BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Embrace the 15k Distance

Hello Runner Friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let’s get started by talking about how awesome the Bass Pro Shops Fitness Series is. They have had a lot of great races this year including last weekend‘s Fulbright 15k. 

If you’re like me and didn’t get to run the event here’s a little of what was said about it…

The BPFS recently debuted its highly anticipated, one-time Fulbright 15K on September 26, 2026, to celebrate the organization’s 20th anniversary milestone. This unique 9.3-mile distance is widely considered the ultimate sweet spot for every type of runner. 

Starting and finishing in the scenic Ritter Springs Park, the route treated participants to an immersive Ozark experience featuring towering limestone walls, bridges, and shallow water crossings along the Fulbright Trail. Runner reviews flooded social media platforms praising the impeccable race logistics, enthusiastic volunteer support, and the well-deserved Arris Pizza waiting at the finish line. Finisher remarks highlighted the dynamic terrain, with one runner noting, "The hills in the first and last mile will challenge you, but it’s just a great run!" while others raved that the gorgeous natural views and the diverse, multi-generational community of participants made the physical effort incredibly rewarding.

It’s no wonder then that the medals included the phrase, “The Future is Bright” because it is! After all, Marathon Weekend is almost here and that means the Dogwood Canyon trail runs are almost here too! The future is indeed bright!

But getting back to 15k’s. 

As a longtime runner and running coach, I’ve learned that runners have a funny way of looking at distances. A 5K sounds manageable. A 10K sounds like a challenge. A half marathon sounds serious. And then someone says 15K, and a newer runner might immediately think, Wait...how far is that again?

It’s 9.3 miles.

Before you decide that sounds like a long way, hear me out: a 15K might be one of the most approachable—and most fun—distance goals you can choose. That’s why so many runners stepped up to the start line at Fulbright! And why so many of them finished!

And with the Bass Pro Fitness Series and the Dogwood Canyon trail races coming up, it could be the perfect opportunity to stretch yourself just a little farther.

One of the things I love about the 15K distance is that you don't have to become a high-mileage runner to prepare for it.

If you can already complete a 5K, you have a starting point. If you're comfortable with a 10K, you're even closer than you think.

Training for a 15K can be as simple as gradually extending your weekly long run. You don't have to suddenly start running nine miles every weekend. Add distance a little at a time, stay consistent, and allow your body to adapt.

That might look something like:

3 miles → 4 miles → 5 miles → 6 miles → 7 miles → 8 miles

Suddenly, nine-ish miles doesn't seem nearly as intimidating. 

That's one of the greatest lessons running teaches us: we don't have to be ready for the finish line on the first day of training.

We just have to be ready for today's run.

For runners who have finished a few 5Ks or 10Ks and are wondering, What's next?, the 15K is a fantastic answer.

It's long enough that you get to experience some of the things that make distance running special. You'll learn about pacing, hydration, fueling, patience and what happens when your brain starts negotiating with your legs. But it doesn't require the same training commitment as a half marathon or marathon.

Think of the 15K as the friendly middle child of distance running. It says, “Come on. We're going farther than a 10K, but we're not doing anything crazy.”

Of course, runners have very different definitions of “crazy,” so I'll leave that there

If you've been participating in the Bass Pro Fitness Series and wondering whether you're ready to try something longer, the 15K may be exactly the challenge you're looking for!

And, although the Dogwood 15k is sold out (it goes fast!) for 2026, you can begin training for a 15k so you’ll be ready for next year. 

It's just a great distance for anyone looking for a challenge. 

And, here's something I want newer runners to understand: you don't have to run every step to be a runner or to complete a 15K.
A run/walk strategy can be an excellent way to tackle the distance.

Run four minutes, walk one.

Run three minutes, walk one.

Run 30 seconds, walk 30 seconds. 

Run from one landmark to another and then take a planned walking break.

The daily goal is forward progress. And the ultimate goal is completing a 15K. 

Think about lt this way… there’s something pretty cool about reaching the point in your running journey where you can casually say:

"Yeah, I ran nine miles this morning." And then go eat breakfast like that's a completely normal thing to do.

Training for a 15K gives you enough distance to feel a real sense of accomplishment without taking over your entire life. And it let's you know if you want to tackle an even longer distance, like the half marathon or marathon. 

And there you have it friends. If you’re looking to make your future bright, start by working your way up to being able to run 9.3 miles. It will not only give you a sense of great accomplishment, but will also make the 5K and 10K distances exponentially easier for you to cover.... something that's a win in more ways than one. 

Happy Running!

Be A Willing Witness

“And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’” Acts 1:8 NKJV

In an astonishing  story posted by Canadian Running yesterday, it was reported that New Zealand ultrarunner Shannon-Leigh Litt finished an ultramarathon every day for 1,000 straight days, completing the streak on Saturday in Whangārei, N.Z., to set a new Guinness World Record (GWR), after running at least 50 kilometres a day since Jan. 1, 2024. Wow, right?

As reported by RNZ, the 47-year-old criminal defence lawyer says she was originally inspired by Australia’s Erchana Murray-Bartlett, who ran a marathon a day for 150 days across Australia in 2022. Litt went through more than 90 pairs of shoes during her run, while navigating challenges such as flooding and extreme temperatures. She also dealt with illness several times, and had to fit the runs around her work.

Litt generally ran 51 km, rather than stopping at the required 50, giving herself a small buffer in case of discrepancies in the GPS measurement she would need to submit for record ratification. Over 1,000 days, that puts her total at more than 51,000 km.

The GWR mark Litt originally set out to break belonged to U.S. ultrarunner Candice Burt, who ran an ultra distance on 200 consecutive days between Nov. 5, 2022 and May 23, 2023 in Boulder, Colo., documenting her journey on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. GWR now lists Litt at 1,000 consecutive days, although its records can take time to be verified.

Simply recording the distance on Strava wasn’t enough. According to RNZ, Litt used two GPS watches, had two witnesses sign off on each run and recorded video at the beginning and end. She also took photos and additional video during the run. In an interview earlier in the streak, Litt said Guinness does not accept Strava files, so her GPS data had to be converted and uploaded separately.

Finding witnesses could be another challenge when she travelled. New Zealand Woman’s Weekly reported that Litt once approached 11 people in Europe before finding someone willing to witness her run.

And, you know, while it might be challenging to find people willing to serve as witnesses to our worldly pursuits, it should never be challenging to find believers who are willing to be witnesses to the saving grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  

You see, when Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection, He was clear that the timing of the restoration of the kingdom to Israel belonged solely to the Father. Jesus then said, "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

With these words, Jesus was giving His followers boldness and a blueprint for spreading the Gospel through the power of the Holy Spirit. Instead of relying on their own strength, the disciples were called to be "witnesses"—simply sharing the reality of Jesus's life, death, and resurrection until the day of His return. 

This command served as a geographic and cultural road map that started locally in Jerusalem, expanded regionally into Judea, broke through bitter ethnic and social barriers in Samaria, and ultimately pushed outward to the ends of the earth. For believers today, it remains a timeless reminder that the mission of faith begins right where we are, but it never stops until it reaches everyone.

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

So be a willing witness wherever God calls you to go my friend, knowing that you aren't doing it in your own power but by the power of Holy Spirit that indwells every believer. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are called to be witnesses at all times and in all places. Lord, help us to understand that sharing the Good News is a command and not a suggestion. In a world that's growing increasingly hostile to hearing the Gospel, help us to remember that we go and speak in the power of the Holy Spirit and not our own that we might be bold and courageous. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Strive to Finish Worn Out

“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’” Matthew 25:23 NKJV

As I neared the finish line of the Ultrapalooza 50 Mile Ultra-Marathon on Saturday evening, after more than 11 hours of continuous movement, I had to fight back tears of relief. 

This had been an exceptionally hard run both mentally and physically. I was hungry. I was tired. I was lonely. My phone had died around mile 30. And my feet were swollen and sore. 

My husband (who completed the 50k) and I, as part of Runner’s Church Ministries, had even arrived at the start line earlier than necessary that morning so he could deliver a pre-race service and prayer before the event began--something we consider ourselves beyond blessed to do.

But, in spite of the fatigue, my heart was joyful as I heard the sounds of cowbell and cheering in the distance, which meant my race would soon be over and I would be able to rest. The thought of this caused me to speak out loud. “Oh Lord,” I said. “I love you so much and I’m so thankful for all the opportunities you have given sweet Larry and me to serve You. Please give us the strength to keep serving You with all that we have so that we can enter heaven totally worn out, confident we have given all that You have given us back to You in service.”

And, you know, while Jesus used the metaphor of financial success in the Parable of the Talents to communicate what it means to be His servant, it’s clear that you and I, as believers, are called to serve God with all of the talents God has given us. While these talents do include our treasures as the story illustrates, they also include our time and our God-given abilities as well.

“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

This means that if we have the ability to run for God’s glory, we should run for His glory. If we have the ability to teach, play an instrument, sing, or have any other talent, we are to use it to the best of our ability to serve Him as well “always abounding in the work of the Lord.” And we are to do it in a way that shows we acknowledge God as the Giver of these abilities, thereby giving the Lord a hefty return on his investment. 

The best part about doing that? We will not only be rewarded by hearing the words "well done good and faithful servant" spoken by the Son of God, Himself, but will be given the opportunity to be responsible for larger things. The reward is not about prestige then, but having the opportunity to have an even greater impact.

Finally, the Master will reward the servant who is found working hard with a joy that can be shared and entered into: a personal relationship with Himself now and into eternity. How’s that for a win? 

So be willing to give up everything you have—your time, talents, and treasures—in service to the Lord my friend. Work so hard that you’ll be worn out and you’ll find that, when you reach that final finish line, the spiritual and eternal rewards you gained will have surpassed anything that you gave. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving every believer unique talents to be used for Your glory. Help us to discern what we have been entrusted with and to work hard to give You a return on Your investment. Inspire us to live to hear the words “well done good and faithful servant” that we might not bury anything You have given us. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Leave Vengeance to God

“Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.” Romans 12:19 NKJV

In a heart-wrenching story posted by WCNC Charlotte out of North Carolina earlier this week, it was reported that a Mecklenburg County judge sentenced Q'laundra Hood after she pleaded guilty to felony hit and run and misdemeanor death by vehicle in the January death of 25-year-old Lance Sotelo, who was struck and killed while out for a run in east Charlotte.

Hood will serve 30 days in the Mecklenburg County Jail, followed by 36 months of supervised probation. She was also ordered to pay attorney, probation, and restitution fees.

Sotelo was killed on Jan. 14 in a hit-and-run crash that left his family and community reeling for months as they awaited the outcome of the case.

In court Tuesday, Hood read a letter aloud to Sotelo's family, asking for forgiveness and taking responsibility for her actions.

"I no longer want revenge. I want rehabilitation for her and the sake of her child," Sotelo's mother Jeanne said.

And, you know, while it’s natural to want to seek revenge or to hurt or punish someone in response to a wrong, injury, or insult against us, the Bible tells us that we are not to avenge ourselves, but are to leave it to the wrath of God, “for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.”

This means that, even though wanting revenge feels normal when someone hurts us, we should not seek to punish them ourselves. Instead, we must let go of our anger and trust God to handle justice fairly in His own time. Especially when that person is truly sorry and willing to turn their life around. 

You see, God avenges, or exacts satisfaction or retributive justice for an injustice, through His own perfect justice. 

His motives are pure.  God does not act out of selfish spite, rage, or petty hate. His actions are completely holy and fair.

His timing is perfect. God chooses the exact right moment to address wrongdoing. It may not happen as fast as people want.

His tools are chosen. God can use worldly laws and governments, the natural consequences of bad choices, or final spiritual judgment.

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:44-45

Furthermore, in addition to allowing God to enact His perfect justice, we are called to pray for those who have harmed us. This not only helps us release bitterness and bring peace to our hearts, it shows the love of Jesus… a love that could very well inspire those who have hurt us to seek the One who can change their lives in the same way He did ours. 

So avoid the urge to enact revenge on those who have caused you harm my friend. Instead, pray for their repentance and their rehabilitation that they might come to trust in the Lord. This is something that will ultimately be for their good and for God’s glory.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the strength to discipline our flesh to wait on You to bring forth justice in the way You see fit. Help us to trust Your plan rather than our own and to surrender any bitterness that we might have. Help us to pray for those who have hurt us that we might love like Jesus and so bring glory to Your name. It’s in your precious name. We pray Jesus
Happy Running!

Prayer Has the Power to Lighten Burdens

"Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

In a tragic story posted earlier this week by Runner’s World, it was reported that Norwegian trail runner Ida Amelie Robsahm passed away after falling while hiking near the summit of Romsdalseggen, one of Norway’s most famous and challenging hikes. The highest point is more than 4,000 feet above sea level.

Robsahm, 30 at the time of her passing, was an accomplished trail runner and mountaineer. She placed second at the Marathon du Mont-Blanc in June and finished fourth at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in 2025.

Outside of running, she was a chemistry teacher at Foss Upper Secondary School in Oslo, Norway.

QIda was a remarkable athlete and teammate,” wrote Asics on Instagram. “Her warmth and kindhearted nature touched many of us at Asics and the running community.

“Our hearts are with Ida’s family, friends, teammates and all who knew and loved her. She will be missed dearly.”

And, you know, while the phrase "our hearts are with you" might bring temporary comfort to a person, because it reminds them they are being thought about during the difficult time they are going through, lifting someone up in prayer has the power to bring them permanent peace, because it reminds them that their sorrows, cares, and heartaches are being placed in the hands of the One who can heal them. 

"And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.'" Mark 12:30-31

You see, when you and I pray for another person, we actively share in their struggles and fulfill the call to “bear one another's burdens” with deep compassion. We move from merely thinking about a person to loving them as we are called to love them—in a sacrificial way that moves us to passionately intercede on their behalf to the Father. 

So, pray for those in need of comfort and pray for them often my friend. And, if you feel led to, pray with them in person or reach out to them and let them know you are praying for them. Hearing the words, “I’m praying for you,” could be the very thing they need to lift their spirits. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that prayer can move mountains, melt hearts, heal the broken and comfort the hurting. Cause us to love others so much Lord that our natural reaction to their distress would be to help bear their burdens by earnestly praying for them, rather than merely offering words of condolence that have no power. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Don't Skimp on Sleep

Hello Runner Friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Hello runner friends! Now let's get started by talking about the weather. It's finally fall!!!! More importantly though, it's no longer summer! Boy, it's been a hot one! I was so glad to say "sayonara" to the summer season yesterday and "salutations!" to the fall season.

And while the cooler temps will certainly make running more enjoyable, the loss of light will mean that it's time to break out our external illumination devices! 

But the loss of light comes with a really big perk. It will help you get more sleep. Here's how... 

The fall season naturally supports your circadian rhythm by introducing earlier evening darkness, which prompts your brain to release melatonin sooner and encourages an easier transition into sleep. 

This seasonal shift aligns with cooler nighttime temperatures that mimic the body's natural pre-sleep cooling process, making it simpler to fall asleep and experience deeper rest. Additionally, as daylight hours shorten, the distinct contrast between daylight and night acts as a powerful environmental cue, providing an excellent opportunity to establish a consistent sleep-wake schedule that synchronizes your internal clock with the natural rhythm of the sun.

Now let's get to the "why" this is so important... 

As runners, we spend a lot of time thinking about our training. We plan our long runs, speed work, hill sessions, recovery runs, strength training, hydration, and nutrition. But there is another part of training that is just as important—especially as our mileage begins to climb: sleep.

As a longtime runner and running coach, I have learned that recovery isn't something we do instead of training. Recovery is a non-negotiable part of training. And one of the most powerful recovery tools available to every runner is a good night's sleep.

This becomes increasingly important as we move deeper into training for the Bass Pro Marathon and Half Marathon and the Dogwood Canyon Trail Runs. Those weekend long runs are getting longer. Weekly mileage is increasing. Our legs are spending more time on the road and trails, and we're asking our bodies to handle workloads that may be significantly greater than they were just a few weeks ago.

That increased workload requires increased recovery.

You Don't Get Stronger During the Run

It may sound strange, but the training run itself isn't when your body becomes stronger. Training provides the stimulus that tells your body it needs to adapt.

Every long run places stress on your muscles, tendons, joints, bones, cardiovascular system, and nervous system. That stress is intentional. Given adequate recovery, your body responds by repairing itself and adapting so it can better handle that workload the next time.

This is the deal… training breaks you down. Recovery builds you back up.

Sleep is one of the primary times when that rebuilding takes place. During quality sleep, the body carries out important repair and restoration processes. Sleep supports muscle recovery, immune function, hormone regulation, energy restoration, and the body's overall response to training stress.

That's why sleep is so important!

More Miles Require More Recovery

When you're running three or four miles at a time, you may be able to get away with cutting corners on recovery occasionally. But as those runs become 8, 10, 12, 15, or 20 miles, the equation changes.

The greater the training load, the greater the recovery demand.

One mistake runners sometimes make is adding more training while continuing to sleep the same amount—or even sleeping less because they're getting up earlier to fit those longer runs into an already busy schedule.

Eventually, the body notices.

You may begin waking up tired. Your legs constantly feel heavy. Your normal running pace suddenly requires more effort. Motivation starts disappearing. Little aches and pains don't seem to go away. You become irritable or mentally exhausted.

Sometimes our first thought is, I need to train harder.

The better answer may be (and usually is): I need to recover better.

Sleep Can Help Protect You From Injury

Running injuries usually aren't caused by one single workout. Often, problems develop when the accumulated stress of training becomes greater than the body's ability to recover from it.

Think of recovery as the space between workouts where your body gets an opportunity to repair the damage created by training. If you continually shorten that recovery window, fatigue begins to accumulate.

A tired runner may also experience changes in coordination, reaction time, concentration, and running mechanics. When fatigue combines with increasing mileage, those small changes can matter.

Sleep alone cannot guarantee that you'll remain injury-free, but consistently getting adequate sleep gives your body a much better opportunity to repair itself between workouts.

And remember: rest is much easier to schedule than an injury. And it’s way more enjoyable than an injury! 

But Get This… Your Brain Needs Recovery Too

Distance running isn't only physically demanding. It is mentally demanding.

Anyone who has trained for a marathon or long trail race understands that there comes a point when the challenge isn't simply convincing your legs to keep moving. You have to convince your brain too.

Long-distance training requires patience, discipline, decision-making, emotional control, and motivation. Sleep supports all of those things.

When you're consistently exhausted, something you normally love can begin feeling like another obligation on your schedule. One skipped run becomes several. Motivation drops. Eventually, a runner who was excited about race day may begin wondering why they signed up in the first place.

That is where burnout can enter the picture.

Sometimes burnout isn't a lack of passion for running. It is simply a body and mind that have been asked to give more than they've been allowed to restore.

Make Sleep Part of Your Training Plan

Most adults should aim for at least seven to eight (preferably 8) hours of sleep, although individual needs vary and runners carrying a heavy training load may find they function and recover better with more.
Just as importantly, pay attention to what your body is telling you. If your training volume is increasing and you're constantly exhausted, don't automatically assume you need another workout. Look at your recovery. Look at your nutrition. Look at your hydration. And definitely look at your sleep.

Create a consistent bedtime when possible. Limit things that unnecessarily keep you awake late at night. Give yourself time to wind down. And if tomorrow morning includes an important long run, treat tonight's sleep as part of that workout.

So as those miles continue to climb on the road toward the Bass Pro Fitness Series finish line, don't feel guilty about going to bed a little earlier. In fact, you should celebrate it! You aren't being lazy. You aren't wasting training time.

Because sometimes one of the best things a runner can do to improve tomorrow's training is to get a good night's sleep tonight. 

And there you have it friends. Sleep is important for so many reasons. And this is a great time of year to "fall" into bed early and to make a habit of getting sufficient shut eye so you'll make gains as you continue training. Those gains will ensure that you'll be ready to step up to the start line in November. 

Happy Running!

It’s Possible with God

"But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'" Matthew 19:26 NKJV

In an astonishing story titled “Sam Tanner breaks New Zealand road mile record in Copenhagen,” it was reported that Sam Tanner is the national road mile record holder.

The 26-year-old broke Geordie Beamish’s New Zealand mark in Copenhagen on Saturday night (NZT), clocking 3min 56.01 at the world road running championships.

Tanner finished 12th in a stacked field, but did enough to knock off Beamish’s mark of 3min 58.45sec, set in Hawaii in 2025.

And while running a sub-four-minute-mile is still very rare, it’s no longer believed to be an impossible feat as it was before Roger Bannister, a 25-year-old English medical student and athlete, crossed the finish line at the Iffley Road Track in Oxford on May 6, 1954 with a historic time of 3 minutes and 59.4 seconds. This monumental achievement shattered a long-held barrier that many experts and scientists at the time believed was humanly impossible to cross.

In fact, it's estimated that only 2,000 to 2,300 male athletes (depending on indoor, road, and historical tracking criteria) have since achieved the “impossible.” And no woman has broken the four-minute barrier yet (the women's world record is 4:07.64, set by Faith Kipyegon) —and I say “yet” because it could very well happen, given the right person and the right set of circumstances.

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?’” Matthew 19:23-25

Speaking of things thought to have a zero percent chance of happening, Jesus told the disciples that it was "hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven." In fact, Jesus declared it to be completely impossible by what he said next, "And again, I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying "Who then can be saved?"

This baffled the disciples because, in that day, it was believed that riches were always a sign of God's blessing and favor. And, although we know this isn't true since riches tend to make people self-reliant, self-centered, and distracted by worldly pursuits, this was the prevailing thought of that day.

Furthermore, we know that man is unable to save himself, regardless of how much money he has in the bank.

But the disciples had yet to undertand this. 

This is the very reason Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

With that statement, Jesus was putting their assumptions to rest by explaining that God’s grace is the only thing that can save the rich man, or any man for that matter.

“With men this is impossible” affirms that any form of self-justification is absolutely useless. No one can buy their way into heaven or work their way into God’s kingdom. The believer’s only hope of salvation—his only confidence in drawing near to God—is in God Himself, with whom all things are possible.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

So, remember that it's impossible to inherit the kingdom without accepting the grace of Jesus my friend. Salvation comes by faith, and faith alone. It is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Which is the reason we must trust in God alone as the One who makes salvation possible.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we can never earn or pay for salvation. Help us to understand that it's only possible with You that we might consider everything in this world rubbish, compared to the surpassing value of knowing You. Lord, help us to be generous with and worldly riches we might gain by remembering that all we have comes from You to be used for You, to further the kingdom. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Jesus Makes the Broken Whole

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV

As I stepped up to the microphone yesterday morning to introduce Jade and Terry at the third annual Dixon City Wide Worship service, I couldn’t help but thank God over and over for the countless things He had brought me through.

This was something I was considering on my run earlier that morning, and something I make a point to remember often. 

I had read the short bios they had sent and could fully empathize with the brokenness they spoke of and about the transforming power of Jesus Christ. 

Which is the very reason I had to hold back tears as I told the crowd about these two amazing women who, despite their checkered pasts and the heartache that came with those pasts, were made new by a Savior that also made me new—a Savior that longs to do the same for all those who are hurting and in need of Him.

“Jade Hansen is a wife, mother, worship leader, and follower of Jesus. She has a heart for encouraging others and sharing the hope, grace, and unconditional love of Christ. Today, she’ll be sharing her testimony of how Jesus met her in the middle of her brokenness and transformed her life….

Terry Temple is a mother, grandmother, and devoted lover of God. She has walked through seasons of addiction and brokenness, but God met her there, renewed her life, and gave her a new purpose. Having served overseas in Africa as a missionary, Terry has a heart for sharing the love and transforming power of Jesus. Today, she’ll be sharing her testimony of God’s redemption, restoration, and faithfulness…”

As each one of these sisters in Christ then shared their testimony, I looked around at the crowd. By their body language, it was apparent that Jade and Terry weren't the only people who had something to be thankful for. Jesus had already transformed many in that crowd and you could see it in their eyes. 

"As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us." Psalm 103:12

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2

But this should come as no surprise because that's what Jesus does…

Jesus came to not only give us eternal life when we choose to accept Him as our Savior, but removes our transgressions "as far as the east is from the west.” 

If that weren’t enough, Jesus gives us the power through His Word to change the patterns of thinking we once had (patterns that include thoughts like "I'm no good" or "I'll never amount to anything") to live a new life devoted to serving Him in response to His goodness and grace. 

You see, the Bible tells us that "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."


This means that when a person enters into a relationship with Jesus, they are not merely reformed or given a second chance; rather, they undergo a radical spiritual rebirth that transforms them into an entirely new creation. Do you get that?


When we accept Jesus as Savior, the weight of our past guilt, shameful choices, and destructive habits is decisively broken, meaning that our former life no longer defines who we are in the eyes of God. 

Instead of looking at our history, God sees us through the lens of Christ's forgiveness, replacing our old nature with a fresh identity, a restored purpose, and the spiritual power to walk in righteousness. 

This means we are completely unshackled from the failures of our past, fully reconciled to God, and empowered from the inside out to live a life that honors Him. I don’t know about you, but that makes me jump for joy!

On that note, do you understand why our testimonies, then, are so important?

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3

They inspire others to understand that there is a Savior who loves them enough to die for them, regardless of what they have done! And that God can and will heal their brokenness and give them a new life, in the same way He did for us.  

So, if you have not trusted Jesus as your Savior, make today the day you do it my friend.

Make today the day you stop running from Him and say, "Lord, I can't live this life I'm living anymore. I need You to make me new like only You can. I'm choosing to trust in You as my Savior today and I'm choosing to turn from my old life and turn to the new one You have for me. Take every part of me, Jesus, and use me for Your glory from this day forward."

This will be the best decision that you will ever make. 

And, if you have trusted Jesus as your Savior, share your testimony at every opportunity my friend. Tell the world about how Jesus made you a new creation so that the lost would seek the only One who has the power to completely transform lives.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that when we put our trust in You, we are made new, we are washed clean, and we are given the ability to transform our thinking through the power of the Word and the intervention of the Holy Spirit. Lord, help us to be bold in sharing our testimonies that we might influence a broken world to seek the wholeness that is found in You. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

The Rainbow is God’s Sign

“I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. It shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud; and I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh.” Genesis 9:13-15 NKJV

Like most people across the Midwest this summer, I’ve been earnestly praying for rain—especially in the last few weeks as temperatures have consistently been in the high 90’s and 100’s, not counting humidity.

Not only has the heat made for some brutal running conditions but the soaring mercury has greatly exacerbated the drought we’ve been in for some time.

This was the very reason my heart leaped for joy on Wednesday afternoon as my coworkers and I were getting ready to leave the conference we were attending. It not only began to rain, but it rained so hard that we were left standing in the lobby of the resort in awe of the storm, knowing that trying to make it to our car would not be wise but not caring about the disruption in our plans. We were just so glad it was finally raining!

That gladness soon turned into absolute glee as we walked out after the rain stopped and looked up in the clouds. There was not only own rainbow in the sky but two!!!

“Oh Lord,” I said out loud as I fought back tears. “Thank you for grace and mercy.”

And, you know, I was able to thank God for the appearance of the rainbow because, unlike a growing majority of people in our world, I know what the rainbow signifies… God’s benevolence and forbearance to evildoers shown through His covenant promise to Noah (and every living creature of all flesh) that He would never again destroy the earth with water because of the sinful state of mankind (a state that is still sinful). 

And think about this. God, Himself, said “It shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud; and I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh;” Did you get that? When the rainbow is seen, God will remember His covenant with us. Which means, when we see the rainbow in the clouds, we should remember it as well!

Does that fill you with glee or what?

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

This is the very reason that you and I would do well to remind the world what the rainbow truly signifies (and it's not about a flag)—adding that the same mercy and grace God showed then is the same mercy and grace that God is showing now (2 Peter 3) by delaying the return of Jesus Christ. 

Not because He is slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness, but because He is patient and wants to give people time, just as He did in the days of Noah, to turn away from their sin and turn to Him. 

So, if you have not made the decision to accept Jesus as your Savior, don’t put it off for another minute my friend. Jesus is coming back as He promised and you want to be found ready. And if you are a believer, take every opportunity to remind the world what the true meaning of the rainbow is so that they might be inspired to seek the One who created it.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the mercy, grace, and compassion You have shown us since creation. Lord, help us to understand that a time is coming soon when Your patience will run out that we might repent and live for You and beckon others to do the same. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Do Everything Decently

“Let all things be done decently and in order.” 1 Corinthians 14:40 NKJV

In a controversial story titled “Competition co-founder apologizes after athlete allowed to continue despite defecating on herself,” it was reported that Professional athlete Joanna Wietrzyk was seen on video and in photographs running and using shared fitness equipment with feces running down her legs.

The international indoor sports competition Hyrox apologized after an incident in Beijing where a runner was allowed to continue a race after soiling herself during the event.

Professional athlete Joanna Wietrzyk finished and won the competition on Saturday, which consists of running and high-intensity exercises. The athlete was seen on video and in photographs racing and using shared fitness equipment with feces running down her legs...

Hyrox co-founder Moritz Fürste issued a statement Sunday on social media apologizing “to all that were directly or indirectly affected, as well as to everyone who felt like we did not handle the situation like we should have.”

“HYROX made a mistake by not reacting immediately during the race,” he wrote. “In the end it is my job to foresee these potential incidents — and I did not.”

And, you know, while there are a lot of mixed emotions on whether Joanna should have continued despite soiling herself, the general consensus is that she should have been pulled from the competition for her lack of decency—especially considering that human fecal matter is a biohazard as it contains dangerous pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and parasites that cause severe illness if ingested or introduced into the body.

But, still, there are many people who applauded Joanna’s determination to continue competing despite the chaos and shame that her indecency brought upon her and the event.

"'For I am the LORD, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob." Malachi 3:6

And while the world might define “decency” as behavior that is good, moral, and acceptable in society—a definition that can change overnight due to society's continued moral decline—the Bible defines “decency” as living in a way that shows moral integrity, respect, and order to honor God, which is a definition that never changes just as God never changes.

This means that believers are to do all things “decently and in order” so that their actions always bring honor to Christ. This includes forgoing our own goals when and if our pursuits have even the slightest potential of appearing indecent and bringing shame to the name of Jesus, regardless of what the world deems to be acceptable behavior.

And while the Apostle Paul wrote this command to the church in Corinth to address some chaos and confusion during public worship, the principle still applies today to daily Christian living, competing, organization, and leadership.

So, vow to honor God with your speech and with your actions my friend by behaving decently and in order at all times, whether you’re in the world or in a house of worship. This will ensure that you will always seek God’s glory rather than your own.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the Word that provides the instructions for behaving decently so that we honor You in all we do. Help us to live in such a way that others are inspired to seek You by the way we set ourselves apart and the goals that we set for ourselves. Lord, help us to immediately forgo any of our pursuits if they cause us to act indecently or bring chaos in any way. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Choose Something Challenging

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’s coming up… fall!!! This not only means that cooler temps are in store (yay! Right?), but it also means  that the Bass Pro Marathon, half marathon, and 5k are quickly approaching. As are the Dogwood Canyon Trail Runs. I don’t know about you but that makes me super happy!!

Speaking of runs, if you ran the Run the Rock race at Top of the Rock over the weekend, you probably don't need me to tell you that the heat and the hills were no joke.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to run the race so I asked my longtime friend, Jeannette Luttrell, (who has completed many of the BPFS events, including the Bass Pro Marathon) what she thought about it. And she loved it of course. Although she described it as a race with hills that were no joke!

But her race day story has a backstory worth sharing….

Jeannette began the year with a goal of completing another 10K. She had covered the distance years ago when she was running more consistently, but she wanted a goal that would motivate her to get moving again, become more consistent, and see what her body could still accomplish.

Then she chose Run the Rock.

She certainly could have picked an easier 6.2 mile race. Instead, she intentionally picked something that would challenge her.

Her training included hot summer runs on hilly gravel roads, sometimes with heat indexes around 100 degrees (this summer was brutal!). There were days she was tired. There were days she didn't want to run alone. There were plenty of runs that didn't feel easy.

But she kept showing up.

When race day arrived, Jeannette knew the hills would slow her down. She wasn't worried about running a certain pace or setting a PR. Her goal was to finish within the allotted time.

She surprised herself.

Jeannette finished the Run the Rock 10k course in about 1 hour and 9 minutes, and she estimates that she ran more than 56 minutes of it.

That's what training for challenging things can do. 

After all these years of running and coaching runners, I still believe one of the best ways to discover what you're capable of is to occasionally choose something that makes you a little nervous.

That's exactly what Jeannette did.

She didn't choose Run the Rock because she thought it would be easy. She chose it because she knew it would challenge her.

And then she trained for it. She showed up. She climbed the hills. She crossed the finish line. And she did better than she expected. And now she’s got her sights on the 15k at Dogwood Canyon!

So as you continue your training for the Bass Pro Fitness Series of events, don't automatically avoid challenging routes or races along the way. Look for them instead and use them to grow your miles, your mindset and your motivation. After all, every finish line that you cross gives you a renewed desire to cross another one and another one and another one. 

 Happy Running!

Don’t Ignore the Warnings

“and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly;” 2 Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

In a crazy story titled “Runners Crossed Waist-Deep Water At The Racefaster Half Marathon” published yesterday, it was reported that runners at Sunday’s Racefaster Half Marathon in New Jersey came through the bridges along the Saddle River holding the railings, in water several described as waist-deep, and plenty have spent the time since asking why it started at all.

At 8:53 a.m., an hour and seven minutes before the gun (because of the rain, the 8:00 am original start time was pushed back to 10:00 am) was set to go off, the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning in the area. It put 2 to 3 inches of rain already on the ground, described the hazard as life threatening flash flooding, and ran until 11:30. Three more followed: one for the Saddle River itself, three minutes before the start, and two more while the field was still out on the course.

But, yet, the race went on.

One of the runners, Garrett Nathan, who had only signed up on Thursday and was chasing a half-marathon personal best, told NBC New York the move of the starting time seemed sensible at the time. “I’m like, I guess it’s gonna rain… it sounds like a good, logical decision. I keep checking my email from the race directors and get no notifications about a canceling...”

Nathan said this race was like nothing he’d ever seen before, as he counted five or six crossings out and back where the water was waist deep, and even chest deep at times, requiring the runners to hold onto the railings.

Racefaster has still not said publicly why the race went ahead, and did not answer NBC New York‘s request for comment. Daily Voice said it had approached them too.

And, you know, as this story shows, ignoring warnings of impending flooding can quickly lead to perilous conditions, even death. Thankfully, no one was hurt in the running (and wading) of the race, although the flood waters continued to rise after the last finishers were through, peaking at 6.8 feet, more than a foot over flood stage and well past the 5.7 feet forecast that morning.

While that story showed how quickly flooding can become dangerous, there’s probably no greater story of what can happen when a person ignores flood warnings than the story of Noah's building of the ark and the judgement that followed. 

"Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." Genesis 6:5

"But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God." Genesis 6:8-9

The Biblical record of the story provides only a glimpse of Noah's activities in the days leading up to the flood, and most of the narrative in Genesis 6 is focused on his work in building the ark. 

Nevertheless, we can make a reasonable assumption that Noah preached about the coming flood to his neighbors and community during the 100 years it took to complete the ark because Noah is referred to as “a preacher of righteousness” and called "a just man" who "walked with God."

And considering that “the wickedness of man was great in the earth” in Noah's day, you can be sure that there would be no lack of opportunity for him to call out the things God considered evil. But the warnings, we know, fell on deaf ears.

“For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” Matthew 24:39

You see, the fact that the world was caught off guard by the flood tells us that the world paid no attention to the warnings Noah issued, and therefore, suffered the consequences of being swept away by the fast rising waters due to their lack of repentance.

And by the state of our world today, we can see that the world is still paying no attention to the warnings (Matthew 24) laid out in the Bible and spoken of by the prophets—something that will have eternal consequences equally as bad as those experienced by the ungodly in Noah's day.

Which is the very reason that you and I must live as if “the coming of the Son of Man” could happen as quickly as the flood waters came in Noah’s day. This is something we do by refusing to blend in with the culture around us and pursuing righteous living in the same way Noah did. You can be sure this won't be easy but it will certainly be worth it.

So, in a world that's growing increasingly more wicked by the day, choose to heed the warnings laid out in the Bible my friend and to look for opportunities to warn others of what's to come. Choose to walk with God so you will be ready when Jesus returns.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the Bible that guides us into righteousness so that we can live a life pleasing to You. Lord, help us to heed the warnings found in the Word that lay out the consequences for living a life of sin and the blessings for walking in the light with You. Help us to understand the times we are living in that we might choose to become ready and stay ready for the return of Jesus. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!