BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Run the Best Half

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about some great news that was announced last week by RaceRaves. The Cohick Half Marathon was named the BEST Half Marathon in Missouri for 2024! As someone who's run this race and loves this race, the news came as no surprise. And neither did what Race Raves had to say about this amazing 13.1 mile event... Situated in the heart of the Ozarks, Missouri’s third most populous city hosts a lovely “fall”ternative to crowded big-city half marathons. Starting and finishing (where else?) at the Bass Pro Shops National Headquarters, this mostly flat tour of attractive neighborhoods includes a visit to local favorite Mother’s Brewing Company as well as a short stretch on historic Route 66. (Springfield is recognized as the birthplace of the Mother Road.) Along the way, expect motivational boosts courtesy of the season’s changing colors, plus energetic themed aid stations and designated spectator party zones. Enthuses one happy finisher, “It would be hard to surpass the professionalism” of the Bass Pro Shops Fitness Series.

Do you just love that or what??? 

So if a Half Marathon is on your bucket list, you know what you need to do right? Sign up and then commit yourself to the training of course. Official Cohick Half and Bass Pro Marathon training groups start in July but May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month, is a great month to start building up your base mileage, something that most people know improves their physical health but may not have considered that it also benefits their mental health. Running can make you healthy and happy! It's true! 

But if you don't believe me, check out what the experts at Runner's World had this to say about mental health and the seven ways running goes beyond the physical advantages:

The advantages of running go well beyond your physical health; the sport works just as many wonders for your mental health and wellness. A 2020 review in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health associated running with improvements in a range of mental health outcomes and concluded that running has positive implications for various mental illnesses. In the U.S. alone, approximately 23 percent of adults experienced a mental illness in 2021, defined by the National Institute of Mental Health as a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder. Running can be used as a tool to help alleviate the symptoms of those disorders and contribute to an improved mental state.

Running Helps Improve Your Mood

You can feel this particular benefit of running for mental health while still on the move or as soon as you finish your miles. Running releases endorphins in the brain, and these endorphins act as a painkiller during physical discomfort. Thanks to the release of these feel-good hormones—which researchers explain our ancestors needed when running to catch prey or avoid predators—running can help your mind break out of a dark place and bring on positive thinking. All it takes to boost your endorphins is a run just long enough to push you out of your comfort zone.

Running Reduces Stress

One of the main culprits behind stress is a hormone called cortisol. When you feel stressed, your adrenal glands release cortisol into your bloodstream in an increased amount. Ironically, the act of running is an additional stressor, activating stress response in your body and the release of cortisol, but, as they describe in their recent series on stress in the body, it’s a short-term surge that serves a larger purpose: “Just like progressive training helps your body adapt to handle a higher load, increasing cortisol in your system helps your body adapt so it can better handle similar stressful situations in the future,” they wrote. In the end, physical exercise helps your body return to its equilibrium. A small 2021 study published in Scientific Reports concluded that just 10 minutes of moderate-intensity running can help your brain regulate stress.

Running Helps Build Mental Resilience

Running is a great mental sport as it helps develop your mental toughness and resilience. A small study at Northern Arizona University concluded when people improved their fitness and exercised consistently, they had a lower stress response. Not only does running help deal with stress at the moment, but it also supports quicker rebound during future stressful moments and builds greater resilience in the long term.

Running Improves Brain Function

There are close to 100 billion nerve cells in your brain, connected by neurotransmitters. Several studies suggest that exercise increases the function of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, best known for influencing happiness, sleep, memory, and more.
“By raising our neurotransmitters, exercise really makes a difference in the way we feel, and very importantly, we have control over the way we feel by moving our bodies,” said John Ratey, an associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and author of Spark: The Revolutionary New Science on Exercise and the Brain. 

Running Leads to Better Sleep

Sleep is critical for your mental health, while the lack of it has the power to worsen your mental well-being. Sleep plays a role in supporting your brain, heart and, overall health—and according to a 2023 research Runner’s World covered, potentially even how long you live.While researchers don’t completely understand how precisely physical activity and sleep are linked, a 2023 systematic search confirmed that running can lead to improved sleep quality, making the miles you put in all the more worth it.

Running Supports Mindfulness

Mindfulness is all about living in the present moment, and research shows that practicing mindfulness can help manage mental health conditions. “One of the goals of mindfulness when it comes to mental health is this idea of being able to pause, notice unhelpful thinking, reframe the thought, and move from there,” said Dwayne Brown, licensed clinical social worker who uses mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in his private practice to help those with mental health conditions. Through mindfulness, a person is more in control of their thinking, instead of their thinking being in control of them, Brown added. Being present and mindful contributes to a better mental state. 

Running Is a Great Tool for Treating Mental Disorders

More than 50 million American adults experience mental illness, with half of them not receiving any treatment. As we mentioned, running can be part of your plan because it helps trigger the release of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin. These feel-good chemicals are often depleted by mental disorders. “We lose nerve cells, and exercise helps repopulate them and make them tougher, make them stronger so they can withstand the stresses of everyday life,” said Ratey. Antidepressant drugs are based on helping fire neurotransmitters in your brain and increase their concentration as soon as you start taking them, Ratey said. But as explained above, the same can be achieved by incorporating running into your routine. In a 2023 study published by the Journal of Affective Disorders, more than 100 people with depression or anxiety were offered the option to take antidepressants or join a running program for 16 weeks. The study concluded that running worked just as well as the medication “Now, I would always encourage people to seek medical advice from a medical professional, it’s really important to make sure that you’re targeting your mental illness from all avenues,” said Lennie Waite, a certified mental performance consultant and Olympian. “But running is a great supplement to whatever else you’re doing to benefit your mental health.”

Running can support a range of mental disorders, including anxiety, the most common mental illness in the U.S., and depression, the leading disability in ages 15-44. But the benefits don’t stop there. Post-traumatic stress disorder is another one, which Runner’s World covered in detail in this article. And runners have been using the sport to manage other mental health conditions as well, including bipolar disorder, ADHD, the risk of dementia, or, for example, OCD.

So there you have it friends. There are so many benefits to committing to a running (or walking) program. But one of the greatest rewards  (not listed by Runner's World) is the friendships you'll make along the way. Runners are genuinely the nicest people you'll ever meet (must be all the endorphins), which means spending time with them will also be a boost for your mental health. Did I tell you that group runs often turn into counseling sessions as well? So lace up those shoes and get out there for the first of many training runs. There are lots of Bass Pro Fitness Series events coming up and you don't want to miss them! Your body and your mind will thank you. 

Happy Running!

We are not Disqualified

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 ESV

In a story titled, "Runner disqualified as winner of OC Marathon" published yesterday, it was reported that a Fountain Valley man was disqualified Sunday as winner of the OC marathon. In a statement, event officials said the competitor was disqualified for receiving unauthorized assistance from someone on a bike. City News Service reported that the runner received fluids from a spectator in violation of a rule that participants can only get water at official hydration stations. "During yesterday’s Hoag OC Marathon, we were forced to disqualify a participant after it was confirmed they received unauthorized assistance from an individual on a bicycle, in violation of USA Track & Field rules and our race regulations," race director Gary Kutschar said. "We take these rules seriously to ensure fairness and the integrity of our event for all competitors.”

And you know, while the punishment for an offense that seems so minor might appear to be unusually harsh, the penalty for the transgression is fitting. After all, a violation is a violation no matter the size of the breach. Similarly, the punishment for all sin (big and small) is death, since all sin is a violation of God’s rules. Thankfully though, through the death of Jesus Christ, we don’t have to be disqualified from receiving the prize of “eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Through this “free gift of God,” you and I were given another chance — and by confessing and repenting of our sins can complete the race we were called to run. 

So don’t despair if sin has left you sidelined my friend. By turning from your trespasses, no matter how shameful, heinous, or shocking they might have been, you can be reinstated and qualified to get back in the race and receive the prize Jesus has promised to every faithful finisher. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for your mercy in not giving us the punishment that we deserve. Help us to truly understand that without Jesus’ death on the cross, we would all be disqualified and justly condemned to hell. May that knowledge cause us to be so thankful that we serve You will all we have until the day we reach that final finish line. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Be Prepared and Ready

“Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.” 2 Timothy 4:2 NLT

In a story published by WSAW-TV last week, it was reported that Allen Stegner, who stopped to help a fellow runner after they collapsed while running the Illinois Marathon, and the Wausau Fire Department are encouraging everyone to get CPR certified because, they say, every minute that goes by decreases a person’s chance of surviving cardiac arrest. Alan Stenger is a cardiac device specialist, he was running the Illinois Marathon when he noticed a runner collapse. Stenger and several others went to check on the man. One minute he was speaking to them, the next minute he lost consciousness. That’s when Stenger and the others jumped into action. “Two of us were former paramedics, so we had a good number of people there who were trained and capable of CPR that we were able to get that started until ultimately you know we got 911 called and we were able to direct them where to go eventually,” said Stengner. Stenger also told me the part of the race route where this happened made it even more important to start CPR right away.

And you know, as this story clearly illustrates, the need to provide CPR to a person in need can come when we least expect it. Which is the very reason that every person, not just the experts, should be ’trained and capable’ to give it. In the same way, every believer of Jesus Christ should “be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not” to “preach the word of God.” You see, there are millions of people in our world that are in spiritual cardiac arrest, people that will die in their sin and spend eternity in hell if the life-saving Message of the Gospel is not shared with them. Which means we must ALL be ready to preach it at ALL times… both when it’s hard, and when it’s’ easy, when it falls on receptive ears, and when it doesn’t…  not leaving it up to the experts (aka pastors) to do the job. 

So in a world that’s growing increasingly hostile to the name of the only One who has the power to save the soul, let us be all the more determined to be trained in the Word and capable of sharing it and defending it so we will be ready to act when a person goes down. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that there are spiritually collapsed people all over our world today that are oblivious to the fate that awaits them if their condition is not cured. Lord, fill our hearts so full of love for the lost that we are compelled to study the Word so that we will be ‘trained and capable’ of preaching it and teaching it wherever and whenever it is necessary. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Know the Rules and Keep Them

“But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16

In an article titled “When You Bandit a Race, You Ruin It For Everyone,” the writer said,” On the surface, it may seem like a harmless thing to do, but it’s not.” The controversy came after an influencer went viral after she shared on social media that she took part in the NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half Marathon without signing up for the race. Runners were quick to chastise her actions and explain why it was wrong to join a race in an unofficial capacity… The woman later apologized and said she didn’t know she was doing something beyond the pale. And while there were various reasons given as to why entering a race illegally is both risky and wrong, one thing is certain… banditing should be avoided for any reason. 

And you know, when it comes to doing things that are “beyond the pale,” or outside the bounds of what God deems acceptable behavior for a believer, the Bible is clear that those who are saved are to “be holy in everything” they do, just as God is holy. Now this doesn’t mean that true believers will be perfect this side of heaven, but it does mean that their conduct will show them to be set apart unto God — different from the world in that they strive to walk by the Spirit and completely avoid those things that might cause them to sin. 

So be sure that you know the rules of the race by reading your Bible each and every day my friend. Not knowing you’re doing something “beyond the pale” will be an unacceptable excuse when it comes time to face judgement for your behavior. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we must be holy because You are holy. Help us to live above reproach Lord so that we would not break the rules and become disqualified. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Practice Christian Etiquette

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

In a timely article titled “All Your Running Etiquette Questions — Answered” published yesterday, the writer said “In a perfect world, an official guide to running etiquette would exist, which every runner would read and live by. No such document exists, but we came up with the next best thing, surveying runners to put together some general guidelines. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro who's curious about others' takes, here's a basic guide to running etiquette.” The writer then went on to list basic common courtesy rules when running outdoors, with a group, when racing, when running with pets and when taking selfies. And speaking on the latter one saying, “When taking photos to capture a moment in a race, always be mindful of not blocking others or intruding on their personal space. That one should be an etiquette rule for daily life, not just on the course.”

And you know, when it comes to following one etiquette, or behavioral, rule for daily life that would set us apart as believers, Paul said that we should “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.” But rather, in humility to value others above ourselves, not looking to our own interests but to the interests of others. Can you imagine if we all did this? By considering the needs of others above our own, we would automatically act in ways that would show good Christian etiquette. We would naturally hold open the door for someone. We would speak kindly at all times. And we would abstain from taking the last cookie and leave it for someone else, among other things. See where I’m going with this? These might seem like small things to us, but would have quite the effect on our world. 

So look for opportunities to be kind or to help someone today my friend. Small gestures might seem insignificant but when added up can have a huge impact. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that our behaviors, both big and small, can impact our world either negatively or positively. Knowing that, help us to display Christlike etiquette at all times. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION-Take a Turn Volunteering

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 event that took place last weekend… the Frisco Railroad Run presented by OMRR. This is one of my favorite races of all time. And while I wasn’t able to be there in person this year, I did enjoy perusing social media and seeing the smiles of all the runners and the volunteers. Especially the smile of Makayla Cornelius (pictured above in the middle), who I met at last years event while volunteering with my husband, Sweet Larry. 

Check out Makayla in the picture above who was all smiles last year on the 50k course. I loved that she came back as a volunteer this year! And I couldn’t wait to hear all about why she decided to step up to help the runners in lieu of running the race herself. And this is what she said….

I made the decision back during Bass Pro Marathon weekend (that’s us above at the 2023 BP marathon/half) to volunteer because I wanted to give back to the runners in the same way I was helped last year. The volunteers last year at the aid stations are the only reason I was able to finish the race at all and I was forever grateful for that experience. So I wanted to be able to be the person on the other side, helping people achieve their goals. 

Volunteering gave me perspective more than anything. As a runner, I think we sometimes lose what happens behind the scenes and can take it for granted. I was able to see that other side by helping set up before the start, manning an aid station and then helping to get that last runner in after the cutoff. It opened my eyes to be able to appreciate the volunteers and race staff even more than I already did before. 

I believe that runners should volunteer for the perspective it gives, as well as the feeling of joy it brings to help other runners achieve their goals. There’s something about being there and helping people do the hard things that is so rewarding. I think ultimately it makes us better runners. Not to mention as runners we know what that runner is going through at every stage because we’ve been there more times than we can count, so it gives us the chance to use that knowledge to better help someone quickly and effectively when they may not have even known what they needed. I know for me that is what saved my race last year, as well as races going forward.

Do you just love that or what? But the story gets even better!! When asked what her favorite part about the day was, Makayla said…

The main thing that comes to mind, and Karen (pictured above with some other volunteers) could give more detail on it for sure, was the last 50 mile runner. Her mom is battling breast cancer so she didn’t have time to train for the race and she came into the turnaround and let us know she wouldn’t make the cutoff but was going to finish anyway. We happened to have Karen there and Karen assured her that we would have a buckle and she would be at the finish for her. So later in the day as we neared the cutoff, Karen and I were out at the second to last aid station for her setting her up a little station. We did the same thing at the last aid station and made sure we were at the finish. There was another gentleman whose name I forgot, who ran in with her to ensure she was safe and got there after his aid station was done for the day. It was an incredible thing to be a part of. From her determination, to all of us coming together to make sure she got to the finish because we know what it’s like the be the last runner out there. It was honestly one of the greatest things I’ve ever been a part of, just getting to come together and help her meet that goal she set for herself. It was a good reminder of why we all do this and why the ultra community is so special. We do whatever we can to help each other no questions asked and it’s just an amazing community to be a part of.

So there you have it friends. The running community is indeed the most amazing community that you can be a part of! And they make the best volunteers because as runners themselves they know what other runners need and are willing to literally go the extra mile to make sure a runner makes it to the finish line. So consider stepping up to work at at least one race this year. I can tell you from personal experience that you will be immensely blessed by doing so. Happy Running!

 

*On a side note, I want to share what Karen said about Makayla, who is too humble to toot her own horn but deserves recognition for going above and beyond…

Makayla was amazing! She drove 8 hours to be there. She was there for the early start. She stayed until the last runners came through even after cutoff. She was willing to do anything. I told her story to anyone who would listen because she is the best example of giving back I have ever seen. She may live 8 hours away, but she is part of our local running community! Indeed she is! 

Death is Not the End

“‘You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” Matthew 7:13-14 NLT

In a tragic story published yesterday, it was reported that a runner in the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series in Nashville on Saturday has died after receiving emergency treatment at the race, organizers said Sunday.The Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series said the runner received urgent medical attention by an on-site team before being transported to a hospital, where the participant died. Organizers did not immediately release the identity of the runner. We appreciate the medical personnel who worked quickly to support the participant,” the statement from organizers said. “We share our greatest sympathies with the family and friends of the race participant, and we will continue to offer them our support as they go through this very difficult time.”

And you know, while we don’t know the identity of the person who died, we do know that it wasn’t the end of his or her story. Death is not the end of anyone’s story, contrary to popular belief. By the choice they made while alive, whether they took the “narrow gate” or the wide one, their eternal destination will have been determined. Those who chose to faithfully follow Jesus will be allowed to “enter God’s Kingdom” and inherit eternal life but those who chose the to follow the world will find that the “highway to hell” led them to a place of eternal damnation. 

So don’t be misled by the world my friend that insists there is more than one way to heaven and that hell is a fun place where you can party with your friends. The “gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” But those that do will reap the rewards, and those that don’t will forever regret their decision. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for making it clear that there is life beyond the one we will experience in this world. By the decision to either follow you or not to follow you, a person decides where they will spend eternity after their physical death, whether in heaven or hell. Help us to be bold in sharing the message that there is only one way to You so that none would enter hell on account of us Lord. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!