Don’t Lose the Love

“Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.” Revelation 2:4-5 NKJV

In an article published by Runner's World Wednesday, runner Alex Predhome described explained the burnout many other runners experience and detailed how he got his “love of running” back.

After several years of heavy training and chasing ambitious times, I realized that I had lost touch with one of the most important ideas in running: Racing is a game, and running is supposed to be fun. I intuitively understood this as a kid, when I’d play tag, run after a ball, or race kids in school. I wasn’t overthinking it. I was just running and enjoying it.

A few years ago, my motivation was in the tank, and I wasn’t having fun. I was dealing with an odd case of sciatic nerve pain that derailed training. The discomfort caused me to miss workouts, and I was left in an injury purgatory, where I could run—but not really train—and eventually I had to pull out of the upcoming Boston Marathon.

After many doctor visits and strength sessions, the pain subsided. However, so did my enjoyment and fitness. I spent many runs worried about the pain returning and dwelling on lost time and opportunities. I kept thinking about why the pace data I saw on my watch felt so hard. Every run became confirmation that I wasn’t where I wanted to be instead of embracing where I was. I was miserable.

In time, I found a remedy in an unexpected place: a busy highway in Boston. 

And, you know, sadly, runners aren't the only people who gradually lose the love they once had for something. This was something the church at Ephesus had become known for, although they were doing a lot of things right. 

They worked hard, they persevered, and they stood for truth. Nevertheless, Jesus told them, “I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works…”

They were still doing the work of God, but somewhere along the way, their relationship with God had lost its priority.

We can unintentionally do the same thing...

We get busy with work, family, ministry, responsibilities, running, and even serving God. Prayer then becomes shorter. Bible reading becomes something we need to “get done,” and worship becomes routine. 

Before long, we can be doing plenty for Jesus while spending very little time with Jesus. And before we know it, we’re miserable, and we may not even know why. 

But here's the thing, most of us don't intentionally walk away from our first love. We drift away slowly…one missed Bible study and one prayer at a time.

Thankfully though, Jesus gave us the remedy and the road back in Revelation 2:5:

Remember. Remember when your relationship with Christ was fresh and exciting. Remember what He has done for you and how much you once desired His presence.

Repent. Recognize what has taken His place and turn back toward Him.

Return. “Do the first works.” Pray. Read His Word. Worship. Spend time with Him—not because it is another item on your list, but because you love Him.

The lesson of Ephesus is simple: We mustn’t  confuse working for Jesus with walking with Jesus.

You see, sometimes we don't need another Bible study, another ministry activity, or another Christian obligation, we simply need to come back to Jesus and sit at His feet. We need to remember, repent, and return. 

So, ask yourself this today my friend, "Am I still pursuing Jesus with the same love and passion I once had, or have I allowed the busyness of life—even good things—to slowly take His place?" If something has taken His place, pursue Jesus with the reckless abandon you did the day He changed your life. And keep pursuing Him and putting Him first until the day He calls you home, tenaciously intent on keeping the love alive and growing. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for being the God who never gives up on us. Lord, if we have lost some of the fervor and fire we once had for You, please convict our hearts of our drifting and spur them to remember how it felt when we first met You. Lord, help us then to repent of our backsliding, and to return to You with our whole hearts. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Stay on the Offensive

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.” Matthew 4:1-2 NKJV

In an astonishing story published by Canadian Running Magazine, it was reported that Ethiopian runner Tigst Assefa took the women’s title in 2:11:04 at the Berlin Marathon over the weekend. It’s said conditions were sunny with little wind, though it was still warm.

Assefa was aiming to beat Ruth Chepngetich’s 2:09:56 world record,..

Assefa had previously held the women’s world record after running 2:11:53 in Berlin in 2023, a time that remained the course record until Sunday. She was still running under world-record pace at 40 km, with an estimated finish time of 2:09:44. In the final two km, Assefa’s pace slowed and she began visibly limping. She ran that last stretch in 8:04, before crossing the line in 2:11:04.

Assefa’s time was 68 seconds outside Chepngetich’s world record, but 49 seconds faster than her previous best. It’s also the third-fastest women’s marathon ever, behind Chepngetich’s 2:09:56 and Ethiopian Fotyen Tesfay’s 2:10:51 from Barcelona earlier this year. Assefa now owns the third- and fourth-fastest marathon times in history. 

Post-race, Assefa skipped the podium ceremony and was flown to Munich for emergency assessment of a suspected Achilles tear, according to PuraVida Sports Africa. Her management team said she will undergo imaging to determine the extent of the injury.

And you know, in the same way this story highlights how quickly a person can go from a mountain top experience (where the conditions are sunny with a little wind) to the valley (where the conditions are less than desirable), the story of the temptation of Jesus confirms just how unexpectedly and rapidly our surrounding circumstances can change. 

In Matthew 3 we are given the story of Jesus’ being publicly baptized by John the Baptist and then being commended by the Father. Talk about a mountain top experience!

Immediately following this, though, circumstances changed and “Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.”

“Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written,‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’” Matthew 4:8-10

The devil then attempted to bait and beguile Jesus three different times as we see in the next chapter. But in response to each temptation, Jesus yielded the sword of the Spirit and declared, “It is written” and followed His statement with the exact Scripture that would tear down the individual lies and the overall deception of the enemy. 
In this way, Jesus rejected temptation and was victorious over the devil by using the only offensive weapon God has given each and every believer. 

So, if "staying on the offensive" means "remaining proactive, taking the initiative, and keeping constant forward pressure instead of waiting to react to challenges," let us vow to stay on the offensive by knowing God‘s word, being ready for the schemes of the devil at all times, and being especially vigilant after mountain top experiences. 

In this way, you and I will be protected from incoming attacks and be ready to confront opposition by following the example of Jesus, saying, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written..." 

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled." 2 Corinthians 10:3-6

After all, the only way to win at spiritual warfare is to fight it with spiritual weapons--weapons that "are not carnal but mighty in God... "

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that the devil is on the attack at all times, but is especially ready to pounce after a mountain top experience. Help us Lord to always be ready for these attacks by always being shod with the full armor of God and knowing the Truth. Help us to train like a good soldier who makes himself battle ready each and every day, no matter the conditions. Help us to be ready so that we will not be caught unaware. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Embrace the 15k Distance

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 awesome the Bass Pro Shops Fitness Series is. They have had a lot of great races this year including last weekend‘s Fulbright 15k. 

If you’re like me and didn’t get to run the event here’s a little of what was said about it…

The BPFS recently debuted its highly anticipated, one-time Fulbright 15K on September 26, 2026, to celebrate the organization’s 20th anniversary milestone. This unique 9.3-mile distance is widely considered the ultimate sweet spot for every type of runner. 

Starting and finishing in the scenic Ritter Springs Park, the route treated participants to an immersive Ozark experience featuring towering limestone walls, bridges, and shallow water crossings along the Fulbright Trail. Runner reviews flooded social media platforms praising the impeccable race logistics, enthusiastic volunteer support, and the well-deserved Arris Pizza waiting at the finish line. Finisher remarks highlighted the dynamic terrain, with one runner noting, "The hills in the first and last mile will challenge you, but it’s just a great run!" while others raved that the gorgeous natural views and the diverse, multi-generational community of participants made the physical effort incredibly rewarding.

It’s no wonder then that the medals included the phrase, “The Future is Bright” because it is! After all, Marathon Weekend is almost here and that means the Dogwood Canyon trail runs are almost here too! The future is indeed bright!

But getting back to 15k’s. 

As a longtime runner and running coach, I’ve learned that runners have a funny way of looking at distances. A 5K sounds manageable. A 10K sounds like a challenge. A half marathon sounds serious. And then someone says 15K, and a newer runner might immediately think, Wait...how far is that again?

It’s 9.3 miles.

Before you decide that sounds like a long way, hear me out: a 15K might be one of the most approachable—and most fun—distance goals you can choose. That’s why so many runners stepped up to the start line at Fulbright! And why so many of them finished!

And with the Bass Pro Fitness Series and the Dogwood Canyon trail races coming up, it could be the perfect opportunity to stretch yourself just a little farther.

One of the things I love about the 15K distance is that you don't have to become a high-mileage runner to prepare for it.

If you can already complete a 5K, you have a starting point. If you're comfortable with a 10K, you're even closer than you think.

Training for a 15K can be as simple as gradually extending your weekly long run. You don't have to suddenly start running nine miles every weekend. Add distance a little at a time, stay consistent, and allow your body to adapt.

That might look something like:

3 miles → 4 miles → 5 miles → 6 miles → 7 miles → 8 miles

Suddenly, nine-ish miles doesn't seem nearly as intimidating. 

That's one of the greatest lessons running teaches us: we don't have to be ready for the finish line on the first day of training.

We just have to be ready for today's run.

For runners who have finished a few 5Ks or 10Ks and are wondering, What's next?, the 15K is a fantastic answer.

It's long enough that you get to experience some of the things that make distance running special. You'll learn about pacing, hydration, fueling, patience and what happens when your brain starts negotiating with your legs. But it doesn't require the same training commitment as a half marathon or marathon.

Think of the 15K as the friendly middle child of distance running. It says, “Come on. We're going farther than a 10K, but we're not doing anything crazy.”

Of course, runners have very different definitions of “crazy,” so I'll leave that there

If you've been participating in the Bass Pro Fitness Series and wondering whether you're ready to try something longer, the 15K may be exactly the challenge you're looking for!

And, although the Dogwood 15k is sold out (it goes fast!) for 2026, you can begin training for a 15k so you’ll be ready for next year. 

It's just a great distance for anyone looking for a challenge. 

And, here's something I want newer runners to understand: you don't have to run every step to be a runner or to complete a 15K.
A run/walk strategy can be an excellent way to tackle the distance.

Run four minutes, walk one.

Run three minutes, walk one.

Run 30 seconds, walk 30 seconds. 

Run from one landmark to another and then take a planned walking break.

The daily goal is forward progress. And the ultimate goal is completing a 15K. 

Think about lt this way… there’s something pretty cool about reaching the point in your running journey where you can casually say:

"Yeah, I ran nine miles this morning." And then go eat breakfast like that's a completely normal thing to do.

Training for a 15K gives you enough distance to feel a real sense of accomplishment without taking over your entire life. And it let's you know if you want to tackle an even longer distance, like the half marathon or marathon. 

And there you have it friends. If you’re looking to make your future bright, start by working your way up to being able to run 9.3 miles. It will not only give you a sense of great accomplishment, but will also make the 5K and 10K distances exponentially easier for you to cover.... something that's a win in more ways than one. 

Happy Running!

Be A Willing Witness

“And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’” Acts 1:8 NKJV

In an astonishing  story posted by Canadian Running yesterday, it was reported that New Zealand ultrarunner Shannon-Leigh Litt finished an ultramarathon every day for 1,000 straight days, completing the streak on Saturday in Whangārei, N.Z., to set a new Guinness World Record (GWR), after running at least 50 kilometres a day since Jan. 1, 2024. Wow, right?

As reported by RNZ, the 47-year-old criminal defence lawyer says she was originally inspired by Australia’s Erchana Murray-Bartlett, who ran a marathon a day for 150 days across Australia in 2022. Litt went through more than 90 pairs of shoes during her run, while navigating challenges such as flooding and extreme temperatures. She also dealt with illness several times, and had to fit the runs around her work.

Litt generally ran 51 km, rather than stopping at the required 50, giving herself a small buffer in case of discrepancies in the GPS measurement she would need to submit for record ratification. Over 1,000 days, that puts her total at more than 51,000 km.

The GWR mark Litt originally set out to break belonged to U.S. ultrarunner Candice Burt, who ran an ultra distance on 200 consecutive days between Nov. 5, 2022 and May 23, 2023 in Boulder, Colo., documenting her journey on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. GWR now lists Litt at 1,000 consecutive days, although its records can take time to be verified.

Simply recording the distance on Strava wasn’t enough. According to RNZ, Litt used two GPS watches, had two witnesses sign off on each run and recorded video at the beginning and end. She also took photos and additional video during the run. In an interview earlier in the streak, Litt said Guinness does not accept Strava files, so her GPS data had to be converted and uploaded separately.

Finding witnesses could be another challenge when she travelled. New Zealand Woman’s Weekly reported that Litt once approached 11 people in Europe before finding someone willing to witness her run.

And, you know, while it might be challenging to find people willing to serve as witnesses to our worldly pursuits, it should never be challenging to find believers who are willing to be witnesses to the saving grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  

You see, when Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection, He was clear that the timing of the restoration of the kingdom to Israel belonged solely to the Father. Jesus then said, "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

With these words, Jesus was giving His followers boldness and a blueprint for spreading the Gospel through the power of the Holy Spirit. Instead of relying on their own strength, the disciples were called to be "witnesses"—simply sharing the reality of Jesus's life, death, and resurrection until the day of His return. 

This command served as a geographic and cultural road map that started locally in Jerusalem, expanded regionally into Judea, broke through bitter ethnic and social barriers in Samaria, and ultimately pushed outward to the ends of the earth. For believers today, it remains a timeless reminder that the mission of faith begins right where we are, but it never stops until it reaches everyone.

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

So be a willing witness wherever God calls you to go my friend, knowing that you aren't doing it in your own power but by the power of Holy Spirit that indwells every believer. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are called to be witnesses at all times and in all places. Lord, help us to understand that sharing the Good News is a command and not a suggestion. In a world that's growing increasingly hostile to hearing the Gospel, help us to remember that we go and speak in the power of the Holy Spirit and not our own that we might be bold and courageous. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Strive to Finish Worn Out

“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’” Matthew 25:23 NKJV

As I neared the finish line of the Ultrapalooza 50 Mile Ultra-Marathon on Saturday evening, after more than 11 hours of continuous movement, I had to fight back tears of relief. 

This had been an exceptionally hard run both mentally and physically. I was hungry. I was tired. I was lonely. My phone had died around mile 30. And my feet were swollen and sore. 

My husband (who completed the 50k) and I, as part of Runner’s Church Ministries, had even arrived at the start line earlier than necessary that morning so he could deliver a pre-race service and prayer before the event began--something we consider ourselves beyond blessed to do.

But, in spite of the fatigue, my heart was joyful as I heard the sounds of cowbell and cheering in the distance, which meant my race would soon be over and I would be able to rest. The thought of this caused me to speak out loud. “Oh Lord,” I said. “I love you so much and I’m so thankful for all the opportunities you have given sweet Larry and me to serve You. Please give us the strength to keep serving You with all that we have so that we can enter heaven totally worn out, confident we have given all that You have given us back to You in service.”

And, you know, while Jesus used the metaphor of financial success in the Parable of the Talents to communicate what it means to be His servant, it’s clear that you and I, as believers, are called to serve God with all of the talents God has given us. While these talents do include our treasures as the story illustrates, they also include our time and our God-given abilities as well.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

This means that if we have the ability to run for God’s glory, we should run for His glory. If we have the ability to teach, play an instrument, sing, or have any other talent, we are to use it to the best of our ability to serve Him as well “always abounding in the work of the Lord.” And we are to do it in a way that shows we acknowledge God as the Giver of these abilities, thereby giving the Lord a hefty return on his investment. 

The best part about doing that? We will not only be rewarded by hearing the words "well done good and faithful servant" spoken by the Son of God, Himself, but will be given the opportunity to be responsible for larger things. The reward is not about prestige then, but having the opportunity to have an even greater impact.

Finally, the Master will reward the servant who is found working hard with a joy that can be shared and entered into: a personal relationship with Himself now and into eternity. How’s that for a win? 

So be willing to give up everything you have—your time, talents, and treasures—in service to the Lord my friend. Work so hard that you’ll be worn out and you’ll find that, when you reach that final finish line, the spiritual and eternal rewards you gained will have surpassed anything that you gave. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving every believer unique talents to be used for Your glory. Help us to discern what we have been entrusted with and to work hard to give You a return on Your investment. Inspire us to live to hear the words “well done good and faithful servant” that we might not bury anything You have given us. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Leave Vengeance to God

“Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.” Romans 12:19 NKJV

In a heart-wrenching story posted by WCNC Charlotte out of North Carolina earlier this week, it was reported that a Mecklenburg County judge sentenced Q'laundra Hood after she pleaded guilty to felony hit and run and misdemeanor death by vehicle in the January death of 25-year-old Lance Sotelo, who was struck and killed while out for a run in east Charlotte.

Hood will serve 30 days in the Mecklenburg County Jail, followed by 36 months of supervised probation. She was also ordered to pay attorney, probation, and restitution fees.

Sotelo was killed on Jan. 14 in a hit-and-run crash that left his family and community reeling for months as they awaited the outcome of the case.

In court Tuesday, Hood read a letter aloud to Sotelo's family, asking for forgiveness and taking responsibility for her actions.

"I no longer want revenge. I want rehabilitation for her and the sake of her child," Sotelo's mother Jeanne said.

And, you know, while it’s natural to want to seek revenge or to hurt or punish someone in response to a wrong, injury, or insult against us, the Bible tells us that we are not to avenge ourselves, but are to leave it to the wrath of God, “for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.”

This means that, even though wanting revenge feels normal when someone hurts us, we should not seek to punish them ourselves. Instead, we must let go of our anger and trust God to handle justice fairly in His own time. Especially when that person is truly sorry and willing to turn their life around. 

You see, God avenges, or exacts satisfaction or retributive justice for an injustice, through His own perfect justice. 

His motives are pure.  God does not act out of selfish spite, rage, or petty hate. His actions are completely holy and fair.

His timing is perfect. God chooses the exact right moment to address wrongdoing. It may not happen as fast as people want.

His tools are chosen. God can use worldly laws and governments, the natural consequences of bad choices, or final spiritual judgment.

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:44-45

Furthermore, in addition to allowing God to enact His perfect justice, we are called to pray for those who have harmed us. This not only helps us release bitterness and bring peace to our hearts, it shows the love of Jesus… a love that could very well inspire those who have hurt us to seek the One who can change their lives in the same way He did ours. 

So avoid the urge to enact revenge on those who have caused you harm my friend. Instead, pray for their repentance and their rehabilitation that they might come to trust in the Lord. This is something that will ultimately be for their good and for God’s glory.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the strength to discipline our flesh to wait on You to bring forth justice in the way You see fit. Help us to trust Your plan rather than our own and to surrender any bitterness that we might have. Help us to pray for those who have hurt us that we might love like Jesus and so bring glory to Your name. It’s in your precious name. We pray Jesus
Happy Running!

Prayer Has the Power to Lighten Burdens

"Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

In a tragic story posted earlier this week by Runner’s World, it was reported that Norwegian trail runner Ida Amelie Robsahm passed away after falling while hiking near the summit of Romsdalseggen, one of Norway’s most famous and challenging hikes. The highest point is more than 4,000 feet above sea level.

Robsahm, 30 at the time of her passing, was an accomplished trail runner and mountaineer. She placed second at the Marathon du Mont-Blanc in June and finished fourth at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in 2025.

Outside of running, she was a chemistry teacher at Foss Upper Secondary School in Oslo, Norway.

QIda was a remarkable athlete and teammate,” wrote Asics on Instagram. “Her warmth and kindhearted nature touched many of us at Asics and the running community.

“Our hearts are with Ida’s family, friends, teammates and all who knew and loved her. She will be missed dearly.”

And, you know, while the phrase "our hearts are with you" might bring temporary comfort to a person, because it reminds them they are being thought about during the difficult time they are going through, lifting someone up in prayer has the power to bring them permanent peace, because it reminds them that their sorrows, cares, and heartaches are being placed in the hands of the One who can heal them. 

"And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.'" Mark 12:30-31

You see, when you and I pray for another person, we actively share in their struggles and fulfill the call to “bear one another's burdens” with deep compassion. We move from merely thinking about a person to loving them as we are called to love them—in a sacrificial way that moves us to passionately intercede on their behalf to the Father. 

So, pray for those in need of comfort and pray for them often my friend. And, if you feel led to, pray with them in person or reach out to them and let them know you are praying for them. Hearing the words, “I’m praying for you,” could be the very thing they need to lift their spirits. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that prayer can move mountains, melt hearts, heal the broken and comfort the hurting. Cause us to love others so much Lord that our natural reaction to their distress would be to help bear their burdens by earnestly praying for them, rather than merely offering words of condolence that have no power. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!