Don’t be Intimidated

“Nevertheless, many of the leaders believed in Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue.” John 12:42 BSB

In a story titled "Transgender female cross-country runner dominating new competition after struggling against boys" published recently by Fox Sports, the following was reported: A year after finishing in 72nd place as a freshman in a boys cross-country race, the now-sophomore transgender female is dominating her new competition.The Seattle Academy student, a 5,000-meter runner, has two victories, including one in a conference championship, and three top-two finishes in eight races this season, having not finished worse than 22nd place. As an identified male, the student never finished ahead of 25th place. A coach in the student's conference later told Libs of TikTok, "Allowing [the student] to compete against biological girls deprives other girls' teams of the chance to compete at state [which is a big deal]. If [she] competed in the boys division, [she] would place 56th on the boys team." Another father told the outlet, "[The student] is larger than any of the other girls, and shamelessly takes first place on the podium. Now my daughter is competing against a male for scholarships. And we can’t even say anything. You can’t even approach it in a nice way without being labeled a hateful bigot. You will get threats against you."

And you know, when it comes to being intimidated by other people, the Bible gives us the story of some of the Jewish leaders in Jesus’ day who “believed in Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue.” You see, the leaders wanted to respond to the gospel, they knew it was the right thing to do, but they let the possibility of ridicule or persecution scare them into silence. They traded the approval of God for the approval of man and so shrunk back from doing the ‘right thing’. Pretty sad, don't you think? But isn't that what a lot of 'believers' are doing today?

So don’t let the fear of what man can do to you persuade you from doing or saying the ‘right thing’ my friend--keeping in mind that God hasn't given us a spirit of fear and is always by our side. With that knowledge then, let us be courageous and stand up for the truths laid out in the Bible regardless of the threats or consequences that are sure to follow. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that this is the time You warned us would come, the days when we will be persecuted for following You. In the midst of the coming confrontation and evil, help us to be rooted in our faith, bold in speaking the truth, and unwilling to waver in the face of hostility and intimidation. Let us live to please You rather than man. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Keep your Promises

“They make many promises, take false oaths and make agreements; therefore lawsuits spring up like poisonous weeds in a plowed field.” Hosea 10:4 NIV

In an article titled, “Heptathlete Taliyah Brooks Brings Lawsuit Against USATF” published by Runner’s World Friday, the following was reported: In June 2021, an intense heatwave settled over the Pacific Northwest. Temperatures reached as high as 111 degrees in Eugene, Oregon, where the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials were being held. As the the dire forecasts made news before the event, USA Track & Field (USATF), the governing body for the sport, scrambled to reschedule some events for the safety of the athletes, including the women’s 10,000 meters, the men’s 5,000 meters, and the race walks. But they didn’t reschedule everything. The second day of women’s heptathlon, a two-day, seven-event competition, took place during the mid-afternoon of June 27, despite entreaties from athletes and their representatives to reschedule. Because of that, Taliyah Brooks, a top heptathlete, who was in second place after the first day of competition, collapsed amid the high temperatures and was forced to withdraw from the competition prompting her to initiate legal action against USATF.

And you know, when it comes to taking legal action against another person or entity, the Bible tells us that “lawsuits spring up like poisonous weeds in a plowed field” when people break their promises, fail to keep their vows, and agree to do things they have absolutely no intention of doing. In other words, when a society is living contrary to God’s laws (as ours is today), there will be an abundance of people taking advantage of one another, defaming one another, and having a total lack of regard for the safety and welfare of one another; something that inevitably leads to litigation and court proceedings. 

So in a world where promises are continually broken, follow the example of Jesus my friend. Be true to your word, fulfill your vows, follow through on your commitments, and always look out for the interests of others so that others will see Christ in you and be inspired to follow Him. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us how harmful it is to go back on our word. It not only leads to lawsuits but also destroys our testimony and hurts others. Help us to be people of integrity Lord that others would see You in us and seek You because of it. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running! 

The Lord's purpose will prevail

“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.” Proverbs 19:21 CEV

In an article titled, "Eliud Kipchoge to Run the 127th Boston Marathon" published yesterday by Runner's World Magazine, the following was reported: The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) announced on Thursday, December 1 that world record holder Eliud Kipchoge will race the 127th Boston Marathon on April 17, 2023. “I am happy to announce in April I will compete in the Boston Marathon, a new chapter in my Abbott World Marathon Majors journey,” said Kipchoge. “Good luck to all the runners running Boston in 2023.” Kipchoge has previously stated his intent to compete in all six World Marathon Majors. After the 2023 Boston Marathon, the last remaining World Major on his list is the New York City Marathon. Those sure are some lofty plans and intentions aren’t they? Especially considering the state out of our world where nothing seems to be certain.

And you know when it comes to the uncertainties of this life and making plans, the Bible tells us that “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.” In other words, while it’s in our nature to plan ahead, we would do well to remember that it doesn’t mean our plans will come to fruition. You see, while it may appear that you and I have control over our lives, we ultimately don’t. Our best intentions, no matter how well planned or desired, are always contingent on God’s plan for our lives and not our own. 

So definitely plan for the future my friend—but not without consulting the Lord first. Make it a habit to go to Him in prayer for discernment and direction so you will instinctively say, “If it is the Lord’s will, I will live and do this or that..." thereby acknowledging that God is sovereign over your life and in control of everything.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that our best laid plans will amount to nothing if they aren't in agreement with your will. Help us to fully grasp this certainty so that we would live for You now and plan our futures according to your plan for us. Cause us to realize that your plans are always better than ours in the end. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Look outside yourself

“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4 NKJV

In a story titled, “Why this man is running for mental health awareness” published earlier this month, it was reported that Chris Vetter, who has struggled with anxiety since high school, ran The New York City Marathon (his first one) for a purpose larger than himself. Upon completing the iconic 26.2 mile race, Vetter said, “The last couple of years have been so difficult for everybody. I wanted to be a part of something bigger... that's why I chose to run with a mental health charity. My anxiety attacks were so bad, one time I actually thought I was dying. I thought the room was caving in and collapsing." Vetter raised money for Still I Run, a nonprofit running community that works to promote the benefits of running for mental health. He was selected from hundreds of applicants. The "Still I Run" team raised over $40,000 at the marathon. "It feels amazing but the job's not done ... this is only the beginning just for my own personal journey and I want to continue on that mission," Vetter said. He now wants to spread the message of how running can really improve one's mental state. At the end of the day, you feel better... you're able to think about everything so much clearer. I encourage everybody to just get outside and run," he said.

And you know, when it comes to getting outside to improve our mental health, we would all do well to get ‘outside’ ourselves by looking out “for the interests of others” more than our own. You see, when you and I focus on ourselves too much we will find all kinds of reasons to be anxious, unsettled or depressed. But when we focus on serving others, we are not only fulfilling a biblical command but changing the way we think and feel about ourselves—seeing ourselves as people who are making a difference. Charles Dickens explained it this way, “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” Which means that those people who are the happiest are those people who do the most for others.

So look for opportunities to do good my friend. Especially at those times when you don’t feel like it. You’ll not only lighten the load of those around you but yours as well. Serving others has the power to do that.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that our spirits are always lifted when we lift the spirits of others whether by word or deed. Help us to look to the needs of others Lord that we would not only give you glory but improve our mental states as well. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Get the Passion Back

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by discussing something I always like to talk about this time of year since so many people who completed the Bass Pro Marathon/Half and/or the Dogwood Canyon trail runs are now experiencing a feeling of melancholy that I have dubbed Post Marathon Depression Disorder or PMDD. This is a condition that commonly occurs several days or weeks after a person crosses the finish line after months of hard training when the excitement wears off and a runner is left somewhere between recovery and getting motivated again. Its’ symptoms range anywhere from feeling a little sad or lost to feeling irritated, unmotivated, lazy, unproductive or even anti-social. It's the valley that many runners sink into after having reached that mountaintop experience that causes them to say to themselves, "What next? What can I do to get back the same passion and determination that I had during those all weeks and months of training?" 

Thankfully, though, there are five things you can do right now to battle this depressive disorder that is totally real. 

1. Register for another race. Seriously, there is nothing like setting a new goal to bridge the gap between what you did and what you're going to do that works better to squelch those feelings of depression. This will allow you to look back and smile and then look forward to what's next with an even bigger smile. This might sound so simple but it works.

2. Get some rest and enjoy it. The second part is the key. Let yourself enjoy it! You've been training every weekend for months right? At this point you might not even remember a Saturday or Sunday where a long run wasn't on the schedule. But guess what? You've earned the rest. The time off will not only allow you to recharge physically but will refresh you mentally, spiritually, and emotionally too. Training takes a lot out of a person. And if you're worried about being set back from all your gains, don't worry about it. Taking a few days off will benefit you way more than it will set you back. 

3. Cross-train. While training for a marathon or similar big race is great exercise, the repetitive nature of it is bound to result in some imbalances and strained muscle groups. Use this time after your race to identify those tight spots (looking at you quads) and weak areas (hello, glutes and core) and address them. Doing so will prep your body and balance your muscles for the next big goal ahead. Some great things to do include swimming, aqua running (being sure to include flexibility and strength training moves), biking, yoga, and the elliptical. On a side note, as someone who's done all of the above, I highly encourage aqua running with some hip mobility, and core exercises included. 

4. Get a massage. This will set you up for success to achieve that new goal you've set for yourself. The major benefit of massage is that it relaxes tense muscles and removes adhesions or minor scar tissue between muscles and fascia, a fancy word for the sheath or casing that surrounds your muscles. Unneeded tension and adhesions can restrict movement and impair your range of motion, potentially leading to abnormal movement patterns that can cause overuse injuries. See why a massage is such a great idea? This is something you would benefit from doing often.

5. Join the gym. For real. There are so many benefits to strength training yet very few runners consistently do it. Focus on exercises specific for runners and you'll not only gain new friends at the gym but will gain new muscle and increased flexibility 

So there you have it friends. As someone who's run a lot of races, I can attest that PMDD is very very real. Acknowledge your feelings and know that you're not alone in them. Nearly every runner will experience PMDD at some point in their lives. But you can cut the time down that you experience this disorder significantly by setting another goal. I've got my sights set on a virtual ultra with friends this weekend and that has me smiling from ear to ear. So pick a race and get signed up for it today. Knowing that you have something to train for will get you back outside and have you smiling from ear to ear too. Life's too short to not get back in the saddle. 

Happy Running!!!

The Best Deal Ever

"For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9 BSB

In an article titled "30+ Best Cyber Monday Deals for Runners in 2022" published by Runner's World yesterday, the following was said: Cyber Monday is here and the deals are full steam ahead. And after a few years of a global pandemic, everyone has gotten used to doing the bulk of their holiday shopping online, and thankfully, brands have paid attention. So many of your favorite retailers are offering major online deals on running gear for Cyber Monday 2022, so now’s the time to start shopping for yourself or even a gift for someone on your holiday list. We sorted through the thousands of deals to help you find the best prices on running gear, shoes, headphones, smartwatches, and more top-rated fitness products. So read on below for the best Cyber Monday running gear deals worth shopping right now. They sure took the work out of  finding the best deals didn’t they?

And you know, finding great online deals isn't the only thing that doesn't require work. The Bible tells us that it's "by grace" that you and I have been saved and "not by works..." Which means salvation, or the forgiveness of sins, is a gift that we don't deserve and could never work for. That's why it's a "gift of God," freely given to us the moment we put our faith in Jesus Christ. And you can be sure that this "gift" is immeasurably more precious and priceless than anything we could ever find in a store or online. In fact, if unsaved people truly understood the infinite eternal value of receiving salvation you can be sure they would head straight to the Giver of the gift to receive it as well. 

So if you have already accepted the "gift of God" that is salvation, count yourself blessed my friend. But remember that there are countless people in this world who haven't; people that need to hear the Good News of the Gospel. And that's where you come in. Won't you share that Good News today? 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that there are lost people in this world in desperate need of salvation. Give us a sense of urgency in reaching these people Lord as the days are drawing shorter. Help us to remember that we are all called to be missionaries whether we are in our own backyards or in a foreign country. It's in your precious name pray Jesus. Amen, 

Happy Running!!!

Beware of the itch

“For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.” 2 Timothy 4:3 NLT

In an article titled “Runner’s Itch: Why You Might Itch When You Run” published over the weekend, the writer explained the annoying phenomenon that has plagued many a runner in this way: You’re midway through a run when an itchy feeling hits your legs. It’s barely noticeable at first. Then it gets a bit worse … and then a little uncomfortable … and then climbs to PLEASE MAKE IT STOP levels. Within minutes, scratched-up thighs can replace a runner’s high as you claw at your legs in search of relief. This sensation is known as runner’s itch ­— and it’s actually pretty common for beginning runners or those restarting their training after taking time off. And while this condition can be annoying, the writer reported that it’s not a cause for major concern since it’s temporary and typically subsides soon after the workout ends.

And you know, when it comes to doing anything necessary to relieve the discomfort of an itch, the Bible tells us that “a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching” but “will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear” instead. One look at what’s being taught in a growing number of churches today tells us that ‘that time’ is here. People are leaving those churches who refuse to compromise on the truths found in the Bible at record numbers to join those ‘churches’ whose pastors affirm their sexual immorality and hold fast to doctrines that align with the world’s narratives but are completely contrary to the Bible.

So avoid teachers and churches who seek to make their congregation comfortable in their sin my friend. At the expense of easing their itch, they compromise the Truth and lead them astray—something that has eternal consequences. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for those pastors and people who are unwilling to compromise the Word to appease the world. Give them strength in these last days to continue preaching the Truth with no fear of the persecution that is sure to follow. Cause us to be bold witnesses who will be found faithful upon your return Lord. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!