Build the Marriage Foundation on Christ

“Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 BSB

In an email that I received from Ultra Signup yesterday, the question was asked, "ARE YOU A SINGLE ULTRARUNNER?" followed by this description of a new app designed to pair up runners based on their love of the sport: The app you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived! Introducing UltraDating, where you’re guaranteed to find your pacer for life. We know you’ve been using UltraSignup to check the ages of those trail cuties you meet at races. Well, we’ve streamlined the process! With UltraDating, you can now swipe for real single ultrarunners. Filter by UltraSignup rank, preferred race distance, or even “loves long walks through aid stations.” Your sole-mate is just a swipe away. With my curiosity spiked, I clicked on the site and had to laugh at their marketing slogan that read, "Meet singles ready to go the extra mile" and at their depiction of a male and female ultrarunner running together with the man saying, "I'll be your pacer for life." Pretty cute right? 

And, you know, while God designed marriage to be for life (barring biblical exceptions when divorce is permitted), a growing number of marriages (even among believers) don’t make it for a lifetime . Which is the very reason a godly marriage must be based on a mutual love of Jesus Christ because it’s the only foundation that never changes. You see, a marriage based on a mutual love of running, or anything else for that matter, is bound to fail, because nothing in this world stays the same. Running isn’t guaranteed to last. Injuries happen, and time takes the energy of the fittest, which means it’s a foundation built on sand, like everything else besides Christ. Furthermore, it’s only when two people are each focused on knowing Christ, pleasing Christ, and growing more like Christ that they will be able to “be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave” them—something that is crucial to the longevity and prosperity of any marriage. 

So, if you’re considering marriage today, be sure to pick a partner who shares a mutual love of the Savior my friend. And if you’re currently married, be sure to do your part in staying close to Jesus. After all, the closer each marriage partner is to the Lord, the closer they will be to one another. And that’s what will allow them to stay married for a lifetime 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that the most important thing that a marriage should be built on is a foundation of Jesus Christ. Help us to model godly marriages Lord so that others would understand the importance of being equally yolked and intent on being kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Consider the Consequences of Rebellion

“Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O LORD.” Psalm 25:7 NLT

In a tragic story titled “Friends remember runner killed in Dunn Co. hit-and-run” published earlier this week, it was reported that a 17-year-old Wisconsin girl appeared in court Monday afternoon, accused of fatally striking a runner with her vehicle and then fleeing the scene. Dunn County Sheriff Kevin Bygd identified the victim of the Saturday morning incident as 54-year-old Ann M. Seidl of Eau Claire. Bygd said in a news release that squads were dispatched just before 7:15 a.m. to a location on Dunn County Highway Y between 330th and 370th Avenue on reports of a body in a ditch. Upon arrival, deputies located a woman - since identified as Seidl - just off the highway with severe injuries. She was declared dead on the scene… Sheriff Bygd says Seidl was wearing bright clothing and a reflective vest and running on the correct side of the highway for greatest visibility when she was struck and killed. Friends describe Ann Seidl as a heartbeat of the Eau Claire running community, kind, funny and supportive to all. A mother of three, she paired up with son Parker - who has Down syndrome - in an organization called Team Triumph that helps athletes with disabilities reach the finish line. 

And, you know, as sad as it is that Ann needlessly lost her life, it’s equally tragic that another young person fell into sin and made a mistake that they will undoubtedly regret the rest of their lives. And while there will be worldly consequences for the young girl’s actions (such as jail time and restitution to the family), there is, thankfully, forgiveness in Christ if she will turn to the Lord as David did—asking Him to forget the rebellious sins of her youth and to remember her in the light of God’s unfailing and merciful love. You see, the Bible is very clear that “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins” because He is a loving and merciful God—so much so that He not only will forgive and forget a person’s transgressions, but will then purify them from all unrighteousness. 

So, if you’re a young person who’s reading this today, consider the consequences of going astray before rebelling against the One who loves you so much that He would give you rules to keep you on the right path. Adhering to those rules, as this story shows, can keep you from making a poor decision that will only lead to a lifetime of regret and sorrow. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that there are consequences to our sins. Help us to be role models to the youths in our lives Lord, and to teach them the benefits of keeping their eyes on Jesus so they would not make the foolish mistakes so many lost young people do today. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Be Ready for the Unpredictability of Spring

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let’s get started by talking about the unpredictability of spring weather. The temps are all over the place as are the storm warnings. And considering that this is one of the prime running seasons in my humble opinion (second to Fall aka Bass Pro Marathon Season), runners would do well to make the most of spring running by preparing to deal with the unpredictability beforehand. Which can be done by adhering to a few spring running tips.

Without further ado, here are a few spring running tips that will help to have you ready for whatever the season holds:

1. Hydration:

Stay Hydrated:
With warmer weather, it's crucial to stay hydrated before, during, and after your runs. This is especially true as your body adapts to the rising temperatures. 

Practice Hydration Strategies:
Experiment with how you carry water on longer runs, whether it's a water bottle, hydration pack, or using water stations. Think about stashing water along your route. This is a great option when you're running a loop and don't want to carry anything. 

2. Weather Awareness:

Check the Weather:
Spring weather can be unpredictable as this week's forecast shows us, so monitor the forecast and be prepared for potential changes.

Layering:
Opt for lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabrics that allow you to adjust to changing temperatures. Arm sleeves are always a great option for this time of year as well. 

Gear:
Have a rain jacket, gloves, and a mix of shorts and leggings on hand.

Visibility:
Consider a headlight, LED vest, or reflective vest for early morning or evening runs.

3. Training:

Start Slow: If you're new to running, gradually increase your mileage and intensity to avoid injury and burnout. Stick to the 10% rule that states weekly mileage should not be increased more than 10% each week. 

Build a Strong Base: Focus on consistent, easy runs to build endurance.

Incorporate Interval Training: Add interval training, hill sprints, and strength exercises to improve speed and power.

Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your body's signals and take rest days when needed.

Cross-Training: Incorporate cross-training activities like swimming or cycling to reduce the impact on your joints.

4. Foot Gear:

Proper Footwear: Invest in good running shoes that provide adequate cushioning, support, and traction for the terrain you'll be running on. If you'll be running in rain, consider purchasing a pair of Gore-Tex shoes. My personal favorites are the Clifton Gore-Tex. I wore these to pace the 2024 Bass Pro Marathon when the forecasted rain showed up right on time and came out with no blisters and big smile on my face. 

Assess Your Shoes: Check your shoes for wear and tear and replace them when necessary.
5. Other Tips:

Warm-up and Cool-down:
Never skip warm-ups and cool-downs to improve flexibility and blood flow, reducing the risk of strains and stiffness.

Set Goals:
Having a goal, like a race, can provide motivation and help you stay on track. Check out the Bass Pro Shops Fitness Series of Events. You’re sure to find a race that’s just right for you. 

Find a Training Partner:
Having a training partner can make running more enjoyable and help you stay accountable.

Embrace the Change:
Enjoy the longer daylight hours and the beauty of spring.

And there you have it friends. Spring running can be very unpredictable which can work to a runner's advantage by allowing them to experiment with ways to adapt to all conditions remembering that a successful runner needs to train in all conditions to be ready for all conditions. This is what's known as resilience. And the more of that a runner has, the more likely they are to reach the finish line. So, get prepared now to get out there and train with a smile on your face rain or shine. You'll be so glad you did! 

Happy Running!

Help to Share the Cure

“For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—“ Romans 6:6 NIV

In a story published yesterday by pa media, It was reported that an avid runner will attempt to break the record for the fastest person to run the London Marathon dressed as a traffic cone. Michael Wiggins, 47, from Streatham, south-west London, will run his 18th London Marathon since 1999 and his first in a traffic cone costume as he attempts to break the Guinness World Record (GWR).Mr Wiggins, who works in advertising and post-production, wants to complete the run in three hours and 15 minutes to beat the previous record of three hours and 22 minutes, all while raising money for Prostate Cancer UK.He said he was “shocked” after three of his friends were diagnosed with prostate cancer and hopes his record attempt will encourage more men to talk about their health concerns… He is aiming to raise more than £1,000 for Prostate Cancer UK, a charity funding research into the disease which affects one in eight men, and hopes the money will help towards finding a cure.

Sadly, while prostate cancer will affect one in eight men, the disease of sin will affect one hundred percent of all men and women. Thankfully though, God provided a cure for the condition when He sent Jesus to became the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. Which means that “our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.” With the old self dead then, we are not only made free from the disease of sin, but we don’t battle the old self anymore. We simply reckon him as dead. And should live that way. 

So knowing that the cure to the deadly disease of sin is available to all those who choose to accept it, do your part in raising awareness my friend. After all, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”

Heavenly Father, thank You for providing a cure for the disease of sin that leads to spiritual death. Help us to be so thankful for this cure that we would be bold in sharing it with the world and compelling the lost to seek Jesus that that they might rid themselves of their old self and be made new. It’s in your precious name e pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Look at the Positives in Your Struggles

“Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;” Romans 5:3 BSB

To say Saturday’s ultra marathon was a challenging one would be an understatement. Having trained in the 30 and 40 degree seasonal morning Missouri weather, I was not prepared for the heat and humidity of Mooresville, Alabama’s Blue Heron Hundred. And although I was praising God for the cloud cover He so graciously provided, a good degree of humidity was still felt, along with high winds and several pop up showers that plagued the runners throughout the entirety of the event (32 hour cutoff). Which is the very reason I wasn’t the only runner who struggled that day. In fact, every distance runner will struggle at some point but not all distance runners will look at struggles in the same light—something that was evident when I crossed the finish after 30 hours of running and stepped up to receive my hard-fought-for belt buckle. “Well I’m glad that’s over with. I finally get to sit down now,” I said jokingly to the Race Director as she passed the reward off to me. “You act like that didn’t hurt at all,” she said as she smiled at my jest. Smiling back I said, “Oh it hurt alright! But if I want to inspire others to run, I’ve learned to look at and share the positives in all my struggles.”

And, you know, when it comes to looking at the positives in every struggle to inspire others to be more like Jesus, Paul said that, as believers, we are to “rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;” You see, struggles or suffering are to be welcomed and appreciated by every believer because of the persistence, determination, tenacity, steadfastness, endurance, and grit they bring about in us. These are character traits that are not only necessary for reaching the finish line of an enduring race, but are crucial to reaching the finish line of our spiritual race. And, unfortunately, these are character traits that are only gained through suffering. 

So, rejoice in your struggles today and every day my friend. Choose to thank God for the good they are producing in you and for walking with you through them. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that there are blessings in all our sufferings and that we never go through them alone. Lord, help us to rejoice when we experience suffering, knowing that it gives us the perseverance to hold firm in our faith and press on when the race gets hard and we feel like giving up. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Do Not Let Your Guard Down

“Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” Mark 13:33 NIV

In a story published by the Daily Mail on Tuesday, it was reported that a runner suffered an embarrassing loss after she started celebrating her win too soon, ultimately costing her the first place title. Xiao Fen, 35, was in the lead as she approached the finish line at the Women's Half Marathon in Chongqing, southwest China on Saturday. With a victory seemingly right in front of her, Xiao raised her arms in the air in triumph and appeared to slow down, allowing her rival to zoom past at the last second. Gan Zhifang overtook the runner and sprinted towards victory, crossing the finish line to become the first-place winner of the race. Footage of the Xiao's embarrassing loss quickly went viral on Chinese social media, with the runner saying she was 'disappointed' in the outcome. Xiao said that despite placing second just a few fractions of a second behind Gan, she should not have let her guard down and 'opened the champagne' ahead of time.

Sadly, as this story shows, there can be grave consequences for relaxing your vigilance before you cross the finish line. But, spiritually speaking, the consequences of letting your guard down before crossing the final finish line are gravely eternal. Which is the very reason Jesus, after explaining what the world would be like before his final return, warned the disciples to “Be on guard!” And to “Be alert!” Jesus went to explain, “You do not know when that time will come.” Which meant the disciples were to be prepared at all times—not letting themselves be deceived by false teachers, not letting themselves fall into sin, and faithfully serving the Lord and preaching the Gospel so they would be ready for His return, no matter when it happened.

So, as you look around at our world today, it’s easy to see that the return of Jesus could happen at any moment my friend. So be on guard! Be alert! And keep on running the race until you hear that trumpet blow!

Heavenly Father, thank You for helping us to discern the times by your Word. Help us to understand that we must be ready at all times and that we must urge others to do the same. Help us to be found faithful, watchful, and busy upon your return. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

The Brain can be Retrained

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 NIV

In an interesting story titled “How marathons change runners’ brains: scans point to surprise energy source,” the following was reported: A fatty substance that insulates the electrical signals transmitted by nerve cells might also be a source of energy for the brain — especially when reserves are running low. This intriguing possibility has been raised by scans of long-distance runners’ brains, taken before and after they ran marathons. The scans suggest that levels of the insulating substance — called myelin — decreased in brain areas involved in motor control and sensory and emotional processing after these gruelling endeavours, only to bounce back to normal within two months…Mustapha Bouhrara, who studies brain imaging and ageing at the US National Institutes of Health in Baltimore, Maryland, said the reduction in myelin lasts for only a short time, so is not concerning. Furthermore, he went on to say that the process teaches the brain how to quickly repair myelin, and “could be very, very beneficial”.

Unfortunately marathons aren’t the only thing that can change a persons brain. Indulging in sinful behaviors can as well. In fact, science has shown that repeated sinful behaviors lead to changes in brain chemistry and reward circuitry—specifically changes in dopamine, oxytocin, and norepinephrine levels, which can reinforce these behaviors. Furthermore, repeating sinful behaviors can train the brain to expect and seek out those bad behaviors, making it harder to resist them and even harder to discern and follow “God’s will” for a person’s life. Which is the very reason the person caught up in those behaviors must first repent, turn back to God, and then retrain their brain—a process that begins by no longer conforming to the pattern of worldly thinking, but transforming the mind with a pattern of godly thinking that comes from reading God’s Word and then meditating on it day and night. This is very, very be beneficial as it sets a person free from the guilt and shame the sinful behaviors caused and keeps the person from returning to “ the pattern of this world.”

 

So, if you’re caught up in a pattern of sin that you don’t think you can break free from, think again my friend. God can not only set you free and restore you upon repentance but can renew your mind as well, giving you a fresh start on life… something that is very, very beneficial to you both now and for eternity. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for providing a way for us to be made righteous when we have strayed. Thank You for the restoration Jesus’ death provided for us and for the renewal of the mind that your Word provides us. Help us to seek your pleasing and perfect will at all times by staying in a right relationship with You and keeping our hearts and minds stayed on You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!