BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION-Keep showing up

 

Hello runner friends!
Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series
MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about how surrounding yourself with people who are committed to moving can motivate you to show up and to keep showing up for your workouts (especially the ones you don't want to do). But before we do, allow me to share what my dear friend and Race Director for the Fort2Base Race (and many other events) had to say for her F2B Training Tip Tuesday... words that inspired me to reach out to her to get, as Paul Harvey used to say, "the rest of the story."

Beth along with her crew pre-COVID

It is time to get back to training – I am not speaking about your training (but maybe this applies to you) but to me! I had a very stubborn injury that after seeing a few foot doctors and other specialists, finally came down to me changing my running shoes! Palm to face! So now I had no excuse not to get back into a routine and then COVID hit – double palm to face. I spent way too many months on the couch watching NCIS re-runs, feeling sorry for myself and gaining the COVID 19. In January, I decided it was time to change all of that. I can’t control COVID but I can control by response to COVID. I changed my eating habits (16 pounds gone – buh bye) and I worked out every day in January with the Fort2Base Boot Campers!

I wanted to get back to running, but didn’t have the motivation. I would get on the treadmill here and there and when it finally warmed up, I went outside here and there, but never with any consistency. Last week at our International Running Day, I walked with some really awesome people. People who were committed to moving, some were faster than others, but everyone SHOWED UP!

The Alpine Runners invited me to join their club, they have group runs almost every day of the week and for every skill level. I was never a fast runner, but I was strong and had endurance, all of which is gone. I am starting from scratch, as I know many of you are too! So, I signed up and joined the couch to 5K group. I remember when I was at a consistent training level where I could run a half marathon without having to change anything, but where I am today is an out of shape walker. Do you know how to get stronger and faster? SHOW UP!

So today I am committing to my training and SHOWING UP! I will keep you updated on my journey as I hope you keep me updated on yours!

The key is to get out there and KEEP SHOWING UP!

Keep showing up? Could it really be that simple? Could the motivation to succeed be found in just showing up? In one word... YES! Consistency is the key to reaching any goal. And it's exponentially easier to be consistent when you are part of a group that will not only encourage you but hold you accountable. 

Here is Beth working a race expo with some other amazing Race Directors including our very own Bass Pro and Dogwood Canyon RD Melissa Bondy. She is sandwiched between my daughter, Hope, and me on the right. 

Now, before you exclaim, "That's easy for Beth to say since she is surrounded by people who love to run and workout and probably got back to it easily with a smile on her face," here's the "rest of the story." Beth is just like you and me. She does have people in her life who would love her to succeed and get back to running, but she still had a million excuses as to why today just wasn’t the day to start. Which is why I begged the question, "Why January? What compelled you to make the change then?" And this is what Beth shared with me...

"COVID was challenging for me. All my races got shut down and I went from being super busy to nothing. I went from traveling and working events, taking 20+ flights a year to 13 months of not flying or directing any in-person races. I was watching too much TV and missing the friends that I saw at the events." Beth went on to say, "Social media just isn't the same as getting together and I just became sick and tired of being sick and tired. I was the heaviest I had ever been and I was uncomfortable." 

And I love what Beth said next, "I just couldn't see an end to all of it. But I remembered what I always said as a Race Director, 'I can't control the weather (which has the power to delay or cancel races) but I can control my reaction to the weather and my preparedness for it.' This led me to the realization that I couldn't control COVID, the races being canceled, or anything else related to that but I could control my reaction to all of it." So the rest is history. Beth is now showing up!! 

And you know, as Beth and I talked a little more, I was touched by a few things she said about her experience on International Running Day on June 2, 2021 when she joined the Alpine Runners that I hope will motivate you to start showing up to local group runs in your area or maybe even join a Couch to 5k group if you're like her and starting from scratch. 

• I realized that accountability was missing. You need a group of people who, when you say, "I'll be there," will hold you to your word. 
• There is power in groups. Some people are self-motivated but the majority of people, like me, need a group. Especially ones who make everyone (no matter their pace or ability) feel welcome. 
• Starting from scratch is necessary sometimes. I want to get back to where I was but I know it will take time. 
• If you're unmotivated, you have to get the point when you want more and when you get to that point you have to move. 
• You just gotta show up!!! That's where it begins. 

So there you have it friends. Showing up is the key to getting started and continuing to show up is the key to maintaining the motivation to reach your goals. So find a friend, group or program that will welcome you in, hold you accountable, and cheer you on and join it. And then like Beth says, "KEEP SHOWING UP!" 

Happy Running!!!

Be of good character

"For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions." Psalm 51:1 NIV

In an article posted yesterday by Mlive out of Michigan, Karissa Picard's character was said to be on full display. A senior at Bay City Western, this runner shared that she always envisioned that when she crossed the finish line at the track and field state finals, it would be a moment of glory. It was a moment of glory alright, but not the way she planned. Bunched up in a tight pack with less than 300 meters to go, Picard got her feet tangled in traffic, stumbled and tumbled to the ground. That’s when the fastest 800 runner in Western history showed that not everything in track is measured by a stopwatch. Picard sprung to her feet and dashed to the finish, crossing in 2:17.33. “A number of coaches told me how impressed they were with how she got up and finished like she did,” Western coach Mike Nesbitt said. “It would have been easy to lay on the ground and have a pity party. But she got up and ran – probably with anger and adrenalin – and gave it everything she had. “She may not have won a medal, but she won a lot of respect. It shows her character..."

And you know, if a person's character can be defined as the aggregate of features and traits that form their individual nature, then it's the sum of a person's actions over time that determine who they are, not random acts or isolated actions. Consider King David who was called a man after God's own heart. He wasn't without fault by any means. David was a sinner just like you and me. But he loved the Lord with all his heart and when convicted of his sin with Bathsheba repented saying, "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions." In fact, David was considered a man of good character because, although he wasn't perfect, he lived each day with the desire to be found righteous in the eyes of God. 

So in a world where you can be anything, be a person of good character my friend; a person who is not without faults but is consistent in the pursuit of being like Christ, especially when you get knocked down. Your life will not only win the respect of those around you (even the lost who might be inspired to seek Jesus because of the way you live) but will bring glory to the Father. And isn't that our ultimate goal? 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that our character is not defined by our temporary slip-ups, sins or setbacks but by the sum of the way we live each day over the course of our whole lives. Help us Lord to be known as people who consistently seek You above all else, who love others the way that You do, who are always willing to help those in need, and who genuinely seek to be like Jesus. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

The ultimate title

"His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’" Matthew 25:27 ESV

Meeting up well before the 9:00 a.m. start of the organized 10k race we were scheduled to run Saturday morning, I set out with my friends Gretchen and Jeanette to get in at least 7 miles beforehand, so that when we were finished with the "official" 6.2 mile run, we would have completed the virtual half-marathon Jeanette had registered for. That's what friends do right? That's what ultra-running friends do, that's for sure. Something that didn't escape the attention of the race director (who happens to be a friend of mine as well) who had spotted us running before the race started and then met us after we made the turn-around on the out and back course. As he approached us (another friend, Angi, had joined us at the start line) in a UTV and motioned for us to move to the other side, we reacted slow enough for him to laugh and yell, "You ultra-runners never listen!" He wasn't the only one that laughed either. We all had a good chuckle after which Gretchen (who ran her first ultra in November and is training for another  one) said, "I just loved that he called me an ultra-runner. Wow! That makes me feel good. I never dreamed I would have that title." 

And you know, that "title" of ultra-runner, or person who consistently runs distances of 31 miles or more, was earned by hard work, lots of hard work. But as great as that "title" is, it pales in comparison to the one every Christian should be striving with all their might to hold... that of a "good and faithful servant." And just how might a person claim the right to be called that from the Master? It all comes down to this: we must love God more than anything, and love others sincerely (Mark 12:30–31). At the judgment seat of Christ, those who are faithful to the Lord who saved them, and have worked with all their might, will then hear those words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Could there be any better title bestowed upon us or words we could ever hear? 

So remember this my friend, our spiritual race is not a sprint. It’s a long, hard, arduous run filled with trials, pain, obstacles, temptations and fatigue. But it’s a race that’s well worth completing despite the hardships we will encounter along the way. Especially when we consider the title we will have earned by staying faithful until we reach that final finish line. So keep pressing on. It will be worth it!

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that there are rewards for taking the time, gifts and talents You have given us and using them to build your Kingdom. Compel us to work, love and serve with all our might all the days of our lives Lord that we might hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Well done

Don't sleep too much

"He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son." Proverbs 10:5 NIV

Sure, we all know that not getting the proper amount of sleep is bad for our health right? But did you know that, according to a new study, getting too much sleep can raise the risk of heart disease which is certainly bad for our health? It's true. A study presented at the American College of Cardiology’s recent annual scientific conference looked at just over 14,000 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Much like other large-scale health surveys, this one collects a range of behaviors and outcomes, including diet, exercise, smoking, sleep, and medical diagnoses. Researchers found there was a U-shape relationship with sleep duration: Those who got fewer than six hours of sleep were at the highest ASCVD risk, but there was also elevated risk for those who slept more than seven hours every night. It appeared that the sweet spot was about six to seven hours, which had the lowest ASCVD risk. The takeaway from all this? Finding the right balance between working, running, and sleeping is important. 

And you know, when it comes to finding the right balance between working and resting, the Bible is clear that the one "who gathers crops in the summer" is prudent, or shows good judgement with thought for the future, but the person who "sleeps during harvest" is disgraceful, or a source of shame. That may seem harsh but consider this... the person who sleeps (or engages in other unproductive behavior) when there is work to be done not only shows themselves to be lazy but arrogant in believing they are entitled to have their needs met (money, food, clothing, etc.) without doing any of the work to meet those needs; instead allowing (and many times expecting) others to do the work they, themselves, should be doing. I don't know about you but I would certainly call that disgraceful. 

So while you and I most definitely need to get proper and adequate sleep and rest, let it not be at the expense of putting in a hard day's work and serving the Lord as we are called to do. After all, you and I only have 24 hours in each day and when those hours are gone, they are gone, never to be seen or experienced again. With that in mind, may we see each day for the gift that it is and spend our time wisely. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for each and every day that You choose to give us. Help us to not waste a moment by sleeping or frittering away the hours we have Lord. Compel us to be productive not only at our place of employment and at home but in the missions field that is all around us, especially as we see the end days drawing nearer. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Truth never changes

"So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."Genesis 1:27 BSB

On May 28, Runner's World Magazine published an article titled, "The Philadelphia Distance Run Is Establishing a Nonbinary Division. Here’s Why That Matters." The writer went on to say, When runners sign up for a race, they expect to check one of two boxes. Competitors will race in one of two gender divisions, and winners will receive prize money from one of two pools. Race divisions split between the gender binary—male or female—is a norm that most runners expect, and few have challenged. Yet in the fall of 2021, the Philadelphia Distance Run (PDR) plans to do just that. The PDR will be the first road race in the U.S. to establish a nonbinary division all the way up to the elite level, with equal prize money awarded to winners of the male, female, and nonbinary categories. The PDR organizers hope that establishing a nonbinary division will set a precedent for gender inclusion in the running community.

And you know, regardless of how the world chooses to define, or tries to redefine, gender (do a google search and you will find anywhere from 64 to 100 ways gender can now be defined, and the list is growing), there are still only two real genders... male and female. That was true at the beginning of creation and will be true until the end of time.  And while the PDR organizers could indeed set a precedent by establishing a nonbinary division that might be followed, it will never change the truth of what the Bible says, "God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." 

So be prepared to stand up for what you believe to be true my friend. No matter how many boxes the world might add, there are still only two boxes that are truly options to choose from... male and female. God said it and no one's opinion can or will ever change it. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us your Word that clearly defines right and wrong. Lord please help us stand firm on our convictions and to love others that might have embraced the worldly belief that there are more than two genders so that we might guide them to the Truth. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - The benefits of virtual challenges

 

Hello runner friends!
Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series
MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about virtual races. Why? Because signing up for a virtual race or encouraging others to join you on one might be the very thing that will inspire you (and them) to lace up those sneakers and get out the door when your motivation is lagging. 

So what exactly is a virtual race you might ask? By definition, a “virtual” race is a race that can be run from any location you choose. You can run, jog, ruck, or walk on the road, on the trail, on the treadmill at the gym or at home, or on the track (or even at another race). You get to run your own race, at your own pace, and time it yourself. Running or walking these virtual races on your own, or with friends! And your medal will be shipped directly to you.

Sherry Wilson is on the far left, then Rebecca, Gretchen, me, Randi, and Russ

Consider my experience with the Navigate Missouri Virtual Challenges recently. With no races in the area over the weekend and extra time on my hands due to the Memorial Day Holiday, I was looking forward to getting in some miles and some fun.... two things virtual challenges can provide. How? Because you get to choose which ones to do, where to do them, who to do them with, how to do them, and whether or not you want to take them seriously or to simply have a good time. Virtual races can give you a reason to run when you're lacking the motivation to do it otherwise. Something Sherry Wilson will attest to. One of my closest running buddies pre-COVID, she and I hadn't run together in at least a year. But when I posted that I had signed up for the marathon challenge, she and several other friends said they were in for the half-marathon option; a distance they most likely would not have done had it not been for the challenge. But for a $15 registration fee and the promise that a medal would be mailed to us, we were all in Saturday morning! And because it was virtual, we set the time and the place to start and headed out for an adventure with no predetermined course. 

And do you know what's so great about a virtual race as compared to an actual organized in-person event (besides the cost of course)? There are no rules, no cutoff times, and no set routes. This allowed us to take our time carrying the flag all over our county in honor of the men and women who died to give us our freedom (we loved the honks and the shouts of "America!"), to stop at various points along the way, and to just enjoy the day with no worry of making it to the finish line before we were swept from the course. We had so much fun, in fact, that Gretchen decided that she would do the full marathon with me on Monday if I didn't mind waiting. Didn't mind waiting??? Of course I didn't mind! So I stopped at 13.1 miles with the group, signed up for the half-marathon challenge to claim my bling, and anxiously waited for Monday. Are you seeing where I'm going with this virtual challenge thing? If you're feeling unmotivated, signing up for one (there are lots of them out there but I'm pretty partial to the Bass Pro Navigate Missouri one) will give you a chance to not only earn a medal right where you are but give you a reason to rally the troops and even jumpstart your social life again.

But don't just take my word for it. Check out what Rachel Baker had to say about the Motivated 50 Mile for St. Jude virtual she and some of her awesome girlfriends completed on Friday. "We did it. 50 mile number 3 for May! The Motivated 50 mile for St Jude. I love that this crew of women encourage each other to be awesome!" Did you catch that encouragement part? That's what we runners do because we know it drives us to do great (and many times very stupid, LOL) things! And like I said before, virtual races give you the opportunity to rally the troops and get outside for an adventure. Rachel signed up for this virtual event that she didn't want to do alone. This, in turn, prompted her to invite all her friends, which motivated said friends to join her for a distance many of them would not have done otherwise. Are you seeing a pattern here?

So if you're wondering whether Gretchen and I actually completed the virtual Catching the Big 1! 26.2 mile race, the answer is yes! And to say we had fun doing it would be an absolute understatement. We decided to take the "don't take it seriously" approach to this marathon and wandered aimlessly around our county to get in our miles. We stopped to take a lot of pictures, to take part in a Memorial Day 5k run, and to just enjoy the day and reflect on how great life is. Quite honestly, I'm really digging these virtual races and I know you will too.

So if you're needing something to reunite you with your friends, inspire you to run a distance you've only dreamed about, or give you the motivation to simply get out the door, find a virtual event and get signed up!! Then get creative on getting others involved. You'll be glad you did!!

Happy Running!!!

 

Stay ready so you will be ready

"As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me.'" Matthew 10:1-2 NIV

After signing up to run the Catching the Big One marathon as part of the Navigate Missouri Virtual Series over the weekend, I remarked to my friend, Gretchen, at our Saturday morning group run that I was sad that she was only doing the half-marathon option that day as I would have really enjoyed having someone to run with. "You know what?" I told the group nearing the end of our 13.1 mile run, "I'm really not feeling it today. I think I'll finish up this half with you guys and then do the marathon on Monday." "Oh I can do the marathon with you on Monday," Gretchen quickly said smiling. "I don't have any plans that day and it will be fun." And you know what? It was indeed fun! So much fun that I commented to Gretchen that I was so happy she had adopted the motto so many other ultra-runners have embraced... "If you stay ready, you will always be ready, because you never have to get ready. So stay ready!" And because Gretchen had maintained her training after her last race, she didn't have to spend weeks training to run a 26.2 mile race. She was ready!

And you know, when it comes to being able to do whatever God might call us to do, we would all do well to get ready and stay ready too. Why? Because when God calls you and me to complete a task, it might be to a job or duty that needs to be done immediately. Consider the two disciples that Jesus told to "Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me." This wasn't something that could wait, it was to be done "at once." But how does a person stay ready you might ask? By training in the Word each and every day, learning God's will and strengthening their faith so they will be ready and willing to move at the sound of His voice without hesitation. 

So vow to adopt the mantra of staying ready so you will always be ready my friend. It will not only lead you to a deeper study of God's word but will open up the doors for the Lord to use you in ways bigger than you could ever imagine... something that will surely have you smiling. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we need to be trained in the Word and bathed in prayer at all times so we will be ready at a moment's notice to move when You say move and to speak when You say speak. Lord, give us a burning passion and desire to do Your will that cannot be quenched by anything but obedience. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

We are ready