Value Spiritual Training over Physical Training

“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8 NIV

In a story titled “Leading US Marathon Runner Trains at Planet Fitness,” published yesterday, it was reported that up-and-coming star Vinny Mauri, who won the 2025 Chicago Marathon has a different training setting than most other elite athletes do. The 25-year-old trains at his local Planet Fitness in Ohio.

Most of his training miles, he said, are completed on the treadmills of his local gym, where a membership costs $24.99 a month.

Mauri smashed the Glass City Marathon course record in April, winning the race in a time of 2 hours, 5 minutes, and 54 seconds. At a speed of 4:48 per mile, this was the fastest debut marathon by an American in history. Speaking on his unique training base, Mauri said:

“People love that I’m just doing it from here, doing it from home. I didn’t really have to relocate to do the thing that I love.”

And, you know, while physical training is important—hence the reason there are many ways and places to train—training spiritually is even more important. 

This was something Paul alluded to when he said, “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

Paul clearly understood that, while physical training could strengthen the body and improve a person's health, spiritual training could strengthen the soul and prepare a person for eternity. In addition, the benefits of physical fitness are temporary while the benefits of godliness are eternal. Think about that for a moment.

No matter how many miles we run, how many weights we lift, or how well we take care of our bodies, they will eventually wear out. Our strength will fade, our endurance will diminish, and one day our earthly lives will come to an end. But the time we spend growing closer to God, studying His Word, praying, and learning to walk in obedience to Him will never be wasted. Because while physical training prepares us for the challenges of this life, spiritual training prepares us for both this life and the one to come.

And that's why Paul said godliness is profitable for all things.

You see, the discipline we develop through spiritual training doesn't just help us become better Christians on Sunday mornings. It changes how we live every single day. It teaches us to respond with patience instead of anger, to choose obedience over temptation, to trust God when life gets hard, and to remain faithful when things don't go our way. It gives us the wisdom, strength, and endurance we need to navigate the trials of this world while keeping our eyes fixed on eternity.

But here's the thing. Just as a runner can't expect to finish a marathon without putting in the training miles, we can't expect to be spiritually strong without putting in the time to grow in our faith. Spiritual strength, like physical strength, requires intentional and consistent training. That means making time to read our Bibles, spending time in prayer, putting God's Word into practice, and choosing to follow Jesus even when it's difficult.

And while there's certainly nothing wrong with spending an hour at the gym or going for a long run—in fact, taking care of the bodies God has entrusted to us is an important part of being good stewards—we should never become so focused on training our bodies that we neglect training our souls.

After all, what good would it do us to be in the best physical shape of our lives if we were spiritually weak? What good would it do to cross the finish line of every race we entered if we failed to faithfully run the race God has set before us?

The answer is simple. Nothing we accomplish physically can compare to the eternal value of knowing Jesus Christ and living for Him.

So, by all means, lace up those running shoes, hit the gym, and take care of the body God has given you my friend. But make sure you're putting even more effort into growing spiritually. Because the medals, records, and physical accomplishments we work so hard for will one day mean nothing, but the rewards of a life faithfully lived for Christ will last forever.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the Bible that gives us everything we need to become spiritually fit so that we can run the race with endurance, remain on course, and make it to the finish line. Lord, help us to take our training in the Word so seriously that we make it our top priority. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Don’t Put Off the Decision

"We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 NKJV

In a heartbreaking story posted by Runner’s World on Tuesday, it was reported that Rachel Apa was nearing the end of her first New York City Marathon when she collapsed in Central Park on Sunday, November 1. The 24-year-old had spent months putting in the work needed to conquer 26.2 miles, but never made it across the finish line. Instead, she was taken to Mount Sinai Medical Center, where she died later that night.

Apa, a Bucknell University alum who lived in central Pennsylvania, came to New York to run with Parkinson's Foundation Champions, raising money in memory of her grandfather, who died from the disease in 2022.

According to reporting from The New York Times, the medical emergency happened around 1:30 p.m. close to Mile 24, around 85th Street, right as runners enter the final stretch through Central Park. Several spectators rushed to help and began performing CPR. New York Road Runners medical staff arrived shortly after, and tried to resuscitate her with a defibrillator before paramedics took her to the hospital…

Doctors spent hours trying to save Rachel. Her father, Steve, told the newspaper she was pronounced dead around 9:40 p.m.

"It's unfathomable," he told the newspaper. "Perfect health, perfect shape, 24 years old."

Steve told the Times that his daughter died from rhabdomyolysis, which occurs when damaged muscle tissue breaks down and releases substances into the bloodstream. The condition can cause serious kidney damage and, according to the Cleveland Clinic, can be triggered by extreme physical exertion.

And you know, Rachel's death is a heartbreaking reminder of just how fragile life is and how quickly everything can change. At only 24 years old, she had her whole life ahead of her. She had trained for months, made plans for the future, and was just over two miles away from accomplishing something she had worked so hard for. But in an instant, everything changed.

And while we don't know what tomorrow holds, or even what the next moment might bring, this story reminds us of this... not one of us is guaranteed another breath.

That's why Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 are so important. When he said, "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation," he was urging people not to put off accepting God's gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. You see, salvation is available to everyone who repents of their sins and places their faith in Jesus Christ, but the opportunity to make that decision will not last forever.

And that's something you and I simply cannot afford to ignore or to share. 

You see, the Bible tells us in Hebrews 9:27 that, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment." This means that when our earthly lives come to an end, our eternal destiny is settled. There are no second chances to repent after death. 

And as difficult as it might be to hear, those who die in their sins, having rejected Jesus Christ as their Savior, will not inherit eternal life.

Jesus Himself warned us of this when He said, "Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins." (John 8:24 NKJV)

This is why the decision to follow Jesus is the most important decision you will ever make. More important than your career, your relationships, your accomplishments, or any goal you could ever achieve. Because while all those things matter here on earth, only your relationship with Jesus Christ determines where you will spend eternity.

And here's the beautiful thing. God doesn't want anyone to perish. Second Peter 3:9 tells us that the Lord is "not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." That's why He sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins, making a way for us to be forgiven and reconciled to Him. Salvation isn't something we can earn by being good enough or doing enough good things. It's a gift of grace received through faith in Jesus Christ.

But it's a gift we must personally receive.

So let me ask you something. If your life ended today, would you be ready to stand before God? Do you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior? Or have you been putting off that decision, assuming you'll have plenty of time to make it later?

If so, please don't wait!

As runners, we spend countless hours preparing to cross a finish line. We train, sacrifice, and discipline ourselves because we know how important it is to be ready when race day comes. But how much more important is it to prepare for the finish line of life? After all, we know when a marathon is scheduled to end. We have no idea when our earthly race will be over.

And while we can always sign up for another race if we miss one, we cannot go back and make the decision to follow Christ once our lives have ended.

So, if you haven't accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, I urge you to do it today my friend—because tomorrow isn't promised, the next moment isn't guaranteed, and eternity is far too long to be wrong about where you will spend it. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the free gift of salvation that You provide to all those who choose to accept You as Savior and to turn from their sins. Lord, help us to be bold as we work alongside You to plead with the lost to receive Your gift of grace while they still have time, knowing there will be no second chances after death. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Keep the Momentum Going

Hello Runner Friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about Marathon Weekend! Was it a blast or what? From the expo to the race, this event did not disappoint! So, a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to every runner who crossed a finish line on Sunday! Whether you completed the 5K, half marathon, marathon relay, or the full marathon, you accomplished something worth celebrating!

Think about all the early mornings, long runs, tired legs, and sacrifices that brought you to that finish line. You set a goal, committed to the training, pushed through the hard days, and YOU DID IT!

But now what?

As a longtime runner and running coach, I can tell you that one of the best things you can do after accomplishing a big running goal is to SET ANOTHER ONE! Why? Because you don't want to let the post-race blues steal your joy!

Believe it or not, there’s something runners sometimes experience called Post-Marathon Depression (PMD), often referred to as the post-race blues. It's that emotional letdown that can happen after spending months training for something big, only to suddenly find yourself without that daily purpose or goal. I can tell you from experience that it’s a real thing!
Think about it… For weeks or months, your life revolved around training schedules, long runs, nutrition, recovery, and counting down the days until race day. Then, just like that, it's over.

The excitement fades, the medal gets hung up, and you might find yourself asking, "Now what do I do?"

That feeling is more common than you might think. And while taking time to recover physically and mentally is absolutely necessary, having something new to look forward to can help keep those post-race blues from taking over.

Your Accomplishment Is a Springboard, Not a Stopping Point!

Here's what I want you to remember: You are not the same runner you were when you started training!

You're stronger. You're more disciplined. You're more confident. And you've proven to yourself that you can do hard things!

So why stop now?

Maybe you just completed your first 5K. Why not set your sights on a 10K? Finished your first half marathon? Maybe a full marathon is in your future! Already conquered 26.2 miles? Perhaps it's time to explore trail running (think Dogwood Canyon), tackle an ultra, or work toward a personal record?

And here's the beautiful thing: Your next goal doesn't even have to be a longer distance or a faster time. Maybe it's simply becoming a more consistent runner, improving your strength, or learning to enjoy running without the pressure of a race clock.

Progress, you know, doesn't always mean going farther or faster. Sometimes it means becoming better at what you're already doing.

Keep the Momentum, But Respect the Recovery!

Before you rush out and register for your next big challenge though, remember that your body needs time to recover from the work you've just asked it to do. Especially if you completed the marathon!

Rest is not losing fitness. Recovery is part of training!

Use this time to celebrate your accomplishment, enjoy some easy movement when you're ready, reconnect with friends and family, and reflect on everything you've learned.

But don't lose sight of what you've gained. Go ahead and put that next race on your calendar! Having something exciting on the horizon can give you renewed motivation and direction while allowing yourself the recovery you deserve.

The Best Is Yet to Come!

One of the things I love most about running is that there's always another opportunity to grow. Every finish line has the potential to become the starting line for something greater.

That race you just finished? It wasn't just about earning a medal. It was about discovering what you're capable of when you commit to something and refuse to give up.

Don't let all that hard work become something you used to do. Let it become the foundation for what you're going to do NEXT!

So, to all my fellow Bass Pro Marathon Weekend finishers, I challenge you to do three things: Celebrate what you've accomplished, give your body the recovery it deserves, and find another goal that excites you!

Maybe I'll see you at the starting line of your next adventure? I know where my next adventure will be... Dogwood Canyon!!!

And there you have it friends. The finish line isn't where your journey ends. It's where the next chapter begins! So keep moving forward, keep challenging yourself, and never forget that the way to keep from experiencing post-race blues is to keep setting goals and doing what it takes to achieve them. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Keep the Momentum Going

Hello Runner Friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about Marathon Weekend! Was it a blast or what? From the expo to the race, this event did not disappoint! So, a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to every runner who crossed a finish line on Sunday! Whether you completed the 5K, half marathon, marathon relay, or the full marathon, you accomplished something worth celebrating!

Think about all the early mornings, long runs, tired legs, and sacrifices that brought you to that finish line. You set a goal, committed to the training, pushed through the hard days, and YOU DID IT!

But now what?

As a longtime runner and running coach, I can tell you that one of the best things you can do after accomplishing a big running goal is to SET ANOTHER ONE! Why? Because you don't want to let the post-race blues steal your joy!

Believe it or not, there’s something runners sometimes experience called Post-Marathon Depression (PMD), often referred to as the post-race blues. It's that emotional letdown that can happen after spending months training for something big, only to suddenly find yourself without that daily purpose or goal. I can tell you from experience that it’s a real thing!
Think about it… For weeks or months, your life revolved around training schedules, long runs, nutrition, recovery, and counting down the days until race day. Then, just like that, it's over.

The excitement fades, the medal gets hung up, and you might find yourself asking, "Now what do I do?"

That feeling is more common than you might think. And while taking time to recover physically and mentally is absolutely necessary, having something new to look forward to can help keep those post-race blues from taking over.

Your Accomplishment Is a Springboard, Not a Stopping Point!

Here's what I want you to remember: You are not the same runner you were when you started training!

You're stronger. You're more disciplined. You're more confident. And you've proven to yourself that you can do hard things!

So why stop now?

Maybe you just completed your first 5K. Why not set your sights on a 10K? Finished your first half marathon? Maybe a full marathon is in your future! Already conquered 26.2 miles? Perhaps it's time to explore trail running (think Dogwood Canyon), tackle an ultra, or work toward a personal record?

And here's the beautiful thing: Your next goal doesn't even have to be a longer distance or a faster time. Maybe it's simply becoming a more consistent runner, improving your strength, or learning to enjoy running without the pressure of a race clock.

Progress, you know, doesn't always mean going farther or faster. Sometimes it means becoming better at what you're already doing.

Keep the Momentum, But Respect the Recovery!

Before you rush out and register for your next big challenge though, remember that your body needs time to recover from the work you've just asked it to do. Especially if you completed the marathon!

Rest is not losing fitness. Recovery is part of training!

Use this time to celebrate your accomplishment, enjoy some easy movement when you're ready, reconnect with friends and family, and reflect on everything you've learned.

But don't lose sight of what you've gained. Go ahead and put that next race on your calendar! Having something exciting on the horizon can give you renewed motivation and direction while allowing yourself the recovery you deserve.

The Best Is Yet to Come!

One of the things I love most about running is that there's always another opportunity to grow. Every finish line has the potential to become the starting line for something greater.

That race you just finished? It wasn't just about earning a medal. It was about discovering what you're capable of when you commit to something and refuse to give up.

Don't let all that hard work become something you used to do. Let it become the foundation for what you're going to do NEXT!

So, to all my fellow Bass Pro Marathon Weekend finishers, I challenge you to do three things: Celebrate what you've accomplished, give your body the recovery it deserves, and find another goal that excites you!

Maybe I'll see you at the starting line of your next adventure? I know where my next adventure will be... Dogwood Canyon!!!

And there you have it friends. The finish line isn't where your journey ends. It's where the next chapter begins! So keep moving forward, keep challenging yourself, and never forget that the way to keep from experiencing post-race blues is to keep setting goals and doing what it takes to achieve them. 

Happy Running!

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!