A crushed spirit can be restored

"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22 ESV

If you love your coffee like most runners do, me included, you might want to check out the latest study in the British Journal of Pharmacology that showed a potential link between high doses of caffeine and the risk of developing osteoporosis. And it's not just coffee that needs to be consumed in moderation (less than 800mg) but caffeine pills, energy drinks and caffeine enhanced supplements. Researchers looked at 24 people, half of whom chewed a non-caffeinated gum and the other chewing a caffeinated version, and over the course of six hours, they got fresh gum several times. The latter group ended up consuming about 800 mg of caffeine—that’s the equivalent of eight cups of coffee.That group saw a significant increase in terms of calcium in their urine—about 77 percent more at the end of six hours than when they started. High amounts of calcium output indicate that the kidneys are releasing the mineral faster than the body can replace it. That led the researchers to conclude that over the long term, this could put those in the caffeinated group at a much higher risk of bone density issues and, potentially, a greater risk of developing osteoporosis, which causes your bones to become weak and brittle. And we all know what happens to weak and brittle bones right? They break. 

But you know, caffeine isn’t the only thing that can hurt our bones. The Bible tells us that a “crushed spirit,” or a heart overwhelmed with sorrow, can as well. Why? Because a “crushed spirit” literally “dries up” our joy. And without joy, you and I become weak, broken, depressed, and despondent. Without joy, we lose the ability and the desire to experience happiness and can even come to despair of life itself. And if you think this is something that can’t or doesn't happen to Christians, think again. So many of the things that you and I will experience in this life (like mental, physical or emotional abuse, sickness, loneliness and trauma) can cause us to develop a crushed or sorrowful spirit. Thankfully though, Jesus is always the answer. 

So if you feel as if your spirit is crushed and your bones are dried up today, take heart and seek Christ my friend. Look to Him for guidance and allow Him to heal and restore you so that you can once again experience the "joyful heart" that the Bible tells us is "good medicine." 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that as believers we are not immune to the consequences of living in a fallen world. Help us to comprehend that You are with us when our spirits are crushed—comforting and holding us—and that You long to fill us with the joy of Your presence. Knowing that, cause us to seek you Lord that You might give us the good medicine of joy that restores our bones and our spirits. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

We are representatives of heaven

"Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.'" John 20:21 ESV

Luis Grijalva was only a year old when his family moved from Guatemala to New York City. The family of five later moved to Fairfield, California, where Grijalva often ran for fun along with other children in Turkey Trot races on Thanksgiving. At those holiday races and PE classes, Grijalva slowly started noticing that he was faster than other kids his age. But it was not until he became a teenager while at Armijo High School in Fairfield that he realized how much he loved to run, and with the help of his coaches, focused on becoming a cross-country runner, he said. This was a move that led to him crossing the finish line at the NCAA track and field championships last month to qualify for the Olympics. But first, immigration officials would have to agree to let the 22-year-old runner travel outside the United States and come back to the country he calls home. Grijalva is a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient who will travel to Japan on Friday to represent Guatemala in the 5,000-meter race at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. He and his lawyer spent several weeks petitioning US Citizenship and Immigration Services for a special permit known as advance parole that allows DACA recipients to reenter the US after traveling... on Monday, he got cleared to travel after weeks of uncertainty. "It's a privilege and an honor to represent Guatemala because that's where I was born, (where I) have generations of family and that's where my roots started," he told CNN.

And you know, it's not only Luis that has the privilege and honor of representing his "home.” You and I, as believers do as well. You see, when Jesus said, "As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you," He was making it clear that you and I are ambassadors from heaven, sent out to do the will of the One who sent us. And as such, you and I not only have the responsibility of representing Jesus well by imitating Him but have the same authority, the same purpose, the same rights and the same duties that Jesus did when the Father sent Him; duties that include serving and loving others and leading the lost to the foot of the Cross.  

So knowing that we represent a kingdom that can be never be destroyed and will never pass away, let us acknowledge what a privilege and honor it is to be chosen (and yes we were chosen!) by speaking, thinking and behaving only in ways that are fitting for a representative of the King. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing us the right to not only be called citizens of heaven but representatives of heaven here on earth. Give us the strength and wisdom to serve You as we are called Lord that we would use our positions to the best of our ability. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!! 

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION-MOTIVATE YOURSELF

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by discussing a few ways you can motivate yourself. 

Okay, so we talk all the time about how having a friend or group to run with can help motivate a person to get out the door right? And a runner should always take advantage of the times when he/she can have some company. But what about when you have no choice but to hit the trails or road solo? What can you do? Let's look at some tried and tested tricks that will prompt you to lace up those shoes and head out the door despite having no one to talk to but yourself. 

1. Just Go. Could it be that easy? Yes if you don't give yourself a choice! Decide beforehand that you're going to run and then make it happen. And here's where a simple running hack can help... prepare the night before. Start by psyching yourself up saying, "Okay... insert your name... you are going to get out of bed tomorrow and tackle those miles!" Then set your alarm, put on your running clothes (yes you’re going to sleep in them), grab your running shoes and a banana. Set your shoes by the bathroom sink and put your banana by your toothbrush. Now determine how long you are going to allow yourself to do the essentials (bathroom, brush, banana, hydrate) in the morning and stick to it (use a timer if you have to). Doing all this will eliminate excuses and help you get out the door. And let's face it, getting ready is always half the battle right? So don't think, just go!

2. Reward yourself for going. For real. Just don't undo all your gains by making that reward a large pizza or a McDonald's super-sized combo. My favorite reward for completing a run? Coffee! But hey, if a cup of liquid love is not your thing do something different. Perhaps a healthy smoothie? Or a massage or a nap? Or how about reverting back to your childhood and using shiny stickers? Put a calendar on your fridge and place a sticker on each day you complete your workout. Then look back at the end of the month and pat yourself on the back for each run that you finished. And for a bigger reward and added motivation, create a system where a certain number of stickers earned gives you an even bigger reward. For instance, eyeing a new watch or pair of shoes? After 30 runs, splurge and get it reinforcing the idea that hard work reaps benefits. And remember this, no matter what type of "reward" you give yourself, the greatest reward is what you’re doing for your health. 

3. Buy a music plan and download different playlists. This may seem small but it's actually a great way to self-motivate. I pay $9.99 a month for unlimited downloads and it's so worth it! When I'm feeling unmotivated, I simply search for some new music and make a new playlist that's long enough for my run. This actually gets me excited to get out the door knowing I'll be singing (yes I sing while I run and yes out loud) new songs. And if you're not into music, try podcasts, a radio app or audiobooks. Engaging your mind while knocking out those training miles is a great incentive. 

4. Get out at the prettiest times of the day. This one is so underrated! If you're a morning runner, get out and watch the sunrise. Resolve to be present in the moment and deeply breathe in the morning air. If you're a night owl, start at a time when you can end as the sun goes down. Both times are equally enjoyable and are a reward for getting out the door. 

5. Be grateful. This one is definitely the most underrated thing that you and I can do to motivate ourselves. Why? Because grateful people appreciate the gifts they are given, especially the ones they don't deserve. Which is exactly what running is. It's a gift we've done nothing to earn and one that we can lose in an instant (think about the times you and/or your friends have been injured or too ill to get out there). Makes you look at being able to move a little differently right? Being grateful turns your, "I have to run today" into "I get to run today." And believe it or not, that simple mind and heart change can make all the difference. Because, get this... you don't have to go running today. You don't have to really do anything but pay your taxes and die right? So if you're still on the upside of the dirt and still have a few pennies in your pocket, rejoice! And then get out there and go running with a smile on your face.

So there you have it friends. Although running with a buddy or a group is definitely something to be enjoyed, don't limit your runs to only those times. Discipline yourself to stick to your training schedule whether you're solo or with your posse. When you cross that finish line at one of the Bass Pro Fitness Series events, you'll be so grateful that you did. 

Happy Running!!!

Have no fear

"'Where have you come from?” the LORD asked Satan. Satan answered the LORD, “I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that’s going on.'" Job 1:7 NLT

In an article published by Oregon Live yesterday, Emily Infeld, a professional runner who competed in the 2016 Olympics in Rio but missed qualifying in this year's games after placing 8th in the 10,000 meter-final, described her three-year nightmare with a stalker in her ESPN profile. Emily said she was training for her second Olympic Games when Craig Donelly, a total stranger, became obsessed with her over the internet in 2018. For the next three years, the Portland track star and her fiancé, Max Rudolph, lived in fear as Donelly followed their every move (literally moving to the towns they lived in) and sent menacing and threatening messages until he was finally arrested for cyberstalking and violation of a protective order. The past three years have put a mark on Infeld. She no longer receives mail at their home and is careful to not post photos of where she lives and trains on social media. She also still takes precautions at home. “We still put this bar under our door at night, we still have our security system up, and I think we’re just going to keep that in our everyday routine,” Infeld said in the story.

And as scary as it would be to have someone that wants to harm us watching our every move, that is exactly what the Bible tells us that our enemy, Satan, is doing. In fact, when the Lord asked the devil where he had come from, "Satan answered the LORD, “I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that’s going on.'" Did you get that everything part? But before that thought has you shaking in your running shoes, remember this my friend... we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us and there is nothing that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Does that mean that we won't be sifted or encounter trials? Of course not. But it does mean that we don't have to fear them since we know that Jesus is at the right hand of God and interceding for us.

So while you and I should always take precautions to guard ourselves against the advances and attacks of the evil one by putting on the Armor of God each and every day, we shouldn't cower down or live in fear. Our God is a mighty God who the Bible tells us goes before us and behind us so that we don't ever have to be afraid or discouraged. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that there is much evil in this world, both in the earthly realm and the supernatural one. Cause us to always be on guard against our adversary the devil by immersing ourselves in the Word each and every day and putting on the armor that You have provided. Knowing that the end days are drawing near then, cause us to not only refute fear but to march out boldly like good soldiers to share the Good News. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Don't neglect meeting together

“Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25 BSB

As I worshiped with my friends and fellow believers in church yesterday morning I couldn’t help but look up and smile. Here I was once again surrounded by some amazing people; people who I credited with helping me to stay faithful throughout the many trials, tests and struggles I had faced since becoming a member nearly two decades ago. I smiled because the previous day I had run with a group of the same type of friends; an amazing group of running buddies who encouraged and helped one another complete their training runs (different distances) despite the high humidity and triple-digit feel like temps. In fact, as the heat and humidity rose Saturday afternoon and I continued on, I couldn't help but think about how hard it would have been to complete my weekly long run without my friends Gretchen and Jody (whose training plan also called for a 20 mile-day and were still running with me) by my side. The mutual encouragement we provided one another was absolutely paramount in our remaining fixed on the goal despite the hardships the day threw at us. But that’s why God was so gracious to give us friends. They spur us on to do things we would never be able to do on our own. They incite us to keep pressing on when the race gets tough.

And you know, that’s the exact reason God gave us our Christian brothers and sisters--and the very reason the Bible warns us "to not neglect meeting together" with them "as some have made a habit." Which is the reason 'attending' services online rather than in-person, as some have made a habit of doing, is so detrimental to our walk with Christ. You see, while internet 'church' might serve to educate a person, there is no fellowship in it. And it’s in the fellowship that we grow stronger as a body of believers so that when the race of life gets hard we can band together. There’s just absolutely no substitute for meeting together. This is true in the running world and it’s true in our Christian walk. And especially as we see the end times drawing near--times Paul warned us would get very tough, times when we will the need help, edification, teaching and encouragement that only our Christian brothers and sisters can provide.

So make every effort to meet together with your friends and family as often as you can. They will not only motivate you to stand strong and keep running the race when it gets hard and you want to give up but will run with you all the way to the finish line. There’s just no substitute for meeting in person.

Heavenly Father we thank you for this reminder that we need in person fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Remind us that this is something that can’t be done over the internet. Help us to lay aside our fears to do this very thing all the more as we see the Day approaching knowing that these are the relationships that will give us the strength to remain faithful amidst the coming trials, tests, and tribulations. 

Happy Running!!!

Don't lean on your own understanding

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;" Proverbs 3:5 NIV

In an article published by Runner's World Wednesday, it was said, "A new study suggests adjusting how much you lean forward may be key to your stride." The article went on to say, "If you’re starting to see overuse injuries like knee issues or ankle pain flare up while running, that could be a wake-up call to adjust your body mechanics—and that doesn’t mean only your foot strike and stride length. According to a new study in the journal Human Movement Science, your angle of forward lean when running could be a major factor for performance as well. Researchers recruited 23 young runners between the ages of 18 and 23 and had them do three running trials with different trunk positions: a 10-, 20-, and 30-degree angle of flexion. They found that the more a runner leaned forward, the bigger impact it had on stride length, ground reaction, and joint movement." Why does that matter? Because over time, those could add up as factors for injury, according to lead author Anna Warrener, Ph.D., assistant professor of anthropology at the University of Colorado Denver. And we all know that runners hate injury right?

And you know, when it comes to leaning, the Bible is very clear that you and I are not to lean on our own understanding but to trust in the Lord with all our hearts. Why? Because our ability to understand or comprehend the ways in which we should walk, talk, think, feel, and act are limited by our human knowledge--and if we lean on that knowledge and not God's, we will inevitably end up falling into sin and getting injured. You see, it's only when you and I trust the Lord with all that we have and with all that we are that we will allow Him to lead us and guide us in the paths of righteousness; something that requires us to surrender our understanding of things and to give Him complete control of our lives. 

So in the words of Corrie Ten Boom, "Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God." Lean into Him and allow Him to lead you today and every day hereafter. It will be the best decision you will ever make and will keep you on the right path and free from injury. And doesn't every runner want that?  

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a faithful God that can always be trusted. Cause us to understand that Your ways are always better than ours Lord and cause us to trust You so completely that we would look to You for understanding and guidance rather than ourselves. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Leave a godly legacy

"We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future your children will ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ Then you can tell them, ‘They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the LORD’s Covenant went across.’ These stones will stand as a memorial among the people of Israel forever.'" Joshua 4:6-7 NLT

In a sad story published yesterday by The Mercury News, it was reported that Fred Zalokar, a 61-year-old Reno trail runner who went missing over the weekend in Yosemite, was found dead. The announcement gave no information on a cause of death and said it remains under investigation. Zalokar had planned a solo day hike Saturday from Yosemite Valley’s Happy Isles trailhead to Mount Clark using an off-trail route from Bunnell Point. He failed to return. Those left to mourn his passing included his wife, Deb, and his son, Ian. In describing Fred’s legacy, or the mark he left on the world, the following was said, "Zalokar had been a standout marathoner and ultrarunner since his 20s, according to the Reno Gazette Journal. Among his accomplishments: He clocked sub-24-hour finishes in 100-mile races including the Western States 100 and the Leadville Trail 100; ran marathons on every continent, including Antarctica; won his age group in the six “world marathon majors” (Boston, New York, Chicago, London, Berlin, Tokyo); and summited the highest peaks on five continents."

And you know, when it comes to leaving a legacy, you and I would do well to examine the life of Joshua who, after crossing the Jordan and receiving instructions from the Lord, told the twelve men he had appointed to gather "stones to build a memorial" so that when future generations asked what the stones meant they could share the story of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. You see, their legacy was not to be a story of the things they accomplished or acquired in this life but the story of what God had done through them and for them; something that was done so that their "children" and their grandchildren (and all the generations to follow) would know their great God and be inspired to follow Him as well. 

So knowing that each and every one of us will leave "stones" behind when we leave this world, what story will your stones tell? What will you be remembered for? I don't know about you my friend but I don't want to be remembered for any of my accomplishments. I want to be remembered as a woman who loved the Lord with all her heart, served with her whole life and inspired others to do the same. I want to be remembered for simply loving Jesus and sharing the love of Christ by my words and actions. How do you want to be remembered?

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we have an obligation to share the stories of Your kindness, goodness and faithfulness with the next generation. Let us be bold in telling our children of the many ways You have kept your promises and the many ways You have worked throughout our lives that they would follow You. Thank You for being such a good Father. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Peer Pressure can be a good thing

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about something that can motivate you like nothing else can. It's something that is usually perceived negatively but in the world of running is usually anything but. What is this "something" you might be asking at this point? Peer pressure. 

But first, let's look at the definition of peer pressure and why it's usually associated with doing something bad. As defined peer pressure is the direct influence on people by peers, or the effect on an individual who is encouraged and wants to follow their peers by changing their attitudes, values or behaviors to conform to those of the influencing group or individual. For the individual, this can result in either a positive or negative effect, or both. Social groups affected include both membership groups - in which individuals are "formally" members - and cliques - in which membership is not clearly defined. Add a running group to that list of social groups and this is where it gets good. Members of tight run groups are like family. And what family doesn't like to apply some pressure to its' members to entice them to step out of their comfort zone? Especially since the “family" we run with is the family that knows our dreams, goals, and what we are capable of. These "members" apply peer pressure out of love. Something Ed Green and Jill Brockman, two of my best running buddies, did to me at a race on Saturday. 

The conversation started innocently enough with Jill saying that I should join her at Pumpkin Holler in October for another 100-mile race (something I said I would never do again). "I'll think about it," came my reply as I laughed it off. But the seed was planted. A seed that Ed later watered by applying more pressure. And you guessed it... after some further texting with Jill that included this sentence, "Ed did the 100k at pumpkin holler last year. He claims I will love it." And to pressure me just a little more, Jill added, "I know that Ed is going to get a campsite at the start/finish line for us all to keep our gear at so you can share that with us once he gets it." Notice how Jill never said "if you decide to join us?" She was applying just enough pressure that I gave in and texted back, "I'm in! I said I'd never do this again! Hahaha! Thank you for the peer pressure." Her reply? "I love being a bad influence." "I know," I responded. And then added, "This whole group is a bunch of bad influences on each other." 

See how that little bit of peer pressure motivated me to sign up for something I am now stoked about?? And when I later asked Ed about the benefits he saw of peer pressure within tight-knit running groups like the ones we mutually belong to, he had this to say... Applying peer pressure to your friends to push themselves is what friends are for. Many of us have self doubt or balk at signing up for hard things. I think I often see more ability in my friends than they know is there so I like to nudge them to discover the potential that they are suppressing. Sometimes people just need someone to believe in them and tell them to jump. Putting your name on the start list is a great way to motivate your training and develop a training cycle. As a big race approaches I always make every run count and try and stay healthy by cutting out risky non productive runs also.

And guess what? You don't even have to be part of a running group that meets in person and has members like Ed and Jill that love being bad influences, you can reap the same effects by being part of a social network of runners. Don't believe me? Check out some of the science behind it as reported by nature:

Social networks push runners to run further and faster than their friends. Scientists this week show that such exchange of information between runners has a real and measurable impact. People run more when their friends do. And when they see their friends run faster and further, they push themselves to do so too.

In the study, published in Nature Communications, researchers from the MIT Sloan School of Management in Cambridge, Massachusetts, describe how they recorded the daily exercise patterns, geographical locations, and social-network ties of more than 1 million people, who between them ran more than 350 million kilometres over 5 years (S. Aral and C. Nicolaides Nature Commun. 8, 14753; 2017).

Exercise, the results showed, is socially contagious. And the contagion breaks down along distinct lines. Whereas men are affected by the running patterns of both their male and female friends, women are influenced only by their female friends. And despite the aspirational spirit of sports-company adverts and marketing, and of elite athletes and champions, most runners in this study were motivated by a less noble ambition: to keep ahead of those behind them. This is a live debate in exercise psychology: whether upward comparisons to better-performing rivals urge us to improve, or whether downward comparisons compel us to work to protect our superiority over those lagging behind.

The study offers some of the first hard evidence that health-related habits can spread — and so perhaps could be deliberately seeded and encouraged — by social influence and peer pressure. Previous research has sought such a contagious effect in factors such as obesity and smoking, but the results have been inconclusive.

The new study is a further example of the power of social data collected and made available routinely on a very large scale. Runners cannot lie about their times and distances as they might be tempted to do in self-reported surveys. (Although the competitive nature of running does drive some to cheat and ride a bike.)

So there you have it fellow runners. If you're stuck in a running rut that you need to get out of, find some friends that will turn up the pressure a little bit. You'll most likely find yourself signed up for something you might regret later but you'll have fun training for! And knowing that peer pressure normally starts with a challenge, let me be the first to apply a little peer pressure to end this. I'm signed up for the Dogwood Canyon trail run AND the Bass Pro Marathon. I challenge you to join me. All the cool kids will be there and you don't want to miss out right? See you out on the trails training! 

Happy Running!!!

Only one thing is certain

“I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.” 1 John 5:13 BSB

“‘Hug your families.” That was one of the heartbreaking messages Friday from the wife of an East Bay ultramarathon runner who's been missing since last Saturday according to NBC Bay Area news. The story went on to say that 37-year-old Philip Kreycik disappeared while hiking at Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park. While police have scaled down their search, the family and volunteers have not. “I think the saying goes that your life can change in an instant. That’s exactly what happened to us,” said Jen Yao, Philip’s wife. Fighting back tears, Yao described Philip Kreycik, the man she married as the love of her life and of the outdoors. The family believes Philip Kreycik is still out there injured and disoriented but alive. They are asking neighbors to check their properties in case he wandered in from the park, looking for help. They also have one more request for every family that sees this. “Your life can change just like that. I want everyone to hug your families, care for each other and help us bring him home,” said Yao.

And you know, as this story shows, life can indeed change in an instant. All it takes is one phone call, one pink slip, one lapse in judgement, one dire diagnosis, one misstep, or one misturn; something that serves to remind us that nothing in this life is truly certain and that we should indeed hug our families and loved ones every chance we get. And we should also be telling them, and those around us, that although there might not be anything completely certain in this life, there is something certain in the life to come for all those "who believe in the name of the Son of God" and that is this... without a shadow of a doubt and with 100 percent certainty, "those who believe" in Jesus Christ will inherit "eternal life." Is that great or what? 

So if you have not placed your trust in the Son of God today, don't waste another moment my friend. Do it now. And if you are one of "those who believe," tell somebody about Jesus. It could very well change where they spend eternity. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of eternal life to all those who have chosen to call you Lord. Please give us a boldness to share this Good News with everyone who has yet to make the decision Father so that they might have the complete certainty that when this life has passed, they will spend eternity with You. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Our labor will not be in vain

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV

Yesterday morning before church, my young friend Amber posted a memory on Facebook from 2012 about her now 12-year-old son, Colin, that said, "VBS 9 years ago. This year he got to volunteer as a youth leader!" and then asked this question in the comment section, "Melissa Martinez…. Is that you!? Were you his teacher!!!??!" after inspecting the picture more closely. And my response as I remembered how he and his mother had completed their first 10k together the day before at our FFG Donut run was, "Oh my goodness!! Yes!!! Tears of joy!!!!" All those years ago, when I was blessed to teach her little boy (then 3) at Vacation Bible School, I could not have foreseen what this sweet child would look like as a preteen. I only knew that it was my job to plant seeds of love and faith into his life (and the lives of other children I was blessed to teach that summer), something that many other mature Christians continued to do (and will continue to do) throughout his lifetime--which is one of the reasons I know this sweet boy is still pursuing the Lord today. 

And you know, as this story shows, there are many areas in ministry where the workers, that's you and me, might never see the fruits of their labor. But the Bible is clear that we are to be "steadfast, immovable" and "always abounding in the work of the Lord" anyway, knowing that" our work, toil, and effort will not be in vain. This means that we are to joyfully do any job the Lord has called and equipped us to do praying for a harvest... but being totally content with never seeing that harvest manifest for ourselves. I will never know this side of heaven the effect I might have had on someone's life in the many years I have been a believer but I do know this... I, along with every other believer, am commanded to give my life in service to the Lord however that might look. 

So ask the Lord where it is He might want you to serve today my friend, keeping in mind that no matter what He has called you to do--whether it's teaching young kids, preaching a sermon, cooking meals for the homeless, leading a Bible study, or even greeting people as they walk in the doors of the church--it will not be done in vain. Keep planting those seeds in hopeful expectation. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that the work that we do in your Name will never be in vain. Lord please cause us to understand that although we might never see the fruits of our labors in this life, we will reap the rewards for our effort in the life to come. Give us a passion to serve with all our might God that we might make the most of our time here on this earth. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Be willing to go

"Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.'" Isaiah 6:8 NLT

As I finished up my morning run yesterday, I briefly stopped to text my dear friend Phyllis back after receiving her message telling me that she and her husband Scott (also a dear friend of mine) would be traveling to different locations that day. "Praying safe travels for you both!!" I wrote adding, "May the Lord use you both in mighty ways today!! Love you!" And I absolutely was overcome with joy by her response, "Know God will use you today too." Do you just love that or what? Did you get that know part? Phyllis was acknowledging the fact that God would use us both today. And just how did she know that to be a fact? Because a fact as defined is a thing that is known or proved to be true. And what's both known and proved to be true is this... God will use the person who is willing to be used, the person who has said, "Lord, use me to do Your will. Use me to reach the lost and to serve others the way that you want me to" and who is then ready to step out without hesitancy to do that very thing. 

And you know, when it comes to stepping out without hesitancy, Isaiah was one of those people who was willing to go wherever it was God was calling him to and serves as a great example for us to follow. In fact, the Bible gives us the amazing story of Isaiah's obedience when it tells us about the encounter he had with God--an encounter that ended with Isaiah hearing the Lord asking, "Whom should I send?" and immediately replying “Here I am. Send me." Isaiah's response came from a heart that knew it was a privilege to serve the Living God and to be the one that God would send... even before he knew what he was being sent for. Is that an amazing response to God's call or what?

 
So if you want to be used by God, and I hope that you do my friend because doing so will fill your life with blessings beyond your wildest imagination, just say, "Lord, here I am. Send me." And then be ready to step out... wherever, whenever, however and for whatever God calls you to go and do. And remember this... in the words of A.W. Tozer, "God is looking for people through whom He can do the impossible." May those people be you and me!

Heavenly Father, thank You for being able and willing to use broken and imperfect people who will simply step out in obedience and say, "Lord I am your vessel. Use me as you please." Oh God, please help us to understand that being used by You is a privilege and honor and something that will not only change our lives but the lives of countless others. Help us to follow the example of Isaiah today and say, "Here I am. Send me." 

Happy Running!!!

In the last days

"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good," 2 Timothy 3:1-3 NIV

In a startling and upsetting article published by the Culpeper Star-Exponent on July 13, it was reported that a teen male suspect was in custody following a daylight attack Monday afternoon on a young woman running along the nature trail at the back of Yowell Meadow Park in the town of Culpeper. The victim, a 20-year-old female, has been running in the park for years, said her father in a phone call Tuesday. She fought off her attacker and ran away for help. “She’s as good as she can be … for all of us, it’s surreal. We are happy she is still here. It could have turned out a lot differently,” the father said in conversation with the Star-Exponent. The father asked not to be named to protect his daughter’s identity. The young woman suffered bruises to her neck when the man strangled her after pushing her to the ground, he said. Elvis Natalio Simon Roca, 19, of Culpeper has been charged with robbery and strangulation in the incident. He is being held in the local jail without bond eligibility. Based on the investigation, it was determined that the victim was exercising at the park when she was approached by Roca. After a brief interaction, the victim continued to jog. Roca followed the young woman and physically assaulted her, robbed her and then fled the area on foot. This attack was unprovoked and there is no connection between the victim and the suspect, police said.

And you know, just a few years ago you and I might have been shocked at hearing that a woman out for a run had been attacked in broad daylight for no reason other than to be assaulted and robbed, but not anymore. One look at today's news will tell you that we are in the "terrible times," times Paul warned Timothy would come "in the last days." And just as Paul said, people around the world are indeed "without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal" and, as this story shows, "not lovers of the good..." And while this should most definitely incite us to be on our guard against evil, it should not cause us to fear it. Why? Because we know that the Lord is on our side. 

So while it is definitely important for us to be on high alert to avoid physical harm, the most important thing for us to be on is a mission to share the Good News with the lost. You see, that's our main priority in this life and something we must be doing with all our might until the Lord returns or calls us home. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for warning us of the terrible times that will come in the end days. Your Word clearly tells us that it will not be pleasant but your Word also tells us that we have no reason to fear what man can do to us since we will inherit eternal life. Help us to be brave and bold as we set out to fulfill the Great Commission knowing there's no greater thing that we could ever do... especially as the end times draw near. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - The benefits of rest and recovery

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about something that can totally zap your motivation to lace up your running shoes and your ability to stick to a training routine. It's something nearly every runner will experience.... fatigue, burnout, weariness and borderline depression that stems from a lack of proper rest and recovery. And you can be sure that I'm not just talking about our physical bodies but our mental state as well since we all know they are directly linked. 

The idea for this topic came to me early yesterday as I set out on my morning run and was able to clock a few miles at my BQ (Boston Qualifying) pace (something I had nearly given up on in my pursuit of long-distance running). With all the miles I had been logging the last couple of years to train for and run ultras, I had resigned myself to the belief that speed and long-distance running could not be "married." And while I will never break any land records at either short distances or long ones, I wanted to share what I realized was the key to regaining some (and I'm okay with only some) of the speed I had lost.. proper rest and recovery in between workouts. 

So for those of you who are still wondering whether rest and recovery days are really that important, let's take a look at some of the science behind them and the positive effects proper rest and recovery time have on a runner's body as explained by Dr. Kevin Vincent, director of the University of Florida Running Medicine Clinic, who assures us that, "Rest is not a four-letter word.”

Your muscles bounce back

When you run (or do any kind of exercise), you create microscopic tears in your muscle fibers and your body likes those about as much as you like trying to open a sweaty gel packet after 15 miles. So it responds by rebuilding your muscles stronger, in preparation for the next session. Sounds like a good deal, but there’s a catch: that response only happens with adequate time off from exercising. Vincent says that, depending on the length and intensity of your workout, the body needs a minimum of 36-48 hours to properly reboot. Without it, the body has no opportunity to rebuild and strengthen muscles; they just continue to break down. That negates all the hard work you put in.

*That being said, remember that rest days don't always have to be days when you completely take off from activity and movement. These can cause extreme anxiety in many runners (like me) who use running to manage their depression and mood swings. They are periods when you refrain from running but can include active recovery activities such as biking, yoga, strength training, swimming or aqua running. I personally do aqua running at least 2-3 times a week in lieu of running on land. Not only has this activity kept me injury free since making the choice to faithfully incorporate rest and recovery days into my routine but has helped me become a better runner thanks to the many mobility exercises I mix into the water workout. 

You avoid stress fractures

If you're trying to sidestep an injury, rest is crucial. Contrary to what ill-informed naysayers will trot out, running is actually great for your bones – the impact stresses the bone tissue, and just like a muscle, that increases cell turnover and forces the bone to remodel with stronger structures, says Vincent. ‘But if you run today, tomorrow and the next day, it never has time to fully repair.’ Eventually, you could be looking at a stress fracture – and a lengthy spell out of action.

*And if you think this won't happen to you because you're young or get enough Calcium and Vitamin D, think again. I've had many runner friends of all ages get stress fractures which can sideline a runner for 6-8 weeks. 

Tight tendons are protected

Tendons are connective tissues that hold muscle to bone, so they work constantly as the body moves. But blood doesn't get to them easily, so they take longer to repair than tissues that get a more plentiful supply of your claret (like muscles), explains Vincent. If they don't get that much-needed time, the constant pounding can cause chronic damage, such as tendinitis – which is inflammation from overuse.

*Once again, swimming and aqua running are great ways to turn a rest day into an active recovery day thus getting the most bang for your buck. Your tight tendons will love the water therapy and will thank you for it. 

Your brain has time to chill

Yes, running is a form of stress relief. But every time you lace up, it actually increases the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in your body. Why is that? ‘The body doesn't know if you're running away from danger or if you're running for fun,’ says Vincent. That cortisol bump can cause mood issues, irritability, sleep problems and other health issues if stress levels are chronically high, says Marks. Think of it like a scale: overtrain, and you've tipped too far in one direction; schedule regular rest days, and you'll bring yourself back in balance.

*I can't even begin to stress how important mental rest days are. They not only help a runner avoid the burnout that inevitably comes with overtraining and can lead to depression, but can actually improve a runner's mood and outlook. How? By reminding the runner that running is a gift. Learn to embrace these mental breaks by being thankful for the cross-training activities you are blessed to do while looking forward to your next run. You might even find that the thought of running once again gives you a few butterflies in your stomach. 

So there you have it friends. Those are a lot of reasons why you should incorporate rest and recovery days into your routine. Want another added bonus? Rest days can make you faster! If you use them wisely that is. And you use them wisely by valuing their importance as much as run days. Use them to work on your weaknesses while resting your mind. Tight hamstrings? Take a yoga class. Weak core or shoulders causing a running imbalance? Hit the gym. Weak hip flexors giving you problems? Hit the pool for some hip mobility and strengthening exercises. Anxiety welling up in you? Hop on your bike and visit a new trail, taking the time to absorb and appreciate the sights, sounds and smells all around you. Do you see where I'm going with this? I hated rest and recovery days for years!! Which is the main reason I was injured so often. I am now not only embracing this new pattern of incorporating them into my normal routine, I am discovering new benefits of doing so all the time... something that I hope you will discover as well. So learn to enjoy those rest days friends and see them for the gift they are. Take them often and you'll soon be smiling at how good they make you feel and run. 

Happy Running!!!

Place your trust in Him

"I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 NLT

“At 90, great-grandmother has been running a 10K for 32 years in a row," was the story headline that caught my attention yesterday. And as I read about this 90-year-old great-grandmother, I had to smile. Christine Beard, who was 58 when she first took part in the Fourth of July Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta, has now participated in the 6.2 mile event for more than three decades. At 90, Beard lives independently, drives a car, exercises at the local YMCA three times a week, is active on social media and texts and emails on her smartphone. If something needs to be repaired in her house, she can often fix it herself, she said. As an 18-year breast cancer survivor, Beard credited her healthy longevity to always looking at the good side of things and helping others. She eats everything in moderation, focusing on a healthy diet, but also allowing herself a special treat once in a while. She loves ice cream and sometimes indulges in it in the middle of the night if the mood strikes.

And you know, when it comes to a positive attitude and living longer, science backs up what Christine said about always looking at the good side of things... it will indeed increase our longevity. And looking at the good or bright side of things is something that should just come natural for the person who has placed their total trust in Christ. Why? Because when Jesus is our source of hope, a source that is the same yesterday, today and forever, we will not fear anything that comes our way. In fact, we will be so completely filled “with joy and peace" and will "overflow with confident hope through the power of Holy Spirit” that we can’t help but celebrate that our glasses are half full! Is that amazing or what?

So if you're feeling down and unable to look at the bright side of things today--whatever those things in your life might be, and we will all have things that threaten to steal our hope, joy, and confidence--place your trust in Jesus my friend. Trust Him with your life knowing that He can and will provide for your needs both now and in the life to come. This will not only allow you to smile in the midst of any trial but to see the good in everything. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a God whose promises are always true. Cause us to seek You above all else Lord that we would come to know that your promises are true and that You are a God who can always be trusted... in every situation, in every season and through every trial. Remind us that we can trust You through it all. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Test everything

“Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:19-20 NLT

On July 2, Victory News Network tweeted, "4th place runner Rebecca Washington is set to replace Sha'Carri Richardson on the U.S. Olympic team. The Mormon athlete says she hopes to help inspire the nation's children to say "no" to drugs." The tweet also included this caption under the picture of Sha'Carri and Rebecca, "Sha'Carri Richardson's replacement says, 'this is all part of God's plan for me.'" The problem with the tweet that has now been shared thousands of times? It's totally false. The Tweet was posted by an account that notes in its bio that it's a parody account. Soon after the Richardson tweet blew up, the account tweeted "This is a parody account. We write funny fake news. If you see someone taking one of our made-up stories way too seriously, please let them know it's a joke." Verify researchers took it a step further and checked the Team USA Track and Field team roster, and no one named Rebecca Washington is on the team. We also did an image search for the photo of the runner on the right, and found that it's a doctored photo of 2016 Team USA Olympic runner Jenna Prandini. So we can verify that there is no Mormon, anti-drug 4th place runner replacing Richardson on Team USA. It was a parody post taken out of context.

And you know, in a day and age when false information is coming at us from all directions (thanks to social media- especially when it comes to what the Bible says is true and false), you and I would do well to verify and "test everything that is said" by people or self-proclaimed prophets that claim to know, properly preach and interpret the Word of God. And we do this by first recognizing that the Lord still speaks to and through His people today (therefore we should not "scoff at prophecies") and by then testing everything they say or believe by measuring it against God's Word, asking ourselves, "Do their beliefs and speech line up with Scripture?" You see, you and I are charged with detecting and calling out anyone or any teaching that is contrary to what the Bible holds to be true; and then we are commanded to reject every form of evil and "hold onto what is good."

So don't believe everything you see, hear, or read my friend. Do your due diligence. Fact-check anyone who claims to be preaching Truth to be sure it aligns with what the Bible says. And remember this... times may indeed change but what the Bible declares to be right and wrong never has and never will change. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the Holy Bible so that we would be able to discern what's right, good, and true. Lord, give us a discerning spirit and a heart focused on knowing the Truth so that we might seek and know You and not be led astray by the lies that seek to divide us. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

God knows

"What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows." Matthew 10:29 NLT

“Curious Alaska: What happened to the man who went missing running Mount Marathon in 2012?" was the headline to an article on the Anchorage Daily News site earlier this week; an article that went on to beg the question, "Was there ever any sign of the Mount Marathon runner who vanished during the race several years ago?" referring to Micheal LeMaitre, an Anchorage man who went missing on July 4, 2012 while competing in Mount Marathon, the grueling footrace typically held on the Fourth of July each year. LeMaitre was running Mount Marathon for the first time when he disappeared. It was especially rainy, foggy and slick that day. The 66-year-old businessman and grandfather was last seen about three hours into the race, climbing just shy of the race’s turnaround point at an elevation of about 3,000 feet. “No clues. No trace. No trail,” an Alaska State Troopers spokeswoman said at the time. Nine years on, what happened to LeMaitre is still a mystery. 

And you know, as sad as this story is, there are thousands of people who go missing every single year; people that might not even be missed or sought after. Which makes knowing that God knows and cares about us all the more heart-warming and refreshing. In fact, God loves each and every one of us so much that the Bible tells us that even the very hairs on our head are numbered. Is that amazing or what? It also tells us that "not a single sparrow can fall to the ground" without our Father knowing it. And if He values the sparrow, whose worth is miniscule and minute in the eyes of the world, enough to know and care when one of them dies, we who "are more valuable to God than a flock of sparrows" can trust that He not only knows everything that is happening in our lives, but cares about us no matter how miniscule or meager our worth might be to the world. 

So if you're wondering if God knows or even cares about you today, take heart in knowing this my friend... if God personally attends the funeral of every single sparrow (even those that fall to the ground unnoticed), you can be sure that He loves you more than you could ever comprehend and cares about the death of every one of His own. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are worthy and loved even when we feel invaluable and unloved. Lord, there are so lonely and hurting people in our world that are longing to be filled with this amazing love that only You can provide. Help us to understand that so we would more bold and willing to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth to provide the hope this world so desperately needs. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Run to get the crown

"An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules." 2 Timothy 2:5 ESV

In running news that quickly went viral, the New York Times reported the following yesterday after Sha'Carri Richardson, America's star-sprinter in the 100-meter individual event, was not chosen to be on the U.S. relay team at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics because she tested positive for marijuana (something that clearly goes against the rules of the USATF): Richardson, who admitted she used marijuana and said she had done so to cope with the death of her biological mother and the pressure to perform at the U.S. track and field Olympic trials, could have been selected for the women’s 4x100-meter relay race, an event the U.S. women are favored to win and her last option for competing in the Games. Richardson, 21, the fastest American woman, was suspended for 30 days for the drug violation, and her victory in the 100 meters at the trials was invalidated... In a statement released Tuesday, U.S.A. Track and Field expressed its sympathy to Richardson and called for a re-evaluation of antidoping rules on marijuana use. However, the organization said it would harm its team if it amended its selection rules to make room for Richardson after the conclusion of the trials competition.

And you know, while some people might try and justify the reason Sha'Carrie decided to smoke the banned substance, it doesn't change the fact that she violated the rules set forth by the USATF Organization; with the consequences of doing so clearly defined by the governing authorities. And the same is true with us. As athletes in the race to the final finish line, we are commanded to follow the rules set forth in the Bible by the ultimate Governing Authority. And as Paul told Timothy, "An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules." In other words, an athlete can't make up the rules as he or she pleases or justify the reasons they went against them--they must compete according to the rules God laid out in the Bible if they want to obtain their reward. 

So refuse the temptation to do anything that is contrary to God’s law my friend, no matter how the world might try to rewrite His laws or justify breaking them. Because if we are to receive the crown, we must run the race with integrity, honesty, and strict adherence to God's commands. There's no other way. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that the rules You have set forth in the Word do not change and will never change. Give us the strength to follow those rules in the face of temptation, ridicule and persecution. Help us to run the race as faithful athletes that we might one day claim our crown and hear the words, "Well done good and faithful servant." It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Stop complaining

 

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about something that has the ability to zap your motivation perhaps more than anything else can... complaining. But this toxic pattern of thinking and speaking doesn't just destroy your desire or willingness to step up to the start line or press on to the finish line, it can increase your levels of cortisol, also known as the stress hormone. Chronically high levels of cortisol can then lead to a variety of health problems, including increased risk of depression, digestive problems, sleep issues, higher blood pressure and even increased risk of heart disease.

And do you know what else complaining has the power to do? Affect the morale of those people you are running with. Ever heard the saying, "One bad apple spoils the bunch?" Well one complaining runner can have the same effect. A person who is speaking negatively can literally ruin a run for everyone around them by causing them to take on those negative thoughts themselves. And as every runner knows, a positive mindset is the key to completing a run or race; especially a long or hard one.

Gretchen and Rachel are beside me after completing the 50k with our friends joining us to walk the last 4 miles

Consider the following example from Monday's run with two of my best friends, Rachel and Gretchen. We were intent on running a 50k on a trail near our home. Midway into the race though, I made the remark that it was going to get really hot really quick. And while I thought I was preparing my friends for what was to come, it must have sounded like a complaint because Gretchen called me out on it, "Hey!" she said. "It's not like you to complain. What's up with that?" "Yikes!" I responded. "I certainly didn't mean for it to come out that way. Let's turn that around. Boy am I thankful for the shade this trail provides. It's gonna be a great run!" And just like that the mood changed back to being positive. And it's a good thing that it did because very soon after deciding to speak only things that were clearly and over the top encouraging, enthusiastic and uplifting, Gretchen took a spill on the trail and might have given up without the words and spirit of exhortation she heard and felt from the other runners in our group. Even when the pain caused her to walk the last few miles, she didn't give up. With friends by her side to cheer her on, she pressed on to the finish line. That's how powerful our words and actions are. They have the power to build up or to tear down. And in the case of running, they have the power to discourage or encourage which determines whether a person gives up or gives it their all.

 

Gretchen said it like this, "Words of encouragement have so much power because when you undertake a difficult physical task, it is draining. If people are complaining, that just adds to the mental drain. I feel like keeping a positive, "I can do this" helps to keep the body moving. Knowing you have people on your side who want to see you be successful can make all the difference. And then she added... Finding the right group of friends to do all the crazy things with you makes a world of difference! 

And the right group of friends is always the group that doesn't complain!! Surround yourself with people who are positive and you'll not only find that you have an easier time reaching your goals, but will eventually adopt the same mindset that aims to see the positives in every situation.... a mindset that is crucial if you want to overcome the many obstacles you will encounter over a lifetime of running.  

Still don't believe me? Check out the science that proves, "Complaining is bad for your health" and why you should stop doing it!

1. It Makes You More Likely To Think Negatively

The more you complain, the more likely you are to think negative thoughts later on. Neuroscientists commonly use the phrase “Synapses that fire wire together,” to explain this concept. 

Every time you complain, your brain physically rewires itself to make it easier and more likely for that reaction — aka the type of thought — to occur again. Negative thinking ends up breeding more negative thinking.

2. It Can Damage Your Memory

MRI scans show that constant complaining can lead to shrinking of the hippocampus, the region in your brain responsible for cognitive functioning.

A smaller hippocampus leads to a decline in memory and the ability to adapt to new situations, among other functions. This can occur from even just a few days of stressing out and lead to long-term damage.

3. It Increases Your Levels Of Cortisol (The Stress Hormone)

When you complain, you increase your levels of cortisol, also known as the stress hormone. Chronically high levels of cortisol can lead to a variety of health problems, including increased risk of depression, digestive problems, sleep issues, higher blood pressure and even increased risk of heart disease.

4. It Can Shorten Your Lifespan

Constant complaining is not only bad in the moment, but it can be detrimental in the long run. One study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry found that optimists live longer than pessimists, with a 55 percent lower risk of death from all causes and a 23 percent lower risk of dying from heart failure.

5. It Makes The People Around You Negative Too

No one wants to be around unpleasant people, but if you keep complaining, you might find your peers adapting these negative habits as well. Listening to someone complain makes you more likely to be negative as well, which can just perpetuate the desire to release all those unhappy thoughts.

As they say, birds of a feather tend to flock together, so if you want more positivity, look for people who keep their sour thoughts to themselves.

So there you have it friends. If you want more positivity in your life (and we all should if we want to be happy and successful in our homes, in our relationships, in our work and in our running), find positive friends who refuse to waste time complaining about the things they can't change and who are too busy changing the things they can to give negativity a second thought. You'll not only be doing yourself a favor but will find that people flock to you. And who couldn't use a few more friends to run with right? So get out there with joy in your heart and a smile on your face today and remember... no complaining! 

Happy Running!!!