We are Hard Wired to Worship

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord,And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning,  And Your faithfulness every night” Psalm 92:1-2 NKJV

In an article published earlier this week by the Running Channel, the writer listed ten ways that running improves our mental health.

And the first reason won’t shock any seasoned  runner (or walker) with lived experience. Feel good chemicals that are emitted during exercise improve our mood and our cognitive well-being. That’s the main reason we do it right? And, most definitely, one of the main reasons we keep coming back to it. In that way, you could say that we are hardwired to run and to continue running.

The writer went on to say…

When you exercise, the brain releases a lot of feel-good neurotransmitters and hormones like dopamine, endorphins, endocannabinoids (responsible for the runner’s high), noradrenaline, serotonin, cortisol and even oxytocin, known as the ‘love chemical’.

Between them, they help to boost your mood, reduce stress, give some natural pain relief, make you feel good about what you’re doing, reduce anxiety, increase empathy and improve your all-round psychological well-being.

You don’t need to have a full runner’s high to benefit, and most of these chemicals are released soon after you start running – they’re even released on the runs that you find a struggle. Some of those chemicals remain at elevated levels in the bloodstream for an hour or more after you finish running. 

And, you know, in the same way that we are hardwired to run because of the neurotransmitters that are released that make us feel good, we are hardwired to worship. Why? Because worship releases “feel good” chemicals that boost our moods in ways that make us want more. 

In fact, just as science confirms the release of dopamine and other neurotransmitters during exercise, neuroscientists have documented that the acts associated with praise and worship trigger a powerful cocktail of neurotransmitters as well.

For instance, expressing adoration and focusing on God spikes dopamine, which focuses our attention and rewards the brain with deep feelings of joy. At the same time, the practice of gratitude rewires our neural pathways to prioritize positive information over negative stressors, effectively lowering anxiety.

When worship takes place in a corporate or group setting (think group run), the biological effects multiply through shared human experience. 
Singing together in a congregation synchronizes the heart rates of participants and releases massive amounts of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for building trust, fostering social bonds, and lowering cortisol stress levels. 

Additionally, physical expressions of praise like clapping, swaying, or raising hands stimulate the nervous system to release endorphins and serotonin, which mask physical discomfort and elevates our overall mood.

From a spiritual perspective, this intricate biological design suggests that the spiritual disciplines we are called to practice are simultaneously engineered for our mental and physical health. Pretty cool right? 

And the best part is that we can praise and worship anywhere. This is the very reason that the psalmist declared that it was good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing praises to His name. The psalmist went on to say that he would declare God’s lovingkindness in the morning and His faithfulness at night.

In this way, the psalmist began his day in worship (thereby creating an upward spiral for work), and ended his day in worship (thereby creating a perfect atmosphere for sleep)—something that you can be sure was great for his mental health!

So, if you’re struggling with anxiety or depression today, lift your hands in worship to the Lord my friend. Sing songs of praise until the cloud of gloom passes and then thank God for His faithfulness. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for creating us in ways that we crave that which is for our good and for your glory. Lord cause us to long for worship in the same way our bodies long for food, water, and exercise. Help us to put You first in all things that our minds, bodies, and hearts might be happy and healthy. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Forward is a Pace

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,” Philippians 3:13 NKJV

In an inspiring story titled “‘Forward is a pace’: Coastside runner conquers Leadville 100” published yesterday, it was reported that Julia Minkstein, 23, has completed three 100-mile races while managing celiac disease, sobriety, school and full-time work.

On the backside of Hope Pass, about 59 miles into one of the country’s most storied ultramarathons, Julia Minkstein wanted to quit.

The trail was steep. The wind was picking up, the temperature was dropping and Minkstein still had to climb toward the 12,500-foot pass—with roughly 40 miles left before the finish line. The 100-mile race began Aug. 22 in Leadville, Colorado, and continued into the following day.

“I was miserable,” she said. “I was like, ‘I hate this. The universe is against me. I want to quit.’”

Instead, the 23-year-old longtime Coastside resident repeated a mantra familiar to many ultrarunners: “Forward is a pace.”

As long as she could put one foot in front of the other, she was still getting somewhere.
Hours later, Minkstein crossed the finish line of the Leadville Trail 100 Run, completing a 99.7-mile course with more than 13,000 feet of elevation gain…

And, you know, in the same way, moving forward, step-by-step will get us to the finish line in a hard, physical race, moving forward step-by-step will also get us to the end of our spiritual race.

This was something Paul alluded to when he said, “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,”.

The Apostle Paul wrote these words from prison, using the image of an athlete running a race to explain how to live a faithful life… especially when managing the memories of our past mistakes and the reality of our current difficulties. Rather than giving up though, this is the exact time that we need to remember that if we will just keep moving, we will not only finish strong but will grow along the way.

This is reason Paul said that he did not consider himself to have "taken hold of it yet," proving that even as a major church leader and super Apostle, he knew he still had room to grow. This humility in spirit kept Him focused on the finish line and his need for Jesus to help him make it there. 

And by saying, "forgetting what is behind," Paul was refusing to let yesterday's sins, regrets, or even past spiritual successes distract him from running the race today. Instead, he describes himself as "straining toward what is ahead," using a word picture of a runner leaning forward with every muscle to cross the finish line with a single-minded focus on knowing Jesus better.

Today, this message matters because it stops guilt from bringing us to a standstill by freeing us from past mistakes, prevents pride from being a stumbling block by keeping us from coasting on old achievements, and provides a clear focus for our current life with God. In other words, Paul reminds us that forward (no matter how fast or slow that is) is a pace that we must always keep.

So, no matter what your past looks like, keep putting one foot in front of the other in your pursuit to be like Christ today my friend. Some days might be easy running and others might be hard walking, but if you keep moving forward, you will still be getting somewhere. And that somewhere is heaven… one step at a time. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that the Christian race will not be an easy one. Lord, help us to focus on You today and every day that we might not get sidetracked by thinking about the past but remain focused on pressing on to the future and finishing the race set before us. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Why Hill Work Belongs in Your Training

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 hill work belongs in your training, even if the race you're training for doesn't have any significant hills.

 

For instance, the Bass Pro Marathon/Half doesn't have a whole lot of hills but the Dogwood Canyon trail runs do, a whole lot of them! As does the upcoming Run the Rock  happening on September 12. 

But this is the deal, no matter what event you're training for, I will tell you that as a runner and running coach, one of the best ways to become a stronger, more efficient, and more confident runner is also one of the simplest: run some hills. 

Hills may not always be your favorite part of training (I know runners who avoid them like the plague), but they have an incredible way of exposing your weaknesses and then helping you turn those weaknesses into strengths. 

Which means, whether you’re training for your first 5K, working toward the Bass Pro Shops Half Marathon or Marathon, or preparing to tackle the trails at Dogwood Canyon, adding regular hill work can make you a better runner from head to toe.

Which brings us to some of the many benefits of running hills…

Hill running is often called "strength training in disguise," and for good reason. Running uphill requires greater involvement from the glutes, hamstrings, calves, quads, and core than running the same pace on flat ground. It also encourages a strong knee drive, good arm movement, and a powerful push off the ground. Instead of simply trying to run faster to increase the intensity of a workout, a hill naturally creates resistance. Over time, that extra resistance can help improve running strength and make your normal running pace on flatter terrain feel easier.

Hill work is also great cardiovascular training. Your heart rate climbs quickly when the road starts going up, even when your pace slows down. That means hills give you an opportunity to work hard without necessarily having to sprint. Short hill repeats (sprinting up and jogging down) can provide a powerful workout, while longer, steady climbs can teach your body to maintain effort when running gets uncomfortable. Both are valuable tools for anyone participating in the Bass Pro Fitness Series, especially as fall race season gets closer.

But the benefits of hills aren't only physical. Hills train your mind. Every runner eventually encounters a moment in a race when the legs are tired and the brain starts suggesting that slowing down or stopping would be much easier. Hill training gives us repeated opportunities to practice staying calm, maintaining effort, and continuing forward when things get difficult. 

There’s something incredibly satisfying about reaching the top of a hill that once intimidated you. Do it often enough and you begin approaching hills with confidence instead of dread.

And there may be no better opportunity to put that hill training into practice than Run the Rock at Top of the Rock in Ridgedale, Missouri. Run the Rock's challenging 3- and 6-mile courses provide exactly the kind of terrain that can push runners outside their comfort zones. The 6-mile course in particular is challenging, with hills and a variety of surfaces along the way, but runners are rewarded with some of the most beautiful scenery in the Ozarks, including waterfalls, a cave, scenic overlooks, and incredible surroundings. Instead of looking at those hills as something standing between you and the finish line, think of them as part of the training.

Run the Rock also comes at a great time for runners who have their sights set on the Dogwood Canyon Trail Runs in November (or any other fall race). Trail running requires a different kind of strength than running on flat pavement. Hills, uneven surfaces, changing terrain, and long climbs can challenge muscles that don't always get enough attention during traditional road training. 

Don't forget about the downhills, either (I can’t stress that one enough). Many runners focus so much on getting to the top that they forget descending is a skill of its own. Downhill running places different demands on the legs and requires balance, control, confidence, and good technique. A runner who has practiced both climbing and descending is going to be much better prepared when race day includes rolling hills or challenging trail terrain.

If hills aren't currently part of your training, you don't need to start by finding the biggest hill in your neighborhood. Begin gradually. Add a few short hills to an easy run, finish a workout with several controlled hill repeats, or choose a rolling route once a week. Focus on effort rather than pace. Your pace will naturally slow going uphill, and that's okay. Keep your posture tall, shorten your stride, use your arms, and concentrate on maintaining a steady effort all the way to the top.

So, there you have it friends. I hope that inspires to seek the hills and seek them often!!! And if you're looking for the perfect place to put that hill strength to the test, get registered for the Run the Rock. Those hills just might be exactly what you need to get stronger today—and to be ready when the trails of Dogwood Canyon come calling in November. You'll also be more than ready for those flat races! Which makes running hills a win-win for every runner.  Happy Running!

The Change Will Happen Fast

“Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 NKJV

In an astonishing story titled “Try And Wrap Your Mind Around Just How Fast Yomif Kejelcha’s Half Marathon World Record Really Is” posted over the weekend, it was reported that Ethiopian long distance runner Yomif Kejelcha didn’t just break the Half Marathon world record on Sunday in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he absolutely obliterated the previous record and shaved 29 seconds of Jacob Kiplimo’s previous record. Kejelcha crossed the finish line with a time of 56:51.

To really put into context how fast that is I thought we could break down his half marathon times and splits into chunks that the rest of us mortals can comprehend.

As everyone knows, the half marathon distance is 13.1 miles. That breaks down to 21.0975 kilometers or 23,072.5 yards.

That means Yomif Kejelcha was running 6.18 meters per second or 6.76 yards per second. Over the course of the entire 1/2 marathon, he averaged a 5.913 40-yard dash time. For context, Tom Brady ran a 5.28-second 40-yard dash in his NFL Combine and that was his all out sprint effort for only 40 yards. He didn’t then have to do that 577 consecutive times in a row over the course of a half marathon.

Wow, right? 

And, you know, as hard as it is for a person to wrap their mind around how a human could run as fast as Yomif, it’s even more mind-blowing to consider how quickly living and dead believers will be instantly transformed from mortal, decaying bodies into permanent, immortal, and glorified bodies upon the return of Jesus—a sudden shift that marks the final defeat of death

This is why Paul calls it a mystery (something strange, unknown, or hard to explain that has not yet been understood ) saying, “we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”

"For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these word" 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

Did you get that “in the twinkling of an eye” part? That's how quickly this will all happen when the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God! "And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air."

This will be a fraction of time so blindingly fast that it will defy human comprehension--so fast that those left behind won't be able to wrap their minds around it. This is not the slow duration of a deliberate blink, but rather the instantaneous, micro-second reflection of light off the human iris.

The transformation will happen at an atomic, reality-altering speed that no human mind can fathom. In that single, indivisible micro-moment, the barrier between earth and heaven will be shattered, instantly giving both resurrected and living believers the imperishable bodies required to meet the Lord in the air and remain with Him forever.

Wow, right?

Which means that if a person isn't ready, they will miss it!

On that note, let me ask you this.... if the Lord were to come back at this very moment (and He very well could), would you be counted among the "we?" The "we" who are the faithful followers of Jesus Christ who will be caught up and immediately ushered into the presence of the King?

If the answer is no, I urge you to make the choice to accept Jesus as your Savior right now my friend. It will ensure that when the change happens that you won't miss it.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the encouragement found in the Bible that assures us that You not only walk us through this life but will walk with us in the next. Lord, cause us to be so focused on your glorious appearing that we live each day as if it could be the day of Your return. And help us to inspire others to do the same. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Chapters End but Your Story Does Not

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

In a bittersweet story titled “That Chapter Has Ended’: Olympian Jenny Simpson Says Her Running Career Is Over After Cardiac Arrest,” published last week, Simpson revealed she was diagnosed with a rare heart condition after her heart stopped during a community mile race. She says recovery is going well.

After detailing her near death experience and her miraculous improvement, the 39-year old called her current situation the “best-case scenario.”

My future is an incredible gift,” Simpson wrote following her major health scare. “It’s hopeful, and it will continue to have great purpose.”

But she added that her diagnosis makes returning to running dangerous.

“That chapter has ended,” she wrote. “Thankfully, my story hasn’t.”

And, you know, as this “story” clearly shows, you and I can carefully map out our lives and make our goals, but ultimately we have no control over whether those plans will come to pass.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

Thankfully though, as believers, we can trust that God is not only in complete control in directing our steps, but will cause “all things” in our life (the tests, the trials, the disappointments, delays, and the detours) to “work together” for our good. That means, when one chapter in our lifes closes, we can be sure that God will open up another one—an even better one—that will be better than anything that we could ever imagine.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

In this way, we can be confident in saying that our story isn’t over until we finish the race, God closes the final chapter, we lay hold of the “crown of righteousness” and enter into His rest. 

So, if you have not chosen to trust Jesus as your Savior, I hope you will do so today my friend, as these promises are only for believers. Not only will you inherit eternal life by doing so, but you can rest in the knowledge that the Lord will direct your steps until the day He brings you home.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the confidence believers can have that You are ultimately in control of our steps. Lord, cause us to undertand that Your ways are higher than ours and so are Your plans for our lives. Help us to trust You when a chapter in our lives closes and to joyfully look to the future, viewing it as the incredible gift that it is. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Jesus Died to Solve the Problem

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23 NKJV

In an article titled “How to Get Rid of Smelly Shoes—and the Best Deodorizers That Actually Work” shared by Runner’s World yesterday, the writer gave tips and insights for solving a problem that most runners have or have had at one point or another… stubborn shoe funk odor. 

They started by saying… There is a big difference between running shoes that merely smell “a little used” and shoes that have survived double sessions on the track, bus rides home, and an 18‑year‑old who wears the same pair to school, work, practice, and everywhere in between. Sweat, heat, and friction create a warm, moist microclimate inside the sneaker, which is perfect for odor‑producing bacteria to thrive. Once those bacteria have colonized the foam and lining, the smell does not wash out easily, and it can come roaring back within a single hard workout.

They then went on to say…The fix is a combination of removing moisture, cleaning away odor-causing buildup, and preventing your shoes from staying damp between runs. 

And, you know, while stinky running shoes have been a problem for a long time, the problem mankind had with sin was present from the time Adam and Eve transgressed in the garden.

This was a problem, you can be sure, that you and I could not “fix” on our own.

You see, sin separated us from a holy and perfect God. Romans 3:23 tells us that we "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” No amount of good deeds, religious activity, or personal effort could erase that sin or restore the relationship that had been broken. We needed a Savior—someone who could do for us what we could never do for ourselves.

That's why Jesus came. God loved us so deeply that He sent His Son into the world to live the perfect, sinless life that we could not live. Jesus willingly went to the cross and took upon Himself the punishment our sins deserved. As Romans 5:8 says,“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” 

The cross demonstrates both the seriousness of our sin and the incredible depth of God's love. Jesus didn't die because He was guilty; He died in our place because we were.

But, thankfully, the story didn't end at the cross. Three days later, Jesus rose from the grave. His resurrection demonstrated His victory over sin and death and confirmed the hope He offers to everyone who believes in Him. The stone was rolled away, the tomb was empty, and death did not have the final word. Because Jesus lives, we can have forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and the promise of eternal life.

The Gospel is the beautiful truth that Jesus came to fix what sin had broken. We could not work our way back to God, so God came to us. Jesus paid the debt we could not pay and conquered the death we could not defeat. Through repentance and faith in Christ, we are forgiven and given new life. 

As John 3:16 reminds us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” The cross paid the price. The empty tomb proved the victory. And Jesus made a way for us to come home to God. Is that amazing or what?

So, if you have not made the decision to accept Jesus as your Savior, what are you waiting for my friend? Jesus made the way but it’s up to you to take it. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for providing the only Solution that could fix our sin-problem. Help us to understand that we were completely unable to save ourselves apart from Your Son so that we would choose to follow Him before it’s too late. Lord, remind us that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed so that we would not put the decision off. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

The Evidence is in the Eye Witnesses

"For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time." 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 NKJV

In an interesting story titled,"Many Runners—Even Some Pros—Say the Edmonton Half Marathon Was Long. The Race Disagrees," published by Runner's World on Tuesday, it was reported that Rory Linkletter left Edmonton on Sunday with the Canadian Half Marathon Championship win, along with a fairly major question about how far he had actually run.

Linkletter told Canadian Running that he believed the course was too long, enough so that he backed off over the final two kilometers rather than keep chasing the course record.

Olympian Natasha Wodak knew something felt off, too. With less than a kilometer remaining, she glanced at her watch and saw a slower time than expected. She knew she wasn’t having her best day, but the final time still didn’t quite add up.

Afterward, Wodak and other runners concluded the course must have been too long, according to CBC News.

And once runners started looking at their watches, Linkletter and Wodak hardly looked like outliers. Half marathoners reported distances around 21.9 to 22.1 kilometers (a half marathon is 21.1K), while participants on Reddit pointed to strange chip splits, kilometer markers, and even the pacers.

“The pace bunnies were even off time,” one runner wrote. “That should be an indicator right there.”

There was also an obvious place to start looking, as construction had forced a detour along Jasper Avenue.

Race director Tom Keogh said that change added roughly 712 meters to the route, with approximately 690 meters removed near the turnaround to make up the difference. Organizers continue to stand by their word that the adjustment was done correctly....

And, you know, in the same way the eyewitness reports concluded that the course was too long despite the claims that the adjustment was done correctly, there were hundreds of eyewitness reports to the resurrection of Jesus Christ that proved that it happened despite the claims of those who stand by their assertion that it didn’t. 

This is very important to understand, because if Jesus had not risen from the dead, His life and death would not have mattered. 

Thankfully, the evidence of Jesus’ resurrection is indisputable as it’s confirmed through early historical texts, primarily found in the New Testament, which record multiple post-crucifixion appearances to various individuals and large groups. 

A foundational piece of evidence is the early creed recorded by the Apostle Paul in which scholars date to within a few years of Jesus' death. 

This creed explicitly lists appearances to Peter (seen by Cephas), the twelve disciples, and more than 500 people at one time, with Paul noting that most of these witnesses were still alive and available for questioning when he wrote the letter. 

Additionally, all four canonical Gospels document that women, including Mary Magdalene, were the initial witnesses to the empty tomb and the risen Jesus. These accounts (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20) emphasize the physical nature of the encounters, describing Jesus eating food and inviting the disciples to touch his wounds to demonstrate He was not a hallucination or a spirit.

And while secular scholars will continue to deny the resurrection despite the overwhelming evidence, and thus deny Jesus, it’s impossible to deny how a group of frightened, hiding followers would suddenly became bold proclaimers of the resurrection, willingly facing intense persecution and martyrdom for a claim they could have easily verified as true or false, if they hadn’t seen the risen Christ.

So, if you’re still clinging to the belief that Jesus was merely a teacher and not the risen Lord, I urge you to check out the irrefutable facts my friend. Doing so will prove “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.”

Heavenly Father, thank You for the free gift of salvation that was bought by the precious blood of Jesus. Lord, make us bold in sharing our witness with the world, of what You have done for us, so that the lost would seek You because of it. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!