We are All Like Lost Sheep

"I have gone astray like a lost sheep; Seek Your servant, For I do not forget Your commandments." Psalm 119:176 NKJV

In a disturbing story published by Fox 8 Lansing over the weekend, it was reported that an 11-year-old boy who became separated from his cross country team and spent about two hours lost in the woods in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula was found safe, authorities confirmed.

The boy was running near the Canada Lakes Pathway trailhead when he lost contact with his team on Tuesday, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said in a social media post. Conservation officers received a call from local dispatch at 7:29 p.m. reporting that the child had been missing for about an hour.

Working with the Luce County Sheriff’s Department, conservation officers organized a search, the department said. The first pair of volunteers found the boy safe and healthy within 45 minutes, and he was reunited with his mother.

“Keep eyes on him. Don’t take eyes off of him,” a conservation officer can be heard telling volunteers in body camera footage shared by the DNR. The officer then starts speaking with volunteers as he runs down a trail.

“How’s your run?” the officer then asks the boy once he reaches them.

And, you know, while we don't know how this young boy lost contact with his team, the story serves as a warning that going astray can happen very quickly. This is true in our spiritual life as well. Hence the reason, the psalmist said, "I have gone astray like a lost sheep; Seek Your servant, For I do not forget Your commandments." 

In describing himself as "like a lost sheep," the psalmist was acknowledging that just as sheep wander away from the flock--because they become absorbed in grazing, get distracted, or lose track of their surroundings--he was prone to wander even though he does not forgot God's commandments. 

To understand how this could happen, consider that a sheep keeps its head down while intently eating grass and, in doing so, can become oblivious to their surroundings. In this way the sheep can slowly move away from the flock or not realize that the flock has moved away from them. Since sheep are then very prone to fear, they can quickly become distressed when they realize they are alone. 

In fact, when a sheep wanders away from its flock, its first and strongest reaction is usually intense panic. Because sheep are prey animals with a powerful herd instinct, isolation strips away their only real sense of security. Once separated, a lone sheep will typically stop grazing and begin bleating loudly in a desperate attempt to locate its companions. 

Unfortunately, instead of navigating its way back to safety, the panicked animal often wanders aimlessly or freezes in place out of fear. This disorientation frequently leads them into dangerous situations, as their poor depth perception causes them to stumble into ditches, wander onto steep ledges, or get their thick wool tangled in briars and brambles.

In the worst cases, a lost sheep might roll onto its back and become "cast," a helpless position from which they cannot right themselves without human assistance. Left unprotected and without any natural defense mechanisms, a wandering sheep is highly vulnerable to predators and completely dependent on a shepherd or handler to find and rescue them.

As you can clearly see, then, our first reaction when we have strayed (and every person will stray from time to time) is to follow the example of the psalmist and cry out to the Lord, "Seek Your servant." This simple prayer acknowledges that we have no power to find our way back by ourselves and need the Good Shepherd to lead us back into the safety of the flock. 

"The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles." Psalm 34:17

"I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own." John 10:14

The best part? The Good Shepherd knows His sheep (that's you, me, and every other person who has trusted Him as Savior), hears their bleatings no matter where they are, and delivers them out of all their troubles. 

"The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry." Psalm 34:15

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

So, if you're looking around at your life today and saying, "Wow, I sure have strayed off course and gotten lost," take heart my friend. The eyes of the Lord have always been upon you, His ears have always been open to your cry, and when you confess your sins, He is faithful to forgive and lead you back home. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that, although we will all go astray, You never take your eyes off of us nor are You ever deaf to our cries for help. Lord, cause those who are lost today to turn from their ways and seek You so they can be led back home. Thank You for being a Shepherd who loves His sheep so much that You would die for them. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Study Diligently to Be Ready

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV

As my husband, Larry, and I were finishing up our long run late Saturday morning, we decided to leave the trail and walk the last half mile or so through the local park to cool off before getting into the car. We were intent on getting home to eat a much-earned lunch, but not so intent (although we were starving) on doing it that we passed up the opportunity to engage with a couple sitting in the park with Jehovah's Witnesses pamphlets, tracts, literature and a sign that read “Join us for Bible Study.”

My husband who always speaks out of love but is a staunch defender of the Truth, stopped and engaged in polite conversation about the display, knowing that many of the beliefs that Jehovah's Witnesses hold do not align with those of the Bible--specifically their view of Jesus being created by Jehovah as the archangel Michael before the physical world existed, and being a lesser, though mighty, god rather than being the Son of God who was not created and has always been. 

"Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints." Jude 1:3

As the discourse progressed, Larry and I were introduced to some of their other doctrines we were unfamiliar with that were directly antithetical to the teachings of the Bible. And although Larry nor I had ever read The New World Translation (NWT-the Bible translation the Jehovah's Witnesses use), we were able "to contend earnestly for the faith" because we had made diligently studying the Bible our highest priority.

This was something that became obvious when the woman smiled and said to Larry, "You must talk to Jehovah's Witnesses a lot." "As a matter of fact," he answered smiling back. "This is my first time. But I had to speak up. " At that, we talked a little more before exchanging pleasantries, shaking hands, and agreeing that none of us had changed our beliefs despite the efforts of the other.

"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

"And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'" Matthew 3:17

And, you know, although the couple didn't change their mind right then, Larry and I prayed that our "rightful dividing" of the "word of truth" stirred their hearts to seek to grasp why we were so passionate about them coming to the understanding that Jesus is not only the Son of God but the only way to salvation, that their minds might be changed later. 

But here's the deal. This is the reason each and every believer must make it their highest priority to diligently study the Bible--that they might show themselves approved unto God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed by their mishandling (or misinterpretation) of the Word of God. In this way, believers will be ready to contend for the faith by always being ready to actively stand up, guard, and defend the core teachings of Christianity against distortion or false ideas. 

And don't think that you have to be an expert at fake religions to be able to detect false teachings either. As D.L. Moody once wisely said, "The best way to show that a stick is crooked is not to argue about it or to spend time denouncing it, but to lay a straight stick alongside it.”

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:33

So, make Bible study your highest priority. It will not only ensure that you will be a staunch defender of the faith but will ensure that the rest of your priorities will fall into line just as God intends. And this, my friend, is the secret to living a joy-filled life with Jesus Christ, the Son of God, at the center of it. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the Bible that is God-breathed and without error. Give us a passion for diligently studying it that we might always be ready to speak in love and truth as we contend for the faith, so that the lost would come to worship You in spirit and in truth. Help us to be bold Lord as we look for opportunities to both share and defend the Gospel. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

We are Hard Wired to Worship

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord,And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning,  And Your faithfulness every night” Psalm 92:1-2 NKJV

In an article published earlier this week by the Running Channel, the writer listed ten ways that running improves our mental health.

And the first reason won’t shock any seasoned  runner (or walker) with lived experience. Feel good chemicals that are emitted during exercise improve our mood and our cognitive well-being. That’s the main reason we do it right? And, most definitely, one of the main reasons we keep coming back to it. In that way, you could say that we are hardwired to run and to continue running.

The writer went on to say…

When you exercise, the brain releases a lot of feel-good neurotransmitters and hormones like dopamine, endorphins, endocannabinoids (responsible for the runner’s high), noradrenaline, serotonin, cortisol and even oxytocin, known as the ‘love chemical’.

Between them, they help to boost your mood, reduce stress, give some natural pain relief, make you feel good about what you’re doing, reduce anxiety, increase empathy and improve your all-round psychological well-being.

You don’t need to have a full runner’s high to benefit, and most of these chemicals are released soon after you start running – they’re even released on the runs that you find a struggle. Some of those chemicals remain at elevated levels in the bloodstream for an hour or more after you finish running. 

And, you know, in the same way that we are hardwired to run because of the neurotransmitters that are released that make us feel good, we are hardwired to worship. Why? Because worship releases “feel good” chemicals that boost our moods in ways that make us want more. 

In fact, just as science confirms the release of dopamine and other neurotransmitters during exercise, neuroscientists have documented that the acts associated with praise and worship trigger a powerful cocktail of neurotransmitters as well.

For instance, expressing adoration and focusing on God spikes dopamine, which focuses our attention and rewards the brain with deep feelings of joy. At the same time, the practice of gratitude rewires our neural pathways to prioritize positive information over negative stressors, effectively lowering anxiety.

When worship takes place in a corporate or group setting (think group run), the biological effects multiply through shared human experience. 
Singing together in a congregation synchronizes the heart rates of participants and releases massive amounts of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for building trust, fostering social bonds, and lowering cortisol stress levels. 

Additionally, physical expressions of praise like clapping, swaying, or raising hands stimulate the nervous system to release endorphins and serotonin, which mask physical discomfort and elevates our overall mood.

From a spiritual perspective, this intricate biological design suggests that the spiritual disciplines we are called to practice are simultaneously engineered for our mental and physical health. Pretty cool right? 

And the best part is that we can praise and worship anywhere. This is the very reason that the psalmist declared that it was good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing praises to His name. The psalmist went on to say that he would declare God’s lovingkindness in the morning and His faithfulness at night.

In this way, the psalmist began his day in worship (thereby creating an upward spiral for work), and ended his day in worship (thereby creating a perfect atmosphere for sleep)—something that you can be sure was great for his mental health!

So, if you’re struggling with anxiety or depression today, lift your hands in worship to the Lord my friend. Sing songs of praise until the cloud of gloom passes and then thank God for His faithfulness. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for creating us in ways that we crave that which is for our good and for your glory. Lord cause us to long for worship in the same way our bodies long for food, water, and exercise. Help us to put You first in all things that our minds, bodies, and hearts might be happy and healthy. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Forward is a Pace

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,” Philippians 3:13 NKJV

In an inspiring story titled “‘Forward is a pace’: Coastside runner conquers Leadville 100” published yesterday, it was reported that Julia Minkstein, 23, has completed three 100-mile races while managing celiac disease, sobriety, school and full-time work.

On the backside of Hope Pass, about 59 miles into one of the country’s most storied ultramarathons, Julia Minkstein wanted to quit.

The trail was steep. The wind was picking up, the temperature was dropping and Minkstein still had to climb toward the 12,500-foot pass—with roughly 40 miles left before the finish line. The 100-mile race began Aug. 22 in Leadville, Colorado, and continued into the following day.

“I was miserable,” she said. “I was like, ‘I hate this. The universe is against me. I want to quit.’”

Instead, the 23-year-old longtime Coastside resident repeated a mantra familiar to many ultrarunners: “Forward is a pace.”

As long as she could put one foot in front of the other, she was still getting somewhere.
Hours later, Minkstein crossed the finish line of the Leadville Trail 100 Run, completing a 99.7-mile course with more than 13,000 feet of elevation gain…

And, you know, in the same way, moving forward, step-by-step will get us to the finish line in a hard, physical race, moving forward step-by-step will also get us to the end of our spiritual race.

This was something Paul alluded to when he said, “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,”.

The Apostle Paul wrote these words from prison, using the image of an athlete running a race to explain how to live a faithful life… especially when managing the memories of our past mistakes and the reality of our current difficulties. Rather than giving up though, this is the exact time that we need to remember that if we will just keep moving, we will not only finish strong but will grow along the way.

This is reason Paul said that he did not consider himself to have "taken hold of it yet," proving that even as a major church leader and super Apostle, he knew he still had room to grow. This humility in spirit kept Him focused on the finish line and his need for Jesus to help him make it there. 

And by saying, "forgetting what is behind," Paul was refusing to let yesterday's sins, regrets, or even past spiritual successes distract him from running the race today. Instead, he describes himself as "straining toward what is ahead," using a word picture of a runner leaning forward with every muscle to cross the finish line with a single-minded focus on knowing Jesus better.

Today, this message matters because it stops guilt from bringing us to a standstill by freeing us from past mistakes, prevents pride from being a stumbling block by keeping us from coasting on old achievements, and provides a clear focus for our current life with God. In other words, Paul reminds us that forward (no matter how fast or slow that is) is a pace that we must always keep.

So, no matter what your past looks like, keep putting one foot in front of the other in your pursuit to be like Christ today my friend. Some days might be easy running and others might be hard walking, but if you keep moving forward, you will still be getting somewhere. And that somewhere is heaven… one step at a time. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that the Christian race will not be an easy one. Lord, help us to focus on You today and every day that we might not get sidetracked by thinking about the past but remain focused on pressing on to the future and finishing the race set before us. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Why Hill Work Belongs in Your Training

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about why hill work belongs in your training, even if the race you're training for doesn't have any significant hills.

 

For instance, the Bass Pro Marathon/Half doesn't have a whole lot of hills but the Dogwood Canyon trail runs do, a whole lot of them! As does the upcoming Run the Rock  happening on September 12. 

But this is the deal, no matter what event you're training for, I will tell you that as a runner and running coach, one of the best ways to become a stronger, more efficient, and more confident runner is also one of the simplest: run some hills. 

Hills may not always be your favorite part of training (I know runners who avoid them like the plague), but they have an incredible way of exposing your weaknesses and then helping you turn those weaknesses into strengths. 

Which means, whether you’re training for your first 5K, working toward the Bass Pro Shops Half Marathon or Marathon, or preparing to tackle the trails at Dogwood Canyon, adding regular hill work can make you a better runner from head to toe.

Which brings us to some of the many benefits of running hills…

Hill running is often called "strength training in disguise," and for good reason. Running uphill requires greater involvement from the glutes, hamstrings, calves, quads, and core than running the same pace on flat ground. It also encourages a strong knee drive, good arm movement, and a powerful push off the ground. Instead of simply trying to run faster to increase the intensity of a workout, a hill naturally creates resistance. Over time, that extra resistance can help improve running strength and make your normal running pace on flatter terrain feel easier.

Hill work is also great cardiovascular training. Your heart rate climbs quickly when the road starts going up, even when your pace slows down. That means hills give you an opportunity to work hard without necessarily having to sprint. Short hill repeats (sprinting up and jogging down) can provide a powerful workout, while longer, steady climbs can teach your body to maintain effort when running gets uncomfortable. Both are valuable tools for anyone participating in the Bass Pro Fitness Series, especially as fall race season gets closer.

But the benefits of hills aren't only physical. Hills train your mind. Every runner eventually encounters a moment in a race when the legs are tired and the brain starts suggesting that slowing down or stopping would be much easier. Hill training gives us repeated opportunities to practice staying calm, maintaining effort, and continuing forward when things get difficult. 

There’s something incredibly satisfying about reaching the top of a hill that once intimidated you. Do it often enough and you begin approaching hills with confidence instead of dread.

And there may be no better opportunity to put that hill training into practice than Run the Rock at Top of the Rock in Ridgedale, Missouri. Run the Rock's challenging 3- and 6-mile courses provide exactly the kind of terrain that can push runners outside their comfort zones. The 6-mile course in particular is challenging, with hills and a variety of surfaces along the way, but runners are rewarded with some of the most beautiful scenery in the Ozarks, including waterfalls, a cave, scenic overlooks, and incredible surroundings. Instead of looking at those hills as something standing between you and the finish line, think of them as part of the training.

Run the Rock also comes at a great time for runners who have their sights set on the Dogwood Canyon Trail Runs in November (or any other fall race). Trail running requires a different kind of strength than running on flat pavement. Hills, uneven surfaces, changing terrain, and long climbs can challenge muscles that don't always get enough attention during traditional road training. 

Don't forget about the downhills, either (I can’t stress that one enough). Many runners focus so much on getting to the top that they forget descending is a skill of its own. Downhill running places different demands on the legs and requires balance, control, confidence, and good technique. A runner who has practiced both climbing and descending is going to be much better prepared when race day includes rolling hills or challenging trail terrain.

If hills aren't currently part of your training, you don't need to start by finding the biggest hill in your neighborhood. Begin gradually. Add a few short hills to an easy run, finish a workout with several controlled hill repeats, or choose a rolling route once a week. Focus on effort rather than pace. Your pace will naturally slow going uphill, and that's okay. Keep your posture tall, shorten your stride, use your arms, and concentrate on maintaining a steady effort all the way to the top.

So, there you have it friends. I hope that inspires to seek the hills and seek them often!!! And if you're looking for the perfect place to put that hill strength to the test, get registered for the Run the Rock. Those hills just might be exactly what you need to get stronger today—and to be ready when the trails of Dogwood Canyon come calling in November. You'll also be more than ready for those flat races! Which makes running hills a win-win for every runner.  Happy Running!

The Change Will Happen Fast

“Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 NKJV

In an astonishing story titled “Try And Wrap Your Mind Around Just How Fast Yomif Kejelcha’s Half Marathon World Record Really Is” posted over the weekend, it was reported that Ethiopian long distance runner Yomif Kejelcha didn’t just break the Half Marathon world record on Sunday in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he absolutely obliterated the previous record and shaved 29 seconds of Jacob Kiplimo’s previous record. Kejelcha crossed the finish line with a time of 56:51.

To really put into context how fast that is I thought we could break down his half marathon times and splits into chunks that the rest of us mortals can comprehend.

As everyone knows, the half marathon distance is 13.1 miles. That breaks down to 21.0975 kilometers or 23,072.5 yards.

That means Yomif Kejelcha was running 6.18 meters per second or 6.76 yards per second. Over the course of the entire 1/2 marathon, he averaged a 5.913 40-yard dash time. For context, Tom Brady ran a 5.28-second 40-yard dash in his NFL Combine and that was his all out sprint effort for only 40 yards. He didn’t then have to do that 577 consecutive times in a row over the course of a half marathon.

Wow, right? 

And, you know, as hard as it is for a person to wrap their mind around how a human could run as fast as Yomif, it’s even more mind-blowing to consider how quickly living and dead believers will be instantly transformed from mortal, decaying bodies into permanent, immortal, and glorified bodies upon the return of Jesus—a sudden shift that marks the final defeat of death

This is why Paul calls it a mystery (something strange, unknown, or hard to explain that has not yet been understood ) saying, “we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”

"For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these word" 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

Did you get that “in the twinkling of an eye” part? That's how quickly this will all happen when the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God! "And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air."

This will be a fraction of time so blindingly fast that it will defy human comprehension--so fast that those left behind won't be able to wrap their minds around it. This is not the slow duration of a deliberate blink, but rather the instantaneous, micro-second reflection of light off the human iris.

The transformation will happen at an atomic, reality-altering speed that no human mind can fathom. In that single, indivisible micro-moment, the barrier between earth and heaven will be shattered, instantly giving both resurrected and living believers the imperishable bodies required to meet the Lord in the air and remain with Him forever.

Wow, right?

Which means that if a person isn't ready, they will miss it!

On that note, let me ask you this.... if the Lord were to come back at this very moment (and He very well could), would you be counted among the "we?" The "we" who are the faithful followers of Jesus Christ who will be caught up and immediately ushered into the presence of the King?

If the answer is no, I urge you to make the choice to accept Jesus as your Savior right now my friend. It will ensure that when the change happens that you won't miss it.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the encouragement found in the Bible that assures us that You not only walk us through this life but will walk with us in the next. Lord, cause us to be so focused on your glorious appearing that we live each day as if it could be the day of Your return. And help us to inspire others to do the same. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Chapters End but Your Story Does Not

“A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 NKJV

In a bittersweet story titled “That Chapter Has Ended’: Olympian Jenny Simpson Says Her Running Career Is Over After Cardiac Arrest,” published last week, Simpson revealed she was diagnosed with a rare heart condition after her heart stopped during a community mile race. She says recovery is going well.

After detailing her near death experience and her miraculous improvement, the 39-year old called her current situation the “best-case scenario.”

My future is an incredible gift,” Simpson wrote following her major health scare. “It’s hopeful, and it will continue to have great purpose.”

But she added that her diagnosis makes returning to running dangerous.

“That chapter has ended,” she wrote. “Thankfully, my story hasn’t.”

And, you know, as this “story” clearly shows, you and I can carefully map out our lives and make our goals, but ultimately we have no control over whether those plans will come to pass.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

Thankfully though, as believers, we can trust that God is not only in complete control in directing our steps, but will cause “all things” in our life (the tests, the trials, the disappointments, delays, and the detours) to “work together” for our good. That means, when one chapter in our lifes closes, we can be sure that God will open up another one—an even better one—that will be better than anything that we could ever imagine.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 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 4:7-8

In this way, we can be confident in saying that our story isn’t over until we finish the race, God closes the final chapter, we lay hold of the “crown of righteousness” and enter into His rest. 

So, if you have not chosen to trust Jesus as your Savior, I hope you will do so today my friend, as these promises are only for believers. Not only will you inherit eternal life by doing so, but you can rest in the knowledge that the Lord will direct your steps until the day He brings you home.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the confidence believers can have that You are ultimately in control of our steps. Lord, cause us to undertand that Your ways are higher than ours and so are Your plans for our lives. Help us to trust You when a chapter in our lives closes and to joyfully look to the future, viewing it as the incredible gift that it is. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Jesus Died to Solve the Problem

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23 NKJV

In an article titled “How to Get Rid of Smelly Shoes—and the Best Deodorizers That Actually Work” shared by Runner’s World yesterday, the writer gave tips and insights for solving a problem that most runners have or have had at one point or another… stubborn shoe funk odor. 

They started by saying… There is a big difference between running shoes that merely smell “a little used” and shoes that have survived double sessions on the track, bus rides home, and an 18‑year‑old who wears the same pair to school, work, practice, and everywhere in between. Sweat, heat, and friction create a warm, moist microclimate inside the sneaker, which is perfect for odor‑producing bacteria to thrive. Once those bacteria have colonized the foam and lining, the smell does not wash out easily, and it can come roaring back within a single hard workout.

They then went on to say…The fix is a combination of removing moisture, cleaning away odor-causing buildup, and preventing your shoes from staying damp between runs. 

And, you know, while stinky running shoes have been a problem for a long time, the problem mankind had with sin was present from the time Adam and Eve transgressed in the garden.

This was a problem, you can be sure, that you and I could not “fix” on our own.

You see, sin separated us from a holy and perfect God. Romans 3:23 tells us that we "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” No amount of good deeds, religious activity, or personal effort could erase that sin or restore the relationship that had been broken. We needed a Savior—someone who could do for us what we could never do for ourselves.

That's why Jesus came. God loved us so deeply that He sent His Son into the world to live the perfect, sinless life that we could not live. Jesus willingly went to the cross and took upon Himself the punishment our sins deserved. As Romans 5:8 says,“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” 

The cross demonstrates both the seriousness of our sin and the incredible depth of God's love. Jesus didn't die because He was guilty; He died in our place because we were.

But, thankfully, the story didn't end at the cross. Three days later, Jesus rose from the grave. His resurrection demonstrated His victory over sin and death and confirmed the hope He offers to everyone who believes in Him. The stone was rolled away, the tomb was empty, and death did not have the final word. Because Jesus lives, we can have forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and the promise of eternal life.

The Gospel is the beautiful truth that Jesus came to fix what sin had broken. We could not work our way back to God, so God came to us. Jesus paid the debt we could not pay and conquered the death we could not defeat. Through repentance and faith in Christ, we are forgiven and given new life. 

As John 3:16 reminds us, “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.” The cross paid the price. The empty tomb proved the victory. And Jesus made a way for us to come home to God. Is that amazing or what?

So, if you have not made the decision to accept Jesus as your Savior, what are you waiting for my friend? Jesus made the way but it’s up to you to take it. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for providing the only Solution that could fix our sin-problem. Help us to understand that we were completely unable to save ourselves apart from Your Son so that we would choose to follow Him before it’s too late. Lord, remind us that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed so that we would not put the decision off. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

The Evidence is in the Eye Witnesses

"For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time." 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 NKJV

In an interesting story titled,"Many Runners—Even Some Pros—Say the Edmonton Half Marathon Was Long. The Race Disagrees," published by Runner's World on Tuesday, it was reported that Rory Linkletter left Edmonton on Sunday with the Canadian Half Marathon Championship win, along with a fairly major question about how far he had actually run.

Linkletter told Canadian Running that he believed the course was too long, enough so that he backed off over the final two kilometers rather than keep chasing the course record.

Olympian Natasha Wodak knew something felt off, too. With less than a kilometer remaining, she glanced at her watch and saw a slower time than expected. She knew she wasn’t having her best day, but the final time still didn’t quite add up.

Afterward, Wodak and other runners concluded the course must have been too long, according to CBC News.

And once runners started looking at their watches, Linkletter and Wodak hardly looked like outliers. Half marathoners reported distances around 21.9 to 22.1 kilometers (a half marathon is 21.1K), while participants on Reddit pointed to strange chip splits, kilometer markers, and even the pacers.

“The pace bunnies were even off time,” one runner wrote. “That should be an indicator right there.”

There was also an obvious place to start looking, as construction had forced a detour along Jasper Avenue.

Race director Tom Keogh said that change added roughly 712 meters to the route, with approximately 690 meters removed near the turnaround to make up the difference. Organizers continue to stand by their word that the adjustment was done correctly....

And, you know, in the same way the eyewitness reports concluded that the course was too long despite the claims that the adjustment was done correctly, there were hundreds of eyewitness reports to the resurrection of Jesus Christ that proved that it happened despite the claims of those who stand by their assertion that it didn’t. 

This is very important to understand, because if Jesus had not risen from the dead, His life and death would not have mattered. 

Thankfully, the evidence of Jesus’ resurrection is indisputable as it’s confirmed through early historical texts, primarily found in the New Testament, which record multiple post-crucifixion appearances to various individuals and large groups. 

A foundational piece of evidence is the early creed recorded by the Apostle Paul in which scholars date to within a few years of Jesus' death. 

This creed explicitly lists appearances to Peter (seen by Cephas), the twelve disciples, and more than 500 people at one time, with Paul noting that most of these witnesses were still alive and available for questioning when he wrote the letter. 

Additionally, all four canonical Gospels document that women, including Mary Magdalene, were the initial witnesses to the empty tomb and the risen Jesus. These accounts (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20) emphasize the physical nature of the encounters, describing Jesus eating food and inviting the disciples to touch his wounds to demonstrate He was not a hallucination or a spirit.

And while secular scholars will continue to deny the resurrection despite the overwhelming evidence, and thus deny Jesus, it’s impossible to deny how a group of frightened, hiding followers would suddenly became bold proclaimers of the resurrection, willingly facing intense persecution and martyrdom for a claim they could have easily verified as true or false, if they hadn’t seen the risen Christ.

So, if you’re still clinging to the belief that Jesus was merely a teacher and not the risen Lord, I urge you to check out the irrefutable facts my friend. Doing so will prove “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.”

Heavenly Father, thank You for the free gift of salvation that was bought by the precious blood of Jesus. Lord, make us bold in sharing our witness with the world, of what You have done for us, so that the lost would seek You because of it. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Volunteering is a Win-Win for Everyone

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about volunteering. As both a runner and a Race Director, I know firsthand that volunteers can make or break a race and they can most certainly make or break a run.

This was something I saw over the weekend at the 36-hour ultra marathon (with distances from 12 miles to 100 miles)  that I have the blessing of directing. I can't tell you how many of the finishers paid a debt of gratitude to the amazing people who stepped up to work aid stations, assist at packet pickup, and came out to encourage the runners. Volunteering has that power!

But did you know that volunteering is also good for the one doing it? It's true!

Volunteering does far more than just support a good cause—it actively reshapes and protects your brain.

When you give your time to others, your brain enters a rewarding state often called the "helper’s high," triggering a powerful release of feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin.

This chemical cocktail naturally lifts your mood, strengthens social bonds, and lowers cortisol, effectively shielding your nervous system from the damaging effects of chronic stress.

Furthermore, diving into new volunteer environments challenges your mind to build fresh neural pathways, while the deep sense of purpose it provides serves as a psychological anchor.

For older adults, this combination of mental engagement, emotional fulfillment, and consistent social interaction acts as a shield against cognitive decline, significantly preserving memory and reducing the risk of dementia.

With that being said, I will tell you that we had volunteers that stepped up for one or more shifts of 2-4 hours or more and even had volunteers that stayed onsite to help the entire time! At the end, they all agreed that they had tired hands but happy hearts!

So, if this has your interest piqued, I have a great opportunity for you! Run the Rock is coming up at Top of the Rock in Ridgedale, Missouri, on September 12 and this is a perfect opportunity to experience a race from the other side of the course.

To further inspire you to volunteer, check out these other great reasons that volunteering at a race can be just as fun as participating in the race:

You Can be a Part of the Race Without Running the Race

We tend to think participation means putting on a bib and crossing the starting line. It doesn't.

The person handing a runner a cup of water is participating.

The volunteer helping with packet pickup is participating.

The course marshal pointing runners in the right direction is participating.

The person standing along the course yelling, "You've got this!" may be participating more than they realize.

Every one of those people becomes part of a runner's race-day story.

And at a challenging event like Run the Rock, those volunteers can make an enormous difference.

Aid Station Volunteers Are a Welcome Sight

Ask any runner who has struggled through a difficult race what it feels like to see an aid station ahead.

It's a beautiful sight!

Sometimes that cup of water is exactly what you need. Sometimes it's the smile that comes with it.

An aid station volunteer may only interact with a runner for a few seconds, but those few seconds can provide encouragement at exactly the right time. When runners are hot, tired and questioning why they thought this was a good idea, hearing someone say, "You're doing great!" can give them the little mental boost they need to keep moving.

You aren't just handing out water.

You're handing out encouragement.

Packet Pickup Lets You Share in the Excitement

Packet pickup is one of my favorite parts of the pre-race experience because everyone walks in carrying a mixture of excitement and nerves.

For some runners, Run the Rock may be another challenge in a long list of races. For others, it may be completely outside their comfort zone.

The volunteer who greets them, finds their bib and answers a question helps set the tone for their entire experience.

A friendly face can turn nervousness into excitement.

And if you're a runner yourself, packet pickup gives you the opportunity to talk with other runners, hear their stories and share in that wonderful anticipation that happens before a race begins.

Course Marshals Are Cheerleaders With Directions

Run the Rock isn't your average road race.

The course at Top of the Rock challenges runners with hills and a variety of surfaces while rewarding them with incredible scenery, including waterfalls, a cave and beautiful overlooks.

That means course volunteers have an especially important job.

A course marshal helps runners know where they're going, keeps them moving in the right direction and provides encouragement along the way.

You might think you're simply standing at an intersection pointing to the right.

The runner approaching you may see something entirely different:

A friendly face. A sign that they're still on course. And someone who believes they can finish.

Never underestimate the power of cheering for a tired runner.

Volunteering Makes You a Better Runner

One of the greatest benefits of volunteering is gaining a completely different perspective on racing.

When you're racing, your world becomes pretty small. You're thinking about your pace, breathing, nutrition, legs, watch and finish time.

When you volunteer, you get to watch the entire race unfold.

You see the front runners.

You see the middle of the pack.

You see the person who is struggling but refuses to quit.

You see experienced runners encouraging beginners.

You see people accomplishing something they weren't sure they could do.

Watching those moments can remind you why you started running in the first place.

It can also teach you a lot. You notice how runners approach aid stations, how they handle difficult sections of a course and how different people respond when things get tough.

Sometimes standing on the sidelines makes you a better runner the next time you're on the course.

You Become Part of Someone Else's Finish

As a race director, I've learned that runners remember volunteers.

They remember the person who filled their bottle.

They remember the person who made them laugh.

They remember the course marshal who told them the hard part was almost over.

They remember the stranger who yelled their name when they desperately needed encouragement.

A volunteer may go home thinking, I just handed out water today.

Meanwhile, a runner goes home thinking, That volunteer at the aid station helped me keep going.

That's pretty powerful.

It's a Great Way to Give Back to the Running Community

If you've run very many races, you've benefited from volunteers countless times.

Someone filled your cup.

Someone handed you your bib.

Someone placed your medal around your neck.

Someone directed you through an intersection.

Someone stood outside early in the morning—or late into the day—so you could chase a goal.

Volunteering is our opportunity to return the favor.

Running communities don't become strong because of races alone. They become strong because people show up for one another.

And It's Just Plain Fun

There is also a much simpler reason to volunteer:

Race day is fun!

You get the excitement without worrying about your pace.

You meet runners.

You meet other volunteers.

You laugh.

You cheer.

You watch people accomplish hard things.

And you usually leave feeling like you received every bit as much as you gave.

And there you have it friends. Volunteering from time to time is a win/win for everyone! So help out at Run the Rock if you can. And if you can't, find another opportunity to be a blessing to someone else and go volunteer. You'll be so glad you did!

 Happy Running!

It’s Not Worth the Risk

“In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return.’” Genesis 3:19 NKJV

In a harrowing story titled “Pro trail runner attacked by bear in Alaska” posted by Canadian Running Magazine yesterday, it was reported that Alaska trail runner Klaire Rhodes was attacked by a brown bear on Thursday morning while running alone on her home state’s Chugach trails.

In an Instagram post, Rhodes wrote that she came away with what she described as “relatively minor injuries, with the most severe being a deep puncture wound to my left hip and claw and teeth marks on my body.” The North Face athlete used bear spray during the encounter and was able to make it back to the trailhead.

Rhodes didn’t share the full sequence of events, saying she wanted to avoid the “unsolicited opinions” that tend to follow a story like this online. “The moment felt like a nightmare come to life,” she wrote.

The Chugach trails are a major part of Rhodes’s life and training. “Running in the Chugach is where I feel most at home,” she wrote, while acknowledging that the area is also the bear’s home. “Despite all the precautions in the world, it’s just a risk that a lot of us choose to take to live life in the way we love.”

And, you know, as an ultrarunner myself, I’ll tell you that I share Klaire’s sentiments on choosing to  hit the trails despite the dangers associated with it… it’s just a risk I’m willing to take to live life in the way that I love. 

But there’s one risk that people are taking every single day that comes with a danger that is anything but ‘relatively minor.’ And that’s putting off the decision to follow Jesus Christ, thinking they can do it some other time or that it’s of ‘relatively minor’ importance. 

But this is the deal. The Bible is very clear that each and every one of us came from dust and to dust we shall all return. That means no one, and I mean no one, is getting out of this thing alive! A person could take all the precautions in the world and it will not keep them from returning to the ground. 

That’s a fact.

“And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” Matthew 25:46

But it’s also a fact that death is not the end for anyone. Our physical bodies will perish and decay. But our spirits will not. And by the choice that we make while we still have breath in our lungs, we choose eternal life or eternal damnation.

You see, there are only two places to go when we die. Period. And that’s heaven or hell. There are no other options regardless of what a person chooses to believe.

And since life is unpredictable, uncertain, and not guaranteed, the biggest risk a person can ever take is not making the decision that will determine where they will spend eternity.

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

So, if you have not made the decision to follow Jesus, what are you waiting for my friend? It’s not worth the risk of putting it off.

And if you are a believer in Jesus Christ, are you sharing the goodness of the Gospel so that none would perish in their sins on account of you?

Heavenly Father, thank You for the Word that clearly lays out the consequences for not choosing Jesus as our Savior. Help us to understand that there are only two places to go when we die that we might choose Jesus if we haven’t already and urge the lost to seek Him before it’s too late. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Look for Opportunities to Hand out Aid

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10 NKJV

Part of my job as the Race Director for the 7th annual 36-hour Bad Dawg Ultra race that was held over the weekend was to ensure that the ten-mile out and back course was stocked with supplies—namely water, electrolytes, and food—for the more than 100 runners that would be seeking to complete distances from the 12 mile ruck/run to the 100 mile race. 

As you can imagine, this duty is a very important one, specifically when it comes to hydration and especially when experiencing the heat index that we had on Saturday that reached a high of 108. 

This high temp was the very reason I was so intrigued and delighted when I heard multiple reports throughout the day (event started at 6:00 a.m.) from the runners and volunteers that there was a family that had taken it upon themselves to position themselves at one of the longest stretches on the course between aid stations to set up their own “aid station,” consisting of a father-daughter duo handing out cold water bottles from the back of an SUV that was driven by the mother. And not just for a few minutes but for many hours!

Is that amazing for what?

As the Lord would have it, this was something I got to experience for myself when I had the blessing of taking a break just before sunset from my position as Race Director (because I have a great team that can hold down the fort) to go out and pace of one my dear friends, Nadine, for the last ten-mile loop of her race.

As she and I approached this dynamic duo that I had heard about all day, I smiled and thanked them both for their kindness as they handed us a bottle of cold water. I then thanked the Lord for the example of doing good that this sweet family showed.

And, you know, this example of doing good is the exact example that the family of Christ should be showing every chance they get.

You see, the Bible is clear that “as we” ( that “we” meaning believers) have opportunity, that we are to “do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” 
This means that we aren’t to wait for opportunities to fall into our lap but are to actively look for opportunities to act! 

Why? Because when we seek, find, and do random acts of “good” such as this, we not only inspire the lost to seek out the reason behind our actions (which is always God), but inspire our brothers and sisters in Christ to look for opportunities to “do good” as well. 

So, continually look for opportunities to hand out aid my friend. These random acts of “good” will not only be good to all those around you but will be good for you as well. After all, while our good deeds might bless others, we are the ones that are truly blessed by doing them. 

Heavenly Father, thank You so much for giving us countless opportunities to do good. Lord, please help us to seek and see these opportunities that we might never waste one. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 
Happy Running!