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!