Children are Blessings not Burdens

“Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.” Psalm 127:3 NLT

In a story published by WHNT Alabama yesterday, Nicole Drouin, the mother of Chandler Drouin, the runner who was injured in a hit and run over a week ago made a statement following her son’s surgery: Time seems to stand still and yet also it is a blink of an eye. One week since Alex called saying he was on his way to the hospital and that Chandler was hit by a car and broke his leg. So many unknowns as we walk this path but it is clear to see Gods hand in it all. We are so overjoyed to share that Chandler has made incredible progress in what we feel is a short time. He’s awake + talking, breathing on his own, eating, healing, started PT, can bear weight on his leg, and out of trauma ICU. We have only amazing things to say about the doctors and nurses but we are thrilled to head to the next step. It will still be a long road but we are happy to be able to navigate with Chandler here! He's not ready for visitors but please keep those prayers coming. Friendly reminder – Hug your ornery, headphone wearing, won’t smile for a picture but definitely willing to eat you out of house and home, teenagers (and kids). Even on the hard days they are still blessings from above.

And, you know, when it comes to kids being blessings from above, the Bible tells us that children are not only “a gift from the LORD” but are “a reward from him” as well. Which means children are never to be considered as burdens or inconveniences, as some in society see them. You see, from the moment of their conception, God forms each child in the image of Himself and so considers each child a priceless treasure. For this reason then, we must protect, love, cherish, and take care of the kids God has personally entrusted to us.

So be sure to hug your kids tight each and every day my friend, knowing that things can change in the blink of an eye. But, most importantly, be sure that you are teaching your children to love, honor, and obey God—so that, no matter what happens in this life, you’ll have the confident assurance that your children will one day return to the One who made them. 

Heavenly Father, thank You the precious gift of children. Lord, help us to value these little ones from the very moment they are conceived, knowing that they are a reward from God. And give us strength to fight for the unborn each and every day. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - It’s 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 something a lot of runners don’t like talking about, much less doing… tapering. Better known as the rest period between the culmination of marathon training and race day, tapering is the essential phase of rest that generally begins 2-3 weeks after a runner’s longest run (where those who are training for Bass Pro and/or Dogwood Canyon are right now) and can fill a runner with worry, anxiety or dread for many reasons. The main one usually being that taking time off before a big race will erase all of a runner’s hard work. But nothing could be further from the truth. In fact tapering will help cement all the hard work that was put in… allowing the mind and the muscles to heal and prepare for the race.

So let’s look at what tapering actually is and why it’s so important to practice it:

Tapering is the process of gradually decreasing the volume and intensity of your training in preparation for a race and is an essential part of every marathon and half marathon training plan. You might be wondering though, why is it important and why should I do it? Well…when you cut back (not completely cut out) the number of miles you run, your muscles can repair, and your glycogen stores can return to normal. This is important for absorbing your training and getting to the finish line with minimal pain and effort. During a taper, levels of muscle glycogen, enzymes, antioxidants, hormones, and other things that are depleted by a lot of exercise return to normal which should leave you refreshed and full of energy when you step up to the start line. Research has shown that tapering can also improve the function of fast-twitch muscle fibers, which can lead to faster race times and increased time to fatigue by up to 22%. So yes the benefits are very, very real.

That being said then, the top five main goals of marathon tapering are:

• Increasing muscle glycogen to ensure they return to normal and are loaded with fuel for race day
• Reducing the risk of overtraining right before a race
• Minimizing any stress on your mind and body, which allows you to be fresher.
• Increasing muscle recovery and reducing muscle fatigue
• Improving the function of fast-twitch muscle fibers to assist in faster race times.

Okay, so now that we’ve established why tapering is so important, let me give all you first timers and those runners that need a reminder a word of warning on the downside of cutting miles after so many weeks and months of training… tapering leaves racers with a lot of free time previously spent training. Which means you won’t be getting that long-run endorphin hit you’re used to and may start to go a little emotionally haywire—it's part of a phenomenon known as “taper madness” or “taper anxiety.” Scientists know it too, apparently: There’s a lot of research out there on how exercise—especially cardio—can benefit our mental health. An article published in AMAA Journal in 2008 concluded that "the reduced training involved in tapering prior to a race may actually worsen mood states." In other words, when you've been in a routine that provided structure, endorphins, and an overall sense of accomplishment for a while, something's bound to happen when you slow (way) down all of a sudden. For most runners, that "something" usually manifests in bouts of sadness, a general lack of motivation, and maybe even a little bit of irritability so be prepared. 

Now that you know what to expect then, remind yourself that tapering is a part of the process and anticipate the wave of anxiety coming. Remember that you aren’t sabotaging your hard work as you head into your taper and you'll already be ahead of the curve. And another reminder… even if you’re feeling less than your best during easy workouts as you endure this rest period, don’t be tempted to up the ante again. The hay’s already in the barn, there are no gains that can be made at this point, and the purpose of a taper is to allow the body to recover and rest, which it needs to do before the race. Stick to your schedule, which includes time for you to be gentle to your body so it can successfully go into beast mode when you step up to the start line.

On a side note, two other side effects commonly reported by runners who are tapering are cases of the sniffles and experiencing phantom pains. As far as any cold caused from all that you have put your body through in the last couple of months, chill, drink a ton of water, and relax as best you can. Let your body rest and allow it to recover. Stressing out isn’t going to help you heal. And as far as the aches and pains that come out of nowhere, these are usually caused by over thinking and stress. Think about it. When you spend all of your waking hours thinking and obsessing about your body and keeping it healthy, you will notice things for the first time and also have a natural fear that you have injured yourself in some way. A tiny twinge of pain might have you thinking, "Oh no! I have shin splints!" or "I felt my Achilles tendon tighten up just now. I have tendinitis!" Are you getting where I'm going with this? No matter what side effect you might be experiencing, my advice is this... calm down, get some rest, pray for the ability to see things as they are, and be thankful for all that you've been able to do and will do on race day.  

So there you have it friends. I sure hope that helps! I’ll be pacing the 5:30 marathon group with my sweet friend Jody Rhodes on November 3 and I can’t wait to see all of you. In fact, all of your Bass Pro pacers are looking forward to seeing everyone's grinning faces on race day! Meanwhile, smile big, embrace the taper, get your bags packed, and get ready for a great time! You'll soon be making your way down the streets of Springfield, MO. Happy Running!

Don’t Take Even One Day for Granted

“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James 4:14 NIV

“Don’t take even one day for granted… not one moment… make the most of every day you’ve been given and run your race with all you have until you make it to the final finish line and hear the words, ‘Well done good and faithful servant’” Those were just some of the words Pastor Luke spoke at the funeral of Rudy Zevallos Jr., aka Junior, that my husband and I attended alongside some of the Frog Hill team yesterday. At only 18 years of age, this sweet young man with so much promise collapsed at the finish line of our Frog Hill Half Marathon on Saturday, October 5, having completed the goal he had set for himself to finish under two hours. And although Rudy’s untimely passing filled his family and friends with sorrow, we could all rejoice in the midst of our sadness knowing that the moment Rudy finished his earthly race here, he entered into the gates of Heaven… all because Rudy had made the choice to accept Jesus as his Savior. 

And, you know, as tragic as the passing of Rudy was, his early and unanticipated departure from this world serves as a reminder to all that no one knows “what will happen tomorrow.” Which begs the question James asked, “What is your life?” And the answer of course is that each one of us is “a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” Which is the very reason we should never fail to properly appreciate God and all that God has given us… namely the free gift of eternal life given through his son Jesus Christ, and our friends and family who are priceless gifts as well.  

So, in the words of Pastor Luke, don’t take even one day for granted my friend. Plan for the future, but live each day as it could be your last… serving the Lord with all your heart and loving others as you are called to do… knowing that in this way, you might lead the lost to Jesus so that they too can one day hear the words Rudy heard as he entered Heaven, “Well done good and faithful servant.” 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of eternal life that You have given to every person who makes the choice to accept You as their Savior. Thank You for the comfort that brings to Rudy’s family today as they hold onto the promise that their son is now with the Father. Lord, help us to live each day to the fullest, doing all that we can to lead the lost to You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Consider Your Present Troubles Small

“For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!” 2 Corinthians 4:17

As I set out early Saturday at 4:00 a.m. to complete the Heartland Hundred 100 mile race, I soon became a bit disheartened. Although the modified start (allowed for the older runners, normal start is at 6 a.m.) would allow me to get some miles in before the record setting temp of 92 engulfed us, three hours spent alone running the remote hills of Cassoday, Kansas before I would see sunlight or another human being brought down my spirits. To add to my discouragement, the course was much harder than I had expected it to be and the lack of encouragement from other runners took its mental toll. Throughout the rest of the day, the night, the next day, and the next afternoon, I encountered many more troubles (including doubt, discouragement, nausea, fatigue, and pain) that tempted me to walk away and accept the loss. But then, I commanded my heart to remember this… tomorrow would come either way. There was no stopping it. Which meant I could press on through to the finish line no matter how toilsome it might become to do so, or I could drop out and lose the opportunity to point someone to the foot of the Cross by giving God all the glory for completing something that could only be done by His strength. So I determined then to keep running with all my might—knowing that the length and the severity of the pain that was to come wouldn’t last long in view of eternity, no matter how it seemed in the moment. 

This was something Paul clearly understood when he wrote, “For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!” You see, Paul was no stranger to affliction, having experienced beatings, floggings, hunger, thirst, false imprisonment, and shipwrecks amongst other things. But Paul had an eternal view that reminded him that he would one day be with Christ in heaven until the end of time. And because of that, he could, should, and would press on to finish the race. 

So, no matter what trial you might be facing today, consider it light and fleeting in the view of eternity my friend. This will allow you, like Paul, to boast in your sufferings so that God may be glorified through them. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that our present troubles are small and fleeting when compared with the glory You are producing through us. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Serve Christ all your Days

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV

In a heartening story published by WJAC News Wednesday, it was reported that later this month, runners (including George Etzweiler who hadn’t run a single mile until the age of 49) from across the nation will compete in central Pennsylvania in the annual Tussey Mountainback relay and ultramarathon at Rothrock State Forest. At 104 years old, Etzweiler leads the ‘old men of the mountain.’ The running group is made up of runners aged 65 and older, and they've competed in the 50-mile relay at the Tussey Mountainback marathon since 2007. Etzweiler says that when he first heard 50 miles, he wasn't interested, but after seeing other teams’ performances, he was more confident. "I started working on it. Found 8 people over 65 who were willing to run the race. And we're off and running,” Etzweiler said. Wow right? Etzweiler went on to say that human beings are meant for physical activity and encouraged anyone watching the news story to get some cardio in. Talk about leading by example!

And, you know, at a time when most people are becoming less active, George’s story serves as an example that we can and should be active our whole lives, especially when it comes to serving Christ. This was something Paul clearly understood as well, telling the Corinthians to follow his example as he followed “the example of Christ.” And that example of Christ that Paul followed and we are commanded to follow as well was doing whatever the Father asked of Him each and every day until His very last day. 

So remember that we are to serve Christ with our whole hearts and with our whole lives my friend. We must keep our eyes on Jesus and keep running the race until we reach that final finish line where we will hear the words, “Well done good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your master.”

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that from the cradle to the grave, we are your servants. Help us to understand that we are not are own and therefore should serve You all our days, doing all that You have commanded. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Check Your Spiritual Posture

“Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.” Psalm 105:4 NIV

In a story published by Runner's World Tuesday regarding the importance of maintaining proper posture, the writer said, "From looking down at your phone every few minutes to working on a laptop to slouching on the couch for hours, everyday life is rife with moments of poor posture. One of the most pronounced these days is kyphosis, also known as “text neck” or “tech neck.” This happens when your head is leaning forward in a way that elongates the back of the neck, which can lead to muscle strain, headaches, and even numbness or tingling in the hands and arms. Over time, text neck can cause exaggerated cervical spine curvature even during non-tech activities like walking, sitting, or running—eventually, that can contribute to chronic neck pain, according to new research in the Proceedings in the National Academy of Sciences." Neel Anand, M.D., director of spine trauma at Cedars-Sinai Spine Center in Los Angeles said, "There’s a wide range of what’s considered normal in terms of spine curvature, including the neck. But signs like tingling, tightness, headaches, etc. are often early indicators that you’re out of alignment."

And, you know, when it comes to proper spiritual posture, the psalmist wisely said that we are to “Look to the LORD and his strength” and to “seek his face always.” You see, when you and I look to the world more than we look to the Lord, we can easily begin to spiritually slouch by compromising our integrity in an attempt to be more like the world—and “over time” find ourselves completely out of alignment with God. Which is the very reason we must be vigilant in spotting any early indicators that we might be backsliding, such as a loss of love for reading the Word and spending time with the Lord and his people—and correct the cause by turning our eyes back to Him. 

So check your spiritual posture and check it often my friend. Getting out of alignment will not only cause you to fall into sin but will lead to chronic pain. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that poor spiritual posture is something that happens over time when we let down our guard and take our eyes off You. Help us to then to continually and vigilantly assess our spiritual posture so that we won’t fall into sin or be led astray. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Run and Race Like a Kid

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about why we could all benefit from running like kids once in a while. This was something I was thinking about as I watched the 100+ kids cross the start and finish line of the 5k race I was blessed to direct on Friday night (Bass Pro also has a 5k race!). There were young kids there with their parents, older kids there with their friends, and several cross country teams there to run as a group. Some ran fast and some ran slow but they all seemed to run with joy. This radiant enthusiasm for life and happiness is something kids are known for, for many different reasons. But when it comes to running with joy as adults, here are a few reasons every “seasoned “ runner should run like a kid as they approach their final weeks of Bass Pro and/or Dogwood training. 

Kids don't take it too seriously

Whereas adults might find themselves obsessing over their finishing times, kids just want to run. Which is the very reason they might stop to inspect a flower, stare up at the clouds, or to pet a dog along their route. Time isn't the important thing to kids. Enjoying the moment is. Take the time occasionally to literally stop and smell the roses and reflect on how good life is. 

Kids believe they can do anything

The beauty of being young is that kids haven’t lived long enough to know much about failure; to a kid, the possibilities are endless and there isn’t anything they can’t do. If you ask a kid how far and fast they can run, they’ll likely tell you, “A hundred miles an hour” and probably believe it. Next time you head out for a run, plan a longer one than usual. You may not be able to run 100 miles in one hour, but you can certainly go a little further or faster than you did yesterday once you take it less seriously and just run. 

Kids run in packs and cheer each other on

Although each of the cross country runners was using the race as a practice run, they started the race together before getting into an all out sprint. When the fastest runners finished, they went back and finished again with their teammates. Some of them going back three or four times until their last teammate completed the race. It was a heartening scene to watch and a great reminder that we can go at our own pace and still finish as a "group." 

Kids get over failures and try again

When kids don’t succeed at something, they don’t beat themselves up. Sure, they may sulk, but then they try again. If they lose a race on the playground or at a track meet, you can bet they’ll immediately demand a rematch and give it their all. So the next time a race doesn’t go the way you want it to, don’t dwell on all the reasons you think you messed up; go home and sign up for the next race and plot your comeback.

Kids run for fun

For a kid, running is just plain fun. They don’t run to stay fit or hit a personal best; kids run to play tag, to chase the dog in the yard, or to catch the ice cream truck. Channel their spirit and do something fun on your next run. Take your pooch to the park or run with your best friend before going out for coffee (or ice cream since you’re channeling a kids inner spirit). Speaking of ice cream, don’t knock running after the ice cream truck like kids do—that’s just fun no matter how old you are.

Kids enjoy fartleks... even when they don't know what they are or that they’re doing them

As I watched the kids warming up, I laughed as I saw them chase one another at full speed, and then upon catching their teammate stop to catch their breath, laugh and joke around, only chase one another again. 

The word ‘fartlek’ is a Swedish term which means ‘speed play’. It’s a running session that combines speed and endurance. The principle behind fartlek training is to enable the body to adapt to various speeds, conditioning the body to become faster over the longer distance.It’s typically done by choosing an object to sprint to then allowing your heart rate to go down before doing it again. 

Kids gain the benefits of fartleks without the stress of “training.” They merely have fun which means their workouts don’t feel like workouts. 

And there you have it friends. There are so many reasons we should run like kids every once in a while. It will remind us that running is not something we have to do, it’s something we choose to do. And since we choose it, shouldn’t we choose to have fun and find joy in it?  Of course! So channel your inner child from time to time and don’t take it so seriously. Just get out there and have fun! You’ll be so glad you did. Happy Running!