Set the Example for Your Children

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With that, Aguilar's perspective on running changed…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Running!

We Don't Control Tomorrow

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Train Your Mind for Success

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog

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

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

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

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

Train Your Mind Like You Train Your Legs

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

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

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

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

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

Your body follows where your mind leads. 

Comparison Is the Thief of Joy

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

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

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

That’s success.

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

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

The Mind Can Create Limits — Or Break Them

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

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

The brain listens to what we repeatedly tell it.

Negative self-talk becomes mental conditioning.

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

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

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

Ways Runners Can Push Back Against Negative Thoughts

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

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

Try:
“I get to run today.”

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

2. Focus on Effort, Not Perfection

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

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

Consistency beats perfection every time.

3. Break Big Challenges Into Small Pieces

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

Small victories build momentum.

4. Create Positive Running Mantras

Simple phrases can interrupt negative thought patterns during difficult moments.

Examples:

“Strong and steady.”

“One step at a time.”

“I can do hard things.”

“Forward is forward.”

“Calm mind. Strong legs.”

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

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

Every runner is on a different journey.

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

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

6. Train Your Brain During Hard Runs

Mental strength grows during uncomfortable moments.

When workouts get hard:

Practice staying calm

Control your breathing

Refocus your thoughts

Avoid spiraling mentally

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

7. Celebrate Progress That Isn’t on the Watch

Not all victories come from pace or finish times.

Celebrate:

Showing up consistently

Finishing a tough run

Choosing discipline over excuses

Recovering after setbacks

Running with confidence again

Growth is bigger than numbers.

8. Surround Yourself With Encouraging People

Mindset is contagious.

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

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

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

Instead of:
“You’re weak.”

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

Your internal dialogue matters.

10. Remember Why You Started

On difficult days, reconnect with your purpose.

Maybe you run for:

Health

Stress relief

Confidence

Community

Mental clarity

Personal growth

Purpose creates perseverance.

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

Happy Running!

Marriage Isn’t a Sprint

“And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:24-25

“Today makes 14 years since we said ‘I do.’ This year has grown us in ways we might not have liked but we worked through it holding on to our life line, Jesus Christ. Isn't that what marriage is? Not giving up, not giving in, and trusting God to hold it together when you are on rough seas? I have no regrets only lessons learned. I love you like I never knew I could.

Growing old is definitely not for the weak. It sounds great when you are young and you say till death do us part. However, It takes the grace of God, Learning to forgive and pushing through the yuck to get to that finish line.” These were the words written by my dear friend and sister-in-Christ, Tina, on her anniversary yesterday. 

She went on to say, “My friend Melissa Sharp runs ultra marathons and I just can't imagine what it's like to run a 50k or a 100k, but I now realize it must be like marriage. Just don't give up, don't give in and Always keep your eyes and heart directed at Jesus. It takes daily training and you have to embrace the rest days. Celebrate the wins. Be the hype man when your spouse is feeling down. Listen with an open heart.”

And, you know, as someone who’s had the blessing of running well over 100 marathons (26.2 miles) and ultramarathons (distances over 26.2 miles), including twelve 100-mile races, I will agree with Tina that marriage is, at times, just as hard as running a long distance race. Why? Because, making it to the finish line of an endurance run and to the finish line of a marriage (staying faithful and following the rules until death do us part), requires both endurance and extreme discipline.

You see, when the run gets hard and the muscles grow weary, the mind and the body will begin to crave comfort and ease. The flesh will cry out and say, “This isn’t worth it. Just stop and walk away.”

And this is the point when “the flesh with its passions and desires” must be crucified and put to death. Over the course of 100 miles, this looks a million choices of telling the flesh to “be silent” so the body can continue running the race. It’s a million choices to press on despite pain, hunger, nausea, darkness, and fatigue.

“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” Ephesians 5:1-2 NKJV

Marriage is very much the same as an ultramarathon in that, over the course of the long run that it is (marriage definitely isn’t a sprint), it requires crucifying, or putting to death, “the flesh with its passions and desires” so a person can remain steadfast and stay in the race. It requires making daily choices to “be imitators of God as dear children” rather than following the patterns of the world that considers divorce a great option when things get uncomfortable. It requires making daily choices to “walk in love,” not as the world does, but “as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us…” Seeing a pattern here?

Marriage requires making choices that aren’t comfortable.

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” Philippians 2:3

And you can be sure that marriage will not be easy. There will be times in every marriage when it gets hard and the mind will say “It’s not worth it. Just give up and walk away.” There will be times in every marriage when a person will want to demand their own way and must crucify their flesh to “esteem” their spouse’s needs above their own—to be selfless in their service to them.

But this is the deal. Staying in the race will be worth it! Which means, every choice made to press on in the midst of hardship and not bow out is a choice to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. Every choice made to love your spouse and to forgive your spouse as Jesus loved and forgave you is a choice that gets you closer to the finish line. Every choice made to be patient and gracious to your spouse with your words and your actions, in spite of their imperfections (remembering that you have your own shortcomings), is a choice that is “an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” 

Once again, marriage requires making choices that aren’t comfortable.

 
But here’s another benefit of staying in the race. You, yourself, will not only reap the spiritual benefits for doing this, but your spouse and your family will as well. A happy marriage with Christ at the center brings joy, peace, growth, safety, and happiness to the whole house. 

And consider this benefit as well. When we love our spouses the way God has commanded us to love them, we inspire others to do the same. When we continue running the race with our spouse, hand in hand, despite the difficulties that will come our way, we show the world what a godly marriage looks like.

 
This is something that’s very important in the day and age we live in with divorce rates at an all-time high and people choosing to abstain from marriage due, in great part, to a lack of good examples that model what God intended marriage to be… a beautiful picture of His love for us.

“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.” Ephesians 5:22-28

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

 
So, if you’re married, take the responsibility to love and cherish your spouse as God intended very seriously my friend. And if you’re not married, be careful in who you choose to marry, so that you will be joined to someone that shares your love for the Lord, and will do their part in modeling a godly example of marriage for the world to see. 

Second to accepting Christ as your Savior, this is the most important decision you’ll ever make. It won’t be free from hardships, but the rewards will make it worth the effort. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding us that marriage is a covenant that you ordained between one man and one woman. Help us to take it seriously that we might love our spouses as you have commanded us to love them Lord. Help us to put You first in all things Lord, that we would be forgiving, gracious, and patient in all things. Help us to crucify our flesh to consider our spouses needs above our own that we might model a godly marriage that brings You glory and inspires others to do the same. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Don’t Put it Off

“Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, and And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:6-7 NKJV

In a story titled “State Fair run is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon” published last week by KSBN out of Nebraska, it was reported that runners who want to qualify for the prestigious Boston Marathon could get one last chance at the Nebraska State Fair.

They went on to report that “the State Fair Marathon, which is run this year on Saturday Aug. 29, is considered to be the fastest and flattest of all the Boston Marathon qualifying races.” That’s good news for those runners who are down to the wire—whether they were unable to meet the requirements thus far or they just simply put it off until the final moment.

In its 12th year, the State Fair Marathon attracts runners from 35 states and other countries around the world.

“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

And, you know, while there are many decisions in this life that can be put off until the last minute with no real negative consequences, securing your salvation is most definitely NOT one of them. You see, if a person puts off the decision to accept Jesus as their Savior and passes away, that person will die in their sins and forfeit spending eternity in heaven. And every time a person puts it off, it makes it easier and easier to do it again.

Hence the reason, Isaiah wrote, “Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, and And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.”

“For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.’” Romans 10:13

“‘But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” Matthew 24:36

“whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” James 4:14

Isaiah made it clear that there would come a time when the opportunity for a person to “meet the requirements” to be saved, by calling on the LORD and turning from their wicked ways, would end. And since no one knows when that time will be since the hour and day of Jesus’ return is unknown, and life is fleeting and its continuance uncertain, the decision should not be put off.

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

So, if you haven’t made the decision to follow Jesus yet, don’t put it off for another moment my friend. The Bible is clear that there’s only two destinations after death—heaven or hell— and, by our choice to follow Jesus or to reject Him (there’s no middle ground) while we still have breath in our lungs, we choose where we will spend eternity.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we should never put off the most important decision that could ever be made and should encourage others to do the same. Help us to be bold in proclaiming that there is only one way to eternal life and that’s through Jesus Christ. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

You Get to Choose Your Attitude

“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:2

In an astonishing story published by Outside yesterday, it was reported that Rachel Entrekin won the Cocodona 250 Overall, setting the record, and becoming the first female to finish first overall.

The 34-year-old from Birmingham, Alabama, took advantage of cool, cloudy conditions to set a blistering pace early on, running two miles ahead of men’s leader Kilian Korth for over 24 hours through the middle of the race before opening up the gap in the final 50 miles.

Her Cocodona experience and bold strategy paid off on a sunny Wednesday afternoon in Flagstaff, Arizona, as she crossed the line in a new overall course record with an official time of 56:09:48, smashing the previous mark of 58:47:18.

Entrekin, who was born in Birmingham, Alabama and now lives and trains in Conifer, Colorado, carried nonstop momentum throughout the race. At most aid stations, she was in and out in five to ten minutes, taking only a couple of quick naps over the three days and two nights of racing.

“I slept five minutes, then seven minutes, then seven minutes,” Entrekin said in an interview, just moments after finishing. “My goal was to only have dirt naps”

Buoyed by a six-person crew and the support of her parents Carol and Robin, Entrekin kept her physical and mental energy flowing in a steady stream throughout the 253-mile race while others struggled with the ups and downs inherent to the distance.

“You can choose your attitude, I’ve learned, so I’d rather choose to be positive,” she added.

And, you know, ultrarunning is not the only place where you and I can choose our attitude and see the difference a positive outlook makes. In our spiritual race, we can also choose the way we think. And we would do well to choose, as Paul said, to set our minds on things above rather than on the things of this world.

Why? Because, to set one’s mind on something is to choose to think about it often. These thoughts then influence a person’s attitude, their goals, and ultimately their course of action and their destiny. 

Practically speaking, to set our minds on things above and not on the things of earth means we choose to view life's challenges through the lens of eternity. 

It means that we choose to shift from old habits (anger, greed, impurity) to new behaviors (forgiveness, kindness, humility). And we choose to focus on spiritual growth over material accumulation. 

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1-2

This also means that we choose to fully surrender our lives as a living sacrifice to the Lord. And we no longer think like the world, but allow our minds to be transformed by the Word of God each and every day.

 
What's more, this means we choose to abandon the pursuit of pleasure, possessions, and status—and to stop living like everyone else, choosing to be transformed from the inside out. Specifically, we choose to be changed in how we think, and to have our minds renewed, so that we can begin to understand God's will for our lives.

Pretty amazing right? 

So, choose to set your eyes on God above all things my friend. And then choose to set your mind on the only things that truly matter... knowing God, obeying God, and finishing the race God has set before you for the glory of God. This positive outlook is the very thing that will allow you to 'struggle with the ups and downs' of life and continue running until you reach the end. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that it's of utmost importance that we keep our eyes and minds stayed on You at all times if we are to make it to the finish line. Lord, knowing that our spiritual race is filled with ups and downs, help us to stay positive by keeping the hope that is only found in You and remembering that the promise that all those who seek You will find You means we must make the choice each and every day to pursue You with our whole hearts, minds, and souls. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Carry the Memory

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 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 4:6-8 NKJV

In an extraordinarily sad social media post, shared yesterday by the 2026 Cocodona 250 Mile race organization, it was announced that a runner passed away on Tuesday, May 5, during the event. And since ultra runners are a tight family, you can be sure that many were affected by this loss.

Details are limited, but the race organization has said that an unknown medical emergency occurred to a participant during the race. At this time, the race organization notes that it does not plan to release the runner’s name to respect their privacy.

“We are deeply saddened to share that a participant experienced a serious medical emergency today during the event and has passed away. The runner’s crew and family have been notified,” reads the May 5 social media post.

The Cocodona 250 Mile is a 253-mile race taking place in the Arizona desert and mountains, stretching between Black Canyon City and Flagstaff. The 2026 edition began on Monday, May 4, and ends on Saturday, May 9. Runners have 125 hours to cover the course, which has over 38,000 feet of climbing, and covers a mixture of singletrack, doubletrack, some technical sections, and a bit of tarmac around the towns through which it passes. This year’s race had on the order of 400 participants in its 250-mile event, and many more across the event’s five races, ranging from 40 to 250 miles, during the week-long festival. It is not clear from the announcement which race the runner was participating in.

The organization says the race will continue in honor of the fallen runner. Its announcement reads: “We ask all participants and crew to carry the memory of this runner with you on the trail.”

And, you know, as this story clearly shows, our next breath isn’t guaranteed and even the fittest of runners can succumb to an untimely death. This is the reason that, as believers, we should live in such a way that if others were to “carry the memory” of us after our passing, they would be leading others to Jesus.

What does that mean exactly? Well… as defined: “Carrying the memory” of another person is to keep a person alive in your heart and mind after they are gone by embodying their values, lessons, or kindness in your own life. In other words, to “carry the memory” of someone else is to accept the relay baton they have passed to you and to continue running the race in the same way the person you’re honoring ran.

This was something Paul intimated to Timothy when he knew his time of death was near and said, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 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.”

“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1

Paul’s life could be summed up in that one sentence… I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. To “carry the memory” of Paul’s life for Timothy (and for us) then, meant Timothy was to follow his example in the same way Paul followed the example of Jesus.

“Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one.  Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;  in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness—  besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.” 2 Corinthians 11:23-38

“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37

This example included an astonishing series of dangers and indignities. Even in these trials and tribulations, Paul remained faithful and proclaimed his victory in Christ—all the while refusing to compromise or back down. Paul fought hard and continued running with endurance until he reached his final finish line.

“But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.” 2 Timothy 4:17

“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” 2 Timothy 6:6-8

And Paul not only ran with the staying power needed to make it to the end, but ran in such a way that he was able to complete all that Jesus had charged and empowered him to do, all while displaying a remarkable sense of fulfillment, trust, and contentment that every believer would do well to model.

So, knowing that the date of our departure is uncertain, let us all vow to “carry the memory” of Paul who “carried the memory” of Jesus in such a way that on the day we are called home, we can take hold of the “crown of righteousness”— something we do by living in such a way that if people imitated us, they would be imitating Christ.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that life is fragile at best. Lord, we pray for the family of the fallen runner that they might have the peace that only You can give. Lord, I ask that You use this tragedy to inspire those who read about it or who witnessed it to place their trust in You, if they haven’t already. Help us to live a life worthy of imitating Lord so that we might one day soon enter into Your rest. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

 
Happy Running!