Break Forth in Joy

“Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.” Psalm 98:4 NKJV

Early yesterday, after reading Psalm 98 during my daily Bible study, I headed out for my morning run with the words of this beautiful song of praise still on my mind.

As I ran, I found myself meditating, once again, on the goodness of God. His mercy. His faithfulness. His grace. And the incredible gift of salvation that we have through Jesus Christ.

My time spent in the Word was such a beautiful reminder that there's always a reason to rejoice! You see, the psalmist calls us to sing a new song to the Lord because of the marvelous things He has done. He reminds us that God has made His salvation known, revealed His righteousness, and remained faithful to His promises. And because of that, we are called to praise Him!

Not quietly. Not reluctantly. But joyfully!

In fact, verse four tells us to “break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.” 

And that's exactly what I found myself doing as I listened to CeCe Winans Holy Forever. It's a song that I listen to nearly every day and yet each time I listen to it, the realization that God is gooder than He was the day before always makes me delight myself in Him, and causes my heart to overflow with joy. 

“If you've been forgiven and if you've been redeemed

Sing the song forever to the Lamb
If you walk in freedom and if you bear His name
Sing the song forever to the Lamb
Sing the song forever and amen
And all the angels cry, holy
All creation cries, holy

You are lifted high, holy
Holy forever
Hear your people sing, holy
To the King of kings, holy
And You will always be, holy
Holy forever”

As I ran past a few houses, the words of the song reminded me, once again, of the forgiveness, redemption, and freedom we have through Jesus Christ. And I couldn't help but sing along! And apparently I wasn't singing quietly!

I was singing so loudly and joyfully, in fact, that when I glanced over, I noticed an older woman standing in her yard looking up to see what all the commotion was.

I simply smiled and kept running. And kept singing!

Because at that moment, I wasn't concerned about what anyone thought of me. I was too busy thinking about what Jesus had done for me!

And that got me thinking.

How often do we hold back our praise because we're worried about what other people might think?

The phrase “break forth” in Psalm 98:4 paints a picture of joy that simply cannot be contained. It's an expression of praise that comes from a heart so overwhelmed by God's goodness that it naturally spills out.

And shouldn't that be the way we live?

Think about it. We serve a God who loved us enough to send His only Son to die for our sins. A God who offers forgiveness we could never earn, grace we don't deserve, and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

If that isn't something worth singing about, I don't know what is!

And the beautiful thing about Psalm 98 is that the call to worship doesn't stop with us. The psalmist describes the seas roaring, the rivers clapping their hands, and the hills rejoicing together before the Lord. All creation is pictured celebrating the King who reigns in righteousness and who will one day judge the earth with perfect fairness.

What a beautiful reminder that our joy isn't based on our circumstances but on who God is and what He has done.

You see, we don't have to wait until everything in our lives is going right to praise Him. We can rejoice in the middle of our struggles because His goodness doesn't change. His promises don't change. And His love for us doesn't change.

And when we truly understand that, our praise becomes more than something we do on Sunday mornings. It becomes a natural response to the God we love and serve.

Does that mean we have to run down the street singing at the top of our lungs? Of course not! But it does mean that we shouldn't allow fear, embarrassment, or the opinions of others to keep us from expressing our love for Jesus.

After all, if we can get excited about a football game, a race finish, or any number of temporary things, how much more should we celebrate the eternal victory we have through Christ?

So today, I want to encourage you to spend some time thinking about the goodness of God. Think about where He's brought you from, what He's brought you through, and the promises He's made about where you're going.

And then praise Him!

Sing in your car. Worship on your walk. Thank Him throughout your day. And don't be afraid to let others see the joy you have in Jesus.

Because when we truly grasp how much we've been forgiven and how deeply we've been loved, we have every reason to break forth in joy!

And who knows? Someone might just look up to see what all the commotion is about. And that might be the very opportunity God gives us to point them to Jesus.

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us so many reasons to praise You. Lord, cause us to remember that Your mercies are new every morning that we might see that Your goodness is never-changing and becomes more apparent the more we seek You. Help us to understand what a great gift of salvation has been given to us that we might break forth in joy and song in response. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 
Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - How to Handle Those Pre-Race Jitters

Hello Runner Friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about race day. Can you believe that it's almost here? Think about it. We are less than two weeks away from the Bass Pro Fitness Series Marathon Weekend! Which means, whether you're preparing for the Bass Pro Marathon, the Cohick Half Marathon, or another race that weekend, all those weeks and months of training are about to pay off!

And if you're starting to feel a little nervous, you're certainly not alone! It

As both a runner and a running coach, I can tell you that pre-race jitters are completely normal. In fact, even experienced runners who have completed dozens of races can experience them. In fact, I still get them from time to time. 

So what exactly are pre-race jitters?

Pre-race jitters are the feelings of nervousness, excitement, anxiety, or uncertainty that runners experience in the days and weeks leading up to a race. They can show up as butterflies in your stomach, trouble sleeping, restlessness, or even second-guessing your training.

You might find yourself wondering, Did I train enough? What if I can't finish? What if I don't hit my goal pace? What if something goes wrong?

Sound familiar?

As a runner, I've experienced those same thoughts. And as a coach, I've heard them from countless runners, especially those preparing for their first half or full marathon.

Here's what I want you to know: Being nervous doesn't mean you're not ready. It simply means you're about to do something that matters to you!

The good news is that there are several things you can do over the next few days to calm those nerves and arrive at the starting line feeling confident and prepared.

1. Trust Your Training

The hard work is behind you! You've put in the miles, gotten up early, pushed through tough workouts, and made sacrifices to get here. Now is the time to trust the work you've done.

Resist the temptation to squeeze in extra miles or one last hard workout because you're worried you haven't done enough. You won't gain meaningful fitness in these final days, but you can certainly wear yourself out!

2. Stick to Your Routine

Now is not the time to try new shoes, new foods, or a new training strategy. Stick with what has worked for you throughout your training. Familiar routines help reduce uncertainty and give you one less thing to worry about.

3. Prioritize Rest and Recovery

Your body needs time to recover from all those training miles. Follow your taper plan, prioritize sleep, eat nutritious meals, and stay hydrated. Remember, rest is part of training, too! You want to arrive at the starting line rested, not exhausted.

4. Have a Race Day Plan

One of the best ways to reduce anxiety is to eliminate as many unknowns as possible. Familiarize yourself with the course, parking, packet pickup, starting times, and aid stations. Lay out your race gear ahead of time and have your nutrition and hydration plan ready.

The more prepared you are, the less you'll have to think about on race morning.

5. Focus on What You Can Control

You can't control the weather, every hill, or how your body will feel at mile 10, 20, or 26. But you can control your preparation, your attitude, your pacing, and how you respond when things get tough.

Rather than worrying about everything that could go wrong, focus on doing the things that will help you succeed.

6. Remember Why You Started

When those nervous thoughts start creeping in, remind yourself why you signed up in the first place. Maybe you're running to accomplish a lifelong goal, improve your health, honor someone special, or prove to yourself that you can do hard things.

Whatever your reason, don't let the pressure of race day steal the joy of the journey that brought you here.

7. Turn Nervous Energy Into Excitement

Believe it or not, nervousness and excitement can feel very similar physically. Both can cause your heart to race and your stomach to flutter. Instead of telling yourself, I'm so nervous, try saying, I'm so excited!

That simple shift in perspective can help you see those butterflies as anticipation rather than fear. This is an important mental shift. 

And here's one final thought from a runner and a coach... 

Don't let your fear of what might happen overshadow everything you've already accomplished.

Whether this is your first race or your fiftieth, remember that getting to the starting line is an accomplishment in itself. 
You've done the work. You've put in the miles. And now it's almost time to celebrate!
So take a deep breath, trust your training, and enjoy these final days leading up to race weekend.

And when you find yourself standing at that starting line with your heart racing and butterflies in your stomach, look around. You'll be surrounded by people who are probably feeling the exact same way! For real!

And there you have it friends. Those butterflies don't mean you can't do it. They just mean you're ready to spread your wings and see what you can do! So, do what you need to do to calm those pre-race jitters so you'll be ready to step up to the start line soon. Marathon Weekend is going to be amazing! 
Happy Running!

You're Not Alone

"Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him." — 1 Kings 19:18 NKJV

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my many years of following the Lord, it’s that He will go to great lengths to put believers in the right place at the right time to be a part of His awesome plan, whether for our good, for the good of someone else, or both. And that is exactly the place I found myself in on Saturday.

I had signed up for the hundred mile race at Pumpkin Holler in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, but it soon became apparent that, although this was my plan, this was not God's plan for the day. After a series of events led me to drop down to the 50k distance and run the opposite direction of the finish line to meet up with my husband who was also out on the course (and had started later due to the different start times for the different distances), I began to get excited. “Lord, I know there’s a reason for all this. And I trust You.”

And this is where it gets good…. Not only did I find my husband but I found that my dear friend, Lacey (pictured above with my sweet Larry and me), was walking with him. As God would have it, a lingering stomach bug had caused her to become sick to the point that she debated on dropping out completely, until she saw my husband (who was having some hip pain) and the two linked up, appreciating the unexpected and much needed encouragement of one another. To say I was thrilled when I saw them both would be an understatement!

As Lacey and I walked and talked, I soon began to understand why God had intersected our paths in such a way that it could only be attributed to His hand. We began to discuss how our relationship with running had drastically changed over the years as we had broken free from our cycles of abuse and no longer needed the coping mechanism that had bordered on the edge of obsession.

She explained how hard-core she was when we met more than a decade ago, running to keep her sanity and escape from a home life that was nearly identical to mine. We laughed at how alike we were years ago! So much so that I found myself saying over and over again, “I felt like I was the only one!” And she said the same. And let me tell you, we both came away from that run with a renewed outlook on the changes we were going through, and a newfound peace with what had become our new “normal.”

But that’s the power of understanding that you’re not alone. Which begs the question… Have you ever felt like you were the only one struggling?

Maybe that you were or are the only one dealing with a difficult marriage? The only one grieving the loss of someone you love? The only one battling depression, anxiety, financial problems, or a situation that seems completely hopeless?

And have you ever looked around at everyone else and thought, "Why does everyone seem to have it all together except me?" If so, you're not alone. In fact, one of the greatest prophets in the Bible felt the very same way.

In 1 Kings 19, we find Elijah running for his life after Queen Jezebel threatened to kill him. What's interesting is that this happened immediately after one of the greatest victories of his ministry. In 1 Kings 18, God had demonstrated His power by sending fire from heaven in response to Elijah's prayer. Yet, just one chapter later, Elijah was afraid, exhausted, discouraged, and ready to give up.

In fact, he was so overwhelmed that he asked God to take his life. Elijah eventually found himself in a cave, where God asked him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" (1 Kings 19:9 NKJV).

Elijah responded by explaining how faithfully he had served God, how the Israelites had rejected God's covenant, and how the prophets had been killed. Then he said something that revealed just how isolated he felt.

"I alone am left; and they seek to take my life." — 1 Kings 19:10 NKJV

But here's the thing. Elijah wasn't alone. He just thought he was. God revealed that there were still seven thousand people in Israel who had not bowed down to Baal. Seven thousand people who remained faithful to Him!

Can you imagine Elijah's surprise? While he was hiding in a cave, believing he was the only one left standing for God, there were thousands of others who were faithfully serving the same Lord.

And isn't that just like us sometimes?

We get so focused on our own problems that we begin to believe nobody else could possibly understand what we're going through, much less be going through it themselves. We see other people's “happy” marriages, smiling families, successful careers, and seemingly perfect lives and assume that we're the only ones struggling.

But what we don't see are the tears shed behind closed doors, the prayers whispered in the middle of the night, the marriages being held together by faith, and the people who are fighting battles nobody knows about.

The truth is, we are never as alone in our struggles as we sometimes feel. And that's exactly why it's so important that we share not only our victories but also our struggles with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Galatians 6:2 tells us, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (NKJV).

But how can we bear one another's burdens if we don't know what those burdens are?

When we pretend that everything is fine, we may unintentionally cause someone else to believe they're the only one struggling. But when we're willing to be vulnerable and share how God has carried us through difficult seasons, we give others hope that He can carry them through theirs as well.

Think about that for a moment. Your testimony of surviving an abusive marriage, overcoming an addiction, walking through grief, or finding peace in the middle of uncertainty might be exactly what someone else needs to hear today. Not because you had the strength to overcome it on your own, but because God was faithful when you didn't have the strength to keep going.

So if you're going through something difficult today, remember Elijah my friend. Remember that even a mighty prophet of God experienced fear, exhaustion, and discouragement. And remember that although Elijah thought he was alone, God had already preserved seven thousand others.

You may not see them, but there are people around you who understand your pain because they've walked a similar road. And there are people who need to hear your story because they're walking that road right now. Don't let your struggles convince you that you're alone, and don't let your victories remain untold.

Share your burdens. Share your testimony. Encourage one another. And above all, point people to the God who carried you through.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are never alone in our struggles. God, please cause us to understand that the enemy wants us to think we were alone so that we question Your love for us. Help us to also understand that You were always with us, that Your faithfulness would cause us to be bold in sharing our stories so that others could also experience Your great love and faithfulness. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

We Don't Have to Earn God's Love

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

Like a large number of runners who routinely tackle long distances, I began running marathons (26.2 miles) and ultramarathons (distances over 26.2 miles) to deal with pain, emotional abuse, and feelings of helplessness.

And while running can be a wonderful outlet for psychological pain, I'll be the first to tell you that the relief it gives is only temporary. Hence the reason I sought it again and again and again, in the same way an addict tenaciously seeks a substance again and again to remove their pain, going back for more each time the ache returns.

Over the course of nearly twenty years, the physical suffering of running taught me how to put my mental and emotional pain in a box. And it taught me how to press on when every fiber of my being wanted to give up on life. In other words, pain made me a good runner.

The irony is that I had become exceptionally good at enduring the pain of ultrarunning because I had spent much of my life learning how to endure emotional pain, first from my father and then my ex-husband.

In fact, the emotional abuse and trauma that I was going through became such a powerful motivator, that I used it to propel me to complete more than 100 marathons and ultramarathons, including 12 one hundred mile races. Every footstep provided relief and every finish line crossed brought temporary accolades from the people who caused the pain, which reinforced the behavior. Strange how that works, isn't it?

Running had been my escape for so long, in fact, that I found it strange when, after finding the strength to break free and move on many years ago, my relationship with running began to slowly change. This was something that became very apparent on Saturday.

While attempting to complete my thirteenth one-hundred mile race, I began to cry about 14 miles in. "Lord, I don't have any pain, bitterness, unforgiveness or resentment anymore to drive me. And I know now, with all my heart, that I don't have to earn your love or that of my husband."

This epiphany that had been coming for a long time caused me to call my husband of four years (who is a gift from God and the sweetest, kindest, and most godly man I have ever met) who was out on the course running the 50k distance to say, "Honey, I feel led to drop down to the 100k. I just don't have it in me anymore." To which he replied, "Okay, honey. I love you. Pray over it and let me know what you decide."

And then it hit me... why even bother with the 100k? Why not just run back to my husband (who was several miles behind me due to a later start time) and run with him to his finish line? Which is exactly what I did! By the time we met up, he had 17 miles to go which meant we had several hours of precious time together out on the trails to celebrate his birthday.

And while I didn't get a medal, I got something much better. I got to walk with my husband (aka sweet Larry) across the finish line. And he said it was the best birthday he had ever had. Does that make you smile or what?

And, you know, while it might have taken me years to find "the one" whose love I never had to earn, this experience reminded me how blessed I am to truly understand that I don't have to earn God's love either. None of us do.

Sadly, though, many people think otherwise. Especially if they had an earthly father or spouse whose love was conditional and based on their performance and/or obedience. But this is the deal. "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Do you get that? "God demonstrates His own love toward us" as we are. There's nothing we could do to earn this love and nothing we could do for Him to withhold this love. It's unconditional!

Think about it. God’s love is completely independent of human performance, meaning we never have to earn His approval or fear losing His affection based on our failures or accomplishments. This means our worth isn't determined by how much we can endure, how far we can run, or how many medals we bring home. And while the world may make us feel that love and acceptance must be earned, God's love is different.

Think about that. God loved us before we ever did anything to deserve His love. We didn't have to prove ourselves, accomplish something extraordinary, or suffer enough to become worthy of it. Jesus went to the cross for us while we were still sinners. His love wasn't a reward for our performance. It was a gift of His grace.

So remember, running can be a wonderful outlet for emotional pain my friend, but it can't heal every wound or fill the void left by years of rejection and abuse. But Jesus can. I’m living proof of that. And that healing and filling of the void starts with truly understanding that you don't have to earn God's love. Pretty amazing, right?

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us when we didn't love You. There could be no greater example of unconditional love than the one Jesus showed when He willingly laid down His life for us. Help us to truly understand this Lord, that we might not relentlessly strive to win Your love but to seek Your approval by giving our lives back to You in response. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

There is no "Rest in Peace" Apart from Jesus

“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” Hebrews 9:27 NKJV

In a heartbreaking story published by Yahoo News, it was reported that 25-year-old South Korean running influencer Yoo Ji-won collapsed near the finish line of a half marathon and later passed away.

According to a statement released by Seoul Race, she collapsed at the 20.6-kilometer mark and was transported to a medical facility, where she later died.

The statement concluded with these words: “We pray for the deceased's soul to rest in peace and extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family.”

And, you know, while this tragedy serves as a sobering reminder that none of us knows when we will take our final breath, it also serves as a grave reminder that the choice we make to either follow Jesus or to not follow Jesus before we take our final breath matters.

Because that choice determines where we will spend eternity.

You see, regardless of what some religions might teach or what some people might think, there are only two places to go when we take our final breath… Heaven or Hell.

And since Scripture tells us that we die once, and after that comes judgment, our eternal destination is determined by our relationship with Jesus Christ during our earthly lives, not by the prayers or wishes of those we leave behind.

Jesus made this clear in John 14:6 when He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (NKJV)

And while we certainly cannot know the condition of this young woman's heart or presume to know her eternal destination, her tragic passing should remind us of the urgency of sharing the gospel while we still have the opportunity.

“whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”

James 4:14 reminds us that our lives are like a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.

Think about that. We spend so much time preparing for what lies ahead. We make plans, set goals, train for races, and fill our calendars with things we hope to accomplish. Yet none of us is guaranteed another tomorrow.

And that is exactly why we should be concerned about where we, and those around us, will spend eternity.

As believers, we are called to comfort those who mourn, pray for grieving families, and demonstrate the love of Christ. But we are also called to share the truth of the gospel with a world that desperately needs Him. Because the time to find peace with God is not after we die. It is right now.

Furthermore, Romans 5:1 tells us, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (NKJV). That is the peace we should want everyone to experience. Not simply the absence of suffering after death, but the assurance of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.

We cannot change someone's eternal destination after they have crossed life's finish line. But while we are still running our own race, we have the opportunity to point others toward the One who offers eternal life.

So rather than simply wishing that people will rest in peace when they die, let us make it our mission to help them discover the peace that can only be found in Jesus while they are still alive.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that there are no second chances to accept Jesus once a person breathes their final breath. Help us to truly understand the enormity of this that we would be bold in sharing the Gospel that no one should perish on account of our not telling them about Jesus. Lord, cause us to grasp that there is no resting in peace apart from finding rest in Jesus. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Practice the Golden Rule

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31 NIV

In an refreshijg story posted by the BBC yesterday, it was reported that a runner who travelled 4,000 miles (6,437km) to compete in a marathon was shocked and "lost for words" when hundreds of strangers were out on the streets cheering him on and holding homemade signs with his name on them. 

Ethan Woodhead, 24, travelled from his home in Guernsey, France to America alone, expecting to complete Sunday's Chicago Marathon without any friends or family supporting him along the route.

Unknown to him, his uncle Phil Woodhead had taken to Facebook to ask people in Chicago if they could surprise his nephew with a cheer as he ran past.

The post attracted thousands of likes and hundreds of comments and shares, with strangers turning out to support him...

His uncle Phil said he was one of his biggest fans...

He said: "There was something in me that hated the idea that nobody would be there to support him, so I thought why not ask people at the marathon to give him a cheer."

By the time the marathon had started he said he had already received "hundreds of messages from strangers saying they will be there supporting him."

"In a world where people are so divided, isn't it so wonderful to see that people are still willing to do something nice for one another without there being anything in it for themselves," he added.

And, you know doing something nice for someone else without there being anything in it for ourselves is exactly how Jesus calls us to live. 

Hence the reason He told the disciples and the multitude that had gathered with them on the Sermon on the Plain to “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Commonly referred to as the Golden Rule, this simple instruction was a powerful challenge to them then, and to us now, to put the needs of others ahead of our own selfish desires.

Notice that Jesus didn’t tell us to treat others the way they treat us. He tells us to treat them the way we would want to be treated. There's a big difference!

We are called to love others because Christ first loved us.


Think about those hundreds of strangers who showed up to cheer for a runner they had never met. They had nothing to gain from their efforts. They simply recognized an opportunity to encourage someone and took it.

And while their actions may seem small, imagine the difference they made to a young man who thought he would be running alone.

As believers, we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a world where so many people are running their own difficult races. Some are struggling with loneliness, others are carrying burdens we know nothing about, and many are simply longing for someone to notice them.


And while you and I might not be able to change their circumstances, we can certainly change how they experience them.

A kind word. A thoughtful gesture. A little encouragement. Sometimes that's all it takes to remind someone that they aren't alone.

And here's something else worth remembering. Jesus didn't give us the Golden Rule as a suggestion for when it's convenient. He gave it as a standard for how we should live every single day, even when loving others requires sacrificing our own time, comfort, or convenience.


After all, isn't that exactly what Jesus did for us?So today, let's look beyond ourselves and intentionally treat others the way we would want to be treated. Not because we expect something in return, but because we have already received more love and mercy from Jesus than we could ever deserve.


And who knows? Your simple act of kindness might be exactly the encouragement someone needs to keep running their race.

Heavenly Father, thank You loving us when we didn’t deserve it by sending your one and onlySon to die for our sins. Lord, help us to model this same love to others that we might inspire them to seek the One who inspires this treatment that’s so contrary to the world. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 
Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Embrace Taper Time

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 time it is… it’s taper time. And while many runners absolutely dread this period before race day, it’s a time you should embrace. 

After all, you’ve logged the miles. You've gotten up early every Saturday, pushed through tough workouts, and sacrificed time and energy for months to prepare for this moment. And now, with just two weeks until the Bass Pro Marathon and Cohick Half Marathon, you’ve earned a rest. 

Unfortunately though, for many runners, rest comes with restlessness. Which means this downtime might have you suddenly questioning everything. 

Did I train enough? What if I can't finish? What if I start too fast? Am I really ready? What if I get sick? What if I have to walk? Is this pain in my hip real? 

If you're a first-time marathoner or half marathoner, these thoughts may be running through your mind faster than you've ever run in training. For real! And even if you've raced before, those pre-race nerves have a way of showing up when the starting line gets close.

Let me assure you of something. What you're feeling is normal!

In fact, these final two weeks can be just as much of a mental challenge as a physical one. But knowing what to expect, and more importantly, knowing what to do with those thoughts, can make all the difference when you toe the starting line.

Trust Your Training and Embrace the Taper

One of the biggest mistakes runners make in the final two weeks is trying to squeeze in more training because they suddenly feel unprepared.

Don't do it!

Now’s the time to remember that the hard work is behind you. It’s time to let your body recover, repair, and prepare for race day. This is called tapering, and while it might feel counterproductive to run less when you're about to run farther than ever, it's one of the most important parts of your training.

During these final two weeks, your mileage should decrease while you maintain some of your normal running rhythm. Your longest runs are in the rear view, and your focus should shift from building fitness to arriving at the starting line rested and ready.

You may notice that your legs feel heavy, sluggish, or even unusually sore during the taper. You might feel restless, irritable, or convinced that you're losing fitness. You're not! These sensations are common as your body adjusts to reduced training. You aren't losing the fitness you've spent months building. You're allowing your body to absorb that training.

Remember, you don't gain fitness by cramming in an extra miles during the final two weeks. You gain readiness by recovering from the miles you've already run.

Which means you must follow your training plan, resist the temptation to test yourself with one more long run, and trust the process.

Expect the Pre-Race Doubts

For many first-time runners, the final two weeks bring a flood of self-doubt. As race day approaches, the distance you’re about to run suddenly becomes very real.

You may find yourself replaying your hardest training runs, remembering the times you struggled, or comparing yourself to runners who seem faster, stronger, or better prepared.

But here's something I want you to understand: Just because you think something doesn't mean it's true. Feelings aren’t facts. 

When your mind says, "I can't do this," remind yourself of what you've already done. Think about those early mornings when you got out of bed even though you wanted to sleep. Remember the long runs you completed when your legs were tired. Think about the days when you didn't feel like running but showed up anyway.

Instead of thinking, "I've never run that far before," remind yourself, "I've trained to take on this challenge and I'm ready."

And instead of comparing yourself to someone else's journey, celebrate your own. After all, as I’ve said before, comparison is the thief of joy. 

In just two weeks, all those training miles will lead you to the starting line of the Bass Pro Marathon or Cohick Half Marathon.

So, over these next two weeks, give your body the rest it needs and your mind the encouragement it deserves. Stop worrying about whether you've done enough and start appreciating everything you've already accomplished.

The time for building fitness is behind you. The time for trusting your training is here. In other words, “the hay’s in the barn”. You’ve planted the seed, you’ve tended the growth, and you’ve brought in the harvest. Race day is the time we bake the bread. 

And there you have it friends. Training for race day has been hard. But taping for race day can be hard as well. So, stick to the taper plan, take hold of your restless thoughts, and get ready for race day. It will be here before you know it and all that training will pay off. I don’t know about you but I’m excited! Happy Running!

When Things Don’t Go as You Hoped

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

In a story titled “70 ultramarathon runners evacuated after being stranded by heavy rain: Officials” published over the weekend, it was reported that 70 runners and volunteers participating in Utah's Moab 240 ultramarathon were evacuated from the rugged outdoor race course on Sunday after being stranded overnight by a heavy rainstorm that hit the area.

The San Juan County Sheriff's Office said on Sunday that it coordinated with race organizers to assist the stranded runners, who had been unable to safely leave the affected areas.

Destination Trail, which organizes and manages the race, said in an update on Sunday afternoon that buses were evacuating the final group of affected participants, who were stuck at an aid station near the Bridger Jack Mesa in the Bear Ears National Monument.

To understand why this was such a huge disappointment to the runners, consider that the entry fee alone was over $2,000 and that the runners who participated trained for months or even years to be there—some who would never get another chance to attempt such a monumental goal. And while the organizers were going to issue a refund for their entry fees, the runners would not be reimbursed for travel and training expenses, which you can be sure were at least as much as the entry fee. 

"We know this isn't how anyone hoped Moab 240 would go," Destination Trail said in a social media post to the stranded participants. "So many of you trained for months and traveled a long way to be here, and we're truly sorry the race ended this way. Sometimes the weather has other plans, and when it does, everyone’s safety has to come first."

And, you know, as this story illustrates, there will be times in every persons life when things won’t go as they had hoped or planned; no matter how meticulous the planning was.

These are the times when we, as believers, have two choices. We can either cry and complain over the uncontrollable change in our situation, thereby denying that God is sovereign over our steps, or we can look up and say, “Okay Lord, my plan didn’t go as I planned, so I will trust that your plan is better than mine.”

The latter response, which is the only fitting one for a Christian, not only acknowledges our understanding that “the Lord directs” our steps, but affirms our belief that His direction is always better than what our hearts planned.

You see, this verse reminds us that when our personal plans fail or unexpectedly shift, God could very well be at work steering those steps toward a higher purpose and a greater ultimate outcome.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Which is the very reason we must trust God completely so we don’t miss that purpose, especially when we don't understand what He is doing or where He is leading us.

Furthermore, consider this… when we trust Him completely and yield fully when things don’t go as we hoped or planned, we can react to life’s changes in a way (with joy and anticipation) that’s so contrary to the world that people will take notice.

So, choose to view the disruptions of life as divine redirections my friend. And when things don’t go the way you hoped or planned, look up and say, “Lord, I trust You with all my heart. I willingly and joyfully surrender to your redirection. Lead me along the path You have laid out for me.”

Heavenly Father, thank You for being sovereign over our footsteps. Help us to trust You when our plans go awry and our dreams are dashed. Help us to follow the path You have for us rather than focusing on the one that was closed off, knowing that Your ways are higher ans better than ours. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Shared Suffering is Easier Suffering

“But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.” Acts 16:25

After completing countless solo training miles over the course of countless weeks in anticipation of an upcoming 100 mile race (happening this weekend) I signed up for, I was absolutely stoked when I saw that Fleet Feet Springfield was hosting a 20 mile run for those training for the Bass Pro Marathon (there was also a 10 mile option for those training for the Cohick Half) that I will be both running and pacing on November 1.

“Finally,” I told my husband (who is also training for an ultra this weekend and pacing the BP half), “we will have people to run with! I have been finding it super hard to keep my motivation up alone." 

And let me tell you what! The encouragement I received from fellow runners along the course led to my having the best run I have had in a long time. Lots of people were struggling, but struggling together made it so much easier and, in a strange way, made it much more enjoyable. 

But, you know, ask nearly any runner (especially those who run long distances) and they'll tell you that there's something about sharing the miles with others that makes the hard miles seem easier. The distance doesn't change. The hills don't get smaller. And the legs still get tired. But when we have someone beside us who understands what we're going through and why we choose to go through it, the suffering becomes easier to bear.

In this way, shared suffering makes for easier suffering.

And the same is true in our Christian walk.

To illustrate this point, we need only look at the story of Paul and Silas who were beaten severely before being locked in the inner prison (with their feet fastened in stocks) in Philippi for casting a demon out of a fortune-telling slave girl. 

Instead of despairing though, Paul and Silas (who no doubt mutually encouraged one another) began praying and singing hymns to God at midnight while the other prisoners listened. Suddenly, an earthquake shook the prison, opening the doors and loosening their chains. What followed was the conversion of the jailer and his household. Amazing, right?!

Their shared faith and steadfastness under extreme suffering provided a shared strength and a powerful witness to everyone around them. 

That's the power of collective suffering! It not only motivates individuals to keep going when the race gets hard but inspires those around them to continue running as well!

Think about that for a minute. Paul and Silas had every reason to complain. They were hurting. They were imprisoned. And they were uncertain of what would happen next. Yet, instead of focusing on their circumstances, they focused on God. And rather than allowing their suffering to steal their joy, they chose to worship together.

And people “were listening to them.”

So, in this race of life, be sure to surround yourself with other believers as often as you can my friend. It will not only serve to strengthen your resolve to press on when things get hard, but will strengthen theirs as well. This, in turn, will help you keep the joy in the midst of suffering that you might, like Paul and Silas, continue to worship God and influence those around you to do the same by your witness.

Heavenly Father, thank You for those people in our lives who will come alongside us and encourage us to embrace suffering as a means to grow our own faith and that of those around us. Lord, help us to be people who suffer well that we might choose to sing in the midst of our greatest pain; and in doing so cause those listening to seek the only One who can inspire this type of unusual behavior. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Be Thankful for the Sun and the Maker of it

“Truly the light is sweet, And it is pleasant for the eyes to behold the sun;” Ecclesiastes 11:7 NKJV

In a recent story titled “Runner aims to complete 50 marathons before losing her vision,” Penny Frey shared her journey of running a marathon in all 50 states while slowly losing her eyesight to a hereditary disease. With only four states remaining, Penny is determined to finish her goal while she can still see the beauty around her.

What struck me most about her story wasn't the number of marathons she’s completed, but her appreciation for something many of us take for granted: watching the sunrise.

In fact, this is what she said, “Every mile is a chance to savor the sunrise. I do, because I know someday I might not be able to see that.”

Penny knows there’s coming a day when she will no longer be able see the sun come up in all of its glory, so she makes a point to savor every opportunity she has to witness it. 

In Ecclesiastes 11:7, Solomon (considered the wisest man to have ever lived) reminded us that life is a gift from God and that we should find joy in the simple blessings He places before us, saying “Truly the light is sweet, And it is pleasant for the eyes to behold the sun.”

Think about that for a moment. When’s the last time you thanked God for the warmth of the sunshine and the beauty of a sunrise?

How about the time spent with loved ones, or even the ability to get out of bed each morning? These are blessings we often overlook because we assume they will always be there.

But they won't.

"whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." James 4:14 NKJV

James reminds us that our lives are like a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes. This means we aren't promised tomorrow, which makes today all the more precious.

I don’t know about you, but Penny’s story reminds me that I shouldn't wait until I’m about to lose something to appreciate it. None of us should.

Hence the reason you and I should wake up each and every morning recognizing that every breath, every sunrise, every opportunity to love and serve others, and every moment spent in God's presence is a gift. 

“From the rising of the sun to its going down, the LORD’s name is to be praised.” Psalm 113:3

So be thankful for the sun and the Maker of it today my friend. And then don’t forget to thank God for all of the blessings you can see, to trust Him with the all the things you can’t see, and to praise His holy Name for all of it. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the many ways you bless us. Help us to meditate on all those ways that we would not take any of them for granted. Lord, help us to start each and every one of our days with thanksgiving and praise and to end each and every one of our days with thanksgiving and praise. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 
Happy Running!

Move Beyond Guilt to Repentance

"For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death." 2 Corinthians 7:10 NKJV

In a disturbing story titled “An Influencer Posted a Berlin Marathon PR. Then She Was Caught Cutting the Course on a Bike,” it was reported that a Chinese fitness content creator known online as Abeeeer has apologized after she was photographed riding a bike late during this year’s Berlin Marathon on September 27. She initially celebrated her finish as a personal best.

The Independent reports that the Official Marathon Time Integrity Unit (OMTIU), an Instagram account that investigates questionable race performances online, flagged the images. According to OMTIU, Abeeeer—who has roughly 530,000 followers across social media—was pictured on the bicycle near the 38K mark. Her fastest 5K of the entire race came between 35K and 40K, the same stretch where she was reportedly seen getting a ride.

She later shared a finishing time of 4:53:46, which might have passed as a successful Berlin time to post about if the combined photos and split data hadn’t started telling a very different story.

On October 3, a few days after the race, Abeeeer acknowledged breaking the rules and said she wasn’t going to excuse it. “I will not make any defense for the above behavior,” she wrote. She also admitted that the deception continued after she got off the bike, calling the way she presented the race afterward “a very dishonest act” that “violated the sporting spirit of fair marathon competition.”

She also addressed the fact that she’d been “feeling unwell” on the course, saying that still didn’t justify what she did, and added that she felt “deeply guilty” about it.

And, you know, while feelings of guilt, spiritually speaking, indicate that a person knows they have done wrong (at least by the world’s standards), merely feeling guilty doesn’t change anything. Only true repentance does. 

You see, there’s a difference between feeling guilty and truly repenting. Guilt says, “I feel bad about what I did” or “I feel bad that I got caught.” Repentance says, “I have transgressed against God and I don’t want to keep living this way.” 

This is the reason Paul said, "For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted;" and then added "but the sorrow of the world produces death."

In this passage, the Apostle Paul distinguished between two entirely different emotional and spiritual responses to wrongdoing. Godly sorrow is a profound, Holy Spirit-driven grief that arises when a person recognizes they have sinned against a holy God, moving them toward true repentance—a genuine turning away from sin and toward righteousness—which brings salvation and leaves absolutely no regret. 

On the other hand, worldly sorrow is a superficial, self-focused regret that centers on the negative consequences of sin, such as public embarrassment (in this case, the influencer was exposed), lost status, or fear of punishment, rather than a hatred for the sin itself. Because worldly sorrow lacks a desire for real heart change, it offers no lasting healing and instead produces bitterness, despair, and spiritual death. 

Paul shared this truth to encourage the church in Corinth, demonstrating that while his previous letter of rebuke might have caused them temporary pain, it was ultimately a blessing because it led to a healthy, life-giving restoration of their walk with God.

So, if you’ve sinned against the Lord today (and all sins are ultimately against God), move beyond merely feeling “deeply guilty” about it to truly repenting for it my friend. This is where true change takes place. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for forgiving us of our sins when we turn from them and turn to You. Convict our hearts when we transgress against You, Lord, that we might experience the godly sorrow that leads to repentance and forgiveness rather than merely guilt that produces death. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Practice Race Day Before Race Day

Hello Runner Friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about an upcoming event that you won't want to miss. Especially if you're planning on running the Bass Pro Marathon or Cohick Half Marathon in a few weeks. It's the Fleet Feet 20 Miler! Don't worry though, there's a 10 mile option for those running the half marathon.

And while the price of the run is only $10, the lessons you can learn by using this long run as a “dress rehearsal” for race day might just be priceless. 

The Long Run Dress Rehearsal: Practice Race Day Before Race Day

So, here's the deal... as race day gets closer for the Bass Pro Marathon and Cohick Half Marathon, one of the most important workouts on your training schedule is your longest training run. This run isn't just about covering miles, but is an opportunity to practice race day before race day. 

And especially if this is your first marathon or half marathon. Because, as someone who’s run countless marathons, there's a lot more to "practice" than simply running when it comes to making race day the best it can be. 

Don't Go It Alone

Long runs can be intimidating. That's one reason I encourage runners to complete their longest run with other runners whenever possible. Hence the reason the Fleet Feet run is such a great idea!

Running with others gives you accountability, encouragement, and someone to talk to when the miles get long. It can also teach you how to run around other people—something you'll definitely experience on race morning.

There's also something special about struggling through a long run together. Everyone will have good miles and difficult miles. You learn to encourage someone else when they're struggling, and you discover how much encouragement can help when you're the one having a tough day.

And did I mention that some of the pacers will be there? This is the time to ask questions as they are more than happy to help! After all, they take their job of getting you to the finish line very seriously. I know this because I'm one of the pacers (5:15 marathon)!!!

Moving on... 

Treat Your Long Run Like a Dress Rehearsal

One of the biggest pieces of advice I give runners is simple:

Nothing new on race day.

Your longest training run should be a dress rehearsal.

Wear the shoes you plan to race in. Wear the socks, shorts or tights, shirt, sports bra, hat, hydration belt, vest, or whatever else you expect to use.

This is when you discover that the socks you thought were comfortable cause a blister after mile 10. It's when you find out that your favorite shirt starts chafing after two hours or that your hydration belt bounces once it's fully loaded.

Those aren't failures. That's exactly what training is for.

Finding a problem during training gives you time to fix it before race morning. This is super important!

Practice Your Nutrition Too

Your stomach needs training just like your legs do.

If you plan to use gels, chews, sports drinks, electrolytes, or other fuel during the Bass Pro Marathon or Cohick Half Marathon, don't wait until race day to try them.

Use your long runs to determine what works, how much you need, and when you need it.

Practice drinking while you're running. Practice opening your fuel packages with sweaty hands. Pay attention to how your stomach responds. Learn how frequently you need calories and fluids.

For first-time marathoners and half marathoners, this can be one of the most overlooked parts of training. You can have perfectly trained legs, but if you don't have a fueling and hydration plan that your body tolerates, the later miles can become much harder than necessary.

Your long run is where you develop that plan.

Practice Your Race Morning

Go even further with your dress rehearsal.

Eat the breakfast you plan to eat on race morning. Get up around the time you'll need to get up. Drink what you expect to drink before the race. Wear your planned clothing and carry your planned gear.

Then run.

Afterward, take notes. What worked? What didn't? Were you hungry? Did you drink enough? Did anything rub? Were your shoes comfortable late in the run? Did your fueling sit well? Is there something you need to change?

Every answer makes you better prepared.

Build Confidence, Not Just Fitness

There is another huge benefit to completing that longest run: confidence.

If this is your first half marathon or marathon, there may still be a little voice asking, “Can I really do this?”  

Your longest training run helps answer that question.

When you finish it, you have proof that your training is working. You have practiced your gear, tested your nutrition, worked through tired legs, and learned that you can keep moving when the run gets difficult.

Make the Long Run Count

So when it's time for your longest run before the Bass Pro Marathon or Cohick Half Marathon, don't look at it as just another workout.

Gather some running friends. Put on your race-day gear. Pack your race-day nutrition. Practice your hydration. Test your breakfast. Run your planned pace.

Make mistakes now. Fix them now. Learn what works now.

Then, when you stand at the starting line, there will be fewer unknowns. You'll have already practiced the plan.

Race day shouldn't be the day you figure everything out. I can’t stress that enough!

Race day should be the day you put everything you've practiced into action.

And there you have it friends. Those are some solid reasons to show up at the start line of Saturday's Fleet Feet 20 mile/10 mile run. Not to mention that there will be food at the end! And runners love food almost as much as they love running, right? So, I hope to see you there! It's guaranteed fun for everyone!

Happy Running!