Christians are Never Off-Duty

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV

In an article titled, "Married off-duty police officers praised for saving runner's life" posted by BBC news last week, it was reported that husband-and-wife duo Liam and Jayne Goodall were hailed for saving the life of 40-year-old runner Oliver Williams. The writer said, the Goodalls were off duty and driving home when they spotted a man face down on a footpath and unconscious in Middlesbrough. Mr. Williams had been out running on 31 August when he fell ill at around 18:15 BST. The couple jumped out of their car when they saw him on the ground in Glendale Road. They spoke to a crowd that had gathered, and realized they were the only people able to offer medical assistance. Ms. Goodall began CPR when she noticed he had stopped breathing, while her husband PC Liam Goodall rang the ambulance service. They both then took turns to carry out CPR, while paramedics arrived and treated Mr. Williams with adrenaline and a defibrillator. He was taken to intensive care at James Cook University Hospital being allowed to recover at home with partner Caroline and their children Esther and Sidney. "I can't thank Liam and Jayne enough for what they did for me," he said. "Without their life-saving actions, I wouldn't be here today. I'll forever be in debt to both Liam and Jayne, they really are real-life super heroes."

And you know, when it comes to being off duty or as defined: not engaged in the performance of one's usual work, the Bible is clear that Christians are always on the clock and should “be steadfast, immovable” and “ always abounding in the work of the Lord.” Now this doesn’t mean that we can’t rest, take vacations, or enjoy leisurely activities only that we are servants of Christ wherever we go and at all times. In other words, we don’t clock in at nine and then off at five but make ourselves able and available to do whatever God calls us to do whenever He calls us to do it. 

So let us stand firm and unshakable in our mission to serve Christ my friend. Jesus is coming back soon. May we be found busy when He returns knowing that our “labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we work for You 24/7. Even if our labor seems in vain to others, help us to know that it’s not. Cause us to work with all that have and with all our might then Lord so that we can all do our part to make heaven full. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

We’re all one in Christ

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28 NIV

In an article titled “How Fast Will These Celebrities Run the 2022 NYC Marathon?” published by Runners World last week, the writer said, “From actors to former pro athletes, there are quite a few notable people running the Big Apple’s big race on November 6.” He went on to explain, “Celebrities—they’re just like us. They eat breakfast, they go to work, and they run marathons too! The 2022 New York City Marathon fast approaches, which means 50,000 runners will stand on the starting line in Staten Island ready to cover 26.2 miles. Among them are TV stars, Olympians, models, and race car drivers, all hoping to achieve the same goal as everyone else—cross the finish line in Central Park.” And you know, while these ‘stars’ might stand out in the world, once they step up to the start line, they’ll blend in with everyone else and be just another runner sharing a common mission. That’s one of the things I love most about running. It doesn’t matter what you do for a living, how you look, what ethnic background you are, or what 'status' you may hold in the world. A runner is a runner…. plain and simple.

Do you know what else is plain and simple when it comes to sharing a common goal? In the family of God, a believer is a believer no matter their background. In fact, as Paul explained, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." In other words, our shared faith in Christ transcends our differences and makes all believers one in Him. The only question then is…. are you and I Christ’s? If we are, we are brothers and sisters in the family of God no matter what we do for a living, how we look, what ethnic background we are, or what 'status' we may hold in the world. A believer is a believer... plain and simple. 

So refuse to buy into the lie that any person is more privileged than or superior to another in the family of Christ my friend. Treat everyone as an equal because, as Paul clearly explained, that's what we are. We "are all one in Christ Jesus" cut from the same cloth for the same mission... plain and simple.  

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are all equal in the body of Christ. Cause us to truly understand this Lord so that we would not elevate other believers or believe ourselves to be above anyone else— no matter the position or status we or they hold in this world. Help us to love others the way Jesus did Lord. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

He will Finish what He started

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6 NIV

In an article titled, “He Almost Died During Last Year's Detroit Free Press Half Marathon. He Came Back This Year to Finish the Race” published by Runner’s World last week, Tommy Kornieck said that he’d always wanted to be a runner and looked forward to his first half marathon on October 17, 2021. And while the start of the race went well, he began to feel lightheaded at mile 10 and collapsed. He later learned he had gone into cardiac arrest and was rushed to the hospital. Thankfully Tommy recovered and was cleared to run in June—intent on putting in the training needed to finish what he started. On Sunday, October 16, Kornieck, now 27, got to finish what he started. He traveled to mile 10 on the Detroit Free Press’s half marathon course and walked the final 3.1 miles with his mother. He felt “excitement and joy” when he crossed the finish line, and saw his uncle, aunt, and a few of his friends waiting for him.

And you know, when it comes to finishing something that was started, Paul told the believers at Philipi that he was “certain” that God, who began the good work within them, would continue his work until it was finally finished on the day when Jesus Christ returned. Paul was encouraging the believers to keep pressing on by expressing his complete confidence that God would continue the sanctification process He had started in them when they chose to follow Him. Paul wanted to make it crystal clear that God would never leave them on their own but would help them grow in godliness throughout their whole lives. 

So seek to become more like Jesus each and every day my friend knowing that the process won’t be complete until we reach that final finish line, either by death or by the return of the Savior. Refuse to remain unchanged and strive with all you have to reach the mark, knowing you aren’t running this race alone. God will be with you every step of the way, doing whatever it takes to make you more like Him.

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much that You would care to make us more like You. Remind us that you are a builder that only builds good things and that You are a worker who always finishes what He started. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Don't get Caught up in the Comparison Game

“Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.” 2 Corinthians 10:12 ESV

In an article titled, "What Is the Average Walking Speed and Jogging Speed?" published by Runner's World last week, the writer gave some great advice: Before you get too caught up in the comparison game, remember that any walk or jog you do is better than doing nothing at all. In fact, increasing your daily step count (regardless of pace) can help improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and even some cancers. So you’re doing your body good no matter your speed or intensity. That said, knowing how to gauge your progress and make improvements to your walking and jogging speed over time can lead to more advantages. So here’s what you need to know about the average walking speed and jogging speed, as well as when and how to change up your own pace.

And you know, when it comes to the danger of comparing ourselves to others, the Bible tells us that when people “measure themselves with one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.” In other words, the only standard we should be measuring ourselves against is God’s perfect standard which is the only true assessment of our heart and our motives. Comparing ourselves to one another, especially when we choose who those “one another's” are, might make us feel good by allowing us to see ourselves as superior to them, but it’s not an accurate measure of how bad we fail to hit the mark of God’s standard of righteousness.

So resist the urge to compare yourself to any standards other than God’s perfect ones my friend. Seek the approval of God rather than man and you’ll avoid the pitfalls of the comparison game... a game no one wins.

Heavenly Father, help us to recognize our innate sinfulness so that we would not think more highly of ourselves than we ought. When we are tempted to compare ourselves to others, please remind us that those comparisons don’t matter. Cause us to seek the approval of You and You alone. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Enjoy the Taper

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 a lot of runners don’t like talking about, much less doing… tapering. Better known as the rest period between the culmination of marathon training and race day, tapering is the essential phase of rest that generally begins 2-3 weeks after a runner’s longest run (where those who are training for Bass Pro and/or Dogwood Canyon are right now) and can fill a runner with worry, anxiety or dread for many reasons. The main one usually being that taking time off before a big race will erase all of a runner’s hard work. But nothing could be further from the truth. In fact tapering will help cement all the hard work that was put in… allowing the mind and the muscles to heal and prepare for the race.

So let’s look at what tapering actually is and why it’s so important to practice it:

Tapering is the process of gradually decreasing the volume and intensity of your training in preparation for a race and is an essential part of every marathon and half marathon training plan. You might be wondering though, why is it important and why should I do it? Well…when you cut back (not completely cut out) the number of miles you run, your muscles can repair, and your glycogen stores can return to normal. This is important for absorbing your training and getting to the finish line with minimal pain and effort. During a taper, levels of muscle glycogen, enzymes, antioxidants, hormones, and other things that are depleted by a lot of exercise return to normal which should leave you refreshed and full of energy when you step up to the start line. Research has shown that tapering can also improve the function of fast-twitch muscle fibers, which can lead to faster race times and increased time to fatigue by up to 22%. So yes the benefits are very, very real.

That being said then, the top five main goals of marathon tapering are:

• Increasing muscle glycogen to ensure they return to normal and are loaded with fuel for race day
• Reducing the risk of overtraining right before a race
• Minimizing any stress on your mind and body, which allows you to be fresher.
• Increasing muscle recovery and reducing muscle fatigue
• Improving the function of fast-twitch muscle fibers to assist in faster race times.

Okay, so now that we’ve established why tapering is so important, let me give all you first timers and those runners that need a reminder a word of warning on the downside of cutting miles after so many weeks and months of training… tapering leaves racers with a lot of free time previously spent training. Which means you won’t be getting that long-run endorphin hit you’re used to and may start to go a little emotionally haywire—it's part of a phenomenon known as “taper madness” or “taper anxiety.” Scientists know it too, apparently: There’s a lot of research out there on how exercise—especially cardio—can benefit our mental health. An article published in AMAA Journal in 2008 concluded that "the reduced training involved in tapering prior to a race may actually worsen mood states." In other words, when you've been in a routine that provided structure, endorphins, and an overall sense of accomplishment for a while, something's bound to happen when you slow (way) down all of a sudden. For most runners, that "something" usually manifests in bouts of sadness, a general lack of motivation, and maybe even a little bit of irritability so be prepared. 

Now that you know what to expect then, remind yourself that tapering is a part of the process and anticipate the wave of anxiety coming. Remember that you aren’t sabotaging your hard work as you head into your taper and you'll already be ahead of the curve. And another reminder… even if you’re feeling less than your best during easy workouts as you endure this rest period, don’t be tempted to up the ante again. The hay’s already in the barn, there are no gains that can be made at this point, and the purpose of a taper is to allow the body to recover and rest, which it needs to do before the race. Stick to your schedule, which includes time for you to be gentle to your body so it can successfully go into beast mode when you step up to the start line.

On a side note, two other side effects commonly reported by runners who are tapering are cases of the sniffles and experiencing phantom pains. As far as any cold caused from all that you have put your body through in the last couple of months, chill, drink a ton of water, and relax as best you can. Let your body rest and allow it to recover. Stressing out isn’t going to help you heal. And as far as the aches and pains that come out of nowhere, these are usually caused by over thinking and stress. Think about it. When you spend all of your waking hours thinking and obsessing about your body and keeping it healthy, you will notice things for the first time and also have a natural fear that you have injured yourself in some way. A tiny twinge of pain might have you thinking, "Oh no! I have shin splints!" or "I felt my Achilles tendon tighten up just now. I have tendinitis!" Are you getting where I'm going with this? No matter what side effect you might be experiencing, my advice is this... calm down, get some rest, pray for the ability to see things as they are, and be thankful for all that you've been able to do and will do on race day.  

So there you have it friends. I sure hope that helps! I’ll be pacing the 5:30 marathon group with my sweet friend Jody Rhodes on November 6 and I can’t wait to see all of you. In fact, all of your Bass Pro pacers are looking forward to seeing everyone's smiling faces next weekend! Meanwhile, smile big, embrace the taper, get your bags packed for race day, and get ready for a great time! You'll soon be making your way down the streets of Springfield, MO. Happy Running!

Do Your Research

“Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” Acts 17:11 NIV

As a runner who eats eggs, both store bought and farm fresh, nearly every day, I was happy to see the question “Do Eggs Need to Be Refrigerated?” answered in an article posted by Runners World last week. In response to the inquiry, the writer said: Eggs are the foundation of hearty breakfasts, decadent pastries, and creamy aiolis. But while eggs add protein and fat to whatever you’re cooking, they don’t come without food-safety risks. Depending on where in the world you live, you can find eggs stored either in the refrigerator or sitting at room temperature on the kitchen counter. But what’s the best way to make sure your eggs are safe to eat? Luckily, we did some research for you. And to make a long story short: If you live in the U.S., refrigerate your eggs. The researchers went on to say that “once your eggs are placed in the fridge, they’ll be safe to eat for three to five weeks.”

And you know, when it comes to doing research to avoid a hazard, Paul commended the Berean Jews for not taking what he said as truth, saying they were of “more noble character than those in Thessalonica” because they received the message with great eagerness AND examined, or researched, the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. You see, they didn’t want to fall into spiritual danger by blindly believing or following what any teacher or preacher said without confirming that it aligned with the Word. They were so set on this that they even questioned the great apostle Paul’s teachings. Do you just love that or what? 

So follow the example of the Bereans my friend and do your research. Read the Scriptures every day so you can know what’s true and what’s not. This is especially important in the times we are living in—times that are marked by false teachers, deceptive preachers, and doctrines of devils. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are responsible for what we do and don’t believe and will be held accountable for not doing our proper research. Give us a hunger for the truth and the courage to boldly proclaim that we will not blindly follow the teaching of any person without careful, deliberate, and considerable inspection. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Believers Can Look for the Positive

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.“ Genesis 50:20 NLT

In a story titled “Missing runner’s family raising money for new SD ministry,” it was reported that the family of David Lunde, an avid runner who went missing in Durango, Colorado three weeks ago, is working to raise awareness and funds for Rockside Ranch, a ministry described as “a working ranch where young men can go for life restoration.” Based out of California, the writer said they are opening a new location. For the past year, Lunde has been a strong supporter of Rockside Ranch and its work to open a ranch in New Underwood, South Dakota. “He loved that young men were able to live out life restoration on a working ranch”… Even though Lunde won’t be able to do his 60-mile birthday run this Sunday, his friends and family are running the trail for him, raising support for South Dakota’s Rockside Ranch in his honor. “David would be able to see the positive in the situation, saying hey, awareness is being raised for this organization I deeply care about.”

And you know, when it comes to seeing the positive in every situation—no matter how sad or hopeless it might seem—the Bible gives us the story of Joseph, a young man who loved the Lord with all his heart. Despite his devotion to God though, Joseph experienced tests, trials and tribulations so intense that it appeared nothing good would ever come from them. But God, as is His way, used all of Joseph’s pain to land him a job of such prominence that he not only saved his own family from famine but all of Egypt; prompting Joseph to tell his brothers, the very people who sold him into slavery, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.”

So if you’re going through a tough time my friend, hang in there and keep a positive attitude. God can and will use your circumstances for good if you will surrender to His will and allow Him to bring beauty from ashes. You may not know how He will accomplish this but you can be sure that He will. That’s just what He does.

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a God beyond our comprehension. Your ways are much higher than ours and your plans are always better. Please remind us that we live in a fallen world where sin abounds and where bad things happen to the most faithful of followers. Rather than the thought of that filling us with dread, cause us to remember that You are sovereign over all and can and will work all things for good so that can we look for the positive in every situation. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

His Name is a Fortified Tower

“The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10 NIV

In an article titled “Does running really wreck your knees?” published by the Washington Post Wednesday, the writer said, “Almost all runners, whether veterans or newcomers, poky or fleet, youthful or antique, share one bond. Someone soon will warn us that we are ruining our knees. “A lot of people think that running is bad” for knees and other joints, said Jean-Francois Esculier, a clinical professor of physical therapy at the University of British Columbia in Kelowna, who studies running. But accumulating research, including studies from Esculier and others, generally shows the reverse. In these studies, distance running does not wreck most runners’ knees and, instead, fortifies them, leaving joints sturdier and less damaged than if someone had never taken up the sport.“ That’s good news for us runners isn’t it?

And you know, when it comes to things that are fortified, the Bible tells us that “the name of the Lord is a fortified tower” and “the righteous run to it and are safe.” To fully understand this, consider that a person’s name in ancient times was much more than a random identifier or title. It expressed the person’s nature and individual attributes. Thus, God’s name represents His essential character and authority and is a strong tower because the infinite heights and depths of His person, presence, and power are captured in that name. The righteous—those who are made right with God through a relationship with Jesus Christ— then can run to Him in all His revealed faithfulness, strength and power and be barricaded inside His tower of protection, safe from all harm. Do you just love that or what?

So keep on running without fear of wearing out your knees my friend. Most importantly though, keep running to the One who has the Name above all names so that you can bask in the shelter of the Almighty God. You'll be so glad you did. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for having the only Name that believers can run to and find refuge from the storms of this world. Thank You for your faithfulness through all generations and for loving us despite all our shortcomings. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Let Them Call us Crazy

“If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit.” 2 Corinthians 5:13 NLT

As a person who can’t run and chew bubblegum at the same time, I was astounded by a story posted by Canadian Running Monday that read: The Rubik’s cube is known as one of the toughest mental puzzles, which can be unscrambled in millions of ways. Kei Suga of Japan made deciphering the puzzle a little harder, solving a mind-blogging 420 cubes while he ran a marathon in his hometown of Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture. Suga had a time limit of five hours to break the previous Guinness World Record of 254 cubes. He took four hours and thirty minutes to finish the marathon while completing a Rubik’s cube every 100m. Suga used 60 cubes in total and ran 14.5 laps of a three-kilometre course. “At the end of each lap, I exchanged 30 solved cubes for 30 scrambled cubes,” says Suga. Wow! That sure is a crazy way to get into the record books, isn’t it?

And you know, when it comes to being labeled as crazy by doing things completely out of the ordinary, Paul definitely fit the bill. In fact, The Corinthian Christians undoubtedly viewed the apostle as out of his mind (something that he didn’t deny) because he was not only content with a life of pain, trials, persecution, and discomfort if it brought glory to God, but displayed extraordinary joy in all circumstances. In fact, Paul’s main mission in life was to “bring glory to God” by serving Christ wholeheartedly which led him to act in ways that seemed completely strange, peculiar, abnormal and totally weird to the world. Do you just love that or what?

So if you’re called crazy or even fanatical for loving others and following Christ with the same devotion, single-mindedness, and tenacity it takes to complete a marathon, count is as a blessing my friend. May we all be labeled as being out of our minds if it brings glory to our precious Savior.

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the example of Paul to follow. Like Jesus he was called crazy for serving You without compromise, excuses or apologies. May we count it all joy to suffer as they did then so that our crazy faith can shine through in the same way. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Dress for Success

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 obvious today. It got cold! Really cold and really quick! And while warmer days are on the way (for the weekend anyway), fall is here to stay which means the temps will continue to fluctuate like the changing leaves until winter weather eventually settles in for good. So if you’re not already prepared for autumn running, you’ll want to check out what Canadian Running had to say about dressing for it and the extra tips I’ve added from personal experience. This will not only keep you warm as you continue to train for the Bass Pro Marathon/Half and Dogwood Canyon but will ensure that you’re dressed for success when you step up to the start line.

Layer up

Fall weather can be deceiving — temperatures that feel chilly in the first few minutes of your run can have you overheating by the time you’re halfway through, making it really tough to figure out what to put on before you start. To get around this, opt for wearing a few light layers that you can easily remove and tie around your waist as you warm up. Your base layer should be made of a light, moisture-wicking material like polyester, elastane, polyamide or Gore-Tex, which help keep your skin dry to maintain your body’s temperature.

An example of layering is to wear a moisture-wicking t-shirt as a base layer, a light long-sleeve shirt or sweater designed for running and a waterproof windbreaker in case it’s rainy or windy.
Stay warm, but don’t over-do it. 

You don’t want to be cold when you’re out running, but it’s also unnecessary to dress so warmly that you’re sweating as if it were the middle of July. To help figure out how much to put on, use the 10-degree rule: add 10 degrees to the ambient outdoor temperature, and dress for that level of warmth. So if the thermometer says it’s 5 C outside, dress as if it were 15 C. If it’s raining or it’s particularly windy outside, only add five degrees to the ambient temperature.

*I'm a huge fan of running vests which can warm your core without causing you to overheat. Paired with a long sleeve shirt and light gloves, this is a great fall option. Wearing a tight-fitting moisture wicking tank top under a long sleeve is also a great option. Especially on race day when the temps will warm up. You can tie the shirt around your waist after you've warmed up, pass it off to a friend along the course, or toss it to the side to be donated. On a side note... having a few vests of different thicknesses and materials is always a great idea. It's an investment that will pay off. 

Choose bright colors

As the days get shorter, you’ll likely be doing a lot more running in the dark. Wearing bright colors will make you much more visible to drivers when you’re running through busy areas, and having reflective gear on will keep you safe while you’re out on the streets.

Get a good jacket

Fall can be a rainy time of year, so invest in a good water-resistant jacket to keep you dry on the cool, wet days. Even an un-lined “shell” to throw on over top of your other layers will go long way in keeping you comfortable in the rain.

*This will be your most important piece of cold-weather running gear so choose wisely. Once again, having a few different jackets of varied thickness will get you through fall and winter. A light windbreaker, a rain-proof shell, and a winter neoprene shell are my go to items. With practice, you'll learn what works best for you. What you choose to layer underneath will determine your heat level. 

*Remember that it takes time for the heat to build up under your jacket. Starting off the run a little chilly is always a good idea if you don't want to overheat. You'll be comfortable in a mile or so and be glad you did. 

Don’t hang around after your run

You may warm up quite a lot during your run, but it doesn’t take long after you stop for your body temperature to start dropping, especially when your underlayers are damp from sweat. If you’re running from home, make sure to get out of your wet clothes right away. If you’re not at home, make sure you have a warm sweater to put on after your run and a place to take off your wet clothes so you can get dry as soon as possible.

*On group runs or on race day, you'll want to hang out afterwards so be prepared with fresh clothes, baby wipes, dry shoes or sliders, and a plastic sack to put your wet clothes into. If you don't have access to a bathroom or place to change, be ready to do it in your car by bringing a blanket. Put the blanket over you and change underneath (I've done this a lot!). A great majority of the fun that occurs on race day happens AFTER the race is over and you're standing around talking about the race or hanging out at the finish line watching other runners finish. These are truly the times I treasure so I take the time to be ready and I urge you to do so as well. You'll be so glad you did!

So there you have it friends. Being prepared to run in the cold weather will ensure that you can keep running like Forrest Gump who only quit running when he had run for a long time and was pretty tired. And as we all know, the weather in Missouri can change without much notice. But if you put together what you need now, you'll be ready to enjoy race day and everything that goes along with it. 

Happy Running!

Win the Mental Battle

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 NIV

In an article titled “New to running? Here are some tips for your upcoming Turkey Trot” published by the DeseretNews Sunday, the writer gave this important tip first: Remember that many runners struggle mentally with the task at hand. The writer went on to explain, “Many experienced runners, such as Olympic Marathon trial competitor Teal Burrell, have found themselves in the position of wanting to drop out of the race they signed up for. “Everybody is struggling with the same mental battle of, ‘This is really hard. I’m not gonna get through this,’” Burrell said, according to The Washington Post. “I wish I had known that. It’s just like a universal truth of marathoning.’”

And you know, when it comes to a universal truth of running the Christian race, it’s this… every believer will struggle with mental battles. It's just the way it is. And whether that battle is to conquer fear, doubt, enemy attacks, anxiety or temptation, Paul tells us that we overcome these struggles by fixing our minds on “ whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable." These, Paul would say, are the fruit and the food of the mind that is guarded by the peace of God. Which is the very reason the apostle said, "Think about such things." 

So whether you're a new believer or a mature one, be sure practice this important tip... keep your mind stayed on God at all times. Meditate on the Word without fail so that you can take every thought captive that is contrary to those that bring peace and replace them with those thoughts that are excellent and praiseworthy. This will ensure that you make it across the finish line with a smile on your face. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that the devil will always wage war in our minds and in our hearts. Help us to keep our minds focused on You and the fruit and food that is guarded by your peace so that we can wage war with and win every mental battle that we encounter. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Get your Affairs in Order

"When Isaac was old and his eyes were so weak that he could no longer see, he called for Esau his older son and said to him, “My son.” “Here I am,” he answered. Isaac said, “I am now an old man and don’t know the day of my death." Genesis 27:1,2 NIV

In a troubling story posted by USA Today over the weekend, the following was reported: In the aftermath of a Thursday shooting that left five people dead in Raleigh, North Carolina, details emerged about the victims as loved ones and a community mourned. Among those who were killed were a police officer, an avid marathon runner and a neighborhood social butterfly. That avid runner was Susan Karnatz, 49, who was described as a loving wife and amazing mother to her three sons aged 10, 13 and 14. Her husband, Tom Karnatz said "We’re absolutely heartbroken and miss her dearly." Left in her driveway, the writer further reported were two parked cars with 26.2 stickers, signifying the number of miles in a marathon. A minivan had the license plate "RUNNR." After reading about the other victims who were all so different, my heart ached for their families and I was struck with the realization that, as different as they all were, they all had this in common... none of them expected to die so suddenly. 

And you know, when it comes to dying unexpectedly, no one knows when they will die. In fact, although Isaac "was old," he acknowledged that even he didn't know "the day" of his death. Believing that it was imminent though since he was well up in years, Isaac called for his son so he could settle his affairs before passing. Sadly though, death can come without notice to any one of any age. Which means that we would all do well to get our affairs in order now--specifically by making sure that we know where we're going when this life ends and making sure that our family knows as well. After all, there's nothing that can bring those left behind more peace than knowing that their loved one who has moved on (no matter the cause or the age) is spending eternity in heaven. 

So if you haven't made the decision to follow Jesus Christ, don't put it off for another moment my friend. This world is getting increasingly more dangerous and you and I aren't guaranteed tomorrow or even the next minute for that matter. Which means having our affairs in order is of utmost importance both to us and to those who are left to mourn our passing. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that no one lives forever and that no one knows when they will die. Help us to truly understand how fleeting and unpredictable life is Lord so that all those who have not accepted You as their Savior would do so now before it's too late. Remind us that the decision we make now will determine where we spend eternity. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Don’t be Afraid to Get Back out There

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

In an unbelievable story shared by Fox News yesterday the following was reported: Rebecca Heasley has been competing in races for years and was nearly done with the "Space Race" in Montville Township on Oct. 1 when she was struck by a deer that charged her. "I thought I got hit by another runner who just was too close," Heasley told FOX 8. "I saw blood on my hands and realized it was a bit more severe." Deer hooves cut open her head, ear and neck. She also suffered lacerations as a result of being knocked to the ground. Is that crazy or what? And while this might certainly deter a runner from getting back out there, Rebecca said, “I’m not going to let it scare me from getting back out there because it can happen anywhere at this point," Heasley said. "It’s nature, it happens. You can’t be afraid of it.”

And you know, when it comes to not allowing fear to deter us from “getting back out there” after experiencing an unsettling event, the Bible reminds us that “God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” This is something very important to remember if we want to serve God to the best of our ability. You see, fear and timidity, which are of the devil, will render us incapable of stepping out to serve and help others as we should. To keep this from happening then, you and I must intentionally and purposely take hold of and adopt His power, His love, and His calm thinking—the things that give us the strength and sound mind to overcome any thing that might strike fear in us.

So don’t let anything scare you my friend. God is and will always be in control. Things will happen, That’s just the way life is. But we can’t let anything keep us from being the hands and feet of Jesus in a world that’s so desperately in need of it.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that there are so many things in this life that are out of our control. Help us to not fear any of the “what-ifs” the devil brings to our mind…. what if this happens? or what if that happens?… so that we can be bold and courageous in reaching the lost and ministering to those in need. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Jesus Came to Reclaim the Lost

“This is a trustworthy saying that deserves complete acceptance: To this world Messiah came, sinful people to reclaim. I am the worst of them.” 1 Timothy 1:15 ISV

In a remarkable story titled, “CJ Albertson Is Once Again World Record Holder in the 50K” published by Runner's World Monday the followed was reported: American marathoner CJ Albertson reclaimed the world record in the 50K this weekend with a 2:38:44 effort at the Ruth Anderson Memorial Endurance Run in San Francisco. That’s an average of 5:05 pace per mile for just over 31 miles! The Fresno, California based runner, who is sponsored by Brooks and coaches cross country at Clovis Community College, previously set the world record in 2020 in 2:42:30, in a solo effort on a track in Fresno. Since then, several runners have improved the record, including most recently Stephen Mokoka of South Africa, who clocked 2:40:13 at the 2022 Nedbank Runified 50K in Gqeberha, South Africa. 

And you know, when it comes to taking back something that was lost, the Bible tells us that the Messiah came to this world, "sinful people to reclaim." In other words, Jesus came to this earth to save sinners… all transgressors (that's you and me) that choose to turn from their wicked ways and turn to Him. Even those that, like Paul, believe themselves to be “the worst of them.” Maybe even so bad that the Lord couldn’t possibly wish to “reclaim” them. But let me assure you, nothing is further from the truth. When you choose to yield your heart to the Savior, He will redeem and restore you… no matter what you’ve done. “This is a trustworthy saying that deserves complete acceptance.”

So if you’re feeling too far gone to ever be forgiven today, consider this my friend. There's only one unforgivable sin and that’s to have a hardness of heart that would see Jesus as true and yet walk away— a heart so obstinate and set against God that it would render you incapable of true repentance. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for granting forgiveness to all those who sincerely seek it and turn from their ways. Lord, if there's someone reading this today that's struggling to believe this "trustworthy saying" I pray that they would feel your love in a way they never have before. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Running Friends are Motivating Friends

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

"The greatest thing about running is the friends you make along the way."

Those were the words posted by my dear friend Jill (on left) before congratulating Jody (on the right) and another friend on completing a100-mile race over the weekend. Wow! Right? Jill went on to say, "These 2 chicas both accomplished huge goals this weekend and I am proud to even KNOW them but mostly to get to run with them from time to time!"

Do you just love that or what? There's just something special about having friends who enjoy running as much as you do. And these friends are not only different, fun, and unusual in the best of ways, they are motivating as well! Whether a person completes a 5k, a half marathon, or even a full marathon, they will most likely tell you that it was because of the influence of their friends, whether by word or example. I personally would not be running all the races I do if it were not for my friends. I not only long to be with them but show up for those long early-morning training runs with a smile on my face because of them. 

But hey, if you're still skeptical? Check out these reasons why running friends are so amazing and why you should pursue these relationships. Doing so will not only motivate you to train harder but will inspire you to do whatever it takes to make it to the finish line. 

You always have someone to run with.

Your running friends are there for you during the three-mile shakeout run you just didn’t really feel like doing. And they're also there for that 20-miler that would have been totally boring and mentally painful without company. They're also there to pace you and run alongside you during the race no matter the distance. It’s so helpful to have a number of people who are always happy to join you.

You get to meet an awesome variety of people.

My running friends range in age from 20 to their 80 and are employed, or have been employed, in a wide variety of different careers. They come from all walks of life and have amazing stories to share. And no matter our differences, running brings us together.

They’re supportive.

Your running friends understand what it’s like to accomplish a long run, set a new personal record or finish a marathon. It’s awesome to have the support of people who truly understand the sport. And runners will not only support you, but will hold you accountable. 

They want to hear you talk about running.

It’s a win-win situation because you probably want to hear them talk about running too. Not everyone wants to hear every split for your last speed workout, but you can bet that your running buddies will listen. And not only will they listen, they will understand which means they will empathize, encourage and egg you on when needed. 

They want to see your posts about running.

They genuinely want to see what you did over the weekend or whether you completed that hard training run you told them you needed to do. They will purposely check out your Facebook posts or Instagram photos and like and comment on them to say "good job!" and to encourage you to keep up the good work. 

You can talk it out with them.

Often you’re running together for two or three hours, so you’re going to have to talk about something. And since runners tend to be the most supportive group of people you'll ever meet, you'll find your runs turning into 'therapy sessions.' And since runners are super smart, you'll almost always have a solution to any problem by the time the run ends. Especially if you're running with a group and have input from multiple brilliant people. 

They’ll eat with you. Or better yet... have coffee with you. 

This is so motivating that my friends and I almost always eat, have coffee, or hang out after our Saturday runs and especially after races. We will even talk about what we're going to consume after a training run before we even start it. And the best part? Depending on the length of the run, you can eat as much as you want without your running friends even raising an eyebrow. 

You have someone to enjoy races with.

Racing with a friend helps ease those starting line nerves. Plus you don’t have to be alone at the post-race party. Once you’ve crossed the finish line, it’s time to celebrate! This is one of my favorite things about running friends! They genuinely love traveling in packs and will purposely plan to run the same races and to hang out afterwards… especially after the Bass Pro or Dogwood Canyon races. 

And even if you don’t go to a race with a friend, you’re bound to know someone.

One good thing about runners is that there are a lot of us and we consider one another family. If you participate in a local race, chances are you’ll see someone you know. But even if you don’t know anyone or are running miles away from your hometown, runners are unusually outgoing and social people and will easily strike up conversations with one another. Which means you’ll leave the race with some brand new running friends. In fact, I don't recall ever showing up to a race solo and not making at least one new friend.

So there you have it fellow runners. Running with friends is always more fun than going solo. You'll not only have more fun but will most likely run farther and faster when you surround yourself with crazy people who share your love of the sport. The greatest thing about running truly is making new friends along the way. Does that make you smile or what? So get out there and hug your friends knowing just how blessed you are. 

Happy Running!

The Last will be First

"So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.'" Matthew 20:26 NKJV

In an article titled, "Nashville runner registers last, places first" published by the Texarcana Gazette Saturday, the following was reported: Westin Kroph was one of the last to register Saturday morning, but the 29-year-old from Nashville, Ark., was the first to cross the finish line with a time of 1:30.59 in the seventh annual Run The Rails half-marathon (13.1 miles). It was his first attempt at a half-marathon. "I started running about six years ago doing obstacle course races," said Kroph. "I have two brothers, a sister, and a cousin also running today." It was his 17-year-old brother, Reagan Kroph, who finished second with a time of 1:49.29, just 29 seconds ahead of third-place finisher, 50-year-old Michael Puyear. "This was my second half-marathon, and it was a lot better than my first 2:06," said Reagan. Westin certainly clocked an amazing time for a half marathon, especially for a first one and most likely surprised many of the other runners and spectators. 

And you know, when it comes to the last being first, Jesus told the disciples that the last would be first and the first would be last. And while that seems to make no sense, Jesus was explaining that God, in His infinite grace, rewards and blesses man contrary to the way the world does. You see, in the system of law, a person gets what he or she deserves. But in God's system of grace, God rewards on the principle of His unmerited favor which is not dependent on our works; and we should therefore expect surprises. You can be sure that He will never be less than fair, though, but reserves the right to be more than fair as pleases Him. In other words, God’s grace always operates righteously no matter how it might appear to our worldly eyes.

So rejoice when the favor of God benefits you my friend. But rejoice equally when it benefits a brother or sister more knowing that God's will is always best and that we will all receive eternal salvation in the end. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for granting us the grace that we don't deserve. Lord remind us that we are sinners deserving of death and have no right to question how, why, or to whom you grant grace. Help us to be grateful for not getting what we deserve so that we would be content with what we have. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Run the Second Half Better

“By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies." Hebrews 11:31 ESV

In a story titled, “Emily Sisson Sets American Marathon Record in Chicago” posted by Runner’s World yesterday, the following was reported: Emily Sisson set the American record in the marathon in Chicago on Sunday morning, running 2:18:29 and taking 43 seconds off the previous record of 2:19:12, run by Keira D’Amato in January in Houston. Sisson finished second behind Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya—who was just seconds off the women’s world record. Sisson, 30, ran a negative split. She hit her first half in 1:09:26, and her second half was 1:09:03. The writer went on to say, “Sisson mounted a furious final kick as she turned into Grant Park to shatter the record.” Do you just love that or what? Emily finished the second half of her race faster than the first half. 

And you know, when it comes to finishing the second half of a race better or quicker than the first half (aka a ‘negative split’), there is perhaps no greater story in the Bible of a person turning things around than Rahab. You see, Rahab spent the first part of her life as a prostitute in a wicked place that was under God's condemnation because of its' sinful pagan culture. But when Joshua and the spies were sent to investigate the city and were in danger of being killed, Rahab showed her faith by hiding them and trusting God to keep her and her family safe. Because of that, Rahab was no longer viewed as a prostitute but as a dearly loved woman worthy to be part of the lineage of our Savior Jesus Christ.

And you know what? As the story of Rahab shows, there's no sin too great that a person can't repent of to get that ‘negative split’ because once we choose to follow Christ, our pasts no longer matter. The slate is wiped clean and we are free to run the race better than the way we began it.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that there is hope for every lost sinner if they would only make the decision to turn from their sinful life and to turn to You. Help us to understand that not only was Rahab restored and redeemed once she chose to trust You as her Savior, but she was used in a big and mighty way just as we can be if we make the determination to get that negative split. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!  

We are Surrounded by Spectators

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us." Hebrews 12:1 NLT

In a story published yesterday by CBS Chicago News titled, "Chicago Marathon runners may notice some course changes this year" the writer said: Let the stretching and carbo-loading begin. Chicago Marathon runners are lacing up and getting ready to head out for their big race on Sunday. Bib-pickup began on Thursday for a run that CBS 2's Lauren Victory learned will look different this year in more ways than one. Organizers said they're always making tweaks to the course. One of the big changes this year includes participants running down Wentworth, all the way until 33rd Street. Racers are cutting east and heading down 26th street to Michigan Avenue. Previously, cruising down Wentworth took runners along the Dan Ryan. They'd pass under viaducts in an area that often struggled to attract spectators. This year, the path takes racers down Michigan Avenue in Bronzeville. This is great news for those runners who know how encouraging it can be to be surrounded by spectators. 

And you know, when it comes to being surrounded by an encouraging crowd, the writer of Hebrews pictured the previous champions of the faith as spectators from the heavens cheering us on in our race, encouraging us to keep pressing on no matter the hardships in our path, to strip "off every weight that slows us down" and to "run with endurance the race God has set before us" just as they did. This is quite an encouraging vision considering that these "champions" faced the same things we face (or will face) and remained faithful until the end. We would do well to consider and heed their examples when we feel like giving up then, knowing that they received an imperishable crown for their efforts and we will too if we don't lose heart. 

So think carefully about the way these superheroes of the faith lived before making the decision to compromise or quit my friend. Draw strength from their stories knowing that if the Lord gave them the power to overcome the obstacles in their way that He can do the same for you. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the Bible that gives us the stories of so many rockstars of the faith. Lord, compel us to read them and to commit them to memory so that we can draw strength from them when we want to bow out of the race. Cause us to remember that You are the same God now that You were then and that the same power You placed within them to overcome, is the same power that lives in us. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

God will Complete the Work

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6 NLT

In a story published by Chicago 5 News on Monday titled, “3 Years After Stroke, Runner Hopes to Finally Compete in Chicago Marathon He Was Forced to Miss,” the following was reported: A California man was just a day away from competing in the 2019 Bank of America Chicago Marathon when he suffered a stroke, and now, he's hoping to finish what he started when the race gets underway Sunday. Jason DePetris had flown into Chicago from Long Beach, California just before the race in 2019. He went to pick up his marathon race packet and was having breakfast the morning before the race, when he dropped his fork and the side of his face started drooping. Thankfully Jason got immediate medical treatment and survived. He later learned that his stroke was caused by a brain aneurysm and is now running the marathon to fundraise for the Brain Injury Recovery Foundation. DePetris, the writer said, “is eager to cross that finish line, even if it’s three years later than planned.”

And you know, when it comes to God finishing what He started, Paul told the church at Philippi that he was “certain that God, who began the good work within them “would continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Do you just love that or what? God is a worker who always completes His work which means that we are continually being made more like Christ each and every day, with the last touches being put on when we cross that final finish line. Seeing Christ as the end goal, then, is what every faithful Christian should be doing, seeking to grow in godliness until the day we die or Jesus returns.

So let us remember that we are all a work in progress my friend. Let us refuse to stay unchanged as we allow God to do the sanctifying work in us that began when we accepted Jesus as our Savior. Let us live our lives in full cooperation with God, as we present our bodies to Him as a living sacrifice so that we may achieve spiritual maturity in this life and, in the ages to come, receive our glorified bodies and rich rewards.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You are continually building us up to be more like You and that the work will not be completed until we are with You. Thank You for not allowing us to remain unchanged. May the cry of every believer be, “Lord do whatever it takes to make me more like You.” It’s in your holy name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Runners are Awesome

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let’s get started by talking about some of the reasons people run. If you’re like me, this is something you find very interesting and probably even inspiring. Ronald Rook famously listed the reason he runs and the majority of other people do when he said, “I don’t run to add days to my life, I run to add life to my days.” Do you just love that or what? Unlike any other sport or hobby, running takes you places you could never go in a car and introduces you to sights, smells, and wonders you could never experience any other way than by foot. And while the vast majority of people who start running do it because they want to lose weight, improve their health, compete in races, or try something new, the majority of people who continue running throughout a lifetime find a greater purpose.

With that being said, check out these reasons three of your pacers that you haven't met yet like to run and, more specifically, why they like to pace the runners at the Bass Pro Marathon and Half. 

 

Charlie started running to improve his health on May 11, 2014, with no intention or plan of even running a 5K. But he got addicted and 2 years, 4 months and 21 days later he ran the Arkansas Traveler 100 mile trail run on October 1-2, 2016. He discovered pacing in 2016 and got hooked on helping others achieve their goals. He's officially paced 18 marathons between 4 hours and 4 hours 40 minutes, and has informally paced individual friends several times. He's run over 50 marathons and up (including 10 ultras) and is known for being talkative and loud! Be prepared to listen to a lot of stories and receive lots of encouragement if you run with him :-).

Hi I’m Kayla and I am excited to pace the Cohick Half (2 hour group). I’ve ran this race several times and always enjoy the beautiful scenery and amazing support from the Springfield community. I’m looking forward to meeting new faces and helping others reach their racing goals!

Hey my name is Mike Wells and I am a 37-year-old husband to my high school sweetheart, dad to two amazing boys, pastor and small business owner. I’m so excited for the opportunity to run the 1:45 half pacing group for the bass pro half marathon this year! Not only is it an awesome opportunity for a great training run for me, but I’m fired up to be able to encourage others in their race and help them push every step of the way!

Now that you've met a few of your awesome pacers, check out these seven reasons ALL runners are awesome. I hope at least one of these reasons resonates with you and not only motivates you to keep training for the Bass Pro Fitness Series of events but inspires you to continue running for a lifetime. After all, you want to be awesome forever right?

WE ARE GOAL SETTERS

Runners have an amazing ability to set goals and then smash them. I remember when it was a great accomplishment to run one mile. Then I wanted to run a 5K. Then a 10K. A half marathon seemed impossible, but I trained for it and achieved it. Runners keep setting bigger and bigger goals. Even if we don't achieve our goals in the timeline we expected we keep trying.

WE OVERCOME OBSTACLES

Sometimes we get injured or deal with life issues that get in the way of our running, but we always seem to bounce back. Once we make running a priority in our lives almost nothing can stop us long term. We find a way. If I could apply one characteristic to runners it would be tenacity. We don't give up when the going gets tough. We all have good and bad days, but over the long term we keep going. We are a persistent bunch.

WE HAVE MENTAL TOUGHNESS

Running teaches us to deal with the hard times and work through them in running and in life. I'm not gonna lie, sometimes running sucks, but it is hard parts that make us great.

WE ARE SUPPORTIVE AND UPLIFTING

I can honestly say that in all my years of running I have never come across a significantly negative or unsupportive runner or running group. Runners by large are welcoming, accepting, encouraging and supportive. It doesn't matter who you are, where you come from, how old you are, how much money you have or how many friends you have, chances are if you find a running group they will accept you with open arms. I have yet to see otherwise.

WE HAVE FUN

Runners take fun to the next level. Why else would you dress in costumes and tutus to run a race? Runners may be focused and dedicated but they also have a knack for not taking themselves too seriously.

WE'RE HUMBLE

Just because I am listing 7 reasons why we're awesome doesn't mean we are not humble. Running gives us a ton of opportunities to practice humility. We fail, we fall, we cry, we stink, we crap our pants (wait. just me?) and we get hurt. That's just a few ways running humbles us.

WE'RE HAPPY

Maybe it is the endorphins, but runners are generally a happy bunch. I think we make our own happiness by goal setting, overcoming obstacles and having fun! The same things that make runners awesome makes us happy.

So there you have it friends. Runners are awesome people. Especially Bass Pro runners (Yes, I'm a little biased). So keep running and keep being your awesome self. Race day is almost here and I hope you're as excited as I am! Happy Running!