Do Your Part in Expanding the Reach

“Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.” Acts 8:1-3 NKJV

On Tuesday of this week, the World Marathon Majors made a big announcement, saying they are adding an eighth marathon to the roster, thus officially making the iconic WMM Series bigger. Not only are they expanding their reach, the series is adding an entirely new continent to the map.

The Cape Town Marathon has been added to the series beginning in 2027, making it the eighth World Marathon Major and giving runners a new global finish line to chase. The 2027 race is scheduled for May 23.

For years, the Majors stood at six races: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. Sydney was added in 2024 to make it seven. Cape Town’s addition changes that map by expanding the series into Africa, giving it its first race in the group…

And, you know, while many runners will be thankful for the ingenuity that prompted the growth of the WMM series, Christians everywhere should be grateful for the persecution that scattered the early believers.

You see, people, even believers, have a tendency to get comfortable where they are. And while that’s not always a bad thing, comfortability can keep the church from doing their part in expanding the Kingdom—namely from going outside their “circle” to reach the lost. 

Which is the very reason we can be thankful for the trials that come our way that cause us to move out of the four walls of our homes and our houses of worship—something that could be seen in the early church. This “great persecution” arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.”

“Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.” Acts 8:4-6

Do you get that? Those followers of Jesus who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word! But it gets even better…. “Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.”

But why was this so significant? Well…The significance of his preaching lies in his role in breaking down racial and geographical barriers to spread Christianity globally, which laid the foundation for the early church. Furthermore, Philip preaching in Samaria was a deeply significant move because Jews and Samaritans had centuries of historical and religious animosity. 
By bringing the Gospel there, Philip demonstrated that Christianity was not limited to Jewish heritage but was intended to overcome tribal and cultural divides. In other words, this showed that the Gospel message was for everyone!

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3 

So, consider it “pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,” even persecution, because you can be confident that God not only works our troubles, tribulations, and adversities for our good, but uses them for the advancement of the Gospel in ways that we might only understand in looking back. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You are sovereign over all and that You use the troubles of the world to redirect our paths and our purposes. Help us to view our trials as possible redirections, Lord, that we might not miss an opportunity to go where You are calling us to go to share the Good News of the Gospel with everyone. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Pay it Forward By Telling the Next Generation

“We will not hide them from their children, Telling to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done.” Psalm 78:4 NKJV

In a story titled “NEW YORK MINI 10K RUNNER PAYING IT FORWARD TO INSPIRE NEXT GENERATION” published by ABC 7 NY, it was reported that Denise Peralta, who participated in the 2026 Mastercard New York Mini 10K recently, first found running through the Run for the Future program in 2015 when she was just a teenager, and it changed everything.

Run for the Future not only kicked off her running journey, but it also connected her with an amazing group of women, many of whom she's still friends with 11 years later.

She took a break from running after the program until one of her fellow Run for the Future graduates encouraged her to get involved with the alumni group.

She quickly got hooked and has completed 13+ NYRR races since, including the TCS New York City Marathon.

This summer, she will also be a race buddy for the Run for the Future program. With a full-time job in social services, which can be a stressful industry, running provides relief after a long day.

And, you know, when it comes to paying it forward, spiritually speaking, the best thing that you and I could ever do, in light of what God has done for us, is to tell the next generation about Him. This is the only way that we can inspire them to seek the Lord.

This is the theme of Psalm 78 which is a historical psalm of instruction written by Asaph. The beauty of this psalm is the way it contrasts God’s unwavering faithfulness and patience with humanity’s recurring cycle of forgetfulness, rebellion, and disobedience. The overarching message urges each generation to teach their children about God’s mighty works so they will trust Him and avoid the mistakes of their ancestors (that’s us).

The psalm opens by commanding parents to pass down God's laws and the history of His miracles so that future children will place their hope in Him rather than turning into a "stubborn and rebellious generation"

Sadly though, many believers treat this command to tell “the generation to come the praises of the LORD, And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done” as a suggestion rather than a command. But the Bible is clear that we are not to hide these Truths from our children or their children.

Which is the very reason that we, ourselves, must know the Word and live it out in our own lives. After all, children are more apt to follow what we do rather than what we say. Right?

So, don’t shy away from telling your children, their children, and the next generation about the Lord my friend. Your obedience will help to ensure that the next generation will seek the Lord and continue paying it forward by passing the baton of faith on as each one of us is commanded to do.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that the task of telling the next generation about You is not merely a suggestion but a command. Lord, in a world that’s growing increasingly hostile to the Word, help us to not hide the Truths laid out in the Bible and to inspire the next generation to seek You both by sharing our testimonies at every opportunity. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Do Some Smile Miles

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog

Now let's get started by talking about a way to "brighten up" your run today. I know, you're probably saying to yourself, "Melissa, we are in the midst of a three-day heat wave with full sun. How much brighter can it get?" If that's you, you'll be happy to know that I'm not talking about the weather but about your outlook.

But first, I'll share with you that I had some serious FOMO over the weekend because I had to miss out on all the fun at the Finley Farms Run on Saturday. And while I absolutely love my job as the Wellness Coordinator for our local county health department, I was sad that one of the races I direct fell on the same day as this awesome Bass Pro Fitness Series event. So, I did what every runner does when they miss out on the opportunity to participate in an awesome race.... I looked at all the photos. 

And, let me tell you, there were a lot of smiling runners! The best part? Looking at their smiles made me smile! But that should come as no surprise since science shows this response to be something we're hard-wired to have. 

You see, people smile back at others primarily because of mirror neurons—which are specialized brain cells that subconsciously fire when you and I observe an action, prompting our brains to copy it and build instant empathy. This automatic, biological reaction helps people bond, signal safety, and share emotions. Pretty cool right? 

This means, the "you smile, I smile" phenomenon is driven by a mix of neurology, psychology, and evolution. When we see someone smile, these unique brain cells trigger our own facial muscles to mirror the expression of the other person before we even realize it. When we smile back (even if it starts as an automatic reaction) our brains feel better because this simple physical act triggers the release of feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. 

Now, here's where it gets good! In a recent article published by Runner's World, the writer stated that "Doing a 'Smile Mile' Could be the Best Way to Brighten Your Run" because the challenge measures your run in smiles, not distance. 

And the challenge is easy. Approach your next run with the question “How many people can I get to smile today?” And then lock eyes and smile at everyone you see on your run, counting up the smiles you receive back rather than the miles that you stack up. 

By doing this, you're almost guaranteed to come out feeling good about how you spent your time. It can be especially sweet to share a smile with other runners, as author, poet, and runner David Larbi pointed out in a recent TikTok. It’s also a good way to build up your rejection tolerance, as evidenced by marathoner Natalia Leckey (@thankfulshawty), who made a video lamenting the many people who ignore her when she greets them while on a run.

Even if you're not looking to get others to smile during your run, it turns out a different sort of smile mile can be beneficial; according to a recent study, smiling while running can actually make your own run more efficient. And who knows? Maybe your own pearly whites are all you need to make another person smile, too.

And there you have it friends. Smiling benefits both the one doing it and the one receiving it. So, do some 'Smile Miles' from time to time and reap the benefits that come from putting on a joyful grin for the world to see. Your runs will be brighter and so will your outlook. Happy Running!

Be Consistent and Committed we

“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 amazing story of prolonged perseverance, it was reported that Gabe Rainwater of Fresno completed his 20th consecutive Mohican 100-Mile Trail Run in Loudonville, becoming only the sixth runner in event history to reach that milestone and the youngest to do so. Amazing right?

The Mohican 100 is one of the Midwest’s premier ultramarathons, challenging runners to cover 100 miles of rugged trails through the Mohican State Forest and surrounding area.

Runners must complete the course within 32 hours to earn an official finish and buckle. Two hundred runners started the 2026 challenge but only 87 crossed the finished line.

As a result of reaching 20 career finishes, Rainwater was awarded the coveted 2,000-Mile Buckle.

Rainwater’s streak began in 2006 and has continued uninterrupted for two decades. Over those years, he has navigated extreme heat, mud, storms and the physical and mental challenges. His accomplishment reflects not only endurance and athletic ability, but also consistency and commitment, according to the release.

And, you know, when it comes to our spiritual race, the Bible is very clear that the road to the finish line will be filled with mental and physical challenges as well—challenges so great that it will require commitment and consistency to overcome them.

This is something Paul made clear when he wrote to the church at Corinth and said "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."

This single verse highlights exactly why consistency matters on our faith journey, which is a journey that begins the day we accept Jesus as our Savior and only ends when we see Him face to face.

Hence the reason Paul exhorted the Corinthians to "Be steadfast." Paul wanted them (and us) to be faithful to the Lord and to his teaching about the Lord—in essence keeping a faithfulness “streak” of uninterrupted loyalty, fidelity, and devotion to God.

Furthermore, because Paul was concerned about the Corinthians' tendency to compromise their behavior and even their beliefs for the sake of the culture in which they lived, Paul told them to be "immovable.” 

This applies even more to us today, in a time when we see many believers start the race but fail to finish the race—because they went off course by compromising to “fit in” with the culture to avoid being “cancelled.” Don’t be that person! Don't let a moment of temporary weakness and temptation keep you from reaping the eternal rewards that come with remaining firmly fixed, faithful, and unyielding in purpose. 

And lastly, Paul exhorted them to always be “abounding in the work of the Lord,” because that is the only work that will produce fruit that will last for eternity, compared to so much of life’s work that ceases to have meaning in years, days, or even minutes. This “knowing,” he hoped, would fill them with the enthusiasm and unwavering commitment that would cause them to be plentifully, richly, and amptly productive each and every day and over a lifetime.

So, be committed and consistent my friend, knowing that “your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” Be steadfast. Be immovable. And stay in the race until the end confident that your efforts will produce abundant fruit that will last infinitely longer than a 2,000 mile belt buckle will.

Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding us that this road will not be easy. And thank You for the words of Paul that remind us that we WILL go through trials and tribulations. Help us to have the steadfastness of our Savior Jesus Christ when this happens Lord, so that we will never back down but continue running until the final finish line. In Your precious name, we pray Jesus. amen.

Happy Running!

True Faith Can’t be Destroyed

"We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— " 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NKJV

In a heartbreaking story titled “Husband of slain runner pleads for tips for wife whose faith drove her” published last week, the writer said Oluwabukola Pereira-Showole, who went by Bukola or Bukky, was fatally shot May 8 in Lockland. Witnesses say she was chasing a man who robbed the auto business where Pereira-Showole was a manager.

Now, nearly a month after her death, no arrests have been made. Showole said on June 5 that her family is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and indictment of the suspect.

Bukola was an elite runner on the Nigeria's national track team. She came to the United States and competed at several colleges across the country and previously won the Flying Pig 5K. She was preparing to graduate from Xavier University on May 16 with her second master's degree before she was gunned down.

"Her faith was the engine that drove her," Showole said outside Vineyard Cincinnati Church in Springdale, where a celebration of Bukola's life will be held next week.

He said his wife would wake up every morning and pray. When he made a mistake, she showed him instant forgiveness. At home, he always knew where was in the house because he could hear her singing gospel songs....

"This person has ripped apart a significant part of our lives, but he has not destroyed our faith in the grace of the Lord," he said. "This person needs to come forward and repent for this great sin."

Showole said that Bukola brought pure joy to their home and loved his twin son and daughter like they were her own.

"As Christians, we say the Bible is God's love letter to humanity," he said. "For me, Bukola is God's personal love letter to me."

And, you know, as tragic as this story is, it serves as a reminder that, although we, as believers, might face trials that cause us to feel "hard-pressed on every side," these trials will not crush us. 
We might experience sorrows and face circumstances that cause us to feel completely baffled, but we have no reason to ever be discouraged. 

We might be afflicted and oppressed for our faith, but we can remain confident that God will never abandon or desert us. We might even suffer devastating blows, but we can remain calm, steadfast, and courageous in the face of adversity and life’s difficulties, knowing that we will be divinely preserved. 

This means our faith in the grace of the Lord can remain unwavering and strong in the midst of a chaotic world and the ripping apart of portions of our lives. 

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.'" John 16:33

Why? Because we have "God's love letter to humanity," that gives us peace and comfort in all situations. In this love letter known as the Bible, our Savior promised this… "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." 

Did you get that "will" part?  That means, it's not a matter of if we will have trouble but when. 

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17  

Furthermore, since we know that ALL Scripture is inspired by God, we know that we can count on ALL the promises of God. 

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you." Isaiah 43:2

"that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ," 1 Peter 1:7

This includes the beautiful promise found in Isaiah 43:2 that tells us "when" we go through overwhelming emotions, chaotic circumstances, and life's sudden crises (the waters and the rivers) that cause us to fear we will drown, God will be with us and keep us afloat. 

And "when" we experience intense periods of testing, persecution, or severe suffering (the fire), we can be confident that "the genuineness" of our faith, "though it is tested by fire" will be divinely preserved for eternity, showing that true faith can never be destroyed. This ultimately brings glory to God and will be rewarded by Jesus Christ upon His return. 

So, no matter what you're going through today, take hold of the promises in the Bible my friend. Read them thoroughly and commit them to memory so that "when" the day of trouble comes, you won't be shaken and your faith in the grace of the Lord will not be destroyed. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that gives us comfort, guidance, peace, instruction, and so much more. Compel us to read it each and every day Lord that we might be equipped for every good work and ready for every trial that we will face. We pray for the Showole family today God. May they feel your peace and may Bukky's legacy of faithfulness (her well-worn Bible is pictured above) live on and inspire others to seek Christ in the same way that she did. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Make it your Objective to Finish

"But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." Acts 20:24 NKJV

In a recent heartwarming story titled “This 90-Year-Old Runner Just Finished His First Marathon After Rediscovering Running Later in Life,” it was reported that Bill Schwarz completed the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon, inspiring countless runners along the way.

At 90, Bill Schwarz just took on his first marathon at Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego on May 31. And while he didn’t officially finish within the race’s time limit, he still covered the full 26.2-mile distance, which is more than enough to be impressed by.

A spokesperson for Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series confirmed to Runner’s World that Schwarz completed the marathon in a little over nine hours, though not inside the official cutoff window…

Schwarz wasn’t new to running, either. He told Run Outside that he first began running in high school in the ’50s and found his way back to the sport more seriously after his wife died. What began as a way to “give [his] life a purpose again” eventually grew into 5Ks, half marathons, and then the idea of attempting a full marathon.

“My objective is to finish,” Schwarz said to Run Outside before the Rock ‘n’ Roll marathon. “And whatever time it takes, it’s going to be wonderful.”

And, you know, when it comes to goals, the objective of every believer (whether new or old to the faith) should be to finish their "race with joy," letting nothing move them from the mission (no matter how long it takes) "to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." 

This was something that Paul understood and expressed during his final missionary journey chronicled in Acts 20—which details Paul's troubles and trials as he traveled throughout many towns, his miraculous raising of a young man from the dead in Troas, and ends with his emotional, tearful farewell address to the Ephesian church elders. 

"As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus." Acts 9:3-8

Like millions of other believers around the world, Paul had entered the race in his later years (around the age of 27-33) after a life-changing event that caused him to see his need for Jesus. His encounter with the Lord caused Saul (later named Paul) to not only arise from the ground as Jesus commanded him but compelled Paul to passionately serve Jesus for the rest of his days—so much so that Paul declared that none of his trials moved him "nor do I count my life dear to myself." His sole objective was to finish the race with joy and declare the Good News until the very end, no matter how long it took, knowing that, in the end, it would be wonderful!

So, knowing that the end goal for every believer must be to finish the race well, make it your objective to let nothing move you so that you can boldly declare the gospel in the same way Paul did my friend. And whether you're 19 or 90, vow to live a life of purpose from this day forward by living a life dedicated to knowing Jesus and to making His great Name known. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that our lives are not our own and that the measure of a life lived well is found in the number of people that we inspired to seek You by the way we ran our race. Lord, help us to consider our lives worth nothing if they aren't lived for You so that we would seek to bring You glory in all we do. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

No Appeal will Change the Ending

“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.” Hebrews 9:27-28 NKJV

In a story titled “A High School Runner Was DQ’d After a Finish-Line Celebration. Now the Decision Has Been Overturned” published by Runner’s World yesterday, it was reported that Mallard Creek High School in North Carolina won its appeal and will share the team title and 4 x 400-meter relay state championship.

Mallard Creek High School will get the state title recognition it’s been fighting for.

After an appeal overturned the disqualification that initially cost the boys’ track team the 2026 NCHSAA 8A state championship, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association Board of Directors officially voted to name both Mallard Creek and C.E. Jordan High School co-champions. The board also voted to recognize Mallard Creek and Hough High School as co-champions in the boys’ 4 x 400-meter relay.

That disqualification had become one of the most talked-about high school track rulings of the season. Mallard Creek anchor Nyan Brown crossed first in the final relay at the state meet, which would have secured the team title. That was until officials went on to disqualify the relay for unsportsmanlike conduct after Brown raised his hand before the finish line.

The ruling gave Mallard Creek no points in the event and left Jordan as the original boys 8A champion. Videos of the finish quickly went viral, with many questioning whether the gesture matched the severity of the consequence. But now, the appeal changes that ending…

And, you know, while Brown was successful in his appeal, thereby changing the outcome of his situation and that of the team, the Bible is very clear that there will be no chance for appeal for anyone after they’ve breathed their last here on earth.

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6

“For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.’” Romans 10:13

“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” John 3:36

You see, there is only one way to the Father and that is through Jesus Christ. All those who believe in Him and accept Him as their Savior will have eternal life but all those who reject Him “shall not see life” but will face the wrath of God.

This is important to understand since many “religions” believe in reincarnation or purgatory, thus eliminating the need to commit to trusting in Jesus Christ as Savior.

But nothing could be further from the truth. The Bible is very clear about that when it says “it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.”

This passage outlines a strict, two-step sequence for every human being: death, followed immediately by judgment. Which means death seals the verdict, with no opportunity for appeal and the moment a person takes their final breath, their spiritual status is permanently locked. There is no holding area, and no courtroom where a person can change their mind or negotiate.

Spurgeon explained it this way…. A man dies once, and after that everything is fixed and settled, and he answers for his doings at the judgment. One life, one death - then everything is weighed, and the result declared: ‘after this the judgment.’ So Christ comes, and dies once; and after this, for him also the result of what he has done, namely, the salvation of those who look for him. He dies once, and then reaps the fixed result, according to the analogy of the human race, of which he became a member and representative.”

So, don’t put off making the decision to trust in Jesus if you haven’t already done so my friend. There is not one person living that is guaranteed another day here on earth. The only guarantee for anyone is that all those who have accepted Christ as their Savior will spend eternity in heaven and all those who chose not to accept Jesus will spend eternity in hell, and no appeal will change that ending.

Heavenly Father, thank You for making it clear that You are the only way to eternal life. Help us to understand this fully Lord so that we would choose to follow You today and every day and never back down from preaching the Good News so that others would too. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION-Celebrate Global Running Day by Signing Up for the BPFS

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… Global Running Day! This is a worldwide celebration of running, which just happens to be one of my most favorite things to do. I know, I know, that comes as no shock, right?!!

Which is the very reason that today is a great day for me to encourage you to start running as well, if you’re not currently doing it. Or to encourage you to continue doing it, if you already are, and maybe even to up your game to shoot for a PR or a new distance. And to jump start all that, you should join in on all the fun that's happening tonight at Fleet Feet in Springfield at The Big Run Fun Run!! You’ll meet like-minded people and can participate in a 5k by running, walking, or doing a combination of it.

With that being said, if you've been thinking about signing up for the Bass Pro Marathon, Half Marathon, or the Dogwood Canyon Trail Runs happening this November, there may be no better day than Global Running Day to officially begin your training journey.

Why? Because if you’re starting from scratch, you’ll need time to build up a solid base of endurance through a Couch to 5k program or something similar. This will allow you to be ready for the “official” Bass Pro Training Groups presented by OMRR (Ozarks Mountain Ridge Runners) that begin in July (if you’re in the Pulaski County area, FFG-Frog Fitness Group will be hosting these runs as well). 

But, hey, if you’re saying, “Can I just skip the Couch to 5k and go straight to the Couch to Marathon (or half-marathon) plan?” To that I would say, yes it's possible, if you don’t rush the process and are willing to do run/walk intervals. Many people have successfully completed a marathon after six months of consistent training using this method. And while it’s certainly possible that you could run the whole thing, I would not recommend trying to race it without giving your body more time to be prepared for the physical stress it would take to do so—especially if you’re an older adult. 

With that being said, there are a few things to consider, like your training goal and your finishing time goal before getting started. Like I said, finishing a 26.2 mile race with only six months of training is possible but racing a marathon at your full potential will most likely take more time (it’s more doable with a 13.1 distance). Which is why the goal of most beginners should be to cross the finish line healthy, smiling, and proud of what you've accomplished. 

Before You Begin Though…

If you've been completely inactive or have any health concerns, it's wise to get medical clearance before beginning a marathon training program.

You should also understand that marathon training requires patience.

There are no shortcuts.

The runners who succeed are often not the most talented—they're the most consistent.

Finally, sign up for the race and then find a training program that works for you. It's important that you do it in that order so you'll have some "skin in the game" and take your training seriously. Time is of the essence if you want to cross one of the Bass Pro finish lines in November. 

And there you have it friends. It's entirely possible to go from the Couch to a Marathon or Half Marathon (or the 15k or 25k at Dogwood) in six months. Thousands of runners have done it. But the key isn't running hard. The key is running consistently. Start where you are. Run easy. Increase gradually. Trust the process. And six months from now, you may find yourself standing at the starting line of a marathon wondering how the person who once sat on the couch became someone capable of running 26.2 miles.

Happy Running!

Praise the One who Gives Breath

“Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!” Psalm 150:6 NKJV

In an astonishing story published by Runner’s World over the weekend, it was reported that American ultrarunner Tyler Andrew’s latest mountain record attempt ended on the highest possible stage.

Andrews reportedly reached the summit of Mount Everest from Base Camp in 9 hours and 55 minutes while using supplemental oxygen, setting a new fastest known time (FKT) for an oxygen-assisted ascent of the world’s tallest mountain. The previous mark was 10 hours and 56 minutes, set by Lakpa Gelu Sherpa in 2003, meaning Andrews lowered the time by just over an hour.

Andrews began the climb on May 27, starting from Everest Base Camp at 7:11 p.m. local time. Upon completion, his team reported that he reached the summit at 5:06 a.m. on May 28. The time is still expected to go through formal confirmation, but if verified, it would reset the oxygen-assisted speed mark on Everest.

The finish time is even wilder when you look at the route he took. Andrews began at Everest Base Camp, more than 17,500 feet up, and climbed to the 29,031-foot summit through the Khumbu Icefall, the higher camps, the South Col, and the summit ridge. One might say it’s not a super long route by running standards, but it gains roughly 11,500 feet in about 8.4 miles, according to iRunFar, with the obvious complication that all of it is happening on Everest…

But you know what’s even wilder than that? There’s been all this talk about oxygen but no one has praised the One who created oxygen, the God who breathed it into our lungs, or the Lord that sustains our life with it.

Think about that for a minute. Not one person acknowledged God as the giver of life, much less praised Him for it—or for the ability to scale a mountain.

The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” Genesis 2:7

But the truth is this… from the beginning of Genesis, it was “the Lord God who formed man out of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.” Do you get that? It’s God’s breath in our lungs that makes each one of us “a living soul.” We are nothing without Him.

Science itself declares that there is a Creator. Consider the act of breathing...

Body cells keep us alive by performing their various functions. To do this they need a constant supply of oxygen, which begins when we inhale. As the air passes through the nose, it is warmed and moistened. If foreign particles are present, little hairs called cilia stop them. Sneezing or blowing the nose clears out these particles.

When we inhale, our lungs stretch like balloons being filled with air. Then, in about two seconds, the lungs contract and the air is exhaled. This takes place about fifteen or twenty times a minute. Getting a sufficient quantity of oxygen from this air and into the bloodstream is the main function of the lungs. This is why they need fresh, clean air that is free of smoke, dust and fumes in order to maintain good health.

When expanded, the lungs have a surface of about two square feet for the air to pass over, but this is not enough to take care of their work. When God designed man’s lungs, He wisely added to the lung capacity without making that organ huge and bulky. He did this by forming blood channels ending in tiny sacs all over the linings of the lungs. There are about 600 million of these sacs, which increase the capacity of the lungs to 600 to 1,000 square feet (larger than many classrooms), which is 300 times the capacity of the lungs alone! Each one of these tiny sacs brings blood to its surface. In the two seconds that air flows over these sacs, oxygen is transferred to the blood. This oxygen enriched blood moves on to the heart and is pumped throughout the whole body.

The lungs not only take oxygen out of the incoming air, they also remove carbon dioxide from the blood. This carbon dioxide is a product of the body-cell processes and must be removed. The blood carries it to the lungs where it is expelled by the lung’s exhaling action.

"In whose hand is the life of every living thing, And the breath of all mankind?" Job 12:10

This entire process goes on without our thinking about it (except when we have a cold and have difficulty breathing). Only God could design and make our wonderful bodies and their remarkable details, which are the same today as when he created Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. God, “in whose hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind” is always aware of everything pertaining to our lives.

So, knowing that your very life depends on the oxygen that God provides, don’t forget to thank Him my friend. And then ask yourself, "When is the last time that I thanked God for the air in my lungs and praised Him for His goodness in watching over me so carefully?" If it’s been a while, make today the day you vow to “praise the Lord” each and every day. Moving forward, let every inhale and exhale be a testament to the grace of the Creator.

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the air in our lungs. Help us to never take it for granted by acknowledging You as the Giver and Sustainer of life and by choosing to praise You with the air You have supplied. Help us to never take the glory for any of our successes but to give You all the glory. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

The Lord Gives Us a New Song

"I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth—Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the Lord." Psalm 40:1-3 NKJV

In a story titled “Runner turns personal struggle into cross-country mission for mental health awareness” published over the weekend, it was reported that a run across Canada that began as a deeply personal challenge has turned into a growing movement for mental health awareness.

Carter Armstrong arrived in Swift Current this week on Day 46 of his solo journey from Vancouver toward his hometown of Dryden, Ont., running thousands of kilometres while raising awareness and funds for mental health initiatives through the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Armstrong said the idea for the run came after years of struggling with mental health himself, including the loss of a close friend to suicide.

“About two months before I started on this venture and decided what I was doing, I attempted to take my own life,” Armstrong said during an interview with Country 94.1 FM's Chris Martens. “The next day, I just realized I had so much more to give to the world.”

And, you know, sadly, Carter isn’t the only person who has struggled with depression and thoughts of suicide. Statistics say that an estimated 5.7% of adults (roughly 332 million people) suffer from depression worldwide. In the U.S., current depression rates range between 8.3% and 18.3% of the adult population depending on whether the metric measures a diagnosed major depressive episode or self-reported ongoing symptoms.

However you measure it though, one thing is clear. There are a lot of people who struggle in this sinful world, and a host of reasons why a person can despair of life. King David was one of those people who, at any given time, had legitimate and real reasons to be downcast and despondent.

As a young shepherd, he protected his flock from lions and bears. He famously defeated the Philistine giant Goliath as a youth, which immediately thrusted him into the national spotlight.

David’s popularity then caused King Saul to become fiercely jealous. For years, David lived as a fugitive in the wilderness (although he had been anointed as king, it would be about 14 years before he ascended the throne), narrowly escaping assassination attempts and living in caves. During this time, he had multiple opportunities to kill Saul but chose to spare him, demonstrating restraint and respect for God's anointed and for God's timing.

After becoming king, David fell into severe moral failure, committing adultery with Bathsheba and orchestrating the death of her husband, Uriah.

 
Though God forgave him, David faced lifelong internal and external punishments, including the death of his newborn child and intense family turmoil.

David's own children brought him immense grief. His son Amnon violated his half-sister Tamar, leading her brother Absalom to murder Amnon in revenge. Absalom later conspired to steal the throne, forcing David to flee Jerusalem on foot. This agonizing betrayal by his own son is often considered the darkest and most difficult period of David’s trials, pushing him from his own palace into exile.

In addition to internal family conflicts, David fought endless battles with enemy nations and endured devastating civil wars. Wow right? And that’s just a few of the things David went through!
As you would imagine then, David had his many  ups and downs and his innumerable highs and lows. And although David had countless times of depair and doubt, he forbearingly depended on the Lord. Why? Because he had learned that God was faithful to hear and faithful to act. 

This is something we can see in Psalm 40 when David said, "I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth—Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the Lord"

There’s so much we can glean from this ourselves as we go through (and it’s not a matter of if, but when) our own dark times. And the first thing is this… although we might be in a season of waiting for deliverance, God bends his ear to hear our cries. Think about that for a minute. The Almighty God of the universe bent down to hear David and He does the same for us. That means no matter what our feelings tell us, the facts tell us that God knows and God cares. 

Secondly, God pulls us out of the sinking mud. If you’ve ever experienced depression (and I have), you know exactly what it feels like to be weighted down by feelings of sadness and sunkenness. These feelings become a pit so deep that they are impossible to overcome or climb out of by our own strength and willpower. But God…

Depression may steal our joy and silence our voice for a time, but God will give us a new song. He will take away our heavy groans of despair and replace them with a melody of genuine hope and freedom. And here’s the beautiful part of our healing: Our survival becomes someone else's survival guide!

You see, as David noted, people didn’t just hear his song; they "saw it." And they trusted in the Lord because of it! Talk about having so much more to give to the world! That’s everyone going through a state of sorrow that continues to trust in the Lord. The Lord replaces that sorrow with singing!

So, no matter what you’re going through today, hang in there my friend. Your pain is not meaningless. God can and will use your story of overcoming the darkness to anchor the faith of someone else who is still trapped in their own pit if you will call on Him and trust in Him. He did it for David, He did it for me, and He can do it for you too.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You know, You hear, and You truly care about what we are going through. Lord, help us to understand that we won't always grasp the reasons we go through seasons of dejection, especially when it's caused by something out of our control, but that if we depend on You to see us through these times, we will not only come out better for it but will have a new song to sing that will cause others to trust in You. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Be Grateful for Adoption

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.” Ephesians 1:3-6 NKJV

In an astonishing story published earlier this week, it was reported that runner Mai Richards crossed the finish line in Sturgis after completing the Miles of Honor Run—an approximately 451.5-mile journey across South Dakota to honor service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Richards said she felt grateful and overwhelmed after completing the challenge, calling it a cause that has touched countless lives. She said her inspiration came from her own story—being adopted from Vietnam as a child—and a desire to give back for the freedoms she’s been given.

“I am feeling grateful. My heart is full. My feet are tired and my head is” Richards said. “I think it’s still trying to wrap around that… that I’m done. I’m done. And it’s for such a great cause. And it’s touched so many people’s lives.”

And, you know, if you’re a believer in Jesus Christ, your story is also a story of adoption--an adoption story so awesome that it should fill you with an overwhelming desire to give back to Jesus Christ, the One who “chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.” 

You see, God determined beforehand, in eternity past, His plan of salvation for humanity. This plan not only gave eternal life to all those who chose to believe in God's one and only Son, who gave His life to free us from the consequences of sin, but granted believers full and permanent legal standing as sons and daughters in God's family.

If you think that's amazing, consider this... Our adoption in God's family is not based on our merit, but stems solely from God's sovereign love for us. God, who created all things, specifically chose before the creation of the world that you and I would be created, live, become children of God, and then one day stay with God for eternity!

So, in light of God's acceptance of us as His children, let us give back for the freedom from sin that acceptance provided by running our race for Him my friend. Let us live each and every day in a way that shows our gratitude for being adopted into the family of God that we might inspire others to seek this adoption for themselves.

Heavenly Father, thank You for bestowing such amazing love on us. To be called a son or daughter of the most high is the greatest honor we could ever have. Help us to truly understand how awesome this is Lord that we might give back our lives in service to You for the great gift we have received. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Ambassadors Never Retire

“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20 NKJV

In a story titled “Grace Sugut, Eliud Kipchoge’s Wife, Runs Her First Marathon” published earlier this week it was reported that Eliud Kipchoge hasn’t exactly retired from competitive running yet. The 41-year-old “GOAT” of the men’s marathon is still training and racing—but now with more of a focus on being an ambassador for the sport and “inspiration.”

You can count Kipchoge’s wife, Grace Sugut, among those he has inspired to run 26.2 miles. Sugut completed her first marathon at Sunday’s Cape Town Marathon in South Africa. She crossed the finish line in a time of 4:29:59, placing 2,353 out of the 6,914 women in the Cape Town field….

Before the race, Kipchoge gave some advice to Sugut. “My advice actually is to line up in the starting line,” he told the media “Enjoy the whole race, feel that pain all through the race, cut through the finishing line, and, you know, she will be accomplished. She will not be the same.”

“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” 1 Corinthians 5:18-19

And, you know, when it comes to being an ambassador, you and I would do well to remember that, as believers, each one of us has been called to “the ministry of reconciliation.” Put simply, this means that we are to be busy helping people fix their broken relationship with God and with each other.

You see, here’s the deal… Sin broke the relationship between humans and God. Jesus' death and resurrection repaired that broken bond. And because of that we, as reconciled believers, now act as representatives and official messengers of God’s Kingdom, tasked with the awesome privilege of telling others that God is ready to welcome them back in the same way that He did us. Is that amazing or what? 

As Christ’s ambassadors then, we are called to passionately beg or plead with others in a deeply emotional, urgent, or desperate manner “on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” This is something you can be sure we do with our lips and with our lives, preaching the Gospel and living in such great appreciation for what salvation has done for us that our passion and faith becomes an “inspiration” to others.

"Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing." 2 Timothy 4:8

And you can be sure this is a job we never retire from! We keep training in the Word and racing to the finish line, beseeching all those in our path to join us as we pursue the prize!

So, from this moment forward, make it your mission to be the best ambassador for Christ that you can be my friend. Let your faith be so strong and so well known that it inspires your family, your friends, and all those you come into contact with.

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the awesome privilege of being an ambassador on Your behalf. Help us to understand what a great honor it is to have such a title Lord that we would take it seriously and do our very best to implore the lost to be reconciled back to You before it’s too late. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Remember... You Get to Run Today

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog

Now let's get started by talking reframing our perspective on running by remembering that we don't HAVE to run, we GET to run. This is something that I stress often (and written on in the past) and also something that the Bass Pro Fitness Series published on their Facebook page in a post a while back that read... "You get to run today... remember... "

Unfortunately, this is something that I, like many runners fail to "remember" at times. This failure to remember can then lead to taking the ability to move for granted, which can eventually lead to grumbling and ingratitude... and grumbling and ungratefulness does no good for the one doing it or the people who have to listen to it. This is the very reason that I make the choice every day to be grateful for the ability to run (or walk) and you should too.

This was something I was thinking about Monday as the runners, walkers, and cyclists began to assemble at the start line of our annual Memorial Day Run to Remember. Many of the participants had once been runners but due to injury and/or age were now cyclists. And while cycling is great exercise and a fantastic way to cross-train, there's no workout that provides the same results as running (in my humble opinion of course). This is probably why I've heard the phrase, "I sure would like to run again" so many times from those who have lost the ability.

Which is the very reason, you and I should never take running for granted but should choose to remember... I get to run.

Let's face it, though, as runners, it’s easy to fall into the trap of saying, “I have to run today.”

We say it when the alarm clock goes off before sunrise. We say it when the weather's cold, windy, humid, hot, or rainy. We say it when the training plan calls for miles we’re not excited about.

But what if we changed just one word?

What if instead of saying “I have to run,” we started saying:

“I GET to run.”

That one small shift changes everything. As I said before, some people would give anything to move their body again. Some are recovering from injuries. Some are fighting illnesses. Some are sidelined by surgeries, disabilities, or life circumstances that prevent them from running at all.

When we say, “I GET to run,” we remind ourselves that movement is a gift.

The ability to lace up shoes, step outside, breathe deeply, and move forward under our own power is something many people wish they could experience.

Running isn’t punishment for what we ate. It isn’t a chore to survive. It isn’t something we are forced into. It’s an opportunity. Gratitude changes the entire run. Think about it...

A runner who approaches miles with gratitude experiences training differently. The same hill becomes a challenge instead of a burden. The same long run becomes time for reflection instead of suffering. The same sweat becomes evidence that your body is alive and capable.

Mindset doesn’t magically make every run easy, but it absolutely changes how we experience hard things.

A grateful runner notices the sunrise during morning miles, the quietness of early roads, the strength in their legs, the rhythm of their breathing, the ability to keep showing up, and the mental clarity that comes after movement. Running becomes less about obligation and more about appreciation. When we constantly tell ourselves we have to run, running can begin to feel heavy.

It starts sounding like a punishment, a requirement, another stressful task on the checklist, or something we owe instead of something we enjoy. Eventually this feeling of obligation can steal joy from the sport. That mindset often leads runners to dread workouts, compare themselves constantly, focus only on pace, forget why they started, and burn out mentally. 

But “I GET to run” creates freedom.

This way of thinking reminds us that running is a choice we are fortunate to have. And get this...  You don’t need to be fast to appreciate running. A 12-minute mile (as the BPFS post stated) covers the exact same distance as a 6-minute mile, proving the road doesn’t care how quickly you travel it. Whether you run, jog, walk, intervals, shuffle, or move slowly uphill, you are still out there doing something positive for your body and mind.

When we say “I GET to run,” we also acknowledge everything running gives back to us like stress relief, confidence, mental clarity, emotional release, discipline, resilience, community, improved heart health, stronger bones and muscles, better sleep, anxiety reduction, and personal growth.

In fact, some of the greatest lessons in life are learned on tired legs. Running teaches patience. It teaches consistency. It teaches us how to keep going even when things feel hard. And these lessons carry far beyond race day. These are the lessons that get us to the finish line. 

And there you have it friends. When running becomes something we appreciate, we are far more likely to not take it for granted and to pursue it with a smile. So, the next time your alarm goes off early for a run, pause before saying: “I HAVE to run today.” Instead, remind yourself: “I GET to run today.” And then get out there with joy in your heart, knowing that there are countless people who would love to be able to say, "I GET to run today" but can't. Don't take it for granted. That mindset shift may not change the miles ahead of you — but it can completely change how you experience them. That's the power of gratitude. Happy Running!