Following Jesus Brings Division

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’” Matthew 10:34-36 NKJV

In a controversial story published yesterday, it was reported that a US sprinter was disqualified immediately after winning a race for a banned act, with the incident leaving the athletics world divided.

One North Carolina high school believes this punishment is heavy-handed.

Mallard Creek High School lost out on a third straight state championship when Nyan Brown was disqualified for raising his hand before crossing the finish line Saturday.

The disqualification dropped Mallard Creek to second place, the NY Post reports.

North Carolina prep rules state competitors can be disqualified if their acts are deemed to be taunting, per wral.com, and the situation has gone viral with plenty offering their opinions.

Mallard Creek reportedly appealed the decision Monday and filed a grievance to the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) Board of Directors and Commissioner Que Tucker, and the Independent Interscholastic Athletic Appeals Board will review the appeal.

“Over the past several days, the conclusion of the 8A Men’s Track and Field Championship has generated significant discussion across North Carolina and beyond,” the NCHSAA tweeted Tuesday...

Brown had the 4×400 relay locked up for Mallard Creek on Saturday when he held up his left hand and displayed all five fingers while crossing the finish line in his final high school race.

Mallard coach Sam Willoughby told myfox8.com the gesture indicated the fifth straight state title — the school had won two straight in both indoor and outdoor track — the victory would have clinched.

Officials instead disqualified Brown, who said the gesture did not have any ill intent…

And, you know, decisions like this aren’t the only things that leave the world divided.

Jesus was very clear that the world would be divided when it came to following Him. This was something He wanted us to understand when He said, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.”

Jesus went on to say in verses 37-39, “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.”

Jesus, here, was explaining the radical cost of discipleship, warning that commitment to Him will inevitably trigger ideological division, relational friction, and personal sacrifice.

To more easily understand what Jesus was saying, consider how His words might be paraphrased in our modern language…

"Do not assume that my mission is to establish a comfortable, conflict-free peace on this earth. I did not come to bring superficial harmony, but a message that will cut like a sword and divide people. Because of me, households will split apart: a son will turn against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Your worst enemies may end up being the members of your own family.

If you love your parents more than you love me, you are not worthy to be my follower. If you love your children more than you love me, you are not worthy of me. If you refuse to accept your execution—refusing to surrender your self-will, pick up your cross, and follow my lead—you cannot belong to me. If you obsess over protecting your earthly security, you will ultimately waste your true life. But if you are willing to give up everything, even your very life for my sake, you will finally discover what it means to truly live."

Furthermore, when a person chooses to follow Christ, especially in a world or environment that’s hostile to Him, the worldview, priorities, and morals they once held shift. This spiritual u-turn can create an immediate contrast with the culture around them and with their families. 
You can be sure that this division won't just happen out in the world; it will hit close to home. It will enter your living rooms, fracturing relationships with parents, children, and spouses who do not share the same allegiance.

This was especially troubling in the ancient world where family was everything. It was a persons  identity, their safety net, and their future. Then and now, Jesus wasn’t telling us to stop loving our families, but was establishing a hierarchy, in essence saying, "If it comes down to a choice between pleasing your family or obeying Me, I must win every single time."
You see, true discipleship means Jesus holds the ultimate veto power over every other relationship in your life.

So, choose this day whom you will serve my friend. As for me, I choose to serve the Lord no matter what it costs me—knowing that what I gain, in the end, will far surpass anything I gave up in the here and now.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that true discipleship comes with a price. Help us to understand that and to consider it a privilege to give up our lives in service to You. Lord, help us to put You first in all that we do that we might live a life of meaning. Help us to continue loving and praying for those who don’t agree with us and might even persecute us for our beliefs. It’s in your precious name. We pray Jesus amen.

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Run for Your Joint Health

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog

Now let's get started by talking about May being National Arthritis Month. This is a timely topic considering that, in the United States, approximately 1 in 4 adults (over 53 million people, or about 21% of the adult population) have doctor-diagnosed arthritis. Research suggests that if undiagnosed joint symptoms are included, nearly 30% of adults aged 18-64 and over 60% of adults 65+ actually experience some form of arthritis or related joint pain.

And get this… While often considered a disease of older age, over 10% of all arthritis cases in the U.S. are among people in their 20s, 30s, or 40s. And what’s more, regular exercise plays a vital role in preventing and delaying the onset of arthritis through weight management. 

The rhythmic compression and release of running also helps circulate synovial fluid. This fluid lubricates the joints, brings in oxygen and nutrients, and flushes out inflammatory waste products. Running strengthens the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves. Stronger muscles act as shock absorbers, taking the pressure off your joints and also stimulates cartilage to become healthier and thicker. Pretty amazing right? 

 

While exercise cannot eliminate the risk—especially for hereditary or autoimmune types—it is one of our best defenses for overall joint health at every age. 

Which is why it’s a great time to talk about how running affects joint health. Sure, we know running is good for our mental health and heart health. We talk about that all the time. But many people don't think about joint health. 

In fact, many people fear that activity wears out joints. But experts confirm that the opposite is true—joints are designed to move. Studies show that recreational runners and active individuals often have lower rates of knee and hip osteoarthritis than non-runners.

This means the decades old adage that running will destroy your knees is incorrect. Research now reveals that recreational runners not only maintain healthy joints but actually experience lower rates of arthritis compared to non-runners.

With “official” Bass Pro training groups just around the corner, this is good news!! It's a reminder that anyone at any age can train for and complete one or more of the Bass Pro Fitness Series events. It's also a reminder that, if you want to keep running these events, you should take joint health very seriously. 

In light of that, check out these tips from Angela Honstad, M.D., to "Keep Your Joints Healthy." 

Keep moving

When it comes to joint health, if you don't use it, you lose it. Think of your joints as the moving parts of a machine. A little bit of lubricant, or oil, keeps your parts in working order. If a machine sits idle for any length of time, the lubricant tends to dry out or thicken and the part no longer functions effectively. Your body's joints also need lubricant to move. This natural lubricant is created by your body, and the more you move, the more lubricant is made by a healthy joint to keep things working.

Maintain a healthy weight

Sometimes the best solution to easing painful joints is to lose weight. Extra weight puts stress on your joints, especially those in your lower body. Every pound of excess weight exerts about four extra pounds of pressure on your joints. That means someone who is 20 pounds overweight has about 80 pounds of extra pressure on their joints.

Eat right

Hand-in-hand with weight loss goes proper nutrition. Vitamins C, D and K, and the mineral calcium, are important to bone and joint health. Good foods high in these nutrients are kale, broccoli, spinach, squash, red peppers, olive oil, berries, grapes, citrus fruit, low-fat yogurt and milk, and fatty fish such as salmon or sardines.

Stay hydrated

Cartilage, the smooth lining that allows your joints to glide, is 80 percent water. Drinking the recommended 64 ounces of fluid each day, will help keep your joints lubricated.

Get plenty of rest

While it's important to move your joints you also need to rest. Some injuries, such as carpal tunnel or trigger thumb, can be caused by long-term repetitive movement. Resting your joints helps reduce strain from overuse. In addition, adequate sleep helps your body repair and regenerate, so try to get seven to eight hours of sleep a night.

And there you have it friends. Our joints are complex structures that allow us to move, whether it's knitting a sweater, walking our dogs, playing the piano, or running a marathon. Injuries, strain from repetitive motion, obesity, some health conditions and the effects of aging can interfere with joint movement, and lead to pain and disability. The good news is, you and I can prevent injuries and maintain our bone and joint health throughout your lives if we take care of our bodies. 

So, take care of your joints and you'll be running both now and for years to come. Isn't that great news? Happy Running!

God’s Plan for Parenthood

“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.” Colossians 3:18-21

In an amazing story published by Runners World over the weekend, it was reported that Mason Wright, a Salt Lake City-based ultrarunner better known as Buff Runner, just completed 1,000 miles around a track at Layton High School in Layton, Utah. The final total: 18 days, 13 hours, and 11 minutes of running in circles. Or, more accurately, 4,000 laps of the same oval, making Wright one of the few people in history to finish a 1,000-mile track challenge. 

Wright did the run for The Single Parent Project, an organization that supports single-parent families. He’s previously shared that he grew up with a single mother and wanted the run to represent the kind of effort single parents put in every day without a finish line waiting at the end. Last year, he also ran 421 miles across Utah to bring attention to the same cause…

After finishing, Wright wrote in his final journal entry that he was still trying to process what he had done. “Mentally, I don’t know how I am okay,” he shared. “I don’t know how I kept moving. I don’t know how I did this. And that’s what makes me proud.”

And, you know, while single-parent households can certainly produce thriving and responsible adults such as Mason, it’s not an easy road for the solo mother or father doing it and it’s certainly not the plan God had for the family—which is one man and one woman joined together in marriage, focused on following Him, and intent on raising their children to do the same.

This is shown in the divine family hierarchy the Lord, Himself, instituted—with the man of the house submitting to God’s authority, the wife submitting to the husband (as he submits to God’s authority) and the children submitting to and obeying their parents who are obeying the Lord. This is the perfect order that creates harmony in a home and fosters an atmosphere for godly growth. 

My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother; For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck.

Proverbs 1:8-9

We can further see that God’s design for families included both a mother and a father in the words of Solomon, who wisely declared that hearing the instruction of our fathers and not forsaking the law of our mothers would be the equivalent of wearing fine jewels… obtained at a great cost and so priceless that they would be passed down from generation to generation. 

Which means when a child has both a godly father and a godly mother who love and submit to God and one another as the Bible calls them to, the child will be blessed with priceless knowledge and wisdom, among other things.

Now this isn’t to say that it can’t be done in single-parent households. It can be done with God’s help. But it certainly wasn’t what God intended. And for good reason. The support system that marriage provides benefits both the parents and the children.

“Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” Hebrews 13:4

“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?” 2 Corinthians 6:14

So, knowing that God’s design for the family is always the best one, seek to do whatever it takes to model a godly marriage my friend. And if you’re not married, choose your spouse wisely and wait for marriage to have sex. People might call you old-fashioned for doing so, but you, your family, and society as a whole will reap the rewards.

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the perfect design for what family should look like. Help us to honor You by adhering to Your statutes regarding family, sex, and marriage Lord. And Lord, for those single parents who, for one reason or another are raising children on their own, give them the strength and the wisdom to be a godly parent and to lead their children to You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Don’t Be a Secret Follower

“Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” John 12:42-43 NKJV

“In a harrowing story titled “Off-duty paramedics help save teen runner at Huntley track meet” published last week, it was reported that “What started as a normal track meet quickly turned into an emergency in Huntley on Monday night.”

Two off-duty firefighter paramedics who were there watching their own sons compete jumped in to help after a 16-year-old runner collapsed near the finish line…

Andy Milewski and Scott Hayden, both with the Palatine Fire Department, said they were sitting in different parts of the stands when they noticed commotion near the finish line during a relay event at Huntley High School...

Milewski said he knew the situation was serious the moment he saw an AED being brought out.

"When you see the AED, something a little more serious was happening," Milewski said.

Milewski rushed down first and said the teen was not breathing and did not have a pulse when he arrived.

The school’s athletic training staff had already started helping the teen and quickly applied the AED, which advised a shock.

"I checked the pulse and immediately started CPR when I didn’t notice one," Milewski said. "The AED did its thing… I started CPR again, and then he ended up taking one breath."

The teen later regained a pulse and was taken to the hospital…

Both men credited the Huntley athletic training staff and first responders for reacting quickly and working together when the teen was in cardiac arrest...

"We didn’t get in this job for any accolades. We got in to help people," said Andy Milewski, a firefighter paramedic.

And, you know, when it comes to accolades and aiding people, believers should not only be known for their willingness to “respond and help” anyone in need without hesitation, but for doing their job for “the praise of God” rather than the applause of men. 

This means believers are also to be known for their outspoken love of Jesus. 

 
Sadly though, many professing followers today keep their faith to themselves. This was something Jesus experienced in His ministry when He walked among us.

 
You see, although many of the people believed in Him (even many of the rulers), they were afraid of what others would think about them and/or do against them for having that belief, and so shied away from openly confessing their allegiance to and trust in Christ “lest they should be put out of the synagogue." In this day and age, this would be the equivalent of being afraid of being ‘canceled,’ blacklisted, boycotted, or shunned for openly declaring “Jesus is my Savior." 

“If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him [My] Father will honor.” John 12:26

"He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad." Matthew 12:30

Furthermore, because “they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God,” they weren't willing to risk losing their "liked" status and their own ‘followers’ to follow after Jesus. This led to them being "secret" disciples of Jesus. 

But the problem with that, according to William Barclay, is “Secret discipleship is a contradiction in terms for, ‘either the secrecy kills the discipleship, or the discipleship kills the secrecy.’” In other words, there's no middle ground when it comes to following Christ. You're either with Him or against Him. And if you’re truly ‘with Him,” you won’t stay silent. 

And here's the deal about the accolades, or applause, of man. It’s very fickle, it’s very short-lived, and it has no lasting value. The "praise of God" or honor, however, that comes from publicly acknowledging and serving Jesus has value both now and into eternity, making following Jesus the best choice!

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," Matthew 28:19

So, don’t be afraid to publicly share your faith or your testimony my friend. You might lose some ‘followers’ by following after Jesus with your whole heart, but what you'll gain is worth so much more! And what's even better? You'll be fulfilling the job for which you were created... to be a disciple of Christ and "go therefore" and make more disciples. There's no more important job that we could ever do!

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us being a secret follower of Jesus Christ does nothing to further the Kingdom. Knowing that, help us to boldly share our faith with no regard for losing any of the accolades of man. Lord, we pray for the full recovery of this runner that fell ill and that You would use this situation to draw all those involved closer to You for Your glory. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Set the Example for Your Children

“You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” Deuteronomy 6:7

In an inspiring story titled “WOMAN RUNNING RBC BROOKLYN HALF RECLAIMS JOY AND PURPOSE AFTER LOSING PART OF LEG” published Wednesday, it was reported that Jessica Aguilar lost part of her leg after being struck by a drunk driver, but she says running - inspired by her daughter - has helped her reclaim confidence, purpose, and joy.

Aguilar began running as a sophomore in high school. It's the reason why she went to college.

But, in December 2022, Aguilar faced a life-changing obstacle. After a night out with friends, she was struck by a truck that dragged her 40 feet. She lost 7% of her right leg.

"I had three emergency surgeries. I had reconstruction surgery. I had skin graft and I had to learn how to walk again," Aguilar said.

Due to the injuries, Aguilar was told she wasn't going to run again. She said the impact of concrete was "too much for her leg to sustain."

"I gave up on it for years," Aguilar said. "And it's just a life I accepted for myself at the time."

But that changed with her runner daughter. After her daughter saw pictures of Aguilar running in college, she had an idea to sign Aguilar up for a half marathon that would raise money for her school. 

"She's like, 'Mom, you can do this,'" Aguilar said. "She didn't really understand the concept that I couldn't, so I didn't want to show her no, I didn't want to back down on something that she wanted me to do."

With that, Aguilar's perspective on running changed…

This weekend, Aguilar is running the RBC Brooklyn Half with the "ultimate goal" of finishing and getting to see her daughter run, she said.

"I'm a better mom to my daughter because of it, and now she has this mother who has shown her what resilience looks like and like not to give up, especially if something we love to do," Aguilar said.

And, you know, when it comes to setting an example for our children, the Bible is clear that, as parents, we are not only supposed to “show” them the way to eternal life by talking about God’s statutes and diligently teaching them with our words, but are to “show” them the way by modeling the behavior we want them to follow. 

“Now this is the commandment, and these are the statutes and judgments which the Lord your God has commanded to teach you, that you may observe them in the land which you are crossing over to possess, that you may fear the Lord your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments which I command you, you and your son and your grandson, all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged. Therefore hear, O Israel, and be careful to observe it, that it may be well with you, and that you may multiply greatly as the Lord God of your fathers has promised you—‘a land flowing with milk and honey.’ “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.” Deuteronomy 6:1-6

This can be seen in the many times the Lord said the word “you” that tells us godly behavior starts with each one of us individually.

Which means, if we want our children to observe God’s commands, we, as individuals, must observe them. If we want our children to fear the Lord, we must fear the Lord. If we want our children to keep all His statutes and commandments, we must keep all His statutes and commandments. If we want our children to love the Lord with all their heart, with all their soul, and all their strength, we must love the Lord with all our heart, with all our soul, and will all our strength. And if we want our children to store up God’s word in their heart, we must store up the words in our heart. 

God was very clear that we must “practice what we preach” if we are to influence the next generation.

So, show your kids what it looks like to serve, obey, and love the Lord all the days of your life my friend. Seek to be an example with both your words and with your walk, despite the hardships and hurdles that will come your way, that you might do your part in inspiring the next generation to follow the Lord your God. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we must model the behavior we want to be seen in our children and the next generation as a whole. Help us to be godly role models by loving You and serving You with our whole life, giving everything in service to you, regardless of the test and trials along the way. It’s in -Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

We Don't Control Tomorrow

“Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.” James 4:13-16 NKJV

In a heartbreaking story titled “Ethiopian runner bound for Ottawa Marathon dies suddenly in training” published Tuesday, the writer said:

The global running community mourns the passing of elite marathoner Yebrgual Melese, who was rushed to a hospital during training on Tuesday. Addis Media Network reported medical professionals were unable to save her. No details on the cause of her collapse have been released. Melese was 36 and is survived by her husband and two children.

The Ethiopian Athletics Federation expressed sadness over the loss, extending condolences to her family, friends, supporters and the entire sports community. Melese had been a persistent presence on the international road-racing scene for more than a decade and was preparing for the Tamarack Homes Ottawa International Marathon on May 24.

And, you know, as sad as this story is, it serves as yet another reminder that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed for anyone and that we are presumptuous to assume that our preparations and plans will come to fruition without consulting the Lord.

This is something James clearly understood when he was prompted by the Holy Spirit to say, “whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.”

“A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

James was not only reminding us that tomorrow isn’t promised but rebuking the kind of heart attitude that lives and makes its plans apart from a constant awareness of the hand of God—a heart that underestimates one’s own limitations and arrogantly outlines their future, paying no regard to God’s role in seeing it come to pass.

This is the very reason, we are told to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that…” This is the attitude of the heart that keeps a person humble, remembering that, ultimately, no one is in complete control of their time, their health, or their future.

Furthermore, to boast that we will do this or that on a certain time or day is arrogant because it implies that we are in control of our happenings. This heart attitude implies that we believe we are the “captain” of our own ship and can steer it in whatever way we want to go. Of this prideful mindset, James said, “But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.” It’s absolutely wicked, sinful, and corrupt because it leaves God out of the equation when, in all reality, God is sovereign over ALL things.

“There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lords counsel—that will stand.” Proverbs 19:21

“None of us can hold back our spirit from departing. None of us has the power to prevent the day of our death. There is no escaping that obligation, that dark battle. And in the face of death, wickedness will certainly not rescue the wicked.” Ecclesesiates 8:8 NLT

So, don’t get caught up in the ways of the world by making your plans apart from God my friend. “None of us has the power to prevent the day of our death,” nor do we have the power to determine where our steps will lead. Choose to trust in the Lord and let Him lead the way, knowing that He is sovereign over all our todays and all our tomorrows. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are ultimately not in control of our tomorrows. Help us to understand that apart from You we can do no good thing. Lord, we pray comfort for Melese’s family who are mourning and we ask that You draw them close to You. Keep us from having an arrogant heart Lord that we might plan our ways according to Your will and not our own. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus amen.

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Train Your Mind for Success

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog

Now let's get started by talking about records. Unless you were hiding under a rock, you know that Rachel Entrekin not only set a Personal Record (PR) but shattered the course record at the Cocodona 250 trail run last week. Can you believe Rachel ran 253 miles in 56:09:50? That's more than two full days of running with very little sleep--19 minutes of sleep over the course of 56 hours to be exact (One 5-minute nap around mile 200 and two 7-minute naps around mile 230). Wow, right? 

What's even more astonishing is that, before Entrekin, no woman had ever won the event overall in the race’s history. It was Entrekin’s third straight year winning the award, but she ran more than seven hours faster this time around. Pretty amazing right? You can be sure this was the result of a lot of hard work. In a post race interview, Entrekin said that, in order to lead the pack, she had to “will herself past negative thoughts.” This shows the importance of training the mind along with the body.

Speaking of records, did you know that the women's record for the Bass Pro Marathon is 2:53:34, set by Jacqui Giuliano in 2021 and the men's record is 2:23:29, set by Abraham Talam Kipkemei in 2023? Did you also know that the Cohick Half Marathon men's record of 1:10:09 was set by James Wilson in 2018 and the women's record of 1:16:23 was set by Kimi Reed also in 2018? Those are some pretty fast times! And, I'm sure if you could ask them what their secret to successfully breaking the records was, they would say it came down to hard work and, like Rachel said, training their mind to push back negative thoughts.

With that being said, let's look at a few things every runner can do to build a resilient mind that can push back negative thoughts. This is crucial in training your mind for success. The best part? This training will not only help you in your running, but in other areas of your life as well. So, without further ado, here are some of my thoughts both as a running coach and a longtime runner: 

Train Your Mind Like You Train Your Legs

As long-distance runners, we spend countless hours training our bodies. We log miles before sunrise, push through hill repeats, battle weather, and grind through long runs when our legs feel heavy. But one of the most important parts of running success isn’t physical at all—it’s mental.

The truth is this: your mind will often quit long before your body does.

Every runner has heard that inner voice:
“You’re too slow.”
“You can’t keep this pace.”
“You’ll never be as good as them.”
“You should just stop.”

The runners who succeed aren’t the ones who never hear negative thoughts. They’re the ones who learn how to push back against them.

Which is the reason mental training is every bit as important as physical training. In fact, your mindset may be the very thing that helps you reach a new PR. When the race gets hard, when your breathing gets heavy, and when discomfort shows up, your mental strength becomes your greatest advantage.

Your body follows where your mind leads. 

Comparison Is the Thief of Joy

One of the fastest ways to lose confidence as a runner is to constantly compare yourself to others.

Social media makes it easy to believe everyone else is faster, stronger, more disciplined, or more talented. But running was never meant to be a competition against everyone around you. The real competition is with the person you were yesterday.

Did you show up today?
Did you improve?
Did you stay consistent?
Did you push through when it would’ve been easier to quit?

That’s success.

Personal records are called personal for a reason. They belong to you. They represent growth, discipline, perseverance, and progress. Those are the records that truly matter.

Every time you become stronger than the version of yourself from yesterday, you win.

The Mind Can Create Limits — Or Break Them

Many runners unknowingly train themselves to expect failure. They say things like:

“I’m terrible at hills.”
“I always fall apart after mile 10.”
“I’m just not fast.”
“I could never run that distance.”

The brain listens to what we repeatedly tell it.

Negative self-talk becomes mental conditioning.

But the opposite is also true: positive, resilient thinking can become mental conditioning too.

Elite runners don’t avoid discomfort because they’re superhuman. They simply learn how to respond differently when discomfort arrives. Instead of panicking, they stay calm. Instead of quitting mentally, they refocus. In this way, elite runners aren't simply the ones who are "superior" in their ability to run fast, but are the ones who are "superior" in their ability to think at a higher level. In this way, we can all be "elite" runners regardless of our pace!

Mental toughness isn’t something you’re born with. It’s something you practice.

Ways Runners Can Push Back Against Negative Thoughts

1. Replace “I Have To” With “I Get To”

Instead of thinking:
“I have to run today.”

Try:
“I get to run today.”

Running is a privilege. Gratitude shifts perspective and reduces mental resistance.

2. Focus on Effort, Not Perfection

Not every run will feel amazing. Some runs are simply about showing up.

A slow run still builds endurance.
A difficult run still builds toughness.
An imperfect run still counts.

Consistency beats perfection every time.

3. Break Big Challenges Into Small Pieces

Thinking about an entire half marathon or marathin can feel overwhelming. Instead, focus on reaching the next mile marker, the next water stop, or the next corner. Keeping the mind engaged and focused on a reward pays dividends on pushing back negative thoughts. 

Small victories build momentum.

4. Create Positive Running Mantras

Simple phrases can interrupt negative thought patterns during difficult moments.

Examples:

“Strong and steady.”

“One step at a time.”

“I can do hard things.”

“Forward is forward.”

“Calm mind. Strong legs.”

Repeat them when things get tough. Rachel's mantra that got her to the finish line was "Why not you?" And that's a great question. There are thousands of runners out there who will be obtaining their PR this racing season. Why not you? 

5. Stop Comparing Your Chapter 2 to Someone Else’s Chapter 20

Every runner is on a different journey.

Some are returning from injury.
Some are balancing work and family.
Some are just starting.
Some have years of experience.

Comparison steals confidence and joy. Focus on your own growth and your own abilities. Focus on what a “personal” record means to you. 

6. Train Your Brain During Hard Runs

Mental strength grows during uncomfortable moments.

When workouts get hard:

Practice staying calm

Control your breathing

Refocus your thoughts

Avoid spiraling mentally

Hard runs aren’t just training your legs—they’re training your mind.

7. Celebrate Progress That Isn’t on the Watch

Not all victories come from pace or finish times.

Celebrate:

Showing up consistently

Finishing a tough run

Choosing discipline over excuses

Recovering after setbacks

Running with confidence again

Growth is bigger than numbers.

8. Surround Yourself With Encouraging People

Mindset is contagious.

Train with people who uplift you, encourage growth, and remind you what’s possible. Positive environments help runners silence self-doubt.

9. Learn to Talk to Yourself Like a Coach (this is one of my favorites!) 

Most runners would never speak to another runner the way they speak to themselves.

Instead of:
“You’re weak.”

Try:
“This is hard, but you’re capable.”

Your internal dialogue matters.

10. Remember Why You Started

On difficult days, reconnect with your purpose.

Maybe you run for:

Health

Stress relief

Confidence

Community

Mental clarity

Personal growth

Purpose creates perseverance.

And there you have it friends. The runners who thrive long term aren’t necessarily the most talented, but simply the ones who refuse to let negative thoughts take control. So, train your mind the same way you train your body--remembering that the difference between giving up and setting a PR many times is nothing more than the thoughts you choose to believe. So, train your mind in the same way you train your body and go after that PR! 

Happy Running!