Run the Tangents

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.” Psalm 111:10 NKJV

In a story titled “Wow! Jess McClain Becomes the First American Woman on the NYC Marathon Podium in 8 Years,” published by Runner’s World yesterday, it was reported that Jess McClain, the 34-year-old from Scottsdale, Arizona, finished second at the New York City Marathon in 2:24:42.

She later intimated that “wise” running was the key to her success.

The race broke open at mile 23 with eventual champion Sheila Chepkirui and defending champion Hellen Obiri, both of Kenya, creating a seven-second gap.

But McClain, in her mint green Brooks kit, was always visible lurking in the distance.

And notably, she ran the tangents through the curves of Central Park, while the leaders stayed in the middle of the road, adding distance.

“The last two miles through the park, I was just like really focused on the tangents and my form,” McClain said. “And I was taking the shortest line possible, and I kind of noticed Hellen kind of not taking the tangents, and I think honestly, like, every small percentage of anything helped in the last few miles.”

Her wisdom allowed her to remain near the front and ultimately outsprint Hellen, who has three Olympic medals, including two silver medals at the 5,000 meters, in the last 200 meters of the race.

And you know what? There's a powerful spiritual lesson here for you and me.

You see, running the tangents means taking the shortest possible straight-line path, which is the shortest possible legal path, through the curves of a racecourse rather than following the road's bends. And while knowing how to run the tangents is important, that knowledge does a runner absolutely no good unless they actually put it into practice.

The same is true in our spiritual race.

This is something we see in Psalm 111:10 that says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.” In other words, true wisdom begins with having a deep reverence for God, recognizing His authority, and trusting that His ways are better than our own. 

But notice something important here… The psalmist doesn't say that understanding comes simply from knowing God's commandments. He says it comes from doing them.

And that's where running the spiritual tangents comes in. 

You see, God's Word shows us the best and straightest path to take in life. It teaches us how to avoid unnecessary detours caused by sin, poor decisions, and disobedience.

But just like a runner who knows the shortest route and chooses not to follow it, we can know what the Bible says and still choose to go our own way. And when we do, we often make our spiritual race much harder than it needs to be.

That's why reading and studying God's Word every day is so important. We can't follow instructions we don't know. And we can't expect to make wise decisions if we aren't filling our minds with the wisdom that comes from God. But knowing His Word is only half the equation. We must be willing to obey it, even when doing so isn't easy or convenient.

And here's the beautiful thing. The more we study God's Word and put it into practice, the better we become at recognizing His ways and choosing them over our own. Our obedience strengthens our faith, deepens our understanding, and helps us stay on the course He has set before us.

So let me ask you this. Are you running the spiritual tangents? Or are you adding unnecessary miles to your journey by knowing what God commands but choosing to do things your own way?

The answer to that is very important my friend, because if you want to make it to the finish line as a champion, you must make it your daily mission to know God's Word and to obey it. This is the only way to ensure that you’ll be wise enough to run the spiritual tangents. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the Bible that lays out the course to the finish line. Help us to study Your word and to obey it that we might follow You so closely that we don’t stray from the straight and narrow path laid out for us. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Two are Better than One

“And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits.” Mark 6:7 NKJV

As I stepped up to the start line of the Bass Pro Marathon as a pacer once again yesterday morning, I thanked the Lord repeatedly that I was not alone in my mission to help the runners joining our 5:15 pace group make it to the finish line in five hours and 15 minutes or less.

You see, what a lot of people don’t understand about pacing is this… not only is it the pacer's job to keep a steady and consistent rate of speed from mile one to mile 26.2 (something that requires constant monitoring and frequent recalculations of how fast or slow they are leading the group), but it’s also a pacer's job to keep the group motivated, encouraged, hydrated, and laser-focused on the finish line.

This is the reason pacers are sent out in pairs and the reason I was so thankful that a replacement was found when my original co-pacer had to bow out due to injury. Pacers constantly encourage one another so they, themselves, can remain encouraged and can pass that encouragement on to the runners in their group.

And you know what? Jesus understood the importance of having someone by our side as well.

"One witness shall not rise against a man concerning any iniquity or any sin that he commits; by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established." Deuteronomy 19:15

In Mark 6:7, we're told that Jesus sent His disciples out “two by two.” You can be sure there were several reasons for this, including the Jewish law found in Deuteronomy 19:15, which required two or more witnesses to establish a matter. Sending the disciples in pairs helped establish the credibility of their testimony.

"Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up." Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

But there was another important reason Jesus did this. He knew the mission wouldn't be easy. The disciples would face rejection, opposition, exhaustion, and discouragement. Having someone beside them meant they wouldn't have to face those challenges alone. They could encourage one another, hold each other accountable, and help each other remain faithful to the mission and make it to the finish line. 

And isn't that exactly what we need today? 

“then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose.” Philippians 2:2 BSB

So, knowing that two are better than one when it comes to reaching the finish line, do what you need to do to acquire and maintain close relationships with like minded individuals my friend. “Being united in spirit and purpose” is the very thing that will ensure that your pace is steady and consistent from start to finish. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us like-minded friends to help us run the race of life. Help us to live in such a way that we are worthy of following Lord that we might help others in our path follow You in such a way that they make it to the finish line. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 
Happy Running!

Rejoice in Being the Underdog

“and as those who bore the ark came to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests who bore the ark dipped in the edge of the water (for the Jordan overflows all its banks during the whole time of harvest), that the waters which came down from upstream stood still, and rose in a heap very far away at Adam, the city that is beside Zaretan. So the waters that went down into the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, failed, and were cut off; and the people crossed over opposite Jericho.” Joshua 3:15-16 NKJV

As I began yesterday‘s early morning run, I started to pray that I would not be the only 5:15 pacer for Sundays Bass Pro marathon. As is the case with most pace groups, those of us tasked with getting the runners from the start line to the finish line in the time allotted individually to us are sent out in pairs. That way we can not only help keep the group encouraged, but can encourage one another as we work to ensure a consistent pace. And let me tell you, that encouragement and accountability from a partner is very underrated.

So when my favorite co-pacer, Jody, who I’ve paced with for many years, sent me a text and photo of her feet Wednesday night, I was definitely a little concerned. Several toenails were missing due to her running a 100k race the previous Saturday, and both big toe toebeds where the nail had once been were now red, swollen, and raw. They were so painful in fact that Jody told me that she still could not even put on a pair of shoes. Running 26.2 miles then was probably not going to be an option for her. 

“Oh Lord,” I prayed as I practiced the pace I would need to do the job solo, “I’ll be going into this race as an underdog if there’s no replacement for Jody and I have to do it alone.” As I continued to petition the Lord, He brought to mind a handful of other times when I had stepped up to the start line as an underdog (due to injury, illness, substandard training, or other circumstances) and a handful of other times God stepped in to do what only He could do. Part the waters to get me to the finish line in such a way that I could only say, “Wow God!”

And, you know, the Bible is full of stories of people who were able to do amazing things by the power of God, despite having a slim to little chance of doing them. And these underdog stories (tales of success from people who had a poor chance of success, winning, or achieving some other goal) serve to give us hope today! 

One such story is told In Joshua 3 when the Israelites were preparing to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. They knew they were supposed to cross but there was a problem. The Jordan was at flood stage, overflowing its banks because it was harvest season. The waters were high, the current was strong, and crossing seemed impossible.

Yet God instructed the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant to step into the river despite that. Notice that God didn't stop the waters before they stepped in? It wasn't until the priests' feet actually touched the water that God stopped the river from flowing, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. 

Is that a powerful lesson in faith or what? The priests had to step into the raging waters before they saw God's power at work. They couldn't wait for the circumstances to improve or for the waters to recede before obeying. They had to trust God enough to take that first step.

And the same is true for us today. Sometimes God calls us to move forward when we’re the underdog—when the circumstances seem overwhelming and the outcome is uncertain.

But here’s the deal… Faith isn't waiting for God to remove every obstacle before we move. It's trusting Him enough to step up to the start line expecting Him to move. 

And the best part is this. Although going into a race or any other challenge as an underdog is scary, we not only get to witness God working to overcome the odds but we get to share our story with others. 

So, if you're facing impossible odds today, rejoice and trust God my friend. Because the least likely it looks that something can be done, the more likely people will see that God was the One who did it when it gets done. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You will stack the odds against us for reasons we may never understand this side of heaven. Help us to remember that You are on the throne, You are in control, and You are working all things for our good for Your glory. Help us to trust You when the waters are at flood stage and to step forward in faith,  confident that You will move in such a way that You get the glory. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 
Happy Running!

You Don't Have to Work to Earn God's Love

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1 NIV

In a story published by Time Magazine yesterday titled, "I Thought Running Would Make Me Worthy of Love", Nickademus de la Rosa described the reason he got into ultrarunning--and it's a reason that resonates with a growing number of my fellow ultrarunners. Hence the reason that ultramarathon finishes have roughly tripled since 2010, exceeding 150,000 runners last year, according to UltraRunning magazine.

This is what Nickademus had to say about that:

I understand the appeal. I spent years competing in some of the world’s most difficult endurance races, finding satisfaction and eventually a professional career in seeing how far I could push myself. But as more runners test their limits, I hope they’ll also ask themselves what they need those achievements to prove. For me, winning became a way to feel worthy of love. Every finish line offered reassurance that lasted only until I started worrying about the next race.

It took losing my professional running career to understand why I needed that reassurance so badly. The story began long before I laced up a pair of shoes and entered a race.

Divorce and my parents’ own troubled upbringings made my childhood difficult. As an adult, I can now see that my parents were unable to provide the safe, nurturing, and stable environment a kid deserves.

My young mind came to a conclusion that many children do: I must not be good enough the way that I am. Love, attention, and care, I believed, were all things that you had to earn. As a teenager, I was desperate for the attention I rarely received at home. My grades were good, but not scholarship level; I was on the cross-country team and acted in school plays, but was never the standout star in either.

Despite my best efforts, nothing worked. That is, until I found success in ultrarunning.

At 15 years old, I watched my mother train and complete her first marathon. I was mesmerized. Maybe I could win her affection by doing what I’d seen her do.

Later that year, I crossed the finish line of the San Diego Rock n’ Roll Marathon. I loved the challenge, but I wanted more. Within a few years, I was running my first 50-mile ultramarathon. As part of my senior project, I pledged to run 100 miles around my high school track while fundraising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in honor of a friend who was battling cancer.

The ensuing media coverage was much more than I expected. To be honest, I loved the attention. Suddenly I felt seen by my mom. Again, I wanted more.

At 19, I finished Badwater, a 135-mile race across Death Valley in July. A year later, I flew out to Minnesota and completed the Arrowhead 135, in which I pulled a sled across the frozen landscape for nearly 54 hours. By age 20, I had attempted the Barkley Marathons for the first time, a race so difficult that in its 40-year history, only 20 people had ever officially finished. It would take me two more attempts navigating heinous trails through the hillsides of Tennessee to ultimately finish the race in 2013, becoming finisher 13. Soon I was flying across the world, competing in 200-mile races, and living the life of a professional trail runner. It was everything I could have hoped for: the attention, the praise, the pre-race interviews, and the post-race adulation. And yet a part of me knew that if I didn’t win every race I entered, the worthlessness that I’d kept at bay for so long would drown me.

In 2018, that tidal wave finally came crashing over me. I had been diagnosed with a congenital bicuspid valve in my heart, and the resulting aortic aneurysm meant open-heart surgery.

Just like that, my professional running career was over, and with it went my path to validation. I had lived my whole life up to that point working for my worth; it was never inherent. If I couldn’t achieve results, who was I? Did I even exist? How could I be loved without having earned anything?

And you know, for many of us, the idea that love must be earned started when we were children. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, our parents may have made us feel that their love and approval depended on how well we behaved, how much we accomplished, or how closely we met their expectations. And sadly, those feelings can follow us into adulthood, leaving us believing that our worth is determined by what we do rather than who we are.

But here's the good news. We never had to earn the love of our Heavenly Father, and we never will.

You see, Romans 5:8 tells us, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Did you catch that? God loved us before we ever did anything to deserve His love. In fact, He loved us when we were at our worst. His love wasn't a reward for good behavior or an achievement we had to work toward. It was a gift freely given through Jesus Christ. Amazing right?

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

And if you ever question how valuable you are to God, just look at the cross. The Creator of the universe loved you so much that He sent His only Son to die for you. Not because of what you could accomplish for Him, but because of His great love for you. That's how much you're worth to Him.

Yet how often do we find ourselves trying to prove our worth? We measure our value by our accomplishments, our appearance, our careers, our relationships, or even how much we do for others. And when we fall short of our own expectations, we begin to feel like we're not enough.

But here's the thing. When we place our identity in what we do, our sense of worth will always rise and fall with our performance. When things are going well, we feel valuable. When we fail, we feel worthless. And that's a terrible way to live.

"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

God never intended for us to find our identity in the things of this world. The Bible reminds us that we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works. Notice the order. We are His workmanship first. The good works come afterward. We don't work to become valuable to God. We do good works because we already belong to Him.

And that's an important distinction. Our obedience, service, and good works should flow from our love for God, not from a desperate attempt to earn His love.

So what happens when we finally understand this truth? We stop striving to prove that we're enough and start living with the confidence that, through Christ, we are loved, accepted, and secure. We can pursue the things God has called us to do without allowing our successes or failures to define us.

Does that mean we stop trying to improve ourselves or striving to be the best we can be? Absolutely not! It simply means our motivation changes. Rather than working to earn God's approval, we seek to honor Him with the lives He's given us. We pursue excellence out of gratitude rather than fear of rejection.

And when we stumble, as we all will, we can get back up knowing that our failures have never and will never diminish God's love for us. His grace is sufficient, His mercy is new every morning, and our identity in Christ remains secure.

So today, my friends, I want to encourage you to stop measuring your worth by what you accomplish, what others think of you, or how well you perform. Those things will always change. But God's love never will.

You are not valuable because of what you can do. You are valuable because you were created by God, loved by God, and, through faith in Jesus Christ, called a child of God.

And that's an identity worth holding on to.

So go out and give your best in everything you do today my friend. Not to earn the Father's love, but because you already have it.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we never had to earn Your love, and that there's nothing we could do to ever make You love us less. Lord, help those who are struggling with finding their worth in what they can do to understand that when their identity is in You, they can stop striving and rest in their identity as children of God. Lord, thank You for lavishing Your great love upon us. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.


Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Take Some Advice from "the Experts"

Hello Runner Friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about what's happening in just a few days.... Marathon Weekend!!! Can you believe that it's almost here??? Four more wakeups and you'll be standing at the start line of the Bass Pro Marathon, the Cohick Half Marathon, or the CMC Recycling 5k. 

And if this has you biting your fingernails saying, "Melissa, I don't know if I'm ready!," I'm here to remind you that you're not alone. There are lots of runners (even those who have run long distances before) who feel this way. 

But here’s the deal… feelings aren’t facts. And if you let your feelings rule your mind, you’ll start to view race day with apprehension instead of excitement!

So over the next few days, I encourage you to look back on your training and bring to mind all the long runs you’ve done and remind yourself that you’re ready! This mindset will restore the joy that worry tries to steal.

But knowing that anxiety thrives in uncertainty, I have good news! The world famous Bass Pro Marathon and Cohick Half Marathon Pace Team has generously provided me with some of their best race day tips. These tips from “the experts” are sure to help you further develop your race day game plan and give you the confidence to know that you have what it takes to go the distance. After all, these are the tips they, themselves, have used to successfully make it across the finish line. 

So without further ado, and in no particular order, check out what “the experts” had to say….

You’re already done the work, this is the easy part! Enjoy every second! - Dana Coale, 4:30 Marathon

Dress for 20 degrees warmer than the actual temp. So if it’s 50, dress for 70. Make sure you hydrate & fuel during the race. Don’t go out too fast even though it will be incredibly hard not to. Enjoy the race! - Amanda Snow Doty, 2:15 Half

Wear good socks! It may not be noticeable at lower mileage but “hot” spots can develop at higher mileage. I prefer wool blends especially with potential rain on race day. - Lali - 4:00 Marathon

Best piece of advice I can give is do not let your brain tell you that you can’t do it. If you set a goal and start falling short, don’t give up just make a new goal. - Randy Acklin, 2:00 Half

Start slower than you think you need to, eat more than you think you need to and you'll finish better.  - Paul Maness, 5:30 Marathon

Hydrate early and often. Start slow. Going out to fast and speeding up because you "feel good" will only cost you on the back end. - Erika, 4:00 marathon

FETTUCINE ALFREDO - Adam Irvin, 2:15 Half

Aim for even effort through the race. Don't push too hard early on or you'll burn out. - Steve Barber, 6:00 Marathon

If it's chilly, wear a jacket or long-sleeved shirt you don't want anymore so you can take it off and ditch it to be donated along the way when you get hot. - Brad Crawford, 5:45 Marathon

Don’t try anything new on race day and just enjoy the experience! - Charlie Hungerford, 3:00 Half

I like to watch an inspiring movie or documentary about people that have completed an amazing physical challenge the day before the race. It reminds me that we are capable of unbelievable things. Some of my favorites are “Nyad”, “Unstoppable”, “Race”, “Lorena Light-footed Woman”, and the “Barkley Marathons." - Melissa Nunez, 2:00 Half Marathon

Run your own race. Take in the day but don’t let the day take you. - Ann, 4:45 Marathon

Bank your sleep several days before the race. Nerves and an early start may lead to insufficient sleep on race day.  - Albert, 3:45 Marathon

Start eating and storing extra (good quality) calories spread out over a couple days before the race and don’t try to cram a bunch the night before or morning of the race to avoid a heavy, bloated feeling. Likewise, feed your head and thoughts positively, seeking out good vibes and while running remember, a smile will destroy any negative thought. Relax and have fun. - Wes Logan, 4:00 Marathon

Get everything ready the night before: clothes (dress for what the weather/temps will be like an hour into your run), shoes, food, drink, bib, sunglasses, etc. Unless you have prepared to run negative splits, run even splits and if you feel amazing at mile 11, speed up a bit. If you are nervous or doubtful or just need the encouragement, stick close to a pacer that is running slower than your anticipated finish time. When you feel good, move ahead. This will allow you to play it safe in the beginning and not start too fast. - Shannon Cochran 2:45, Half

Get to the start early - it gives you time to fully take in the race day experience, think about all the training miles leading up to this, and enjoy some time with old and new friends. Have fun and enjoy the reward from all the hard work! - Makayla, 5:45 Marathon

Get to the race ahead of time to meet your pacers. Hydrate well the days leading up and the morning of the race. Don’t try eating something you haven’t before! - Grant, 5:00 Marathon

The most important day is two days before the race. Take the day off or run just enough to loosen up. Make it the day you eat your best carb loading dinner. Eat a lighter carb diet the day before. Race day - join me to run-walk-run, starting easy and keeping a steady pace for the first half of the distance. Then continue to work with the pacers for coaching to your best race experience. Dave (Galloway Coach), 6:00 Marathon

Make friends along the way - Crystal, 4:30 Marathon

You’ve put in the hard work so don’t forget to have fun! - Eric, 2:30 Half

Don't focus on how much you have left but be present in the mile you are in. One mile at a time - Ashley, 4:45 Marathon

Race day is a celebration of a runner’s training! Stay strong, smile and run with gratitude. - Jeff, 1:45 Half

Keep smiling. You’re doing something amazing and you can do hard things. - Amanda, 4:15 Marathon

Encourage others along the way because it will, in turn, encourage you and all those around you. - Larry, 3:00 Half

And there you have it friends! Those are some amazing tips that are sure to help calm your nerves and help you make the most out of race day. But I'd be remiss if I didn't give you a few of my own favorite tips for enjoying my favorite marathon of all time. Hence the reason this is my 17th year of participating in the Bass Pro Fitness Series. I'll be pacing the 5:15 Marathon group with my running buddy Jody Rhodes and we plan on bringing the energy!

*Remind yourself that there will come a day when you can no longer do this. And since today isn't that day, choose joy over what you CAN do rather than what you CAN’T. In other words, don't let comparison steal your joy. Run your best, soak up the scenery, and make a point to practice gratitude along the way. 

*Keep a change of clothes in your car near the finish line. Once your race is over, plan to change clothes quickly (use a blanket to cover up so you can do it in your vehicle) to avoid getting chilled and head back to victory row to watch until the last runner crosses. This has been a tradition of mine (and that of many of the other runners) for a long time and, I'm telling you, cheering on the other runners will bless you and them!

*Last but not least, don't let your passion die. You picked something hard, you worked to see it happen, and you crossed the finish line. Now, set your sights on doing something else that's hard! 

See you soon! Happy Running!

The Benefits of Joining a Group

“Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NKJV

In a story titled “Campaign targets women's fears over night-time running,” the writer said “Running groups are hoping a campaign to make running safer for women after dark can change attitudes.”

Let's Lift the Curfew, which was set up by Sport England, is timed to coincide with the clocks going back. It said its own research suggests 55% of women feel unsafe exercising outdoors alone after dark…

Sarah Knight, a run leader with the Pontesbury Runners, said: "It is difficult because you don't necessarily feel safe on your own running in the dark."

Let's Lift the Curfew encourages women to get involved in organised runs or walks this week to raise awareness of the issues facing women…

Knight said her advice to women was to join a running group and that it was important to keep running during the winter for mental health and wellbeing.

"Joining a running club and having the friendships, the company and people to run with, it's a great thing to do."

And, you know, in the same way being a part of a running group lends to the physical safety of each individual in the group and benefits their mental health and wellbeing, joining a group of believers has the very same benefits but many many more.

You see, as Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 powerfully demonstrates, there is deep spiritual security and operational success in joining a community of believers, something that mirrors the practical necessity and benefits of running in a group.

Think about it… Just as a single runner is highly vulnerable to the physical dangers of navigating a path alone (especially in the dark), an isolated believer faces immense risk on their spiritual journey. Hence the reason Solomon (the wisest man to have ever lived) noted that "two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.” This nugget of wisdom highlights that both running partners and faith communities achieve far greater progress and efficiency through shared effort than anyone could ever accomplish solo. 

The critical element of safety is magnified in the next verse which warns of the misery of falling with no one around to help; in a faith community, just like in a running group, having companions ensures that if you stumble into temptation, injury, doubt, or exhaustion, someone is immediately there to lift you up, offer accountability, and pull you out of danger. 

Furthermore, Solomon observed that the mutual warmth needed to survive a freezing night in the desert (the backdrop of Solomon’s words), illustrated how the collective fire of authentic Christian fellowship keeps our zeal alive when our personal passion begins to flicker under the chilling trials of life. 

Ultimately, verse 12 anchors this bond by showing that while a lone individual is easily overpowered, a unified front of believers can withstand any threat, especially when woven together into a resilient threefold cord centered around God.

So as you can see, joining a local body of believers is a great thing to do. This group of brothers and sisters will not only help illuminate the spiritual path before you, but will provide you with the collective strength, mutual warmth, and spiritual protection necessary to finish the race strong and arrive safely at your final destination.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we weren’t meant to run the Christian race of life solo. Help us to clearly understand this Lord that we not neglect forming groups of fellow believers to help us in our journey to the finish line and to give us opportunities to help them as well. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Stay in the Race, Don't Quit, and Stay Hydrated

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1–2 NKJV

In a story published after Sunday's 51st Marine Corps Marathon yesterday, the writer said, "The Marines staged another of their well-organized marathons as they have since 1975. Nearly 30,000 runners lined up for the starting pistol as Marine Corps Commandant Eric M. Smith fired the starting pistol."

The writer went on to report that the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Carlos Ruiz, gave the marathoners a pre-race pep talk, urging them to "stay in the race, don't quit, and stay hydrated."

And, you know, as both a runner and a running coach, I can tell you that those three simple instructions are exactly what it takes to finish a 26.2 mile race. Stay on the course, refuse to give up when things get hard, and continually replenish your body with the fluids it needs to keep going.

And you know what? Those same three instructions are exactly what it takes for us to finish the spiritual race God has called each of us to run.

Stay in the race. Hebrews 12:1 tells us to run with endurance the race God has set before us. Notice that Scripture doesn't tell us to run someone else's race or change course when ours becomes difficult. We're called to faithfully follow the path God has laid out for us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus the entire time. And just as runners must stay on the marked course to reach the finish line, we must stay on the path God has given us through His Word, refusing to let the distractions and temptations of this world lead us astray.

Don't quit. Galatians 6:9 reminds us, "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." Every marathoner knows there will be moments when quitting seems easier than continuing. And the same is true in life. In fact, Jesus warned us in John 16:33, "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." Notice that Jesus didn't say we might have trouble. He said we will. It's not a matter of if difficulties will come then, but when. And just as runners prepare their bodies and minds for the challenges they'll face during a marathon, we must prepare ourselves spiritually for the trials we know will come. 

Stay hydrated. Just as a runner needs water to keep going (it’s a non-negotiable), we need Jesus to sustain us through the race of life (also a non-negotiable). In John 4:14, Jesus said, "But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst." But here's the thing. We can get so busy with life that we neglect spending time with the very One who gives us life. We wouldn't expect to finish a marathon without stopping at the water stations along the way, so why would we expect to make it through life's challenges without stopping to spend time with Jesus? 

Through daily prayer, reading His Word, and seeking His presence, we draw closer to Him and find the peace, wisdom, and strength we need to keep going. And while the living water Jesus gives us satisfies our deepest spiritual thirst forever, we must make the choice each day to draw near to Him. Because the closer we walk with Jesus, the better equipped we'll be to finish the race He's set before us.

And here's the thing. None of these instructions are complicated. But they do require discipline, commitment, and consistency.

But the best part is this.. We don't have to run this race by ourselves. Jesus is not only the One who shows us the way, but He's also the One who gives us the strength to finish.  Amazing, right? 

So whatever mile of life you're in today, whether you're feeling strong or struggling to put one foot in front of the other, remember these three simple instructions my friend… Stay in the race. Don't quit. Stay spiritually hydrated. And above all, keep your eyes on Jesus. This is the only way to be sure that you’ll make it to the end. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us everything we need to finish our spiritual race of life. Lord, help us to remember that it all comes down to trusting You to meet all our needs so that we can continue running without slowing down to worry whether we will have the ample physical and spiritual strength to do it. Help us to run with all our might, to do good to others along the way, and to take in the Word constantly knowing that it's the only thing that can nourish our souls, so that we can finish the race, keep the faith, and bring You glory. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!