BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - The Benefits of Running in the Rain

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about Marathon Weekend. I don't know about you but I thoroughly enjoyed everything about it... especially the rain on race day. And I'm not the only one either (check out those smiles at the finish line in the photo above). I heard so many runners and walkers talking about how they didn't think they would enjoy running the race in the rain but had a better time running in it than they would have without the rain! Which is a good thing since the forecast calls for more rain this Saturday. So, if you're signed up to run the Dogwood Canyon 25k or 50k and you're a bit apprehensive, take heart. If thousands of other runners enjoyed the experience, you can bet that you will too. 

But hey, if you need a few more reasons to be coaxed into running in the rain, check out a few benefits of getting out in the precipitation:

Running in the rain could help you run faster.

Did you know that when temps are even just a couple of degrees warmer your performance can suffer? That’s because your body temperature rises as you run (hence the reason runners dress for temperatures 20 degrees higher than the actual temps). The warmer it is, the more you have to sweat to cool off. However, when the sky opens up, rain acts as a natural air conditioner to keep your body temperature down so you can keep your effort up. And you'll need all your effort to conquer the hills of Dogwood!

Running in the rain will help you deal with adversity.

While it may feel ideal to run on beautiful sunny days, challenging yourself to run in adverse conditions like rain will remind you that there are many things in life you can't control. Facing some of the things you can't control (like the weather) will help strengthen you to let go of things you don't need to hold onto or carry anymore and accept the things you can't walk away from but are powerless to change. This will help you to not only successfully complete workouts and reach your goals in races but also deal with adversity in the rest of life. After all, daily life is rarely a perfect, cloudless day or a leisurely stroll in the park.

Running in the rain helps to relieve stress.

Water is cleansing, and the sound of rain is relaxing. Combine running and rain and you get even more stress relief since running has been proven to fight depression and anxiety because of the release of those feel good chemicals called endorphins. Be sure to bask in the moment and count your blessings while you're out on the trail as well. This will further help you appreciate the experience and the inner peace nature brings. 

Running in the rain can boost your confidence.

Ever notice how the streets grows deserted during a rain shower?  Getting out there in adverse conditions will make you feel all the more gritty. And the sense of accomplishment you'll have when you're done will only add to your sense of self assurance that you're capable of doing much more than you give yourself credit for (in running and in life). 

You'll be labeled as hardcore!
People may call you crazy, or silly, or even blinded by dedication, but we know these are all just different ways of saying that you got out there and showed Mother Nature who's boss. While most people were cooped up inside waiting out the rain, you’ll be known as the one who defied the climate-controlled treadmill and tackled the hills of Dogwood. Own up to your high degree of awesomeness and embrace your new label of "hardcore"!

Now that you're thoroughly convinced that you can and should tackle the hills of Dogwood Canyon rain or shine, check out what to wear so you'll be prepared for the rain should the forecast not change. 

No running clothes are going to keep you completely dry in the rain, so you should expect to get wet. But the right gear will keep you more comfortable.

A running hat with a bill that extends out over your face.
A running hat with a bill will shield your eyes from the rain so you don’t have to constantly wipe water out of your face.

Synthetic, form-fitting clothing (including socks).
Don't wear cotton. Cotton T-shirts and socks act like sponges in the rain, soaking up water and sticking to your skin. Even in sunny weather, cotton doesn’t dry out as fast as synthetic fibers, and wet cotton can lead to chafing. Also, aa opposed to baggy clothing, form-fitting gear has less excess fabric to soak up water and cling to your body.

Anti-chafe balm
Try Squirrel’s Nut Butter or Body Glide to protect you from uncomfortable rubbing. I'm a huge fan of Gold Bond Friction Defense that can be found almost anywhere (Wal-Mart carries it) as well. 

A breathable, running-specific jacket (if it's chilly). 

Jackets that don’t breathe well might keep you dry from the rain, but they'll bottle up sweat and leave you feeling clammy. If it's warm, I’d suggest skipping the jacket and embracing getting wet. A jacket will simply make you feel hot and heavy, and getting wet will only make you feel more “hardcore”

The right shoes

This one is super important and always the top priority when it comes to running Dogwood. But it’s even more important when the ground is wet and muddy and lined with slick leaves. Trail shoes are a must at this event! My faves are the HOKA Challenger and the HOKA Speedgoat. No matter what shoe you choose though, make sure they have good traction to prevent or minimize slipping. On a side note, if you're participating in the Dogwood Challenge, it would be wise to have two pairs of trail shoes on hand to ensure you'll have a dry pair on Sunday. However, if two pairs are not in your budget, take off your wet shoes (and they'll be wet even if it doesn't rain because of the multiple water crossings) as soon as possible and remove the insoles. Then place them somewhere where they will dry quickly, like over a heater vent or out in the sun if we get a break from the rain. 

*HOKA is the Presenting Sponsor of the Dogwood Canyon 15k this year! So excited about that!!

And there you have it friends. We certainly can't change the weather but we can change our attitudes about the weather. And... we can wear the right gear! So rain or shine, I hope you're ready to join me at the start line of the greatest trail run there ever could be! You'll be so glad you did. Happy Running!

Challenges are Fantastic Ways to Grow Faith

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3 NIV

In a story titled "Thousands participate in Bass Pro Shops marathon weekend" published by KY 3 News yesterday, it was reported that more than 3,000 people from across 40 states - and one from Switzerland - made their way to the Ozarks for Bass Pro’s marathon weekend. Sunday’s Conservation Marathon was a qualifier for the famous Boston Marathon in April, while other runners competed in a marathon relay or half marathon. The route took runners across many neighborhoods, several paved trails, part of historic Route 66, around Missouri State University, and downtown Springfield. “Today has really been a fantastic challenge with the rain and the weather, but all these people still managed to come out and show their perseverance to get the job done,” said Melissa Bondy, the director of Bass Pro Shop’s Fitness Series.

And, you know, while most people would never use the word ‘fantastic’ to describe a challenge (especially one as daunting as making sure 3,000 runners were kept safe), that’s actually a great word for believers to use. You see, the Bible tells us that followers of Jesus Christ can and should be joyful whenever they “face trials of many kinds” because these challenges test their faith in the same way a marathon tests or reveals their training (or lack thereof). A true believer will rise to the challenge and trust God’s faithfulness to work any and all situations for good and will be able to keep running the race. On the other hand, a person with little or no faith will likely throw their hands up in defeat and walk away. Furthermore, each time a person is witness to the faithfulness of God, their perseverance grows because their trust in Him grows stronger, allowing them to overcome bigger and bigger battles over time in the same way a runner progresses from the 5k to the 10k and then to the half marathon and then to the full marathon. Challenges give us opportunities to grow!

So consider it pure joy when (not if) you “face trials of many kinds” my friend. These fantastic challenges will not only serve to grow your faith but also have the potential to cause others to seek Christ by the faith you exhibit when you keep running the race with your eyes on Jesus, despite the troubles you will encounter along the way. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the challenges in life that give us opportunities to experience your goodness, mercy, grace, and faithfulness. Knowing that the lost are more inspired to seek You by the way we face our trials than when we have no troubles at all, help us to be joyful, faithful, and hopeful as we trust in and follow You until the very end. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.  

Happy Running!

A New Perspective Brings Joy

“LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is.” Psalm 39:4 NLT

As I sat down to prepare the devotion I would be blessed to give before Sunday’s Bass Pro Marathon and Half Marathon, my thoughts drifted to the weather forecast. As a seasoned runner, the predicted rain and wind were not alarming as I had battled these conditions many times. But for the first-time racers and many others, I recognized that this was a very big concern. And so I prayed, “Lord what would you have me say to them to calm their fears, lift their spirits, and encourage them to press on despite the conditions they might face” and this is what I was led to say…

“Good morning runners and walkers! It’s so great to be out here with you on this beautiful Sunday morning! Now if you’re saying, how can you say this is a beautiful morning with all the rain around us and more coming in later,  I hope you’ll choose to remember how blessed you are to have the strength and ability to run 13.1 or 26.2 miles regardless of the weather today or any other challenge you will face out on the course. Doing this will change your perspective so you can “run with joy” whether it’s raining or the sun is shining, and whether the wind is at your front or the wind is at your back. 

You see, whether you’re 18 or 80, there WILL come a day when you will no longer be able to run. This happens to everyone…  without exception. No one is guaranteed tomorrow, no one is guaranteed continued good health or freedom from injury, and no one escapes the aging process. 

This was something King David clearly understood when he prayed this prayer in Psalm 39:4…. LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is. David prayed this prayer because he wanted to fully understand just how short and unpredictable life was so that he could thoroughly grasp his limitations and how powerless man was to control the events of each day (including the weather). David wanted to be prompted by God to remember that he, like us, only had a certain amount of time on this earth to do all that he wanted to do…. and all that God was calling him to do. Being “reminded” of these immutable facts then was a priceless blessing to David because it caused him to appreciate and take full advantage of EVERY moment he had… something he could ONLY do because he understood what an undeserved gift each day was and how fleeting each day was. 

So no matter what today holds, and it may hold a lot of wind and rain, remember that your days are as numbered as King David’s were and that this day will pass by very quickly. For that reason make the most of it by getting out there and running with a smile on your face and joy in your heart, choosing to count your blessings and choosing to be thankful for the rain along the way…..  knowing that the rain and any other challenge you will encounter along the way will only serve to make reaching the finish line all the more sweeter and grabbing hold of your well deserved medal all the more meaningful.”

This was a message I wanted to share with you because no day will be free from problems my friend. I want to encourage you, as I did them, to face them all with a smile on your face and joy in your heart and to keep pressing on to the final finish line. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the lessons running teaches us about life. Help us to understand that the wind and rain will take many forms as we navigate our days, but if we will keep our eyes on You, we will be both joyful and victorious. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!