It’s a Lifetime Commitment

“He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.’” Matthew 19:4-6 ESV

In a heartwarming story titled “North Texas runner with ALS aims for 100 marathons with support from family & friends,” published earlier this month, the tale of Troy and Laura Pruett illustrates what it means to truly honor the “for better or worse, and in sickness and in health” part of the traditional vows that a man and woman make on their wedding day. Their saga began in 2012 when Troy started to lose the use of his legs, then his speech. He was diagnosed with ALS last year. "We were told, you know, two years survival, maybe," said Laura. "It was devastating. We had only been married not quite ten years when he was diagnosed." At first, the diagnosis crushed them. But after a while, Laura says Troy got back to what brought them together: running. "He had already set the goal of 100 marathon runs before his diagnosis," said Laura. He can't run on his own now, so friends from his running club push him – all while he wears his Grinch costume… At the BMW Dallas Marathon, Laura will be waiting at the finish line to kiss him, just like she has at every finish line since they met. "We just have this tradition. He always stops and gives me a kiss somewhere along the way, and then, especially at the finish line," said Laura.

And, you know, in a world that places little importance on the sanctity of marriage, viewing it more as a temporary contract that can be easily broken rather than a covenant that is binding for life, we would do well to remember that when a man and a woman make a vow before God, the vows aren’t just between them but between them and their Creator. “So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” Because of this, a man and a woman (barring extreme circumstances), are to “hold fast” to one another for better, for worse, in sickness, and in health, and are to weather the storms of life together— loving one another with the same, steadfast love that Christ modeled when He died on the cross— til death do they part. Something you can be sure will never be easy but will be worth the fight. 

So, if you’re currently married, vow to love, honor and cherish your partner until the end my friend. And if you’re not, be sure to choose your spouse wisely. Second to following Jesus Christ, it will be the most important decision you will ever make. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that marriage was designed by You to represent the love of Christ to the world. Help us to love our spouses as Jesus loves us that we might stay committed for life and fulfill our vows as You have called us to.  It’s in your precious name we pray  Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Store your Treasures in Heaven

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”Matthew 6:19-20 NIV

In a timely story titled “The 5 Worst Gifts for Runners,” published over the weekend, the writer had this advice. “Before you hit the running store for holiday shopping, here’s a friendly reminder that even the most thoughtful gifts can miss the mark for the capital “R” Runner in your life.” The writer went on to say, “Don’t get me wrong—I appreciate a gift of any kind. After all, it’s the thought that counts! But around holidays and the birthdays, I fret that my friends and family might waste money buying me things that, as a runner, I don’t want or need. 

And, you know, if we’re honest, the majority of us would admit to possessing much more than we need but certainly not all that we want. Which is the very reason Jesus warns us to be content with having only our needs (the necessary things for us to live a safe and stable life in service to Him) met and not our greeds. In this way, we will refrain from the pursuit of storing or stockpiling up for ourselves temporary treasures (money and possessions) on earth and will instead invest the resources and time God has given us into doing things that will bring people into the Kingdom, thereby storing up our eternal “treasures in heaven.” You can be sure, though, that this is only possible through trust, faith and perseverance… trusting Christ to know what we need, the faith to know He will provide for those needs, and the determination to do His will in light of that knowledge. 

So, do all that you can to prevent wasting your time and money on things that won’t have an eternal value my friend, especially this time of year when it’s tempting to buy things that aren’t wanted or needed. Invest what you have been given into Kingdom work instead, knowing that it will have value both now and forever. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we have no reason to seek more than our daily bread. Help us to trust that You will provide for all our needs Lord so that we won’t chase after the things of this world but will chase after the lost instead, so that we might do our part in making heaven full. Remind us Lord that we can’t take any possessions into heaven but we can take people. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Persistence Pays Off

“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Luke 18:1 NIV

In a heartwarming story titled “Senior dog follows runner all the way home. Now, ‘persistent’ pup is up for adoption” published by the Miami Herald on Tuesday, the writer said: A dog followed a runner all the way home — and now the “persistent” older pup is up for adoption.“He is the sweetest senior at our shelter, and we’re really hoping that the right heart is touched by this post,” a Florida animal shelter wrote Dec. 9 on Facebook. “He’s had a tough life. Let’s get him seen. Let’s get him home.” Orange County Animal Services said Rocky is ready for a second chance after experiencing a rough patch. A woman was exercising when she saw him lying motionless near her running path in October, according to the social media post and an online adoption profile. “The dog looked like he was in rough condition,” the Orlando-based shelter wrote. “She walked up to the dog to check if he was still alive, and that was when the dog suddenly woke up. The resident said the dog followed her on the rest of her run, and then followed her home. She was surprised, because the dog was very persistent.” Rocky slept on the woman’s porch overnight before she took him to animal services as a stray. 

And, you know, when it comes to the benefits of being persistent, the Bible gives us the Parable of the Persistent Widow. In it, a corrupt judge who lacks compassion and has no fear of God is repeatedly approached by a woman seeking justice. Initially rejecting her demands, he eventually honors her request so he won’t be worn out by her persistence, thereby demonstrating that effective prayer many times requires great tenacity and faithfulness. You see, God wants and expects us to be persistent—to keep on asking, seeking, knocking, and praying until the answers come. Why? Because as Pastor Rick Henderson explains, “Our persistence doesn’t change God; it changes us. God uses our persistence to mold us, shape us and tune our hearts with His. Sometimes the persistence doesn’t pay off in the way we might expect, but the persistence will always achieve the purpose it was set out for: to perfect the pray-er.”

So if your prayers haven’t been answered, don’t give up praying my friend. While many times the answer is no, many times it’s yes, but will come to pass in God’s perfect timing for God’s perfect purpose… if you don’t give up praying that is. So don’t give up! Ever! Disciples of Jesus are people that should be known for their persistent faith which comes through persistent prayer.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that some prayers are answered instantly while some are answered only after months, years, or even decades of praying. Lord, help us to be known as people that never give up praying no matter how bleak the situation might appear. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Death is Not to be Feared

“Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 1 Corinthians 15:54 NLT

In a heartbreaking story titled “Marathon runner with 'perfect' blood test results diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer - his only symptom was easy to dismiss,” published earlier this week, it was reported that a father-of-two who put the 'dull ache' in his lower abdomen down to stress levels was eventually diagnosed with ultra-deadly pancreatic cancer — and has warned others not to dismiss warning signs. Lee Rawlinson, 51, from Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, has been told he has months to live, after doctors spotted the disease that is 'inoperable', and has spread to his liver. The 'brutal' diagnosis came as a total shock — not only because he is a fit and healthy marathon runner, but due to his normal blood and urine tests. Of his imminent and certain departure, Lee said, “This will be my last Christmas. I’m facing the jaws of death. I’m sailing towards it and I can’t do anything about it, yet I just have to face it. I don’t fear death, I fear leaving my children and my wife behind…”

And you know, while most people would say that their biggest fear is death, believers in Jesus Christ should never share that fear. You see, as Paul reminds us, “when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” In other words, when our current bodies perish, they will be replaced by bodies in heaven that will never die. Though we’re mortal now, if we’re in Christ when we pass from this life to the next, we’ll be immortal, living forever with Him in heaven—a place where there will be no more tears, pain or suffering. Which means, for Christians, death is not something to fear.

So, knowing that not even death can separate us from the love of God, live your life on fire for him every day my friend. As this story shows, our days are numbered and we have only so much time to serve Christ and to inspire others to seek Him. So don’t waste even one minute of it! Every day is a gift from God to be used in service to God. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the death and resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ, that defeated death once and for all. Help us to remember that, as George Whitfield once said, “We are immortal until our work on earth is done.” And to hold on to the promise that death is not the end but the beginning of eternal life with You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Get your Game Face on

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by once again talking about winter running. After all, it’s not only cold but the first day of winter will be here in 10 days, which means it’s only going to get colder. And while that may fill a lot of runners with so much dread that they’re running for the treadmill, you can be ready to get out the door by putting on your "game face.”

Now while a game face can be defined as a serious or determined expression that a person puts on when they are going to try to win or achieve something and can usually be conjured up by visions of them reaching their goal, a winter running game face might be a little harder to don for various reasons. Listed below are the top three reasons I've seen in my many years of coaching that runners were hesitant to head out the door the minute the mercury dropped to an uncomfortable level. 

1. With very few winter races, it's hard to see the value in embracing the harsh conditions since the race you might be training for is held in the Spring when the temperatures will rise and the conditions will be idyllic. And while I get the reasoning behind this, opting for the treadmill all winter will keep you from enjoying the feeling of accomplishment you'll get from embracing the season and getting out there despite the cold. This will also add to your gratefulness when the warm air eventually returns. 

To get your game face on in this instance, sign up for a virtual race or set a personal goal that requires going outside and fits into your training plan. Then get serious about making it happen by envisioning yourself completing such a difficult and daunting task. 

2. It's faster and easier to jump on the treadmill than it is to layer up. While this is most definitely true, the absence of natural scenery (Netflix may be entertaining but it's not the great outdoors) and lack of fresh air may feel monotonous, making it harder to stay motivated to complete your running sessions.

To get on your game face, check the forecast and lay your clothes out the night before. Begin envisioning your run the moment you get up (or before heading out if you run later in the day) and begin reciting some winter mantra such as... 

"There's no bad weather when you have the right clothing," or "If you wait for the perfect conditions, you'll never get anything done." 

3. The treadmill is much safer. For the most part, this is very true if you vary up the inclines to avoid overworking your muscles. And this is especially true if there's snow or ice on the ground. But running outside introduces irregular terrain and natural inclines and declines, which can prevent overworking your muscles and provide an extra challenge which can potentially improve your fitness more than the treadmill can.

To get on your game face, put on a pair of traction cleats and simply slow down your run. Prepare mentally by picturing yourself breathing in all the winter smells and using the slower pace to practice mindfulness and gratitude. Think about all the ways this run will give you grit. This will make you a better runner in every season!

Now that we’ve covered the reasons you can and should take your runs outside (at least part of the time), treadmill running most definitely has its place too. Which means, in the end, declaring one option as definitively better than the other would overlook the unique advantages each brings. Outdoor running stimulates the senses, while treadmill running offers control, convenience and consistency. If you’re training for an outdoor race, you should probably do at least some of your training outside, but both types of running are valuable. Variations in training goals, weather conditions, time constraints and personal preferences should dictate the choice between outdoor or treadmill running. 

So, no matter where you choose to run, remember that this season won’t last forever and the important thing is to remain consistent so you’ll be ready for those spring races. As a winter running lover, all I can say is “Bring it on! I’m ready and I hope you are too!” Happy Running!

Don’t Believe the Devil

“Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?’” Genesis 3:1 NIV

In a heartbreaking story titled “Norwegian marathon runner dies aged 39 as brother shares on Facebook eating disorders are a 'terrible illness,’” it was reported that marathon runner, Marthe Katrine Myhre, died at the age of 39. Her brother Anders Myhre announced her death on Facebook. He wrote on his sister’s Facebook walk on behalf of his family saying: “We all have a body, we are all different. For you, your body became very difficult at the age of 15. Within a few weeks, you were completely trapped in a terrible illness. “Three hospitalizations and over a year of total bed rest were the start of many, many challenging years. Eating disorders are a terrible illness”. He wrote that Myhre was found dead in his childhood home and that a doctor confirmed that it was a natural death. He added: “Rest in peace, our dear daughter, sister, aunt and sister-in-law”.

And, you know, as someone who developed an eating disorder in their early teens myself, I can tell you now upon looking back that the root cause of this unsound and disordered thinking has a deeply spiritual cause. You see, Satan was and still is “more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made.” And he’s still whispering lies into the ears of God’s children wanting them to doubt what God says about them. The truth is the Bible assures us of God’s great love for us, saying that we are His creation, His handiwork, and we are made in His image (Genesis 1:27–28; Psalm 139; Ephesians 2:1–10). And because of that, our identity is in Christ and not in what the world says we are or should be. Furthermore, our value is not based on how we look regardless of the attempts of the devil to tell us otherwise—and to then lead us down a path of self hatred and harm. 

So don’t buy into the lies of the enemy my friend. Commit to memory the promises of God and, following the example of Jesus, combat the enemy’s attacks by saying, “Not today devil. It is written…” and then share what the Bible says about your value and your identity (Matthew 4:1-11). The enemy will try to distort the Truth but he won’t be successful when you know what God REALLY said!

Heavenly Father, thank You for the Word that allows us to battle our enemy and shine the light on his lies. Lord, help us to remember that the devil is relentless in his mission to destroy us and will do it however he can. Which means we must be studied up and prayed up at all times. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Do Not be Unequally Yoked

“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 NKJV

In a story titled “Strava’s 2024 Yearly Report Shows That Social Runs Are In—and Burnout Is Out,” the writer said had this to say about the rise in running clubs the report showed: As backed by the data in Strava’s latest trend report, social running truly boomed in 2024, particularly among younger Gen Z athletes. In fact, 66 percent of Gen Z respondents (versus 58 percent of respondents overall) said that they made new friends through a fitness group in 2024, and 55 percent of Gen Z respondents (versus 48 percent overall) said that their main reason for joining a fitness group in the first place was to make social connections. This trend looks set to continue, if not grow even more, in 2025. Strava says that running is the fastest-growing social sport on its platform—and we can see why. Over the past 12 months, the number of running clubs on Strava increased by 59 percent and, of the Gen Z athletes surveyed, one-fifth said that they had been on a date with someone they met at a group fitness activity. So, if you’re looking for love, put down that dating app—and join a running club instead.

And, you know, while the world's idea of finding love might be looking for and dating someone a person shares a common hobby or interest with hoping that it leads to something else, the Bible has a very different view on dating—stating that a believer should “not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers” since righteousness and lawlessness are as completely opposite as light and darkness are. Which means that the first and most important thing a follower of Jesus Christ must look for in a potential mate is a shared love of the Father and a heart set on keeping His commands. Furthermore, to be sure a believer doesn’t end up “unequally yoked,” the standing of another should be established before the very first date to ensure that the charisma or smooth talk of an unbeliever might not tempt them into entering a worldly relationship that doesn’t honor God. 

So, when looking for a mate, be very careful my friend. You might think you can win an unbeliever to Christ by dating them, but chances are they will lead you away from Christ and into sin. Sadly, I’ve seen this happen many times and it rarely ends well. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that bad company corrupts good character, and we must guard ourselves from being deceived by thinking otherwise. Lord, please help us to understand that we must be so set apart from the world that we would not even date the way the world does nor have sex outside of marriage. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

It Takes Determination

“Afterward Moses and Aaron went and said to Pharaoh, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness.’” Exodus 5:1 ESV

In a story shared by KY3 News yesterday, it was reported that a Texas runner is celebrating an accomplishment that may sound impossible: at age 71, he completed seven marathons on seven continents over the course of a single week. Mike Rogers, a 71-year-old man with the USA FIT Lubbock run club, now has a medal to celebrate completing the Great World Race in November. The seven-day race consists of seven marathons on all seven continents. It began in Wolf’s Fang, Antartica, on a glacier in below freezing temperatures, KCBD reports. “They all think I’m crazy. My friends, my family, my church, everyone thinks I’m insane,” Rogers said. “Maybe I am.” The adventure of a lifetime took Rogers to Cape Town, South Africa; Perth, Australia and Istanbul, Turkey, where he ran 26 miles through the middle of the night in freezing rain. “So, I got some blisters after that and some black toenails, but that’s OK. I had a good time,” he said. In some pain and with little to no sleep, the 71-year-old ran a half marathon in the Asian part of Istanbul, followed by another half marathon in 100-degree weather in Cartagena, Columbia. He then flew home to the United States for his final marathon in Miami... Rogers says he ran about 15 to 20 miles a day, four to five times a week to prepare for the race. While it’s definitely a challenge, he says in time, anyone could do it. "Everyone can do this. It just takes a little bit of determination," he said.

And, you know, when it comes to the determination needed for each one of us to fulfill our individual calling, we would all do well to follow the example of Moses who was so determined to lead the Israelite slaves out of Egypt and into the promised land that he wasn’t afraid to confront Pharaoh (at the age of 80 I might add) who was a very evil and stubborn ruler, to deliver the message, “Let my people go...” In fact, Moses was so determined that he repeatedly called upon God to help him when Pharaoh refused and each time (ten in total!) God helped Moses by sending a plague. Even after Pharaoh finally let God’s people go, he changed his mind and sent his chariots and charioteers after them. What did Moses do? He called upon God again, and God allowed Moses to part the Red Sea. Moses met many more challenges along the way, but continued to press on until the Israelites reached the promised land, although it was Joshua who finally led them in. 

So, knowing that it takes firmness of purpose to remain steadfast on the mission the Lord has given you (especially one that seems impossible), don’t take your eyes off God for even one moment my friend because He is where your help comes from  The road won’t always be easy and you might fall a time or two, but remain determined to reach the promised land and grab hold of the prize awaiting you. You might be called crazy for doing so but that’s okay!

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that everyone who wants to make it to the final finish line can by putting their faith in You. Give us the determination to keep going despite the setbacks we might incur and to keep pressing on until we hear the words “Well done, good and faithful servant.” It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Take Movement Breaks for Strength

“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” Psalm 55:22 NIV

In a story titled “The benefits of running just 10 minutes a day” published earlier this week, the writer explained how even a quick, casual jog can boost both your mood, your fitness, your lifespan and more. ‘Research shows that running even five to 10 minutes per day at slow speeds reduces all-cause mortality, as well as death from cardiovascular disease,’ says exercise physiologist and runner Lindsay Ludlow. This is supported by the Copenhagen City Heart Study, which followed more than 5,000 people. Here, researchers found that those who run at an easy to moderate pace, for a total of one to three hours every week, live longer than those who are sedentary – as well as those who run faster and more frequently… “If you’re training for a race and already running far more than 10 minutes on some days, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take those 10-minute easy run breaks,’ says Louise Valentine, author of The Art of Breaking Through. ‘We often see the ‘active couch potato’ complex, which means that you work out regularly, but when you’re not working out, you have long periods of inactivity. You need those movement breaks for your health.’

And, you know, when it comes to needed “movement breaks,” you and I would do well to remember that our spiritual health will benefit greatly from taking time throughout each day to move or cast our burdens and cares “on the Lord.” You see, our enemy (the devil) never rests from his mission of causing us to doubt the goodness and faithfulness of God—something he does by attacking our hearts and minds when we are weighed down by the stresses of life. He will do his best to cause us to ask questions like, “Does God know what I’m going through? Does God even care about me?” And of course the answer is… God knows and God cares. And He shows just how much He loves his children by beckoning them to lay their worries and concerns at his feet so He can replace those troubles with his perfect peace which reminds them that God is always in control and God always works things for their good. 

So be sure to take “movement breaks” throughout the day my friend by casting your cares on the Lord “and he will sustain you.” This is one exercise you will never regret!

Heavenly Father, thank You for being our Burden Bearer and for reminding us that casting our cares on You is something that we must do daily or even hourly if we are to avoid the ploys of the enemy to bring us down. Help us to remember that the righteous will never be shaken or taken off course if they will keep their eyes on You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Running in the Cold Can be Enjoyable

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let’s get started by talking about the weather. What’s the deal with it right? I mean, it’s not winter (begins December 21) yet but it sure feels like it with the recent brisky mornings. And of course we know that it’s only going to get colder in the coming weeks and we will soon have snow, ice, and all the other wonderful conditions winter will hit us with. 

And while this unpredictability in the weather might make running outside less appealing, especially if you have access to a treadmill or an indoor track, running in the cold definitely has its joys as well. From the beauty of a white-filled landscape to the peacefulness of having your favorite routes to yourself, cold weather running can be super enjoyable, especially when you choose to take in the beauty of it.

Check out what I spotted yesterday along my route pictured above (it was 14 degrees in the valley). If a person didn't know any better, they wouldn’t have given a second glance to embrace the awesomeness of these "frost flowers" because they look like bits of scattered trash… until they are inspected up close that is. You will never see these beauties in warm conditions because their formation requires freezing air temperature, soil that is moist or wet but not frozen, and a plant's stem that has not been previously frozen. The water in the plant's stem is drawn upward by capillary action from the ground. It expands as it freezes and splits the stem vertically and freezes on contact with the air. As more water is drawn from ground through the split, it extrudes a paper thin ice layer further from the stem. The length of the split determines if the frost flower is a narrow or wide ribbon of ice. It curls unpredictably as it is extruded, perhaps from unequal friction along the sides of the split, to form "petals". These flowers, no two of which are alike, are fragile and last only until they sublimate or melt. Is that cool or what? 

With that being said, the right gear, game plan, and mindset will allow you to get outside to see the sights and continue training as usual. On a side note, with Christmas coming up, accumulating the “right gear” might be as easy as adding it to your wish list and letting your loved ones put it under the tree. 

But without further ado, check out these eight tips to help make running in the cold a bit more enjoyable:

1. Run Toward a Reward

Luring yourself out the door with the promise of a reward at the end can set your mind on something other than the cold. That reward can be as simple as having a hot cup of coffee or cocoa or as elaborate as having lunch with a friend. Speaking of friends, finding an accountability partner is a reward in itself as there's no wimping out when someone is waiting for you to run with them. 

Doing a cold run solo? Tell yourself that you can go back inside after ten minutes if it’s really bad. Nine times out of ten, you'll stay out there. Gritting it out is a reward in itself. 

2. Wear the Right Shoes

To keep warmth in and slush out when cold weather running, lace up shoes that have the least amount of mesh. If you have shoes with Gore-Tex uppers, that's even better. Wear socks that wick away wetness, too, but keep your feet warm.

Also, remember that those trail shoes aren’t just for trails. When the streets are covered with snow, trail shoes are the way to go as they grip the frozen precipitation and will help keep you upright. If it’s really slick, consider wearing some yak tracks or other traction cleats. And then adjust your pace accordingly. It’s better to take a few extra minutes on your run than to rush and fall. 

3. Be Flexible With Pace and Mileage

As stated in tip 2, adjust your pace and mileage when needed. And don’t be afraid to change up your running plan if necessary. For example, if Saturday calls for a long run and the conditions are looking horrible, do it on a different day (I take vacation hours here and there when needed to do this). And embrace this fact… sometimes cold runs need to be about maintenance miles rather than speed workouts and making gains. 

4. Dress Like It’s Warmer

You want to be warm without sweating so much you get chilled. The rule of thumb is to dress as if it is 10 to 20 degrees warmer than it really is, factoring in the wind chill of course. You should be slightly cool when you start. Layers of technical fabrics to wick sweat with zippers at the neck and underarm area to vent air as you heat up are a good choice as is investing in a good buff that you can pull up and down off the face. The more you run outdoors, the more you’ll learn your own preferences and learn to dress accordingly. I’m a huge fan of vests and long sleeves until the temps drop below ten degrees. Once again, this is a learning curve on what works best for you. Also, mittens are a smarter option when it's cold as they keep your hands warmer than gloves. 

5. Stay Safe With More Lights

With limited daylight, chances are you’ll be running in the dark at one point or another. To stay safe, wear reflective, fluorescent gear, and don’t be shy about wearing some lights so people can see you from afar (tis the season for lights anyway right?)

Using a headlamp or carrying a flashlight will not only help you see where you’re going, but will help other people and drivers see you as well. 

6. Warm Up Prerun

Move around inside enough to get your blood flowing without breaking a sweat. The cold doesn’t feel so cold when you’re warm. Run up and down your stairs, use a jump rope, or simply run in place.

7. Outsmart the Wind

If you can, start your run by heading into the wind and finish with it at your back, so the breeze doesn’t blast you after you’ve broken a sweat. To avoid a long, biting slog, try breaking it up: Run into the wind for about 10 minutes, turn around to run with the wind at your back for five minutes, and repeat.

Keep in mind that exposed skin is especially vulnerable to chilly gusts. If wind’s in the forecast (which it almost always is in the Midwest), consider slathering up with A&D ointment or Vaseline, or opting for a full face mask. 

8. Change Quickly Postrun

Your core body temperature drops as soon as you stop running in the cold. To avoid a lingering case of the chills, change your clothes—head to toe—as soon as you can.

Women need to get out of damp sports bras quickly. Put a warm, dry hat or beenie over wet hair. And drink something hot—a steamy beverage is great, but a hearty soup does double duty by refueling your protein, carbs, and sodium stores while also warming you up.

Bring a change of clothes with you if you won’t be ending your runs at home. If you have access to a public bathroom, by all means use it to change into dry clothes. If not, have a blanket in your car and drape it over your whole body. This will allow you to change underneath anywhere you might be while you have the heat on high blast. 

And there you have it friends. By being ready for cold weather running, you can not only continue to train hard for those Spring races, but can be comfortable(ish) while doing it. So don't learn the hard way that it's miserable when you're not dressed right and/or don't recover right. Utilize these winter running tips and you'll be smiling as you head out the door and when you return.  Happy Running!

The Spotlight Belongs to God

“Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” Psalm 115:1 NIV

In a story titled “Sawe and Alemu Steal the Spotlight at the Valencia Marathon” published yesterday, it was reported that Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe made a historic marathon debut at the Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso, finishing in a world-leading time of 2:02:05. His remarkable run ranks as the fifth-fastest marathon in history and is just 12 seconds short of the best-ever debut set by Kelvin Kiptum. In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Megertu Alemu claimed victory in 2:16:49, narrowly missing her personal best by just 15 seconds. Alemu later said “The cheers from the crowd gave me strength to finish strong.”

And, you know, when it comes to giving credit where credit is due, you and I would to well to remember that the only way we can ever “finish strong” is because of the Lord giving us the strength to do so rather than the cheers of strangers. You see, all of our gifts and abilities come from God. And because of that, they are to be used by us to point others back to God—something we fail to do when we accept the spotlight placed on ourselves by the world. Which is the very reason we are to always say, “To God be the glory” when we achieve success of any kind. This not only reminds us that we can do nothing of lasting value without Christ, but inspires others to seek the One who inspires this allegiance. 

So refuse to take any of God’s glory by keeping the spotlight on Him rather than on yourself my friend. Acknowledge God as the giver of your talents and gifts at all times and you’ll “finish strong” in the end. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that all we are and all we have comes from You to be used in service to You. Help us to always keep the spotlight on You Lord so that people would acknowledge and seek You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

The Odds are One Hundred Percent

“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” John 3:36 NIV

In a surprising story titled “Deer injures runner at Watertown Turkey Day Run,” aired by WWNY 7 News out of Watertown, New York on Thanksgiving last week, it was reported that one runner at the Watertown Turkey Day Run was hurt after deer ran into the crowd of participants. It happened just as the annual event started Thursday morning. As many as 4 deer were seen running into the runners. Others stayed behind to help, some of them were said to be nurses or EMT’s. Two people were hurt. One person was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Watertown police say the runner suffered minor injuries. And while a person is more likely to be killed by a deer than any other wild animal, the odds of being run over by a pack of them at a Thanksgiving Day run are almost zero. 

And, you know, when it comes to the odds being in a person’s favor, the subject of hell is so grim that many people avoid it all together or choose to believe it doesn’t exist. But the truth is… hell is a real place and all those who refuse to accept Jesus as their Savior before they die have a one hundred percent chance of spending eternity there—a sobering thought that should strike fear in the heart of every nonbeliever. In fact, the Bible couldn’t be any more clear about the odds saying, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” In other words, to reject the Son is to reject His gift - eternal life. You can’t tell Him, “I’ll take the gift but reject You.” 

So, if you haven’t made the decision to accept Jesus as your Savior, don’t put the decision off for another moment my friend. There are no second chances once you take your last breath and hell is not the place you want to spend eternity. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for your Word that clearly tells us that we only have two options of where we will spend eternity… Heaven or hell. And that to not choose You means a person chooses to bring the wrath of God on themselves and suffer the eternal consequences for doing so. Help us to be bold in sharing this message so that all would come to know You before it’s too late. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

The Best Friday Savings

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

Like thousands of other runners across the nation yesterday, I hadn't even finished celebrating Thanksgiving with my friends and family before I began receiving ads, popups and email invitations to take advantage of Black Friday sales on everything from running shoes, hydration vests, Runner's World Subscriptions and thermal tights to Garmin watches, discounted race entry fees, and the newest treadmills. With all the retailers' promises of free shipping and discounted prices, you might have even thought that the savings seemed too good to pass up, right? But if you think those offers were great, there's another offer that makes them pale in comparison. It was the absolute best offer ever extended on a Friday, a very Good Friday. 

You see on the first Good Friday over 2,000 years ago, our Savior, Jesus Christ, died a criminal's death on a cross so that He could offer us the greatest deal of all time... eternal life. Why? Because He loves us more than we could ever imagine. In fact, the Bible tells us that "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son..." And if that wasn't amazing enough, it gets even better! You don't have to wait for a sale or a special day to receive this life-saving savings--eternal life is offered to "whoever believes in him." That means every person who accepts this offer "shall not perish but have eternal life." How's that for savings? 

Now if you're thinking this offer is too good to be true, let me assure that it's completely true my friend. There are no hidden fees and no conditions that need to be met either. Simply accept Jesus and be saved. It's a decision that will most assuredly change the rest of your life as Billy Graham so wisely knew when he said, "I have never known anyone to accept Christ’s redemption and later regret it.”

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much that you would send your one and only Son to die for us that we might spend eternity with You. If there is anyone reading this today that has not accepted you as their Lord and Savior, I pray today is the day they would say, "Lord, I admit that I am a sinner. I believe that you died on the cross to save me from my sins and I accept you as Lord of my life. Forgive me for the mistakes that I've made and help me start new knowing that I can look forward to eternal life with You." It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Give Thanks to God Every Day

"Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done." Psalm 105:1 NLT

Ask any runner what they love most about running and they might tell you that it's because it allows them to eat whatever they want. Which begs the question, “If we run a lot, can we eat like every day is Thanksgiving and not suffer any consequences?” The majority of runners would answer, “Yes. As long as the numbers aren’t moving up on the scale.” But in reality, Aaron Baggish, M.D., director of the Cardiovascular Performance Program at Massachusetts General Hospital Heart Center and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, said, “Just because the number on the scale seems healthy doesn’t mean your diet isn’t doing damage on the inside. Time and time again, I meet runners in their 50s and 60s, who think they’ve done pretty much everything right in their life from a health perspective, who end up with heart disease." Dr. Baggish went on to say that overindulgence in simple sugars was the single most common dietary transgression among endurance athletes. “Eat large portions of these, and the body turns them into bad molecules, bad types of fat, bad oxidative sugar species—things that do a lot of damage to the heart vessels.”

And while you and I shouldn't eat like every day is Thanksgiving--ingesting pies, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and rolls--there's one thing that we should do every day like it's Thanksgiving. And that's giving "thanks to the Lord." But not just giving thanks with our lips but with our lives; something we do by proclaiming God's greatness, living for Him each day, and letting "the whole world know what he has done." You see, thanksgiving, or our expression of gratitude to God (especially publicly), not only benefits us because it fills our hearts with joy but is our testimony to the world that God is good and worthy to be praised... something that has the power to compel the lost to seek Him. 

So in the words of Charles Spurgeon, "Look downward and give thanks, for you are saved from hell; look on the right hand and give thanks, for you are enriched with gracious gifts; look on the left hand and give thanks, for you are shielded from deadly ills; look above you and give thanks, for heaven awaits you." Happy Thanksgiving friends. We have so much to be thankful for!

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a God who is worthy of all our praise, honor, and worship. Cause us to understand just how good You are that we would be unable to keep silent and would daily proclaim Your greatness to the world. Help us to practice thanksgiving each and every day Lord that we might inspire others to seek You. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Combine Gratitude and Running

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about Thanksgiving--which is a time to gather with family and friends to share a traditional meal and express gratitude for the good things in life (after participating in the obligatory Turkey Trot 5k of course). It's also a time to run... a lot. Especially if you want to get away from the in-laws or another family member who drives you nuts or want to avoid the weight gain and bloating that comes from a day-long marathon of over-indulgence. Whatever your reason, though, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, running a gratitude mile or two is good for your mind, your mood, and your waist line. 

So what exactly is a gratitude mile you might be wondering? Well... it's a time where you consciously call to mind the many things you have to be thankful for. And while it might be hard to start this thought pattern, it helps to begin by speaking out loud the things you are appreciative of in the moment and soon a million things will come to your mind. Getting started might sound something like this... "I'm grateful for my warm home that I will return to when I'm done. I'm grateful for the falling leaves and the crisp air and the ability to see, smell, and feel it all. I'm grateful for the sun. I'm grateful for the ability to run. I'm grateful for the food in my refrigerator and the meal I will enjoy later. I'm thankful for a new day. I'm thankful for my spouse. I'm thankful for my children. I'm thankful for this day God has given me. I'm thankful for my friends. I'm thankful for my past trials because they made me strong and I'm thankful for my current ones because they will make me even stronger. I'm thankful for being alive. And I'm thankful for this mile I'm in no matter how hard it might be." 

See where I'm going with that? Do this for at least 10-15 minutes and you'll likely find that you have way more to be thankful for than you thought. Which means you might end up with more than just one "gratitude mile.” And that’s a good thing!

Furthermore, expressing gratitude is associated with a host of other mental and physical benefits. Studies have shown that feeling thankful can improve sleep, mood and immunity. Gratitude can also decrease depression, anxiety, difficulties with chronic pain and risk of disease. Gratitude is so powerful, in my opinion, that if a pill could produce all the amazing benefits gratitude does, everyone would be taking it. 

Consider this as well, expressing gratitude releases certain feel-good chemicals into the body. Running also releases certain feel-good chemicals into the body. Which means when we combine the two, we can't help but be happy!

So, there you have it friends. Those are some great reasons to get in some miles while counting your blessings. This is something I purposefully do every day and something I hope you'll enjoy so much that you will make it a daily habit as well. After all, there are millions of things to be thankful for every day. 

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Running!

Dropping Out is Not an Option

“The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.” Acts 5:41-42 NIV

In a story published by Runner's World last week, it was reported that things were going exactly according to plan for Habtom Samuel. The sophomore at the University of New Mexico was right where he wanted to be—with the lead pack—at the midway point of the NCAA Division I Cross-Country Championships in Verona, Wisconsin on Saturday. Then, disaster struck. Just after the 5K mark, halfway through the 10K race, Samuel lost a shoe... Samuel, missing shoe and all, was still able to unleash a furious kick and finish second, celebrating as he crossed the finish line… His bloodied shoe was recovered by a spectator, and it shows a noticeable hole on the side. “It’s hard to run barefoot. My foot, I don’t feel anything. (The ground) is so hard,” Samuel added. Temperatures in Wisconsin were in the mid-30s during the race, and it snowed in the days leading up to Saturday. Not exactly ideal barefoot running conditions. Despite it all, Samuel said at no point during the race did he consider dropping out. “I can’t quit,” he said. “I don’t want to stop.”

And, you know, when it comes to running the race despite being faced with less than ideal conditions, the Bible gives us the story of the persecution of the apostles that resulted from their refusal to obey the warning from the Jewish officials to cease preaching and teaching in the name of Jesus. Even after being jailed and later flogged for their disobedience to the warning, the disciples never once considered dropping out, but rejoiced “because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.” 

So, knowing that a time of persecution could very well be in our near future as foretold in the Word, vow to keep sharing the Good News despite any less than ideal conditions you will face for doing so my friend. Our job is that important! Like the apostles, embrace any suffering you might encounter for the Name and rejoice as you press on to the finish line. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that the Christian life is not an easy one and that it will get harder as we approach the day of Jesus’ return. Lord please help us to draw strength from your Word and the story of the apostles so we will be ready to follow their example and preach and teach the Good News with all boldness and urgency despite the consequences. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Tell Your Story

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story— those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,” Psalm 107:1-2 NIV

“I was a wretch, I remember who I was
I was lost, I was blind, I was running out of time
Sin separated, the breach was far too wide
But from the far side of the chasm
You held me in Your sight…

So You made a way, across the great divide  

Left behind, Heaven's throne, to build it here inside. 

And there at the cross You paid the debt I owe. 

Broke my chains, freed my soul, for the first time I had hope…

Thank You Jesus, for the blood applied
Thank You Jesus, it has washed me white
Thank You Jesus, You have saved my life
Brought me from the darkness into glorious light…”

As I raised my hands in praise and sang those words alongside my husband and church family yesterday morning, I was overwhelmed with gratitude at the goodness of God in my life. “Not only has the Lord granted you the gift of eternal life by the death of His Son Jesus Christ that reconciled you back to Him (something He did while you were still a sinner),” I thought to myself as the tears began to flow, “but He gave you all that you have… the ability to run, a new husband who loves the Lord with all his heart and absolutely adores you, two amazing children (and three bonus daughters), a home, a car, a full refrigerator, and a great job that allows you to serve your community. And that’s just a small list of things. You truly have a lot to be thankful for today and every day.”

 
And, you know, if you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you too have a lot to be thankful for today and every day. By the death and resurrection of God’s Son, you have been “redeemed from the hand of the foe” and have reason to “give thanks to the Lord.” For He is good and his love endures forever! Did you get that part? God is not good sometimes, but all the time! And God’s love isn’t conditional or earned, it’s freely poured out on us day after day. The psalmist clearly understood this and went on to list even more reasons that God can and should be praised, adding that the redeemed of the Lord (that’s you and me) should regularly and unashamedly tell their story in response to this knowledge. You see, while all believers share a common story of salvation the day they accepted Jesus as their Savior, individually each one of us has a unique one-of-a-kind story that displays the extraordinary goodness of God.

So don’t keep the goodness of God to yourself my friend. If God has been good to you, then tell your story! It’s the very thing that has the power to lead others to the foot of the Cross where they can discover for themselves that God is good and worthy of our thanksgiving and praise.

Heavenly Father, thank You for being good all the time and for loving us unconditionally. Help us to be so filled with gratitude in light of your goodness God that we are compelled to share our story with all those we meet in hopes that they will choose to follow You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

 
Happy Running!

Fear the Lord and Live Longer

“The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short.” Proverbs 10:27 ESV

In an article published by Runners World last week, it was revealed that a new study published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that a person doesn’t have to run hard, fast or far in order to get a decent health boost. After then chronicling the results of the October, 2024 study, they listed the health benefits of walking: As with running, you can reap a wealth of health rewards when you make walking a regular part of your daily routine. For a start, it’s a highly accessible form of cardiovascular exercise that is doable for most people. That said, walking is still a weight-baring activity, which can help to promote healthy bone density and mobility. Various studies have also concluded that walking can help to lift your mood, improve your heart health and lower your risk of developing diabetes and other chronic illnesses like cardiovascular disease. In fact, research has found that a person lowers their systolic blood pressure (the number at the top) by about 0.45 points for every 1,000 steps that they take each day. Meanwhile, another study purports that walking may help you to live longer.

And, you know, in the same way exercise helps a person live longer, Solomon pointed out that, as a general rule, those who fear the Lord live longer than those who don’t. You see, barring accidents or unpreventable conditions or diseases, most causes of death can be warded off by avoiding habits and lifestyles that are contrary to the Bible—something those who fear the Lord do by keeping sex within the confines of a monogamous marriage, exercising regularly, eating right, and treating their bodies as the temples God created them to be. In contrast, a wicked person that has no fear of the Lord (and thus no moral boundaries) is more readily addicted to food, drugs, alcohol and illicit sex. These addictions then lead them to engage in risky behaviors that inflict damage on both their mind and their body, thereby shortening their life considerably. 

So if you want to live a longer life, walk with the Lord daily my friend. Doing so will keep you on the right path to optimal physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health which will help you live a fuller life as well. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that those who fear You, or are in awe of your holiness and power, will strive to follow your commands and thus free themselves from the consequences that walking in sin always has. Lord, please cause us to understand that your laws are given to keep us safe, healthy, and happy and not to prohibit us from having fun. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Be Generous with Your Service

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25 NIV

In a story titled "HEROES MARATHON 2024: Every runner has a reason" published by Salem News Missouri yesterday, the Race Director, Marilyn Sweitzer, said, "Every runner has a reason why they run. For some, it is the way a toned body feels or to maintain good health, an endorphin rush, peace of mind, or for mental clarity. For some, it is to fund raise for charity; for others, to achieve an endurance goal such as to marathon in each of the 50 states, or on each of the seven continents, or to complete a certain number of marathons. At the Honoring our HEROES Marathon on Saturday, the overall reason for all 544 entrants from 41 U.S. states and territories was to honor our HEROES - veterans and active military." Marilyn went on to detail the specific reasons some of the runners ran this year (including the reason my husband and I ran) and then added, "Volunteers are the heart of the event.” Indeed they are! Without them, none of these runners would have made it to the finish line. As both a runner and Race Director myself, I’ll tell you that races couldn’t exist without selfless people such as the ones that helped make the Heroes Marathon a success. 

And, you know, when it comes to volunteering, the Bible is clear that it’s pleasing to God when we generously serve others without expecting anything in return and that “a generous person will prosper.” In addition, the Bible tells us that “whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” You see, when you and I selflessly give of ourselves, we can’t help but be filled with the joy that comes from doing so, proving the words of Jesus to be true that “it’s more blessed to give than to receive.” 

So look for opportunities to serve within your community my friend. Doing so will not only put a smile on someone else’s face but will put a smile on your face as well. Which makes volunteering a win-win for everyone. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that service to others blesses us more than the ones we serve. Help us to be people known for being generous with our time, talents, and our treasures Lord that all might benefit from our service and You would get the glory. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Celebrate the Runner You are Now

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about comparison. This is something we've talked about before but a subject that bears repeating since so many runners struggle with measuring their current self against their younger self or against the runners around them. In other words, they ascertain or assess the quality or value of their running performance against standards that are equivalent to measuring apples to oranges or sliders to trail shoes. They're both fruit and footwear but they're totally different. 

Think about it like this… as runners, we are the same in the way we share a love of putting on foot in front of the other for miles at a time--but we are different in that we have unique speeds, strides, and endurance levels that fluctuate with time. It's almost inevitable that we will slow down as we get older and it’s completely inevitable that there will always be someone who can run further or faster than us. 

With that being said, check out what Courtney Poirot wrote after completing the 25k at Dogwood Canyon on November 9. I hope that her story and her words will leave you saying, "I am truly able to see just how blessed I am to be able to participate in this sport."

Dogwood Canyon
11-9-2024

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” - Melissa Sharp (borrowed from Roosevelt) 

Dogwood is the coolest run I’ve ever participated in. This is my second time running it and both times I came to run alone. Running long distance races alone allows you to enjoy the peacefulness of being by yourself and running your own race, while making friends along the way if you so choose. 

Early in the race I was running a similar pace to Melissa (whom I literally had just met) and her husband, as well as another man. While discussing past races we’ve run and where we PR’d, I prefaced with “I’m not fast,” and Melissa quickly reminded me that “comparison is the thief of joy.” I shouldn’t compare myself to anyone else. My PR is a great accomplishment regardless of anyone else’s PR.

 
Through the next 13 miles of the race, I pondered that thought. When I first started running I spent a lot of time stressing about my time. Running doesn’t come natural for me. I have to really work at it. I am slow and I don’t want to be slow. Over the years though, I’ve cared less and less about beating anyone else in a race and started caring more about beating myself… getting that PR.

Throughout the Dogwood run however, I thought about Melissa’s words and thought about how I’m constantly comparing myself now to the runner I used to be. I’m not as strong or as fast as I was a few years ago. However, since running my first Dogwood, I have created, carried, and birthed a 4th baby. I’ve taken on added responsibilities as our other 3 kids are all in school now and involved in more extracurricular activities. I have been navigating new, unsolved health issues. I am NOT the same me that I was a few years ago!

 
Following the race, I texted my coach Misha Marie Knea and told her I didn’t run this Dogwood as fast as last time, but that’s ok, because I did my best and had a blast! Well, come to find out, I actually beat my last Dogwood time by 2 minutes!! I literally had spent the whole run coaching myself on not comparing the current me to the old me, and as it turns out, I actually ran faster this time! I truly believe God has a sense of humor. 

If you love a CHALLENGE and you love ADVENTURE, this is the run for you!!! I am so grateful for the opportunity to run Dogwood. It’s an amazing feeling to see just how strong your mind and body are when you put yourself out there. As I age, I am truly able to see just how blessed I am to be able to participate in this sport. God is GOOD!

And there you have it friends, comparison is most definitely the thief of joy because it robs a person of their contentment and gratitude. As Courtney said, we are blessed to be able to participate in this sport no matter how fast or slow we are. Each day we are given is a blessing and each run we are able to enjoy an undeserved gift. Remember that the next time you're tempted to make a comparison and then smile and celebrate the mile you're in! You'll be so glad you did. 

Happy Running!

Be a Wise Builder

“By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:10-11 NIV

In a story aired by KSAT News last week, it was reported that the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series will leave San Antonio after 2024. The international running series, which has delivered one of the biggest running weekends in San Antonio every December since 2008, announced the departure in an email to this year’s participants… In a comment to KSAT 12, San Antonio Sports President and CEO Jenny Carnes confirmed the event was leaving…  In regards to the departure, Carnes said that the increase in running participation, the expansion of the Greenway Trail system, the growth of local running clubs, and the award of the Running Event convention were all factors in why they are bringing a “new, premier destination marathon” in 2025. “We are grateful to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series, Ironman International and other RnR ownership teams for their partnership through the years and helping to position San Antonio as a great running community and running destination that will be capitalized on for years to come,” Carnes said.

And, you know, when it comes to capitalizing on or gaining an advantage by building on a solid foundation that’s been built by someone else, Paul declared to the church at Corinth “By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it.” Paul then told them that “each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Paul wanted the Corinthians to understand that the church he founded was set on the only foundation that can be laid for a church—the person and work of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, since Paul knew others would come after him and build on that foundation, he directed them (that’s us) to build with care by using only worthy materials and always serving in a worthy manner since every person’s work would eventually be tested by fire to reveal its quality. 

So knowing that God is honored in excellence, let us also take heed so that we will serve as wise builders whose work will be deemed of the highest quality on the day our work is tested. To do anything less is to work in vain. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that only what we do for You will last. Help us lay aside our wants for the things of this world so that we would work only for the things we can take with us… people. Help us to build on the foundation Jesus has laid so that we will do our part in making heaven full. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!