Because it Seems So Doesn’t Make it So

“There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” Proverbs 14:12 NKJV

In a story titled “Qualifying for the Boston Marathon Just Got Even Tougher” published by Runner’s World earlier this week, it was reported that on September 16, Boston Athletic Association (BAA) officials announced that they made changes to qualifying standards for the 2026 edition of the race. For runners ages 18–59, the times have been made 5 minutes quicker across each age group. For ages 60 and above, the standards remain the same. The BAA then went on to list the new standards that not only included male and female division times that are appropriately different for the sexes considering that God made men and women differently (men are generally faster—hence the slower times for females to make it fair) but also listed a nonbinary division. Now this may seem fair to the marathon organizers, but it’s anything but fair. You see, just because a person feels as if they are neither entirely male nor entirely female, it does not change the facts. God created only male and female, and the addition of a nonbinary division will take slots away from females should a male declare himself to be nonbinary to take advantage of the extra time he will be given to qualify for doing so. 

And, you know, the Bible has a lot to say about ways that seem right to man—with seem being defined as to appear to be true, probable, or evident, or to appear, feel or do— but are anything but righteous and ”its end is the way of death.” You see, when a person rejects the true wisdom of God, the path of his or her life will seem fine to them. This feeling that all is well because they feel it to be so will lead the person to wonder why God or anyone else would have a different opinion. Since no person can entirely trust their own examination and judgment then, every person needs to fear the Lord and receive His wisdom, especially as revealed in His word, to ensure that they are on the way of life. 

So be sure that you base your decisions on facts and not feelings my friend. The way that seems right is not always the right way, something that we are only able to discern by seeking the wisdom of God rather than the world. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the Word that serves as our guide to eternal life. Help us to seek facts rather than trust our feelings Lord so we would not be led down the way of death that seems so right to the world. Help us to stand upright and uncompromising so that we would ourselves walk the way of life and lead others to do the same. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Present Your Requests to God

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;” Philippians 4:6 NKJV

In a story published by People Magazine yesterday, it was reported that one fan in the U.K. got an extra special surprise while out for a run — a personal concert from Ed Sheeran. In Instagram footage shared on Tuesday, Sept. 17, the singer, 33, can be seen floating down a canal on a boat while filming a video when he notices a lone runner jogging alongside the vessel on land."Hi!" Sheeran says in the video before waving at the passerby and asking "any requests?" As the runner slows down to match the pace of the boat, she can be heard saying, "Can you do 'Tenerife Sea'?" prompting Sheeran to immediately begin belting out the hit song while strumming his acoustic guitar. The runner then whips out her phone to record the special moment. After finishing the song, Sheeran cheerfully waves and says "Have a good rest of your run" as the listener continues on her way.

And, you know, when it comes to requests, the Bible tells us that we are to be “be anxious for nothing” but are to pray about everything, bringing our requests to God with thanksgiving. This command (let me remind you that it’s not an option) means we are to abstain from ALL worry by taking ALL our cares and concerns to Jesus—making our specific requests or desires known with grateful hearts, confident and calm that He can easily prevent or alter a result or course of events to work ALL things for our good. 

So be sure to bring “everything,” every care and every worry, to Jesus my friend. And then relax knowing that “the peace of God, that surpasses all understanding” will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus. That’s a promise that’s better than any song!

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a God who wants to intervene on behalf of those who love You and present their requests in faith. Help us to understand how destructive worry is Lord so that we would allow You to replace our anxious thoughts with a tranquility that can not be described in words but can be felt in the midst of chaos, not merely in the absence of it. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Walk Your Way to the Finish Line

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 benefits of walking your way to the finish line. This was something I was thinking about yesterday morning after meeting up with one of the 'regulars' on my morning run route. "You have a half marathon coming up real soon," the gray haired man said (referring to the Frog Hill Half on October 5 that I’m blessed to direct) as he was walking in my direction. "You should join us!" I responded as I slowed down the pace a bit. "My running days are over," he answered smiling. This prompted me to quickly explain to him that, contrary to popular belief, 13.1 mile races are not reserved for runners and can easily be completed under the cutoff time most races have by walking at a brisk pace. Especially if the race, like the Bass Pro Fitness Series, has a marathon distance taking place at the same time. This means the half marathon cutoff time is technically the full marathon cutoff time (generally giving a person 6.5 to 8 hours to finish). Which means a person could totally walk the Cohick Half Marathon coming up on November 3rd. *And if you're a really fast walker, you could even walk the Bass Pro full Marathon!

Makayla walked the 2023 Half Marathon and will be back this year!

With that being said, let's look at the benefits of walking a half marathon, or any distance for that matter: 

Walking is easier on the body

Walking is a less intense and lower-impact activity than running. If you’re just beginning to exercise, walking is a great way to start building up your strength and endurance. Walking is also good for people with health problems. While running burns calories quicker and is better for weight loss, it is high intensity, which can be rough on your heart and immune system as well as your muscles and joints. When you walk, you’re less likely to end up with hip, knee, ankle, or shin injuries. Overall, walking provides a lower intensity workout that is easier to sustain.

It's also a whole lot easier to carry on a conversation while walking. Which means you and your friends (and you should always get friends to do it with you) will have a great time!! Several years ago, a group of my friends and I walked the Cohick Half to celebrate a birthday. We dressed up, took our time, and laughed our way to the finish line! But, hey, don't wait for a birthday. Any day you can step up to the start line of the Bass Pro Half is a cause to rejoice and have fun!

Walking has the same major health benefits as running

Just because walking is a lower impact activity doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its fair share of health benefits. Walking is a great way to get your cardio in—the American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise five times a week. Like running, it’s aerobic exercise, which can help you lose weight, sleep better, and boost your energy and mood. Walking also strengthens muscles, which helps burn fat.

Studies show that walking can decrease your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease as much, or even more, as running. These are long-term benefits; research suggests that walking quickly or jogging slowly for 1 to 2.5 hours a week may lower risk of death by 25%.

Now that we've looked at some of the many benefits of walking (and there are a lot!), let's look at how long it might take for you to walk a half marathon so you can develop your race day strategy: 

Completing a half marathon walk, which is about 13.1 miles or 21 kilometers, can take varying amounts of time depending on several factors like pace, fitness, terrain, and weather. *On a side note, check the race day forecast so you can be ready for changing conditions.

Typical walking paces range from 15 to 20 minutes per mile. Based on this range, your half marathon walking time can fall into any of these 3 categories:

• Faster Pace: Those who walk briskly at about 12 to 15 minutes per mile may finish in approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
• Moderate Pace: For many walkers, a typical pace of 15 to 20 minutes per mile means completing it in about 3.5 to 4.5 hours.
• Leisurely Pace: For those walking over 20 minutes per mile, it could take longer than 4.5 hours.

This means completing the Cohick Half Marathon is totally doable! The course is open and manned for 6.5 hours, which will give you access to food, fluids, and fun for the whole 13.1 miles! So the choice is yours… walk at a fast pace, a moderate pace, a leisurely pace, or even at a snail's pace and you'll still make it to the finish line where you will have earned the same medal that the first runner who crossed it received. A finish is a finish no matter how long it takes!

So there you have it friends. If completing a half marathon is on your bucket list but you either don’t like running or simply can’t run, I hope you’ll consider walking the 13.1 miles. It may take you longer to complete the race but, if you’re willing to change your perspective, you’ll see that it really doesn’t matter how long it takes you to get to the finish line… only that you got to the finish line. And that’s what important! Happy Running!

Wisdom is Better than Silver and Gold

“How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver!” Proverbs 16:16 NLT

In a story titled “Olympic Medalist Molly Seidel Is Taking the Slow Road Back” published by Runner’s World last week, it was reported that the former Olympic runner, who was in Paris during the Games last month cheering for other runners and fulfilling sponsor obligations despite not being on the Olympic team, was diagnosed with an appendicitis and had to undergo laparoscopic surgery before returning home in September 6. She can’t run for a month. It’s another setback in what’s been a frustrating year for Seidel, who won Olympic bronze in the marathon in Tokyo in 2021 but pulled out of the 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials in February days before the race, citing a knee injury. Seidel, who admits to returning back to running too soon after injury in the past, is hopeful the month off from running will help her reset and is committed to being wise now and taking as much time as she needs to get healthy.

And you know, there’s a reason Solomon (who was the wisest and richest man to have ever lived) declared that it was “better to get wisdom than gold and good judgement than silver!” You see, true wisdom, which is marked by deep understanding, keen discernment, and the ability to make considered decisions or come to sensible conclusions is gained only from having a right relationship with the Lord. Furthermore, wisdom and good judgement cannot be purchased for any amount but are given to us by God and are crucial for success in that they keep us on the straight and narrow path, help us to see things as they are, and enable us to learn from our mistakes. This is something gold and silver are powerless to do. 

So seek a right relationship with God above all else, knowing that He is the greatest treasure you will ever have my friend. And then thank Him for the wisdom and good judgment that will flow from that right relationship that is of more value than all the gold and silver in the world. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that our greatest treasure is a relationship with You. While gold and silver and all the things it can buy might fill the void we have for a short time, only You can fill us for a lifetime and only You can show us the way to righteousness and peace. For that reason, give us the wisdom to be content in you Lord. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

The Conclusion of the Matter

“When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13 BSB

In a story published by KTIV yesterday titled “‘Mighty Mo Run” concludes with a half marathon race,” it was reported that, after three days, and a lot of miles ran, the Mighty Mo run in Iowa is over. The first two days featured a 5k on Friday and a 10k on Saturday. Sunday capped off the weekend of running with a half marathon starting at 7 a.m. that looped through Sioux City and South Sioux City. The first runners made their way across the finish line just after 8:15 a.m. Nearly 330 runners participated, and of those, 26 were given the “Stooge” award for running all three days. Race Director Jim Ewoldt says in the future the race will grow even bigger. 

And you know, when it comes to concluding things after the end of a long race, King Solomon had this to say, “When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man.” After a long life spent running after all that his heart desired including tons (literally) of silver and gold, a mass of houses and chariots, huge herds and flocks, and even 700 wives and 300 concubines (that would lead to his downfall), Solomon declared that it was all as meaningless as chasing after the wind. The only life well lived that had any lasting meaning, he ascertained after his many years of experience, was a life spent being obedient to God and being content in God. Everything else, he came to know, was merely folly.  

So don’t be a “stooge” by running aimlessly after the things of this world, only to conclude at the end of your life that it was a worthless pursuit my friend. Follow God with wholehearted obedience now so you will not only have the contentment that’s found solely in Christ, but will come to the end of your life having fulfilled the purpose you were created for. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Solomon that shows us the vanity of chasing after the desires of our flesh at the expense of delighting ourselves in You… the One who gives us our hearts desires when those desires align with your will. Remind us that a life spent apart from delighting in You, no matter how much fortune, fame, or education was gained, is a wasted life Lord. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. 

Happy Running!

Longing to be Rich will Lead to Ruin

“But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.” 1 Timothy 6:9 NLT

In a story published by CBS NEWS earlier this week, it was reported that the man accused of setting his ex-girlfriend, Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei, on fire in an attack that proved fatal has died in a Kenyan hospital of his own burns sustained during the incident. Dickson Ndiema died at the Moi Teaching Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, where Cheptegei also died several days after suffering burns in the dispute with her former boyfriend, which was allegedly over land. Neighbors reported hearing voices before seeing Ndiema pour gasoline over Cheptegei as she returned from church with her two daughters on Aug. 31. He, too, was seriously injured in the attack and succumbed in the hospital's intensive care unit to complications from the burns, a hospital official said Tuesday.

Sadly, this tale of murder and mayhem began like countless other diabolical stories throughout time—stories that ended in absolutely tragic ways. A person longed “to be rich” so much that they allowed their pursuit of money and property to completely consume their heart and mind, thereby plunging both themselves and those caught in their path into “ruin and destruction.” Which is the very reason we are told to be content with what we have. In this way, we will not fall into temptation to seek more and will avoid the many griefs that come from being discontent with what the Lord has so graciously provided for us. 

So resist the urge to lust after the things of this world my friend. God has promised to meet all our needs (not our greeds). May we be satisfied with that. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that there are precious blessings in being content with the things You have given us in this life. Help us to see and appreciate all the ways you provide for our needs Lord so that we would guard our hearts from seeking more. Help us to be content and grateful in having our needs met so that our hearts and minds are consumed with worshiping You rather than accumulating wealth. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

False Christians will be Exposed

“On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”Matthew 7:22-23 ESV

In a story published by the Kansas City Star yesterday, it was reported that a 27-year-old man known for his warm, inviting smile died during a half-marathon race in Minnesota, his family said. An obituary for Blake Groulx says he died Sept. 8 of cardiac issues while in the final stretch of the City of Lakes Half Marathon in Minneapolis. Madison Styrlund told The Minnesota Star-Tribune she and others gave CPR to Groulx about 11 miles into the 13.1-mile race. She first noticed Groulx was stumbling on the course before he eventually “went face-down into the curb.” Dr. Katherine Katzung, an emergency room doctor who was also running, assisted in aiding Groulx. “We were trying to give him the best chance of survival,” Katzung told the Star-Tribune. “He looked like a fit person, not somebody you would think this would happen to.” 

And, you know, as sad as this story is, it serves as a reminder that people aren’t always as they appear. Especially when it comes to loving Christ. You see, many people in our world claim to follow Jesus and even appear to do so by the way they live their lives. These are people who look like Christians and who might even do “mighty works” in the name of Jesus. They’re people you assume will be admitted entrance into heaven for their faith. But on judgement day, many of these people, whose hearts are far from God despite all appearances, will hear the words “I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.”

So be sure that your heart matches your actions my friend so you won’t hear the words, “depart from me.” You might think this is something that will never happen to you. But if you’ve never truly accepted Jesus as your Savior, this is exactly what will happen. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that false disciples will be exposed on judgement day. Lord, help us to check our hearts today and if we’re just going through the motions of Christianity without a relationship with you, please convict us to repent and be reconciled to You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Find an Accountability Group

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 good and the bad of Fall, which is just around the corner. First the good… it’s the greatest running season of all! With the cool temps and the falling leaves, our breathing becomes easier and we get to see the vibrant colors of the changing season. Now for the bad part… we are quickly losing light. For those runners who run in the afternoon, this isn't a problem. But those runners (like me) who get up before the rooster crows to get in their workout might be tempted to start sleeping in with all this darkness. This is why it’s such an important time to have an accountability partner or to be a part of an accountability group. These are the people or groups of people who will be waiting for you with their headlamps shining and will call you out and give you a stern talking-to if you don’t show up. And we certainly don't have time for sleeping in this close to Dogwood Canyon and Marathon Weekend, do we? 

This was something I was thinking about after ‘running’ into my good friend Laura Murrieta (pictured above on my right with Kelly on the left) at Walmart on Monday night. After briefly chatting in the clothing section, Laura said “I have to go. I’m meeting the girls for a strength training session. This is something I’ve been needing to do but didn’t start until I got with this group.” This is what a good accountability partner and accountability groups do for us. They inspire us to do things that aren’t always pleasurable but work to make us better. And that’s what these girls are working to become… better runners. They’re all training for the Dogwood Canyon trail runs and they know that adding strength training to their running routine will exponentially help them conquer those Ozark hills.  

But hey, don’t take my word for all the reasons you would do well to find some like minded friends. Check out what Laura and the girls in her accountability group had to say:

We meet at 5am before work to run/walk or strength train. Kelly, Sam (pictured above with Laura) and I live in the neighborhood so it's easier for us to meet. Gretchen meets us for the long runs. We actually started meeting last year before work/school just to keep our bodies moving, we have recently added strength training and rotate run/walk days with strength training. The 3 of us live in the same neighborhood, so that helps. In this season of my life life, having these ladies makes a difference in   whether I get in the workouts or not. I find it hard to do it on my own. - Laura 

I have been running for many years, but moving to Waynesville was difficult because I lost my running people, which I need for many reasons! For a couple of years, my running stayed inconsistent due to not having my people by my side! When I met Kelly in February, we discovered that we lived near one another, so I would begin my runs with her and Laura! It was an immediate click! I love these ladies God placed in my life at the perfect time. We run, walk, laugh, pray, and love! Running is something special, but running with lovers of Jesus is on another level! These ladies have challenged me in the most important ways. Sure, we run together and plan races, such as Dogwood, but I can honestly say that I’m mostly happy about finding friends in Christ that help keep me blessed and in check daily! This friendship is just another example that God is always looking out for us! - Samantha 

Laura and I have been running for about 12 years together and have had our ebbs and flows. But for the past year we have been running in the morning before work 3x a week and then we do a long run on Saturdays (with Gretchen). I met Sam in February and found out she lived right around the corner from me and she was a runner!!!! She joined us immediately and the 2 became 3, no more excuses for me and Laura to enable each other and sleep in. With Sam joining us we found that we all became more accountable!!! Recently we all realized we needed to incorporate strength training back into our lives and have made a pact to strength train 3-4 days a week, on top of running. For me having these ladies in my life and knowing that they are counting on me to show up makes me want to get up at 0430 Monday-Friday. It means more when you know people are counting on you to be there. When I don’t have an accountability partner I find it easier to make excuses as why NOT to run or lift but with having my “soul sisters” we can count on each other both physically and spiritually. We run, we walk, we lift, we pray, we do life!!! I am so thankful and blessed for my friends who I call family! - Kelly 

I am new to the running thing… lost a bunch of weight a few years ago and took up a hobby I couldn’t do before. I find the challenge to be good and the fellowship to be better. I really don’t enjoy running by myself as much as I enjoy running with friends. These friends have embraced me, never judged me for my speed and have been the biggest encouragers. I would not even have signed up for my first half marathon if not for my group. Now that I am working as a preschool assistant teacher I have to make my schedule work for me. I am not a 0430 girl, but I have embraced an after school run/walk schedule while my boys do cross country and I run with the girls on the weekend. It’s all about making it work. Someway, somehow.  - Gretchen

And there you have it friends. It’s worth your time and effort to find an accountability partner or group or friends that will help you reach your goal. If you’re running Dogwood, you’ll see these girls out there with smiles on their faces, ready to tackle those Lampe hills because of all the hard work they’ve been putting in together. I'll be joining them at the start line and I hope to see you there too!! It's simply the best trail run ever! Happy Running!

Through Jesus we can be Overcomers

“‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’” John 16:33 NIV

In a story published Friday by NewsChannel5, it was reported that runner Liza Corso, a senior at Lipscomb Academy in Nashville, made her city proud by winning bronze in the 1500m race at this year's Paris Paralympics. Corso says she's been running since she was 5 years old, all while overcoming a genetic vision disorder called oculocutaneous albinism. "I can't see things really far away or small font close up, and then I don't have depth perception," she explained. This year, Corso also had to power through a femur fracture that halted her training in the weeks leading up to the race. "That was a little scary, just not knowing how fit I was or what my body was going to be able to do," she said. In the future, she hopes to spread awareness about the Paralympics and inspire athletes to compete, no matter the obstacle. "If even one person with a physical impairment or low vision or anything, even just anyone who is just trying to get into sports...if they can see my story and see what I had been able to overcome, and that inspires them, that just means the world to me," said Corso. I have no doubt that her story will inspire someone. 

And, you know, when it comes to inspiring someone to press on despite the obstacles in their path, Jesus gave a detailed description  to the disciples of the obstacles they could expect to encounter upon His departure. But then, in order to calm their fears and reassure them that they would be victorious if they continued to follow and trust in Him, said “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus was reminding the disciples (and us) that there was no obstacle in this world they would face that He had not already gained victory over. And that by His power, they would be overcomers as well. 

So don’t let your heart become fearful, downcast, or discouraged by the trials and troubles you will face as a believer in this world my friend… trials and troubles that will undoubtedly intensify as we further approach the end of the end days. Trust in the Lord and remain calm, courageous, faithful, steadfast and immovable and you will make it to the finish line.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the promise that you will never leave us nor forsake us. Thank you for letting us know what to expect as the end days draw closer so that we will have no reason to fear what’s to come. Remind us that You are sovereign, that You are on the throne, that everything is going according to plan, and that You are coming back soon. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Do what’s Best in the Long Run

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:10 NIV

In a heartwarming story published by WSBT 22 last week, it was reported that a Plymouth senior cross country runner named Leo Sickmiller stopped to help Northwood cross country runner Gabe Schrock after seeing him start to collapse. Sickmiller says he sees his act of kindness as just helping out. It all started Tuesday night, during a meet at Ox Bow Park, when Gabe Schrock began to slow down and eventually collapsing. His mom, Rhonda Schrock, was watching from the sidelines and called it a heart wrenching moment. But Gabe didn't stay on the ground for long, as Sickmiller quickly scooped him up and helped carry him to the finish line. Leo later said, “I guess I didn’t really think about it a lot. I don’t really remember I was pretty tired but um, I guess but I guess you know racing kind of sucks so I guess I helped him get done with it too.” Sickmiller's message to other athletes? Stop and help if you're able to. “In the long run 20 years down the road, I mean you won’t remember, you know this meet wasn’t sectionals or conference. You won't remember where you placed but you’ll remember if you helped some guy,” said Sickmiller.

And, you know, as a longtime runner I couldn’t agree with Leo more. I have had the blessing of running hundreds of races in my years and I have never had anyone say to me, “Hey Melissa, I remember your finishing ‘time’ on your race. Great job!” But I have had persons say to me on many occasions, “Hey Melissa, I remember the ‘time’ you helped me get through my race. Thank you!” And, of course, these are the times when I can say “to God be all the glory” and point them back to Christ, the One who inspires us to love others more than ourselves and to live to do His will. And while my love for the Lord and for others is what primarily motivates me to stop in my own race to help someone, knowing that one day I will receive either a reward or a reprimand for what was “done while in the body, whether good or bad,” most definitely inspires the decision to do what’s right as well.

So let love for the Father motivate your every good deed my friend, always looking at what your actions will produce in the long run rather than in the moment. Live to make a positive difference in this world and one day you will reap the rewards for a life well lived. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that one day when we (this judgement is only for believers) stand before the Judgement seat of Christ, we will either experience joy or regret over the way we lived and what we did with the opportunities You gave us. And while love should be our biggest motivation for helping others and doing your will, let the promise of rewards also motivate us to run our race well all the way to the finish line. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.  

Happy Running!

Coveting Leads to Death

“‘You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.’” Exodus 20:17 NKJV

In a tragic update to a story posted earlier this week, it was reported that Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who was set on fire after a horrifying attack by a former boyfriend on Sunday, died yesterday. Cheptegei, a 33-year-old marathon runner who had just competed at the Paris Olympics, suffered extensive burns from the assault. Dr. Owen Benach, the senior director of clinical services at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, told the New York Times that Cheptegei died on Thursday due to “multiple organ failure.” She was being treated at the hospital and had burns on 80 percent of her body.The attack occurred at Cheptegei’s home in Endebess, a town in western Kenya, where she had been training. Neighbors rescued Cheptegei after the attack, which happened as she was returning home from church with her two children. Her attacker, an ex-boyfriend of Cheptegei, also sustained burns during the incident and will be charged with murder upon medical release, local police chief Jeremiah Ole Kosiom told the press. “The couple were heard quarreling outside their house,” Kosiom told the BBC. “During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her.” Cheptegei, originally from Uganda, purchased land in the town and built a house to be closer to Kenya’s athletic training facilities. A police report says the dispute was about the ownership of the land.

And, you know, as this story clearly shows, yearning to possess or have something that someone else has or owns can have disastrous consequences for everyone  involved. Which is the very reason God explicitly forbade the Israelites from coveting (or being consumed with desire for) anything that belonged to their neighbor. Kevin DeYoung explains why coveting is so deadly in this way, “Because it can never be satiated. Coveting relentlessly craves more of this world; and a person’s thoughts, affections, and heart occupied with the world will cease seeking heaven. It forsakes love for God and disposes one to hate their neighbor. Coveting pulls the heart down into the pit of self-seeking and the muck and mire of envy, slander, adultery, pride, dishonor, murder, thievery, and idolatry. It has rightly been said that when we break any of the first nine commandments, we also break the tenth commandment.”

So vow to be always content with what you have my friend, giving thanks to God for giving it. Seek Christ first each and every day—and then trust that He will continue to provide all that you need (not all that you want, hence the reason to be content) so you won’t fall into the deadly sin of covetousness. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us of the many reasons why coveting is such a deadly sin. Lord, please help us to recognize when we aren’t in a state of peaceful happiness about what we do have so we can repent and not go after the things we don’t have and fall into sin. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Honor Jesus with your Life

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.” Romans 12:1 NLT

In a bittersweet story published by Runner’s World Tuesday, it was reported that Yvan Gallay, 33, finished the Gold Coast Marathon over the weekend in 4:55:44 in honor of his brother, Florian, who collapsed 100 meters from the finish line in 2023. Sadly, the 34-year-old runner died from cardiac arrest. Yvan wore his own bib on his back and the bib of his brother, 3007, on his front. “The organizers told us that they would never again give out bib 3007 to honor [my brother’s] memory,” Gallay told Runner’s World by e-mail. “We were touched by this gesture.”… Gallay did not train for a particular finish time. He wanted to help his brother complete his final race, and 100 meters from the finish, where Florian fell, Gallay and his crew stopped. After finishing the race, Yvan said “I would tell my brother that it was a real joy to have him in my life. That he was an exceptional person, an example for me to follow. I’ll do my utmost to honor his memory for the rest of my life.” 

And, you know, when it comes to doing our utmost to honor someone who is worthy of remembrance for being exceptional, you and I would do well to honor the One who freely sacrificed his life so that we could have eternal life. You see, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us—proving that He was beyond exceptional. Which is the very reason Paul pleaded with us to give our bodies to God “because of all he has done” and to “be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable.” Which means we are to give ourselves fully in service to Jesus, denying ourselves daily to take up our cross and follow Him with complete devotion and wholehearted gratitude. 

So, in light of all God has done, vow to do your utmost to honor the sacrifice of Jesus with your whole life and for your whole life my friend. Hold nothing back in your service to Him for “this is truly the way to worship him.”

Heavenly Father, thank You for the mercy and grace You bestowed on us when you gave us your one and only Son to die so that we could live. No greater sacrifice has ever been given and has ever been worthy of so much honor. Help us to be so grateful for the gift of eternal life that we would serve you wholeheartedly for the rest of our days. It’s in your precious and we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running! 

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Run Like a Kid Again

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about three exciting things happening this Saturday... the Run the Rock 3 and 6 mile run at Top of the Rock, Week 7 of Dogwood Canyon training begins, and week 9 of Marathon Weekend training also begins. In case you're keeping track, this means those training for the 5k, half marathon, and full marathon are just past the midway point in their training and those runners training for Dogwood are officially halfway. And while this is a great reason to be happy and celebrate, many runners are feeling the mental and/or physical fatigue that comes along with training for a long period of time and are dreading their long run. 

Which is the very reason I was excited to come across a story titled, "Running Lessons From a 6 Year Old Football Team" that totally made me smile. The writer started off by saying, "When I recently began coaching my son’s 6-year-old football team, I expected to teach the kids about football and enjoying the game. What I didn’t anticipate was how much they would teach me—about joy, resilience, and discipline. These young athletes, with their boundless energy and enthusiasm, offer insights that extend beyond the soccer field and into the world of running. Here are some valuable lessons I’ve learned from coaching that can inspire and enhance our running journey." He then went on to talk about how joy (one of my favorite subjects and a key to maintaining motivation) can remind us that running should be fun and nothing that we dread doing. After all, if it's not enjoyable then why do it?

But there's so much more you and I can learn from these 6-year-olds, as relayed by Coach Tony who says:

"One of the most beautiful aspects of coaching 6-year-olds is witnessing their pure joy. They play football with an infectious enthusiasm, celebrating every pass, goal, and even their mistakes. This joy reminds us that running, at its core, should be fun. Embracing the joy of running can reignite our passion and make each run a cherished experience. If it’s not bringing fun then focus on why this is so.

Watching the kids improve through practice and play has been enlightening. They develop skills not through rigid drills, but through playful interactions. Simply having the ball at their feet, mimicking their heroes and simply having fun. This approach can be incredibly beneficial for runners. Incorporating playful elements like trail runs, fun races or having less focus on performance can make training enjoyable and lead to improvement without the monotony of a strict structure.

Coaching a group of energetic 6-year-olds is often chaotic, yet within this chaos, moments of discipline and focus emerge. They line up for drills, listen (mostly), and show determination. This teaches us that finding discipline amidst life’s chaos is essential for running. Balancing work, family, and training requires flexibility and a structured approach. Yet embracing the unpredictable while staying committed to running goals helps maintain consistency and progress.

Young footballers exhibit remarkable resilience. They quickly recover from missed goals or falls, showing a tenacity that’s inspiring. Runners, too, face setbacks—whether it’s an injury, a tough race, or a bad training day. We must bounce back and keep moving forward. Additionally, the sense of team spirit among the kids highlights the importance of community in running. Joining a running group or participating in group events can provide support, motivation, and a sense of belonging.

For 6-year-olds, every small achievement is a cause for celebration, whether it’s a well-timed pass or tackle or scoring a goal. But don’t think that within athletes this young doesn’t manifest a deep will to win. These boys have a great competitive spirit and compete for every ball. This perspective is valuable for runners. Recognizing and celebrating small victories, such as completing a run or hitting a personal best can boost motivation and reinforce the positive aspects of our running journey building strength and discipline.

Every session with my son’s team is a reminder of the beauty of learning. The kids are eager to absorb new techniques and skills and their enthusiasm is contagious. For runners, adopting a mindset of continuous learning keeps the sport engaging, as staying curious and open to new information enhances the experience.

Coaching my son’s 6-year-old football team has been a profound and enlightening experience. The lessons of joy, resilience, and playful discipline these young athletes demonstrate have given me a fresh perspective on running. By embracing the joy of the sport, finding improvement through play, maintaining discipline amidst chaos, building resilience, celebrating small wins and fostering a love for learning we can transform our approach to running. Ultimately, it’s about running with the same joy and passion that 6-year-olds bring to the football field, making every step a part of a fulfilling and enjoyable journey."

And there you have it friends. As these kids know, running should be an enjoyable journey that you look forward to rather than a cycle of training aimed only at making it to the finish line. So if your motivation has been waning, apply some of the lessons Coach Tony gleaned from watching these young athletes and get out this Saturday with a smile on your face; remembering that you don't have to do this, you get to do this. Movement is a gift as is each new day so make the most of every moment. Happy Running!

All Glory to God

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20 NLT

With less than four miles to go before completing another Labor Day Marathon run for fun (something that has become an annual tradition), I glanced at a text that came up on my smart watch that read “Go Team Sharp — it’s not a belt buckle, it’s not a medal, it’s not a trophy… it’s a foo-foo coffee from Midway!!! Thank you Midway for being open on Labor Day.” “Oh Maggie,” I thought to myself as I smiled, knowing this dear friend was picking up iced java for my husband and me, “You really know how to make a girl happy.” This surprise, you can be sure, made finishing the 26.2 mile run all the sweeter as I surely hadn’t expected to receive anything for my efforts (neither did my husband who crewed me on my adventure and shared 10 miles with me). I just wanted to complete the run and give God all the glory for it. But I’m not gonna lie…knowing that my favorite cold beverage was at the finish made me pick up the pace a bit. 

And you know, when it comes to finding ways to point the lost to Christ, you and I would do well to remember that God has given us all different talents to be used for His glory—and He will strengthen us to utilize those gifts to their fullest when we allow ourselves to be used. Especially when we acknowledge Him as the Giver of all good things. Which is the very reason Paul said that we, through God’s “mighty power at work within us,” can “accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” And it’s when His awesome power is displayed through our accomplishments that we can then say, “All glory to God!” Do you just love that or what? 

So don’t be afraid to step out in faith to use your gifts and your talents in big and mighty ways my friend. When your motive is to bring God glory and to lead the lost to Him, you’ll be amazed at the things you’ll be able to do “through his mighty power.” 

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us all different gifts and talents to be used for your glory. Help us all to understand what our God-given talents are Lord, and then to put in the work to hone those talents so that we can use them for your glory. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Keep your Guard up until the End

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV

In a story titled “Australian Paralympics runner Jaryd Clifford stripped of bronze medal after he’s disqualified from race: ‘I’m shattered’” published by the NY Post yesterday, it was reported that an Australian Paralympic runner was disqualified and stripped of his bronze medal for breaking a “fundamental rule” inches from the finish line during Saturday’s race. Jaryd Clifford, who is legally blind, was left “gutted” after officials deemed the Aussie and his guide, Matt Clarke, were not connected by the tether when the pair crossed the finish line during the Men’s T13 5000m final. Runners and their guides are required to hold the tether, a 20-inch-long band with handles on both ends, until the end of the race… Australia Channel 9 commentator David Culbert pointed out Clifford’s error during Saturday’s broadcast. “You’ve got to hold the tether all the way through to the line and it’s pretty clear it’s not in the hands of both athletes,” Culbert said, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. “In fact, it looks like Jaryd let it go just before the line there.” Clifford took to social media to share his thoughts on the race, admitting to making the “critical mistake.”

And you know, as you and I celebrate Labor Day today, we would do well to remember that, as we run our spiritual race and give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord as we are called to do, we must be careful to let nothing move us, take us off course, or cause us to be disqualified. You see, if you and I aren’t careful, we could easily get so caught up in the things around us that we let our guards down and make the “critical mistake” of breaking one or more of God’s ‘fundamental rules.’ This would not only ruin our witness and render our work in vain, but would be detrimental to the Kingdom as a whole and leave us ‘shattered and gutted.’

So vow to never take your eyes off the finish line my friend. Be vigilant and keep your guard up until the race is complete so that you might gain the “heavenly prize” that awaits every faithful believer who stands firm and immovable until the end. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that taking our eyes off You even for a moment can reap disastrous consequences. Help us to stay focused and to keep our guard up every moment until the day we reach that final finish line and rest from our labor Lord. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!