Let us Celebrate the Freedom Christ Provided

"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1

With Independence Day upon us, you might be noticing the many flags on display as you head out for your morning run. And if you've chosen, like many other runners, to participate in a 4th of July race, you might even see runners wearing red, white and blue while carrying it. You could safely say then that most Americans are still pretty proud of that 'ole flag'. I know I am! And with good reason. You see, 'Old Glory' represents the day our country's founders declared independence from Great Britain. Did you know, though, that each part of the flag stands for something? The 50 stars stand for the 50 states and the 13 stripes stand for the 13 British colonies which declared their independence on July 4, 1776. The colors also stand for something. The white vertical stripes signify purity and innocence, the red hardiness and valour and the blue signify vigilance, perseverance and justice. 

Speaking of flags, there is another flag that should be displayed with pride too… the Christian flag. You see, this flag represents the day believers were granted the greatest freedom of all... deliverance from the power of sin. The shade of red on the cross symbolizes the blood that Jesus shed on Calvary. The blue canton represents the waters of baptism as well as the faithfulness of Jesus, and the white represents Jesus' purity. Regardless of their differences in appearance though, these flags together serve as a reminder that we are “One Nation Under God,” and a country that’s been blessed by the Creator Himself. 

So, in the words of John Adams (a signer of the Declaration of Independence) as penned in a letter to his wife 250 years ago, let us commemorate this day “as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty” and let us solemnize the day “with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore.” And might I add… let us go for a run (or walk) as we count our blessings and thank our God for allowing us to live in the greatest country on earth. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for setting us free from the yoke of slavery and the bonds of tyranny. My solemn prayer is that this country would celebrate our freedom every day with solemn acts of devotion to you, the great God Almighty. Help us to be united as “one nation, under God" as we wave our white flags in total surrender to You, Lord. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Live Out Your Deep Purpose

“I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.” John 17:4 NIV

In an inspiring story titled “74-year-old Duluth runner ‘gave it his all’ after dropping out of 100-mile race” published by NorthernNewsNow on Monday, it was reported that Duluth area runner Michael Koppy, who was attempting to break an ultra running record out in California this past weekend, was disqualified after 30 miles, or 9 hours into the race, for coming into an aid station just a few minutes after the cut-off time. Koppy, age 74, was aiming to become the oldest person to ever complete the Western States 100-mile endurance run. In a message, Koppy’s wife says what matters is the years of training, the countless qualifying races, the early mornings and the deep purpose that carried him to the start line. Koppy says he gave it his all, but that the course was very technical, which slowed his pace. Of the six runners over the age of 70 that started the race, only one crossed the finish line. 

And while the world may view Michael’s race as a loss, I’d join his wife in considering it a victory since he fulfilled “the deep purpose” that spurred him to the start line. In the same way, every believer can count their life as victory by fulfilling “the deep purpose” within them for which they were created… which is to bring God glory by finishing the work He gave them to do. You see, as Jesus clearly demonstrated by his death on the cross, spiritual success is measured by the degree of our obedience and wholehearted devotion—-meaning that we gain victory when we give our all to the cause of Christ, doing everything for the glory of God, no matter the hardships, trials, or pain that we have to face along the way. 

So, in the example Jesus modeled, live to bring God glory on earth above all else my friend. Give it your all to finish the work He gave you to do, aiming to inspire the lost to follow Jesus in doing so. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You don’t measure success the way the world does. Help us to understand that we are in a spiritual race with a finish line put in place by You. Help us to run with endurance the race marked out before us with all that we have that we might bring You glory with every step and with every breath. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Narrow your Focus to Run Faster

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about speed. Now that the majority of runners are acclimated to the summer heat (at least the morning temps anyway), it's time to talk about thriving rather than merely surviving. This was something I was thinking about on my early morning run yesterday as I donned on a new pair of HOKA's for some speed work. And these weren't just a new pair but a new model! I know, I'm such a rebel right? 

But... as much as I willed my new shoes to make me faster than my old ones, I'm not quite sure if it worked. It did however make me smile as I came across an article later that afternoon titled, "Want to run faster? Change where you look." And of course, I said "Yes I want to run faster!" Which is the very reason I intently read the rest of the write-up published by Canadian Running Magazine. The writer started off by saying, "You probably don’t need a new pair of carbon-plated shoes or a fancy lactate threshold test to run faster in a race or workout. According to a new study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, simply changing where you look while you run might help you push harder and finish faster." 

So here we go! If this had your imagination piqued as it did mine, here's what else you need to know if you want to run faster...

Stop scanning the scenery

A team of psychologists, including researchers from NYU, Creighton and Rutgers University, found that narrowing your visual attention (a.k.a. locking your gaze on one fixed point ahead of you) can make a measurable difference in how fast and hard you run. The idea is simple: instead of admiring nature or checking out your wild spectators, aim to focus on one spot ahead, and then move that spot forward as you go. The closer you get to your goal, the more you narrow in.

The researchers call this strategy attentional narrowing, and in their tests, runners who used it consistently ran faster and spent more time working at a higher heart rate than those told to take in the wider view. In short: less sightseeing results in better performance. “By increasingly narrowing attention as a runner moves from earlier to later stages of a run or race—like locking in on a target, then finding another after you pass the first, and eventually the finish line—they run faster, raise their heart rate, and perform better,” explains Emily Balcetis, one of the study’s authors.

Not just for the elites (but they’re doing it too)

Across six studies, researchers found that faster runners and those with more racing experience were more likely to use this strategy naturally. The good news is that it’s a learned skill. Whether you’re gunning for a PB or just trying to survive your next tempo run, narrowing your focus is something you can start practising today. This isn’t tunnel vision; it’s more like a form of mental pacing—an intentional way to regulate your effort, without overthinking splits or form.

Use it when it counts

To see if the strategy held up in practice, researchers ran a few short-distance experiments using real runners. Some were told to keep their gaze wide, others to focus on a fixed point—either through the whole run or just toward the end. Across the board, those who narrowed their focus ran faster. They also spent more time with their heart rate above baseline, which suggests they were working harder, even if they didn’t feel like they were. A small shift in where you look turned out to have a real effect on how much you could give.

The takeaway

Focusing your eyes on one spot instead of scanning your surroundings might be more powerful than it sounds. It’s a low-effort, no-cost way to push a little harder when things get tough. Next time you’re grinding through a tough interval or closing in on the finish, try locking your gaze ahead, and you might be surprised what your legs still have left.

And there you have it friends. Marathon Weekend will be here before we know it. Which means if you want that fall PR, the time to thrive is now. So, whether or not you have a new pair of shoes, try these tips and see if you can shave a few seconds off your mile time. Over the course of 3.1, 13.1, or 26.2 miles, those seconds will add up and you'll be rewarded with a Personal Record. Happy Running!

Run from Sin and Run to God

“She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house.” Genesis 39:12 NIV

In a story titled “Runner beats train to summit of Mount Washington” published by WMUR9 News out of New Hampshire, it was reported that “A runner from Colorado beat a train to the top of Mount Washington on Saturday. Joseph Gray, of Colorado, was among about 400 participants in this year's Race the Cog event. He beat the 9 a.m. Cog Railway train to the top of the summit, according to Northeast Delta Dental President and CEO Tom Raffio. Raffio said Gray was the only runner to beat the train. He completed the race in 39 minutes and 54 seconds. Gray had to run through fog and light rain on steep terrain to complete the run. By beating the train, he got a $1,000 bonus from Northeast Delta Dental, Raffio said. Gray also beat the lead Cog train in 2022. Raffio said beating the lead train to the summit has only happened twice during the event, and both times it was Gray who accomplished the feat.” Wow right? 

And, you know, as this story shows, “beating the train” was no easy task. You can be sure it required every bit of Gray’s energy and effort. This is the same spiritual energy and effort believers need to display when it comes to “beating the train” spiritually speaking. You see, as the tale of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife shows, the temptation to sin in many ways is like a speeding train that can gain on us quickly—giving us little time to react. Which is why we, like Joseph, must be ready to run the moment sin demands we submit to its deadly grip—-and to submit instead to God. It’s then that the devil runs from us!

So, when sin comes speedily to take you captive, take your thoughts captive instead my friend. And then run! This will allow you to “beat the train” and take hold of the prize. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that, through You, we have the power to run away from sin and to cause the devil to run away from us. Help us to take all our sinful thoughts captive Lord that we might run the race with endurance and not get off track. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Let Laughter Fill your Mouth

“When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion, We were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, And we are glad.” Psalm 126:1-3 NKJV

In an interesting story titled “'Runner's face' and why running makes you look older, according to experts” published over the weekend, the writer said “Athletes benefit from the many positive effects that exercise has on the body both internally and externally. However, there are also some negative aspects that, depending on the sport and the person practicing it, may affect the individual more or less. This is the case, for example, of the so-called 'runner's face'. This is the term used to describe in a colloquial and simple way the facial changes experienced by many regular long-distance runners. These changes are characterized by a thinner and older appearance, loss of volume in the cheeks and cheekbones and the appearance of more pronounced wrinkles.” 

And, you know, while the so-called ‘runner’s face’ might be considered a negative thing, given the benefits of running regularly, I’d say the wrinkles are worth having. As are the wrinkles that should come with having a ‘grateful face.” You see, as believers, we should be as overjoyed as God’s people were the day He set them free from their captivity and they returned to Zion. The psalmist said they were so appreciative of their release that their mouths were filled with laughter and their tongues filled with singing…the same laughter and singing that should be so a part of who we are every day that we actually exhibit dramatic facial changes that manifest in the form of laugh lines and crow’s feet. After all, the Lord has done great things for them and the Lord has done great things for us! That should have us feeling glad 24 hours a day!

So, take the time to daily consider all the ways God has been good to you my friend. Write them down and rejoice over them. And then, with a mouth full of laughter, declare to the nations and to your neighbors, “The Lord has done great things for me and I am glad!”

Heavenly Father, thank You for doing such great things for us! While we were lost in our sin, You sent your Son to free us from the captivity and bondage of that sin and brought us back to You. We were prisoners and You set us free! Help us to be set apart from the world by the joy we show in all circumstances and by the boldness we have in declaring your goodness. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Your Value is Not in What You Do

"Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." Matthew 10:29-30 NKJV

In a story titled "Olympic runner dropped by sponsor over low social media following" published on June 26, it was reported that Daniel Ellis Roberts, an American athlete who won silver in the men's 110 m hurdles at the 2024 Paris Olympics, was dropped by his main sponsor due to a lack of social media appeal, although he has more than 23,000 followers on Instagram. Further illustrating the sad state that our world is in, Roberts said "These brands prioritize marketing above all else. Being at the top is influential, but if you're at the top and don't have many followers, you're not commercially profitable and your results won't have much value." Roberts ran 13.09 seconds to finish second behind Grant Holloway (12.99) in the Olympic final. Earlier that year, he broke the 13-second mark for the first time with a 12.96-second performance in Eugene. Despite these achievements, Roberts said his contract with a major sportswear sponsor was not renewed. "I know this because after my best year, winning an Olympic silver medal and breaking the 13-second mark for the first time, my sponsor dropped me, and I've had to live off prize money for the past six months. It's a shame, but with the way athletics is going, athletes have to focus on more than just competing well." 

And, you know, as disheartening as it is to think about, we live in a world where the majority of people believe their value comes from what they do and how many "followers" they have. But the truth of the matter is this... we are all made in the image of God and we are of "more value than many sparrows." Think about it this way, there are an estimated 1.6 billion house sparrows  in our world at any given time. And yet not one (did you get that not even one part?) falls to the ground apart from the Father's will. This is the value God places on his children!! And there are more than 8 billion people on this earth and yet God knows the very number of hairs on each one of their heads! This is the great love that the Father has for you and for me.  This means that no matter what value the world has placed on you, you are of infinite value to God. 

So, if you're feeling as if you don't matter today, look up my friend—and remember that God not only sent his one and only Son to die so you could be reconciled back to Him, but calls you "His workmanship" and has prepared you in advance to do good things that He planned for you long ago as well. Is that amazing or what? 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that, as believers in Jesus Christ, our identity is not in what we do but in who we are... children of God, fearfully and wonderfully made in your image and loved beyond comprehension. Help us to not only understand this Lord that we would find our worth and value in You but to spread this message to a world in desperate need of hearing it. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Believers Always Have a Family

“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:46-47 NIV

In a story titled “For a Change of Pace, Try Running in the Woods,” published last weekend, the writer said “When William Gensburg first fell in love with trail running, he was nearly 50 years old. At the time, he played in an amateur ice hockey league in Westchester County, N.Y., but his injuries were piling up and he needed a different way to stay active. Mr. Gensburg, who had virtually no running experience, started jogging on a leafy two-mile trail near his home. He was instantly hooked and said, “I became enchanted, frankly, with being in the woods doing something at your own pace.” For Mr. Gensburg, who started trail running on his own, the activity has become central to his social life. After going through a divorce and becoming an empty nester, he sold his business and set out on a road trip across the country, planning to visit outdoorsy cities and towns and pick one to retire to. He didn’t get any further than Boulder, Colo., his second stop. He tried out some running groups he found on Meetup, he said, and “The next thing I knew, I had a circle of friends and just decided to stay.”

And, you know, as this story clearly shows, life doesn’t always turn out the way a person plans it will. Divorces happen, health fails, jobs change, and children leave home. Life is always changing, whether it be for the better or the worse. But, if you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you know there’s one thing that never changes… God. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. And the same God who arranges for someone to meet “a circle of friends” that will become family is the same God who arranges for fellow believers to meet “together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people” to become family. You see, while you and I might not always have a biological ‘family’ to support us and to share life with, we will always be welcome in the ‘family’ of God. And this family is everywhere!

So, if life hasn’t turned out the way you planned and you find yourself alone and looking for a “circle of friends," make it a habit to meet with the brothers and sisters in the family of God my friend. You will be instantly hooked by their friendship and bonded to them by a love that goes much deeper than running. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us a 'family' that extends far beyond those people we might be related to by blood. Help us to understand how important it is to be in a godly "circle of friends" Lord that we might make the time to foster these relationships and to be that person who reaches out to the lost and lonely to welcome them in. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!