Surround Yourself with the Right Friends

“As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.” Exodus 17:11-13 NIV

After getting a DNF at a 100 mile run I had trained really hard for a few weeks ago, I prayed. “Lord what would you have me do with this loss? I don’t want to waste the training.” And that’s when I sensed the prompting of the Holy Spirit to complete what I had left unfinished—and to do it over the Easter weekend. After all, that’s the time of redemption right? The plan for victory was to run at least half of the miles solo and then have my husband pace me to the end. But, as the Bible clearly tells us… we can make our plans but the Lord is ultimately in charge. So when our plans were changed due to some sudden knee and Achilles pain my sweet Larry started to experience after just a few miles, I was convinced that another Did Not Finish was my fate. That was until a few good friends started showing up. At just the right time, when I needed someone to run alongside me and lift me up, God used fellow believers to give me strength and help me overcome the challenges I faced along the 100 mile route so I could finish the race and give God the glory. The best part was this though… we all celebrated together with a Sunrise Service, thanking Jesus for providing the ultimate redemption that provided us forgiveness from our sin and gave us eternal life. 

And you know, one of the greatest examples of the power of godly friendships for us to follow is that of Aaron, Moses, and Hur. As Joshua fought the Amelakites, Moses interceded by holding up his hands. And as long as he did this, “the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.” Thankfully though, “When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset.” And because of this “Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.” Do you just love that or what?

So choose your friends wisely my friend. They literally have the power to either lift you up or bring you down. Good and godly friends will help you overcome any challenge. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us fellow believers to help us overcome the battles we will face in life. Help us to see the value in taking the time to grow these friendships Lord, so that we will be ready at any time to step in and help because of the firm foundation of friendship that has already been formed. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Jesus Was and Always Will be the Solution

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.“ John 3:16 NKJV

In a story that troubled many of my Greene County trail running friends titled “Fellows Lake closes multiple trail segments due to reports of aggressive dogs” published yesterday by Ozarks First, it was reported that Fellows Lake management announced that they have decided to shut down three trail segments until April 8. The closures come after recommendations from City Utilities of Springfield and Ozark Greenways, Inc. Fellows Lake and City Utilities say the owners of the dogs and animal control are working on the situation to come to a solution. 

And you know, when it comes to situations that are in need of a solution, the Bible tells us that the moment sin came into the world, man had a huge problem that needed to be solved. Man’s disobedience created a debt that he was unable to pay—a debt that required a perfect sacrifice for complete reconciliation. Which meant that man needed a Savior. Thankfully though, God, in His abundant mercy, provided that sacrifice when He “made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” In other words, God loved the world so much that “He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” 

So as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ this weekend, let us remember that there are people in our world who don’t know they have a problem that’s in desperate need of a solution. May that knowledge motivate us to share the true meaning of Easter. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that there are people all around us who are totally unaware of their need for a Savior to reconcile them back to You so that they can have eternal life. Help us to be bold to share this message Lord so that no one would perish for lack of knowledge on our account. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Easter is Not about the Bunny

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” 1 Peter 1:3 NIV

In a feel-good story published by the Illinois Daily Herald on Tuesday, it was reported that Aurora Central Catholic High School senior athlete Patrick Hilby had a day named in his honor during the Aurora City Council Meeting Tuesday after he clinched the national title in the 800-meter run at the New Balance National Indoor Championship Meet. Hilby finished the race in Boston with a time of 1:48:47, the fifth-fastest time in high school American sports history. The annual four-day event draws the best high school track and field athletes in the nation. Hilby competed against more than 100 runners. Mayor Pro Tem Mike Saville and Ward 5 Alderman Carl Franco presented Hilby with a gold trophy and a personalized sign before Saville read a proclamation from Mayor Richard Irvin declaring July 23, 2024, as Patrick Hilby Day in the city. July 23 is his birthday. Do you just love that or what?

And you know, when it comes to setting apart days to honor someone, you and I would do well to remember, and more importantly share, that Easter is not a day to celebrate the Easter bunny (who did absolutely nothing for mankind but cause them to take their eyes off the true meaning of the holiday), but to honor the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made when He died on the cross, was placed in a borrowed tomb, and then rose again on the third day to provide forgiveness for our sins. Do you get that? Because of God’s mercy, we were spared the punishment we deserved and instead given “new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” That’s the reason we celebrate Easter!

So don’t get caught up in the worldly celebration of this holy day my friend. It’s not about egg hunts, chocolate bunnies, or new bonnets. It’s a day set aside to honor our “Lord Jesus Christ” who gave all He had for people like you and me who were helpless to save themselves. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the mercy You displayed when You sent your one and only Son to be the perfect sacrifice to pay the sin debt that He didn’t owe and the debt we could never pay. Give us a boldness to share this Message with the world Lord so that the lost would be drawn to You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Correct those Bad Habits

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about the high winds we've been having! Did you know that March and April are the windiest months of the whole year? For real! I know this because I run year round but yesterday faced 15 mph winds that made the 35 degree temperature feel like 25 degrees. Thankfully though, I was ready for it and felt more inconvenienced by the strong gusts because they slowed me down rather than by the cold the hefty breeze caused. Why? Because, like I said before, I was ready for the wind this time and had opted for a full windbreaker jacket rather than a vest. Not dressing warm enough had become a habit for me for one reason or another and I was tired of freezing! So yesterday I made the decision to nip that habit in the bud so I could thoroughly enjoy spring running. 

And this decision had me thinking.... I'm surely not the only one who has a “bad runner habit” that needs to be broken. Which led me on a search of the most common “bad runner habits” runners have and how those habits can be broken to share with you. Listed below then, you will find a top 10 Bad Runner Habits list and how to break them that I hope will have you enjoying spring running like you never have before. 

1. Running too much too soon. Coming back from an injury? Now's the time to take things slowly to stay healthy. Follow the standard rule of upping your mileage by only 10 percent each week.

2. Refueling badly. After hard runs, grab a high-carb snack, then a meal with carbs and protein to rebuild muscle.

3. Forgoing SPF. Up to 20 minutes of sun exposure a day can be good for you—but you need sunscreen on runs longer than that (even when it's overcast). For more, check out these six essential skin care tips.

4. Ignoring your core. Participants in a Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research study who did core exercises four times a week for six weeks ran a 5K 30 seconds faster than those who didn't. Go here for 5 essential core workouts.

5. Starting a race too fast. Hold your horses! Not holding back early in a race can ruin your PR hopes. Consider using a GPS watch so you'll know your pace—and be able to adjust it—before the one-mile mark.

6. Being your own doctor. Runners tend to be hyperaware of their bodies, self-medicating with ice or ibuprofen to treat aches and pains. But minor injuries could turn into serious ones. Instead, see a doctor sooner rather than later. If the pain has lingered for three days, schedule an appointment.

7. Skipping stretching. It's okay to nix stretching before a run—in fact, static stretching when your muscles are cold is a no-no—but loosening your muscles post-run can help prevent injury. 8. Not getting enough zzzz's. Studies show logging too few hours of sleep can impair your running while compromising recovery, immunity, and mental sharpness. Because everyone requires different amounts of sleep, log your sleep time in your training journal and look for patterns specific to you. Once you figure out what works for you, shoot for that number—and try these tips to get even better sleep—as often as possible.

8. Not getting enough zzzz's. Studies show logging too few hours of sleep can impair your running while compromising recovery, immunity, and mental sharpness. Because everyone requires different amounts of sleep, log your sleep time in your training journal and look for patterns specific to you. Once you figure out what works for you, shoot for that number—and try these tips to get even better sleep—as often as possible.  

9. You never rest. Overtraining can lead to a host of problems, from injury and slower times to illness and a loss of motivation. Every training program should have a rest day plus two to three easy-effort days per week to balance tougher workout days. It's okay to cross train, but reward yourself with a day of total rest to give your muscles much-needed rebuilding and recovery time.

10. Fixing it all. There's plenty of advice on how to become a better runner, but try to focus on what's manageable. Remember: You likely started running to feel better, not to become stressed.

So there you have it friends. Spring is a time of change which means it’s the best time to look at changing any bad habits you may have acquired. It's also a time when you'll want to keep that windbreaker close so you can train in comfort for all those races coming up… just say’n. So put on that jacket and get out there with a smile on your face.

Happy Running!

Believers Have a Lifelong Purpose

“You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.” Titus 2:1-2 NIV

In a story titled “It’s one foot in front of the other,’ Wisconsin runner completes all six World Marathon Majors” posted Sunday, it was reported that

Dan Bertler recently finished the sixth and final race to earn the coveted Six Star Finisher Medal.“All six are done and in the bucket,” the 58-year-old Oregon resident said. To earn the title of marathon running’s greatest prize, runners must complete all six World Marathon Majors: Boston, Chicago, London, Berlin, New York City and Tokyo. Bertler finished the Toyko Marathon on March 2nd. But crossing that finish line didn’t come without some hurdles. “This year, I had a little bit of a hiccup. Started running in December and tore my meniscus. So, hadn’t finished the medal, had to finish Tokyo. Had to get there,” he said. Bertler went to UW Sports Clinic. The doctor said “We’ll get you to the finish line.” “And that’s exactly what happened,” Bertler said. “So I’m done! Six races, the majors are done and next step I’m retired from marathons.”

And you know, while it’s one thing to retire from marathon running when you’ve done all you’ve set out to do, it’s a whole other thing to retire from serving in the Church (and remember that church isn’t a building). You see, Christians may be free to “retire” from their occupation, but as lifelong disciples of Christ, they aren’t ever free to retire from serving God because there’s always work to do—work that will look different at every stage of life. For instance, when a person’s young, they might serve in ways that require a lot of energy and strength. But when they’re old, they might serve as teachers to older believers and as mentors to younger ones. They can even serve as prayer warriors, door greeters, or in countless other positions despite the limitations age might have placed on them. The point is this… everyone has a lifelong purpose and job in the body of Christ. 

So if you’re fortunate enough to be freed from the demands of working for a living, make the most of the opportunity to do more work for the kingdom my friend. Using the wisdom, experience, talents, and resources the Holy Spirit has given you through a lifetime of discipleship will benefit both you and the church. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that if we have a pulse, we have a purpose. Which means believers must have a plan to make the most of the days they have—knowing that a person’s time, talents and treasures are not given to them in vain but to be used in service to You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Tell Someone What Happened

“After Jesus rose from the dead early on Sunday morning, the first person who saw him was Mary Magdalene, the woman from whom he had cast out seven demons.” Mark 16:9 NLT 

In an amazing feat that occurred over the weekend, it was reported that a British runner named Jasmin Paris became the first-ever woman to complete Tennessee’s oddball Barkley Marathons on Friday, finishing her fifth and final loop with just under two minutes until the 60-hour time limit. An utterly exhausted Paris was pictured in tears on the ground with scratched-up legs after crossing the finish line. Speaking to BBC Scotland, photographer David Miller said that there “was a lot of anticipation” among the crowd who gathered to see if the 40-year-old would make it in time. Last year, she ended the race as the first woman to attempt a fourth loop. 

And you know, when it comes to amazing feats, there was never a feat more miraculous, shocking, or surprising than the victory Jesus displayed over death when He “rose from the dead early on Sunday morning” after being crucified, declared dead, and put into a borrowed tomb on that first Easter morning. And what a privilege “Mary Magdalene, the woman from whom he had cast out seven demons” had to be the first woman, or “the first person” at all for that matter, to see Jesus after His resurrection! She was so excited that she went to the disciples, who were grieving and weeping, and told them what had happened. Do you just love that or what? I can just picture her running to her fellow believers and joyfully shouting, “Jesus is alive! Just as He said! He is risen!”

And while you and I may not have had seven demons cast out of us, we have all been delivered from something—at the very least, from the bondage of sin and death. Which should make us so grateful and happy that we all want to go and tell everyone we see, “Jesus is alive! Just as He said! He is risen!” Can you just imagine what would happen if we all did that? 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that forgiveness wasn’t free, but paid for by the death of Jesus on the cross. Help us to be bold in sharing that message this week Lord as we prepare our hearts to celebrate Easter and invite the lost to join us. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Go the Second Mile

“If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.” Matthew 5:41 NIV

In a story titled “LAPD SERGEANT HELPS 14-YEAR-OLD RUNNER CROSS FINISH LINE AT LA MARATHON” published on Tuesday, it was reported that a Los Angeles police sergeant went the extra mile to help a young runner cross the finish line at Sunday's L.A. Marathon. "For me, I wanted to help him make sure that he achieves his goal," said LAPD Sgt. Jay Balgemino. The officer was stationed less than half a mile from the finish line when he said witnesses saw the 14-year-old pass out from the rigorous run.That's when Balgemino rushed to help. Video shows the officer carrying the boy in his arms. "The first thing he asked was, 'Did I finish?' so me and his sister kind of guided him towards the path to see if he could finish it. Towards the end, I wanted him to do it on his own, so he can cross the finish line on his own, but his legs just gave out, so I just carried him and took him to the finish line." The moment they crossed that finish line, the boy was elated, a moment Balgemino will never forget.

And you know, when it comes to going the ‘extra mile’ as Jay did, Jesus, in his Sermon on the Mount made it clear that believers are to behave contrary to the world and are to always do more than what is asked or expected of them, saying, “If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles." You see, in Jesus' day, Roman soldiers had the authority to “force” civilians to carry their loads. However, Roman law said that a person only had to do this service for one mile (which was measured by steps back then, 1,000 steps was a mile) and then he or she was free to go. And you could probably bet that those forced to carry the heavy load of their Roman oppressor would sullenly count every single begrudging and reluctant step they took, and when they got to 1,000, they would stop, drop the load, and walk away. But believers are to joyfully go 1,000 steps and then 1,000 more, all the while praising God for the privilege of having the opportunity to show divine love. Why? Because that’s what Jesus would do. 

So knowing that there are certain things that are required of us (like going the first mile) let us smile as we count to step 1,000 and then joyfully press on as we count 1,000 more. Doing so will not only set us apart but will demonstrate the love of Jesus to a world in desperate need of receiving it. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the example of Jesus who loved others sacrificially. Help us to follow that example so that the lost would be drawn to seek the One whose love for us inspires us to keep on going long after we’ve counted to 1,000. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running

Pursue Mental Fortitude

“But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” 1 Timothy 6:11 ESV

In a story titled “Man Breaks World Record For Fastest Barefoot Half Marathon Run On Ice,” it was reported that Josef Šálek is the proud new Guinness World Record holder for the fastest half marathon completed barefoot on ice/snow, a feat he accomplished in 1:50:42 clad in nothing but a pair of short tights and an ecstatic grin. The Czech therapist, lecturer, and personal development coach bested the previous record of 2:16:34 set by Dutch runner Wim ‘The Iceman’ Hof in 2007... On the course, Šálek zigzagged and adapted his running pattern to keep from slipping on the ice. It was by no means easy—picture running an 8:27/mi average pace over sharp, slick ice whilst barefoot and scantily clad—but thanks to his training and mental fortitude, Šálek conquered his goal, and made it to the finish line with a broad smile on his face. The Guinness World Records official adjudicator, Pravin Patel, was on site to announce Šálek’s successful attempt and to hand him his certificate.

And you know, if fortitude can be defined as the strength of character that enables a person to endure pain or adversity with courage, resolution and passion like Josef did, it’s abundantly clear that every believer must cultivate this characteristic if they are going to keep running the race when the conditions get difficult and demanding. Which is why the Bible commands us to pursue it—something Paul clearly understood when he told young Timothy to “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” And if you read about the life of Timothy, this steadfastness (or the quality of being resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering) that his mentor told him to chase after, was crucial in Timothy’s staying faithful throughout his ministry, despite the tremendous pain, problems and persecution he faced along the way. 

So let us “flee” from pursuing the things of this world so that we can passionately pursue the prize that awaits every believer who has the fortitude to cross that final finish line. Our display of bravery and strength of mind will become even more necessary as we approach these end days my friend. But you can bet it will be worth it in the end. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the examples of Paul and Timothy to follow. These two men stood firm against insurmountable odds and gave their lives in service to You, bringing countless lost people to the foot of the cross along the away. Help us to grow our mental fortitude so we can do the same. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Get the Kids Involved

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about two wonderful things that just happened. Spring began yesterday and the Bass Pro Fitness Series of Events Registration opened on March 13! Exciting right? I sure think so! But there's another great thing that happened last week that you may not be aware of... we got two new members of the infamous "gate club." And the two youngest (14 years old) as well! Pretty cool right? 

This is actually what Gretchen Barnes (pictured above) posted about the event, "Newest member of the gate club … my son Henry (his brother was also there but not with me so no picture) This is one of the best things about getting healthy and taking up running… showing my kids it’s fun and they should try it! Also thanks to Laura and Jackie for running along!!"

Gretchen went on to explain how it all went down, saying, "Henry and his brother wanted to run with us. On Monday they played soccer with a friend from school while I ran in the park. So we planned to run Tuesday and they both said they wanted to go and play in park. I explained that it was gonna be dark and we would not be running at the park but at the farmer's market instead. So they wanted to come anyway. Jackie’s son Luke was running so the boys started out with him. Henry realized it was too fast of pace for him so he ran with us instead. All the way to gate and back.

Gavin ran with Luke about 4 miles. They did ask if we were running tonight if they could come… so they are learning to like to be active. Gavin was checking out his mile split times and such. Kind of neat to see them enjoy exercise that I enjoy. I know I was NOT a good example for them for a long time.

I registered for Dogwood 25k yesterday. I don’t want them to end up unhealthy because they think that’s the normal thing to do. I never had an example in my family for exercise so I didn’t think it was important. Now I know it is." 

Do you just love that or what? As someone who was influenced by my parents' active lifestyle and then passed that love of exercise and healthy eating on to my own children by my example, I can say that parents have a lot of power in determining whether a child is active or not. 

And the reason this is important is because studies have shown that physical activity is crucial for a child's overall health and wellbeing as it's been proven to improve a child's physical health, brain function and mood. In fact, check out these three benefits of regular exercise for kids: 

• Physical activity keeps the body strong and healthy and can improve mental health by decreasing symptoms of depression, anxiety, pain and loneliness.

• Physical activity can also improve focus, school performance, sleep and energy levels.

• Children who participate in regular physical activity enjoy improved relationships and a more positive body image.

So knowing all this, the fun people at the Bass Pro Fitness Series put on several events (links below) every year that are super family friendly and great for kids of all ages. And now is the perfect time to start training as a family so you can be ready!! Completing these distances may not get you into the "gate club" but they will get you into the "fun club" and hopefully start a habit of family exercise that will continue for a lifetime and be passed on. 

CMC Recycling 5k Run/Walk

Rock4Kids Series

So there you have it friends. Those are some great reasons for your family to get active together. It will not only be good for your overall health but training as a family will bring you closer together. And that's a win-win for everyone. So get registered today and get out there and start training! 

Happy Running!

Trust the One who Never Changes

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 NIV

“Sorry to say this friends but this weekend's Donut Run is cancelled along with next weekend's Hopper's Half Run. But don't let that stop you from getting out there!!!! Get out on your own and breathe in some fresh air!! It's not only great for your immune system but great for your state of mind!! And post your pics! We may not be able to run together but we can cheer one another on.” Those were the words I posted on March 18, 2020 (thanks to Facebook memories) just days after fear of the new COVID-19 virus sparked the shutdown of runs, races, schools, churches, and businesses—forever changing life as we know it. So much so that I’ve heard people refer to life as pre-COVID and post-COVID. 

Sadly though, pandemics aren't the only type of trial that has the power to forever change “life as we know it.” The death of a loved one, a dire diagnosis, the loss of a job, a divorce, and so many other things may not affect the world but they can devastate an individual. Thankfully though, those who continue to put their hope and trust in Jesus through the many changes that life will bring, have the comfort of knowing that God never changes. He was the same yesterday and He will be the same today, tomorrow, and forever. Which means we can trust Him to walk with us through every change and stay with us until the day we are called home, where we will be with Jesus forever and change will be a thing of the past. 

So no matter what change you might be going through today, trust the Lord to walk you through it my friend. God is the God of all comfort and our only constant in this world. And “he who promised is faithful” and will be with us until the end. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that change is an inevitable part of life, with some changes being good and some being bad. Help us to remember that You are always faithful and will work all of these changes for our good Lord that we might joyfully endure and press on until the finish line. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Be Anxious for Nothing

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 BSB 

As I started the third loop of Saturday’s Grasslands 100 mile trail run, I was keenly aware of the incoming weather as was my crew (having put a rain parka in the back of my hydration vest before sending me off) and all the other runners out on the course. “Oh Lord,” I prayed. “If it’s not Your will to move the storm out, please bring us all safely through it.” No sooner had I finished that prayer, I heard the rumblings of thunder begin followed by cracks of lightning that would continue for several hours. But even though there was absolutely nowhere to go for safety and I was miles from an aid station in either direction and running in and out of open fields, I was strangely calm as I continued to press on. And although I knew it wouldn’t be easy to finish now as the Texas sand turned into a slick “axle grease” type thick mud after just a few minutes, rendering the trail nearly impossible to navigate, I trusted God to get me to the other side. Something I was thankful He allowed me to share with Anne (I later came to know her name) who, as she caught up with me said, “My heart rate is so high right now. This lightning and rain is really scaring me. I’ve already fallen twice in the mud and it’s just getting worse.” “Are you a believer?” I asked her. To which she replied, “Yes I am.” “Then you have nothing to fear,” I said smiling. 

And you know, when it comes to storms, the Bible is very clear that we will all face them. But we don’t have to fear them. You see, as Paul clearly knew, when we bring our requests to God “by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,” He will give us the perfect peace that only He can provide. This is the tranquility a believer who seeks Jesus with their whole heart will experience in the midst of troubles, trials and tempests rather than in the absence of them—surpassing all understanding because it goes contrary to common sense and what the reality of our situation says we should be experiencing. But we have no reason to fear! Ever. Because, whether on this side or the next, God will deliver us safely through the storm. 

So no matter what dark clouds might be looming over you today, take heart and continue to press on my friend. “Present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” That’s a promise you can count on. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You are still on the throne, and that nothing happens to us that’s out of Your control. Help us to trust You Lord when we’re going through the storms of life, knowing that all the adversity we face will draw us closer to You and that one day we will be with You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Aspire to Lead a Quiet Life

“that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you,” 1 Thessalonians 4:11 NKJV

In a mind blowing story titled “Camille Herron Runs 560 Miles to Set New 6-Day World Record” published earlier this week, the following was reported: At Further, Lululemon’s women’s-only six-day ultramarathon which concluded on Tuesday, Camille Herron ran 560.33 miles to break the 6-day women’s world record. Herron racked up a staggering 220 laps of the 2.56-mile course, averaging 93.38 miles of running per day, and bested the old record—Sandra Barwick’s 549.063 miles from 1990—by over 11 miles. The writer went on to say… Throughout the multi-day challenge, the 10 women were allowed to take breaks to eat, sleep, or accept help from their crews at any time, and there was no minimum quota for time or distance covered each day. Each athlete had individual aspirations for Further. 

And you know, when it comes to individual aspirations or personal ambitions, Paul, in writing to the church at Thessalonica, wisely advised every believer to “aspire to lead a quiet life,” something that would set them apart from the world. Sadly, the great majority of people are still seeking to fill their time with entertainment, shopping, and fleeting excitement—pursuits that lead them away from God. Which is the very reason you and I should seek to live peaceful lives, finding our contentment in spending time with Jesus and calmly and peaceably doing things that will have an eternal value. 

So make it your individual aspiration to “lead a quiet life” my friend. You’ll not only be happier by choosing to forgo the rat race the world is involved in but you’ll reap the benefits of a life focused on God, and inspire others to do the same. 

Heavenly Father, thank You being the God of all comfort and peace who has not only promised to provide for all our needs but has proven Yourself more than capable of doing so. Help us to find our contentment in You that we might lead quiet lives marked by peace and service to You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

God Causes Everything to Work for Good

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

As is my daily habit, I pulled up my Facebook memories yesterday, anxious to see what was happening on March 13 in the previous years. Before scrolling down to see them though, I read the message Facebook had for me at the top, a message I had never seen before. “Melissa, you can manage your settings to hide memories of a person or a day that you’d rather not see right now. You can also control how we notify you about your memories.” “Oh my,” I thought to myself.  “Are there memories so bad that people don’t want to see them?” Sadly, as I quickly reflected back on my own life, I answered the question with a downhearted, “Yes.” And I know I’m not alone. Many believers have memories that are almost too painful to bear until they remember that God takes situations that seem hopeless and turns them around. Just like He did on March 13, 2021. Early that morning I received a call informing me that the Waynesville park had completely flooded overnight. Which meant that our annual Racing for Daylight race would have to be canceled unless this dilemma was worked out very quickly! But God worked the problem out as He always does. Within an hour of the initial call and after making a few phone calls, we had a new location and a new route… and the runners were able to be notified of the changes in time for the event to be a huge success!! Is God good or what?

But you know, that’s just what God does in the lives of people (like you and me) who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. He takes the trials, tribulations, and pain that would leave them with painful memories and, in ways that only He can figure out, works them for “the good”. Which means that, as believers, we can look back at all of our memories (the good, the bad, and even the ugly) and smile at the way the Lord worked them all together “for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Do you just love that or what? 

So if you’re in a trial right now or looking back on one that hasn’t come to any “good” yet, hang tight my friend and keep trusting God. His ways are much higher than ours and His timing is always perfect. Which means that, in His time and in His way, you will see the promise of Romans 8:28 come to pass if you stay faithful… and it will leave you in awe. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise that You can and will always bring good out of all our hurts, heartaches, misery, messes and mistakes if we would only choose to love and follow You. May that knowledge always give us the strength, hope and courage to endure every trial with joy in our hearts and a song of praise on our lips. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION-26 Reasons to Register

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about what today is. It's the day registration opens up at noon for all the Bass Pro Fitness Series events! Which means I will be getting signed up for my favorite 26.2 mile race of all time... the Bass Pro Marathon. Now if this has you saying, "Wow. I wish I could run a marathon," I want to tell you something... you can!!! Believe it or not, a person (a committed one that is) can go from the couch to a marathon in six months. Which means, by starting now, you can be more than ready by Sunday, November 3rd to embark on a feat that less than 1% of the population of the world will ever complete. Something that will give you bragging rights for life!

So just like last week when I shared 13 benefits of running a half marathon to inspire you to sign up for that 13.1 mile race that's on your bucket list, I'm sharing 26 reasons (that's double the fun!) verywell fit says (*with my two cents thrown in if course) that you should train for and complete the greatest 26.2 mile race there ever was and there ever will be that will have you meandering down the scenic streets of Springfield this fall. Did I mention that Bass Pro has the best marathon pacers you could ever have as well? No joke! The Bass Pro Pace Team will not only help you make it from the start line to the finish line on time, but will leave you with wonderful memories about the experience! And did I also tell you that official training groups start in June to help you? It's true!! But before I get sidetracked any further, check out these 26 reasons (you can count the other tips as the .2 of the race, aka victory lane) you should get signed up:

Benefits for Your Physical Health

 1. Improved overall health: Running regularly strengthens your heart by increasing your VO2 max (aerobic capacity) and helping keep your blood pressure and high cholesterol at healthy levels. It also improves your immune system and increases muscle strength. In addition, longer runs push your body to strengthen fast-twitch fibers in the muscles to combat fatigue and build strength and power.
2. Better sleep: Marathon training can be exhausting. Your body will crave sleep, since it repairs itself while you’re resting. You’ll find yourself getting to bed earlier and sleeping more soundly.
3. Better fitness: Marathon training challenges even the fittest athletes. If you’re not in good shape (or the best shape of your life) by the time you reach the starting line, your training may have been lacking.
4. Toned legs: Weight loss is often a goal of marathoners-in-training but, as many discover, it doesn’t always happen. Although you may not lose a lot of weight, logging all those miles will absolutely increase your lean muscle mass and tone your legs.
5. Guilt-free massages: Marathoners-in-training tend to get tight muscles, and regular massages can help you feel comfortable and stay injury-free. Treat yourself to a massage or two during your training to help relieve some of that tightness.
6. Room for extra calories: During your very long runs, you’ll be burning thousands of calories, so it’s OK to be a little indulgent after. You will be hungry, after all. You can run hard, and celebrate hard.

Benefits for Your Mental Health

Long runs play a big role in helping you hone your mental toughness and develop a coping system to deal with running day-after-day, mile-after-mile, in tough conditions. Running a marathon will also help you reap the following benefits...

7. Stress reduction: Research suggests that running in times of stress helps you better handle life's challenges by increasing your mental resilience.
8. A new outlook: This well-known maxim says it all: “The person who starts a marathon is not the same person who finishes a marathon.” You are sure to be a different person at the finish line because you’ll forever know that you have the mental and physical strength to persevere, even during times when you think you can’t and won’t succeed.
9. Inspiration: Whether it’s the double-amputee wheelchair racer, the 73-year-old grandmother running her 35th marathon, or your own kids holding “We love you!” signs, you'll find some inspiration around every turn.
10. Improved motivation: You can’t get away with not training when it comes to a marathon, so having one on your calendar will keep you motivated to stick to your training schedule. On days when your motivation is lacking, you'll think about how you'll feel if you're undertrained, can’t finish, or have to cancel and find the strength to train anyway.

Research shows that running may help alleviate symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders. Regular exercise, such as running, was found to be moderately more effective than no therapy for reducing depressive symptoms.

Benefits for Your Soul

Running a marathon isn't just good for your body and mind, it can also help feed your soul...

11. Support for a good cause: Many marathons benefit charities and worthwhile causes, from disaster relief to fighting cancer. Running for something that's bigger than you is a great way to stay motivated to keep training, meet other runners to train with, and make your training and races even more meaningful.
12. New friends: Joining a running group is a great way to meet new, like-minded people. In fact, many runners meet their best friends or even future partners through running groups.
13. Stronger relationships: You can also convince a friend or family member to train for a marathon with you. Training together and traveling to the race is a fun way to bond and spend time together.
14. Being a role model: It’s hard not to respect someone who is dedicated and determined to complete a substantial goal such as running a marathon. You’ll be setting a great example for many people in your life.
15. Gestures of love: It seems like a small thing, but seeing your friends and family on the sidelines, holding a funny or inspiring sign made just for you, is an entirely different and awesome feeling. Running a marathon is definitely a sign-worthy endeavor.

Benefits for Your Personal Development

Sign up for a marathon and you will instantly feel a sense of accomplishment. Start training for said marathon and you will find yourself experiencing changing and growing in many ways...

16. Staying busy: Training for a marathon takes up a lot of time. If you’ve gone through a recent life change that gives you some more free time, like retirement, a break-up, a job loss, or a newly empty nest, now might be the perfect time to take on the marathon challenge.
17. A new community: If you’ve been a casual runner up until this point, training for a marathon means that you won’t be able to avoid the runner’s subculture much longer. You’ll find yourself speaking in running acronyms and talking about running a lot.
18. Achieving a life-long goal: Many people have “run a marathon” on their bucket list, but few actually achieve it.
19. Proof you’re an athlete: OK, so proving to naysayers that you can complete an incredible physical achievement shouldn’t be the only reason you decide to train for a marathon, but it is a nice little bonus.
20. Confidence: Once you’ve logged a 20-miler, you’ll feel like you can conquer the world (after a post-run nap, of course). Your running confidence will surely overflow into other areas of your life, such as work and relationships.
21. Accomplishment. Although you’ll experience rough patches during marathon training and during the race, it’s all worth it once you cross that beautiful finish line. You’ll feel proud knowing that you set a goal of finishing a marathon and you followed through with it.

Fun Benefits

Training for and running a marathon takes so much mental and physical energy that it is sometimes easy to forget how much fun you are having. But there is definitely a lot of fun to be had in the overall experience...

22. Travel: If you love to travel, marathon running is a great excuse to visit a new city or country. You'll get to see a lot of the local area in the race and may even be able to score discounted marathon runner rates on hotel rooms.
23. New running clothes: You’ll be running a lot, so you won’t be able to get away with one or two running outfits, including running shorts, unless you want to be doing laundry constantly. Picking up new running gear is a great way to reward yourself for sticking to your training.
24. Local discoveries: If you typically stick to shorter distances for running and racing, training for a marathon will force you to find new places to run, since you'll be running a lot and you’ll get bored with the same routes. Check out MapMyRun.com or ask local runners for suggestions on where to run.
25. Finisher's swag: Whether it's a medal, a shirt, or a great finishing photo, you’ll get something that’s a recognition of your achievement. You may not wear it or look at it all the time, but it'll be there when you need a tangible reminder of your running prowess.
26. Bragging rights: Once you cross that finish line, you’re a marathon finisher and will always be one. No one can ever take that title away from you.

So there you have it friends. Those are 26 great reasons to get registered for the Bass Pro Marathon today while the rates are their best! And don’t forget to formulate a training plan and then tell someone about it. Your chances of achieving your goal are exponentially increased when you get some skin in the game by having your friends and family hold you accountable. Happy Running!

The Happiest Ending

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.‘“ Luke 19:10 NIV

In a story titled “A runner saw a dog stuck near a 1,000-foot cliff. He carried her down” published last week, it was reported that Sergio Florian was out for an evening run up a mountain on Oahu’s east side when something caught his eye: a white and gray dog curled up near the edge of a 1,000-foot cliff. The dog was in distress. “I was shocked to see her because I’ve never seen a dog up that high,” said Florian, 44, who trains for marathons on steep trails behind his home in Kaaawa, Hawaii, once or twice a week. The dog was dehydrated, and her face and neck were covered with scratches, he said. Florian immediately realized she was too weak to make it down the steep Pu’u Manamana trail without help. “She was in the most treacherous part of the trail, stuck between two cliffs, and it was almost sunset,” he said, adding that there were drop-offs in all directions…. That night after the rescue, Florian posted on Instagram that his arms were aching from carrying Stevie, but his heart was full. More than 24,000 people have liked the post. “I couldn’t leave another living creature in distress like that,” he wrote. “Love happy endings.”

And you know, when it comes to happy endings, the Bible tells us that “the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.” This is such Good News because we were all ‘in distress’ and desperately lost at one time, unable to save ourselves and destined to die in our sin without a Savior to come to our aid. You see, without the greatest rescue mission of all time, there would never have been a happy ending of any kind. But thankfully, Jesus loved us too much to let that happen and gives all those who trust in Him the ‘happiest of endings.’ Do you just love that or what?

So if you haven’t accepted Jesus as your Savior, what are you waiting for my friend? There is no other Name by which you can be saved! And there is no other Way to escape the horrific ending all those who reject Jesus Christ will face. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the priceless gift of salvation that was given through the birth, death and resurrection of Your one and only Son, Jesus Christ. Knowing the fate that awaits all those who don’t accept this gift, help us to be bold in sharing the Good News with the world. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

We must Complete the Job

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” Romans 1:16 NKJV

As is my custom at every race I'm blessed to direct, I asked all the runners to step up to the start line five minutes before the beginning of Saturdays' 12-hour Racing for Daylight (which began at 6:00 p.m.) for a briefing of the course and some final instructions. With that being done, I then said, "We open up every race with prayer. It's your choice whether or not you want to join us, but I ask that everyone bow their heads." I then proceeded to boldly give thanks to the Lord for the beautiful day He had given us—and also for the strength in our bodies, the air in our lungs, and the ability to run the race set before us, before then praying protection over the runners, and ending the prayer with a heartfelt and passionate "it's in your precious Name we pray Jesus, Amen." 

And while I realize it's just a matter of time before someone will protest this public acknowledgement of faith in Jesus Christ, I also fully understand that "the gospel of Christ... is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes" and I am neither afraid nor ashamed to share it. In fact, like Paul, I am compelled to preach the Good News because I know that only those who call on the name of the Lord will be saved. Which begs the questions, "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" The answer is they can't. Which means each and every believer has a job to do and must take advantage of every opportunity they have to do it. 

So don't be ashamed or afraid to share the only News that has the power to save my friend. It's the assignment of each and every believer to do so everywhere they go, with everyone they come into contact with, and by whatever set of circumstances God provides to make it possible.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the opportunities You give us to show others that we are believers in You. In a world where Christians are shrinking back from their part in fulfilling the Great Commission because of fear, help our boldness and courage inspire them to be strong and courageous as well. Lord, compel us use every opportunity we have to give You glory and praise and to share the Good News so we can complete the job You have given us. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Pursue the Interests of Others

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:3-4 NIV 

In a story titled "After Nearly Stealing the Show at the Olympic Marathon Trials, Zach Panning Has No Regrets" published yesterday, it was reported that as Zach Panning crossed the 22-mile mark at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials on February 3, he split his watch and took a quick peek: It read 5:08, his slowest mile of the day so far. He’s led nearly every second of the race since the 6-mile mark, dwindling down a group of 41 to just two others: Clayton Young and Conner Mantz. Moments later, Mantz passed Panning and offered some words of encouragement... By mile 24, Panning fell 18 seconds behind the leaders. A mile later, he was 43 seconds back, with the chase pack gaining on him. He finally crossed the line in sixth place in 2:10:50, nearly a minute outside of the top three spots, which he needed to be in to make the Olympic team. After the race, Panning, 28, was praised for his courageous racing and for taking charge of the race when the pace lagged during the opening miles. “[Zach] made this race happen,” Clayton Young, who finished second, said in the post-race press conference. “Big props to him ... he’s a great athlete, but he’s an even better person.”

And you knew, while Panning’s performance didn’t gain him a spot on the Olympic team, “his courageous racing” will be remembered forever by Young, who attributed his success to the efforts of Zach, proving once again that people won’t always remember your finish times but they will remember the times you displayed extraordinary kindness to them. Which was why Paul, when writing to the church at Philippi, said, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” You see, Paul knew that worldly pursuits held no eternal value, but looking out for “the interests of others” did. 

So while it’s perfectly okay to strive for awards and accolades my friend, so as long as they bring God glory and isn’t done at the expense of others, our greatest pursuit should be to point the lost to Christ. Something we do when we show them the sacrificial love of Jesus that puts their interests above our own. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that what we do for ourselves will never last, but what we do for You by helping others will. Lord, help us to faithfully pursue the things that will have eternal value that we might do our part in making heaven full. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

The Consequences of Losing Saltiness

“‘You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” Matthew 5:13 NIV

In a story titled “I’ve been training with electrolytes for the past year — here’s how it’s made me a better runner” published yesterday, Jessica Downey said, “It wasn’t until I started training for a half marathon in a heatwave that I appreciated the value of maintaining healthy levels of hydration while running. It took a fair few sweaty and tiresome runs to realize just how much salt our bodies lose during exercise and how this impacts both exercise performance and — more importantly — our overall health. Enter electrolytes, important minerals in our body that play a crucial role in hydration and something we runners need to make sure we replenish.” 

And you know, when it comes to losing salt, the Bible tells us that we, as believers, are “the salt of the earth.” Which means our presence serves to season and preserve the world around us, making it a better place because of the positive influence we bring. You see, in the same way salt preserves food and keeps it from rotting, believers in Jesus help to keep humanity from falling into godlessness and the consequences that follow disobedience. Furthermore, salt changes the flavor of food, just as the influence of godly people can change a culture. Which is the very reason we need to continually replenish ourselves through prayer, Bible study, and meditation to keep ourselves from losing our saltiness—something that takes away our godly influence and leads to the moral decay of families, communities, and countries. 

So as we look around at the condition of our own nation today, it’s easy to see that we are a country who’s lost its saltiness as a whole and reaping the results from our defiance and rebellion. Which doesn’t mean we are to give up in our mission to be “the salt of the earth” but means we must double down in our efforts if we are to change the world for good. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we can’t give up on our mission to be the salt of the earth, no matter how in vain our attempts might appear. Help us to stay focused and to keep pressing on until the day we are called home to heaven Lord, working to do good until our final breath. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Get Ready to Register

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 happening on March 13 at noon. The Bass Pro Shops Fitness Series of Events is opening up for registration!!! I know! Exciting right??? That means you can get signed up for the Bass Pro Half Marathon/Full and/or the Dogwood Canyon trail runs. I don't know about you, but I like to get a little crazy in November so I always register for both events! They are my favorites of all time!

Now if this has you saying, "Calm down Melissa. I'm not quite ready for that yet. I just started running," I'd like to share with you 13.1 Reasons to Run a Half Marathon (with my two cents thrown in of course) to inspire you to join us this year. And since a half-marathon is the perfect distance for a runner looking to challenge themselves both mentally and physically while having a training schedule that will fit into their busy lives, these are all valid reasons to get signed up for the Bass Pro Half!

So without further ado, check out these reasons to get signed up on March 13...

1. Take Your Running and Fitness to the Next Level

While it’s not impossible to run a half marathon without training, we definitely don’t recommend it. This is where months of training come into play! If you’re looking to take your cardiovascular fitness to the next level or even lose a bit of weight, improve your mental health, training for a half marathon is probably going to get you there. It involves months of training, not to mention the final big event (aka race day).

2. Make New Friends

Since the training for a half marathon is much more intensive when compared to a 5k or 10k, it offers a great opportunity to meet other like-minded people. If you join a running group, you, quite literally, spend hours with the same people. This means you might just make a few new friends along the way which last long past the finish line.

*Official Bass Pro training groups will start in June. OMRR (Ozark Mountain Ridge Runners) will lead them out in the Springfield area and FFG (Frog Fitness Group) in the Fort Leonard Wood area. You'll not only make friends in these groups but get some great training advice and encouragement. And they're free to join so that's always a plus. 

3. See New Places

Looking for an excuse to travel? Have you been wanting to check out that next big city in the state over? Sign up for the half marathon! Doing so gives you a great reason to travel and take a run-cation.
Plus, there are some pretty cool places that hold annual half marathons, including Vegas, Salt Lake City, Miami, and more. Even the Great Wall of China has it’s own half marathon.

*None of these places will compare with the Bass Pro Half though so set your sights on Springfield, MO this fall. There's a lot to do there, including exploring the Bass Pro Shops and the world famous Wonders of Wildlife. With ample shopping and lots of places to explore, this town is one of the best you'll find in the Midwest. 

4. Get One Step Closer to a Full Marathon

If your ultimate goal is a marathon, starting with a half gives you the stepping stone you need to take your mileage up a notch. Once you conquer the half, you, somewhat, know what to expect for a marathon. You can also continue amping it up by signing up for 30k races or any other mileage in between.

*A half marathon will get you ready for being full fledged crazy when you sign up for the Bass Pro Marathon in 2025 after doing the half marathon in 2024. Unless you want to remain only half crazy. And that's certainly okay to do. 

5. Give Yourself Some Serious YOU Time

If there’s anything the last couple of years have taught us, it’s that taking care of yourself and your mental health is of the utmost importance. You can’t give your best without feeling your best. While training for a half marathon is very much a physical endeavor, it also provides plenty of time for you to de-stress, mentally unwind, and feel good about yourself.

6. Gain Some Killer Swag

Who doesn’t love some great race swag? With many half marathons, you get awesome t-shirts, hoodies, finisher medals, and more. So, if you’re looking for reasons to run a half marathon… This could be it! You can even flaunt your swag after the fact, providing a great icebreaker or conversation starter at your next gathering, party, or event. Additionally, accumulating that collection of various race medals is ultra empowering.

7. It’s an Excuse to Party!

Ask any runner: The post-race party is where it’s at. If you run a half marathon, you’ve earned a brew or whatever else you wish to indulge in. Inevitably, healthy food is also an option. But you deserve to let loose! Many finish lines have a post-race party filled with snacks and music galore. Many of them also feature free beer. So, if you need an excuse to have fun, a half marathon might just fit the bill. 

8. You’re Less Likely to Injure Yourself When Compared to a Full Marathon

Are you looking for reasons to run a half marathon over a full marathon? Distance aside, injuries are less likely during a half marathon when compared to a full marathon. Simply put, your body experiences 50% less stress during a half marathon. All in all, it’s just a much more manageable distance and training regime.

9. You’ll Burn Tons of Calories

Within those 13.1 miles, you can burn between 1000 to 1600 calories. The exact number entirely depends on your weight, metabolism, running intensity, and other factors. Yet, if your goal is weight loss, this could top your reasons to run a half marathon. You’re bound to achieve some serious caloric burn.

10. There are Health Benefits!

Besides maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight, you also reap some other serious health benefits. You improve your cardiovascular and respiratory health. And while, yes, this improves your overall fitness. It is also an excellent way to reduce your blood pressure or keep your cholesterol levels under wraps.

*The Bass Pro Half Marathon has the best pacers in the world! They will not only help you reach your goal but will have you laughing along the way. And laughter has lots of health benefits!

11. Afterward, You Have Bragging Rights

Want a reason to boost your confidence? Something to make you feel empowered and capable? A half marathon is it. The half marathon is also a completely achievable goal. With a few hours of training a week, you could run this distance in a matter of months. Then, afterward, you can brag all you want about crossing that finish line!

*Bass Pro finish line photos also make for great posts and profile pics which will do the bragging for themselves for days and weeks to follow!!! I’ve been participating in the fitness series for more than a decade and I can tell you that the social media sites get flooded with Bass Pro photos after the event. 

12. You Could Support a Cause

When it comes to reasons to run a half marathon, there’s almost no better reason than supporting a worthwhile cause. From cancer to your local children’s hospital, you can easily find a half marathon with a good cause to support.

*The Bass Pro Fitness Series supports a lot of local charities, so it's a great race to run knowing that a good portion of your registration dollars goes back into the community. Cool right??

13. Training Won’t Cost You Anything (Or Almost)

The most you need is a good pair of running shoes. There’s no membership fee or insane equipment costs. Realistically, running is one of the most affordable types of exercise to get into. We also definitely recommend incorporating some simple at-home strength training and stretching into your routine as well. Both of those are also FREE.

*Running also saves you money on therapy. For real! Which will give you the extra money you’ll need for your shoes… and chafing cream. After all, no one runs 13.1 miles without it leaving a mark. Am I right?

So, there you have it friends. Those are 13.1 reasons to run a 13.1 mile race—but not to just run any half marathon, but the Bass Pro Half Marathon. It's simply the best one you'll find for so many reasons… something you’ll only understand fully when you cross the finish line. So get registered next week so you'll have some skin in the game. And then get to training so you can reap all those rewards. You'll be so glad you did!!

Happy Running!