeremiah with a question of His own, “If racing against mere men makes you tired, how will you race against horses?" God didn’t give a doctrinal answer but issued a challenge instead adding, “If you stumble and fall on open ground, what will you do in the thickets near the Jordan?” In other words, “How can you handle what’s to come Jeremiah if you can’t even handle today? You think times are tough now, you just wait.” It was a reminder to Jeremiah and to us to stand strong and hang in there! Things will most definitely get tougher in the coming days—but we can take heart knowing that Jesus is coming back and that justice will prevail in the end.

So while you and I may never be fast enough to beat 1,000 runners or 50 horses in a foot competition, we will through Christ have the speed and strength to overcome every obstacle in our way and make it to the finish line. So stand firm my friend and press on. The race is almost over and we will soon be going home!

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that there are harder times to come in the days ahead; times that we need to begin preparing ourselves to overcome right now. With that in mind, give us a zeal for prayer, Bible study, and fellowship Lord that we would not only be ready ourselves but have the relationships in place that will ensure we stay in the race until the end and inspire others to do the same. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

He is worth seeking first

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 BSB

As I set my alarm to wake up at 4:45 am yesterday so I could get in some quality Bible study, prayer time, and then a run spent meditating on what I had read (what the verses meant, what the verses specifically meant to me, and what the Lord wanted me to do with the Knowledge that had been revealed) before my morning conference, I had to laugh. "Most people would take advantage of this working vacation," I thought to myself. Here I was in Kansas City for a three day convention staying at the luxurious Hilton Hotel with it's nice cushy bed and many amenities and I set my alarm even earlier than I do at home. But I do this because I know that starting off my day getting into God's Word to exercise my spiritual body and then getting in some miles to exercise my physical body will reap dividends later. Not only does this nonnegotiable morning routine leave me feeling mentally alert and better capable of doing my job but armed and ready for whatever the day holds and any "job" the Lord might have in store for me. 

And you know, when it comes to the priority of things in our lives, there's a reason the Bible tells us to "seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness" above everything else on our to-do list. You see, when you and I prioritize the Lord, "all these things will be added." In other words, when you and I commit to find and do the will of God, to ally ourselves totally with His purpose for us, our lives come into perfect balance and we are rewarded with the peace, fellowship, discernment, focus, and direction that only God can give us. Seeking Him first reaps rewards unparalleled by anything else that we could ever do before starting our day. 

So knowing the immeasurable benefits of starting the day off seeking Him first, make God your utmost, greatest, and highest priority my friend. The fellowship spent with the Father in quiet study, prayer, meditation and reflection will have you smiling all day in ways nothing else can. 

Heavenly Father thank You for reminding us that You are the only thing worth seeking above everything else. Lord, compel us to make time for this each and every day, no matter where we might be or what might be on our agenda, that we might serve You to the best of our ability and be on fire for the mission You give us for the day. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running! 

We are part of a heavenly community

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,” Philippians 3:20 ESV

In an article published by the Brattleboro Reformer titled, "Area runners enjoying physical, mental benefits" yesterday, the writer, Shane Covey asked the question "We know the reasons that Rocky Balboa and a cartoon character named Road Runner do it, but why are so many local people running?" And while he listed a few answers from several local runners, I particularly like what runner Jack May, 52, of Guilford (a participant in the 2021 Brattleboro Fun Run Series who had the fastest time in three of the four races offered) said, "I am a runner. It’s a big part of my identity. I wouldn’t know who I was if I didn’t run. I certainly enjoy the time I spend on the road. I count on it as a way to stay fit. I really love races, too. I get a thrill from the competition of running. A huge benefit I get from running is the joy I get from being part of the running community. The running community in Brattleboro is wonderful and supportive, and it makes me very happy to be part of that community." 

And you know, when it comes to being part of a community, the Bible tells us that "our citizenship is in heaven" which means that every believer will one day be a part of that heavenly community for all eternity. Until then though, you and I would do well to remember that we are foreigners in a foreign land who have our identities in the One whom we are waiting for. We are not runners who love Christ but Christians who enjoy running. Our main focus must always be in identifying as ambassadors of Christ above anything else so that we will best represent Him through our pursuits—causing people to look at the Creator of our talents rather than our talents. 

So avoid the temptation to define yourself as anything other than a child of God my friend. This is who you and I are at the very core and remembering that will affect everything we say and do. And remember this too... it only takes one accident, injury or illness to strip us of our identity as a runner—but nothing can ever strip us of our identity in Christ. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that although we might identify as runners, our true identity is in You. Cause us to remember this so that we will use our lives to shine the light on You rather than ourselves and to pursue our relationship with You above all else. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Embrace Summer 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 three obvious things. We live in Missouri. It's going to get hot. It's going to get humid. Maybe even, like tomorrow and then it will snow the next day right? But seriously, happy hearts always make us run better so let's look at the great things running in the summer will do for us so we can smile in the midst of our sweat, salty shoulders and sunburns. 

Okay so here’s another obvious thing. Training for fall races like the Bass Pro Marathon and the Dogwood Canyon trail runs require summer training. And since that "official" training brought to you by OMRR begins on July 23 in the heat of summer, let's look at some reasons to love summer running so we can be ready to go when those training groups start up!

1. More Hours of Daylight. With more hours of daylight in morning and evening, running outside is more convenient and safer. You don’t have to worry about suiting yourself up with reflective gear and a headlamp. And waking up early and motivating yourself for an early run is a lot easier when the sun is already up, so you’re less likely to blow off a morning run. And the best part? You don’t have to wear layers!!!! Yay!!

2. It’s Safer to Run Outside. Summer provides more opportunities to run in the fresh air. More people are walking, running, and biking in parks and on recreation paths, so there are fewer safety concerns with running alone.

3. More Options for Racing. Summer is a popular time for local races, so you’re sure to find local 5Ks, 10Ks and half marathons in your area. If you’re training for a big race in the fall, shorter summer races are a great way to boost your motivation and check your training progress. You can use them as an opportunity to fine-tune racing skills and run on a supported course with water stops (without having to carry your own fluids!).

4. Long Run Prep is Simplified. Runners spend a lot of time and effort to plan out gear for long runs in the cold weather. You need to worry about layers of clothing, vest vs. jacket, gloves vs. mittens, hat or not, and which socks to wear. Warm weather runs are a lot less hassle, since the idea is usually to wear as little clothing as possible. And no layering also means a lot less laundry! 

5. You Can Run Someplace New. Summer vacations are the perfect opportunity to mix up your training and run someplace new. There’s no better way to explore a new city or view beautiful scenery than to run through it.

6. You're forced to Do Some Easy Runs. To avoid injuries and overtraining, runners should be doing most of their runs at an easy, comfortable pace. However, many runners run too hard or long for most runs, and don’t give their bodies a chance to recover properly in between intense workouts. But when you’re running in the hot or humid weather, you’re forced to run at an easy pace! If you have a hard workout on your training schedule, you could always do it on the treadmill and then run outside in the heat for easy runs, so you know you’ll run slow and controlled.

7. Post-Run Recovery is Fun. One of the best ways to recover from a run is to put your legs in cold water and the summer provides plenty of opportunities to do that. For the ultimate cool down, end your long runs at a pool or body of water so can jump in and get refreshed. My friends and I will do this at our local spring. It not only refreshes our bodies from the long run and shortens recovery time but gives us a great reason to spend more time with our running buddies. If you really want to have fun, bring a blanket or large towel and then grab a recovery nap by the water. I actually look forward to these!

8. Summer is a great time to do practice night running. If you've never strapped on a headlight and run through the night, you're missing out friends. Hitting the trails after the sun goes down is a great way to experience running in a new and fun way. You'll hear the sounds of nature's nocturnal animals, view the starry sky, experience the peace of a summer night, and feel your senses come alive in ways you've never experienced before. And while this is something you could do anytime of the year, it's way more enjoyable in the heat of summer. 

9. You can break out of your mold and find some crazy runs. For instance, over the 4th of July weekend, my friends and I are getting together to do the Goggins 4x4x48 challenge at a local middle school track. For 48 hours we will run four miles every four hours, resting and fellowshipping in between sets in the summer heat. This would not be fun in the winter and is something everyone can enjoy. The laid back nature of races like this mean walkers won't feel rushed too. 

So there you have it friends. There are so many reasons to embrace summer running. So break out your tank tops, shorty shorts, hydration vests, and chafing cream and get out there! Summer is on the way and there are races to be run and training to complete!

Happy Running!