Online Bullying is Harmful

“Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy. Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure.” Psalm 101:5 ESV

In a story titled “World Athletics president asks Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg to step up on cyberbullying” published yesterday, it was reported that On International Women’s Day, March 8, World Athletics president Seb Coe was asked about the growing issue of cyberbullying in track and field, especially toward female athletes. In response, he urged tech leaders Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg to take stronger action in protecting female athletes online. The call for action comes after several British female athletes spoke out about the dark side of social media, describing how online trolls have subjected them to body shaming and abuse. Coe stressed the matter’s urgency and said social media platforms must do more to curb harassment… While acknowledging that online abuse is not a new issue, Coe believes the anonymity of social media has fueled its rise, allowing cyberbullies to hide without revealing their identity. “There’s a huge element of cowardice in social media,” he said. “People say things online that they would never have the courage to say to someone’s face.”

And, you know, when it comes to people who say things online that they would never say to someone’s face, King David was clear that “whoever slanders their neighbor secretly” (something that displays spite and cowardice) should be destroyed. He went on to say that he would not put up with those who harbored an arrogant heart and eyes that looked down on others, which is the spirit behind online bullying. He did this because he understood the deep pain bullying caused to those being harassed and knew that the toxic and spineless behavior would escalate if left unchecked. 

So, knowing that online abuse and bullying is both cowardly and wrong, do your part in battling it my friend. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us your Word that clearly shows the consequences of having an arrogant heart and haughty eyes. Help us to expose the deeds of darkness that people try to hide Lord that we might help those who are being harassed. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Do Some Spring Cleaning

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let’s get started by talking about spring. Yes!!! It’s right around the corner… happening on March 20 to be exact. I don’t know about you but I’m so ready for warmer weather and more sunshine! This has been a long, cold, and dark winter. 

With the start of spring, this is a great time to talk about spring cleaning. And I don’t mean just tidying up at home, although cleaning can be good cardio and help you reorganize your running clothes for the new season. Now is a great time to do some spring cleaning-up of your bad running habits. And we know that everyone has a few bad running habits right? I know I do. And what greater time to assess those habits and fix them than now right? 

So, without further ado, check out these ten bad running habits that most every runner will recognize as listed by The Running Channel, with my two cents as a long-time runner and coach thrown in of course:

1. IGNORING EASY DAYS

We all have those days when we step out for an ‘easy run’ only to find ourselves pushing harder than planned. You’re feeling great, so why not go for a new personal best, right? However, easy runs serve a purpose in your training schedule, allowing your body some active recovery time. Pushing hard two days in a row won’t do you any favours.

2. SKIPPING REST DAYS

It’s a sunny day, perfect for a run, but it’s a rest day. Tempting, isn’t it? Rest days are as crucial as training days. They allow our bodies and muscles to recover, promoting consistency in training and reducing injury risk. If you’re itching to get out, consider a gentle walk instead of skipping the rest day altogether.

3. STICKING TO ONE SURFACE

Some of us have a preferred surface, maybe you’re 100% a road runner. However, mixing up your running surfaces can add variety to your routine and prepare you for races on unfamiliar terrain. Plus, softer surfaces like trails or grass can help minimise impact compared to pounding the pavements.

*On a side note, don’t stick to the same elevation either. Mix it up by running hills and flats. You’ll use different muscles and your body will thank you. 

4. SKIPPING WARM-UPS
We’ve all contemplated skipping a warm-up. But disregarding it is a bad habit we should avoid. Activation exercises help your body prepare for the run and can reduce the risk of injury by warming up the muscles that you’ll use.

*At the very minimum, do a five minute warm up walk before heading into a workout. Once again, your body will thank you. 

5. NEGLECTING COOL DOWNS

After a long run, you might feel tempted to skip the cooldown and hop straight in the shower. Don’t. The cool-down helps your body adjust after the session, reduces heart rate, and stretching your muscles could aid recovery over the next few days.

*At the very minimum, do a five minute cool down walk. Your body will thank you. 

6. IGNORING SMALL INJURIES
Every runner has felt a twinge or niggle during a run but decided to push through. Downplaying a potential injury can lead to a more serious problem that takes longer to recover from. If you feel discomfort, get it checked out by a professional.

*The general rule of running is taking two days off at the first sign of pain or soreness and see if it goes away. If it’s acute pain, however, consult a professional at once. 

7. AVOIDING STRENGTH TRAINING AND CROSS TRAINING
Strength training and cross-training may not be as exciting as running, but they play a significant role in a balanced exercise routine. Incorporating bodyweight exercises and activities like cycling or swimming can greatly impact your training and prevent injuries.

*Scheduling these into your training routine will ensure you won’t neglect them. Strength training and cross training will pay dividends in the long run. 

8. POOR FUELING AND REFUELING
A common mistake runners make is neglecting nutrition both before and after runs. Fueling and refueling are integral parts of your training plan and contribute to your performance. Make sure you have the necessary snacks and hydration to support your run.

*Get used to bringing along a small cooler when you aren’t ending your runs at home. Having the right nutrition on hand will also pay dividends in the long run. 

9. FORGETTING SUNSCREEN
If we could offer you one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. It’s easy to forget sunscreen in the rush to hit the trails or roads. But applying it should be high on your priority list to prevent painful burns and the risk of dehydration.

10. TRYING TO FIX EVERYTHING AT ONCE
This might sound like a proactive approach rather than a bad habit. However, trying to correct every aspect of your running, and experimenting with new diets, shoes or workouts all at once could be overwhelming. Instead, make gradual changes so you can fully understand their impact.

And there you have it friends. This is a great time to clean-up your habits so you can train well for those fall races. Speaking of fall races, did you know that registration for the Bass Pro Fitness Series of events opens up today at noon?? Consider this your sign to get signed. Your body and your mind will thank you for it! Happy Running!

Make a Covenant with Your Eyes

“‘I have made a covenant with my eyes;
Why then should I look upon a young woman. For what is the allotment of God from above, And the inheritance of the Almighty from on high?” Job 31:1-2 NKJV

In a story titled “ SABRINA STANLEY BECOMES FIRST PRO-TRAIL RUNNER TO JOIN ONLYFANS TEAM, it was reported that Stanley is the first runner to join OnlyFans’ team of athletes, marking a significant moment as the platform continues to expand into the world of sports partnerships. The collaboration highlights OnlyFans’ commitment to supporting athletes who push the boundaries of performance and want to cultivate deeper connections with their fans. The Colorado-based runner shared the news in a social media post on Monday morning, March 10, 2025. In the short video, Stanley reveals her new blue and white OnlyFans-branded running kit and expresses her enthusiasm for the new partnership, highlighting this pivotal moment in her career. “I couldn’t be more excited to join the OnlyFans team of athletes and their diverse community of creators. This sponsorship allows me to share my journey in new and exciting ways while continuing to push my limits in the mountains,” said Stanley. “I’ve wanted to be an OnlyFans creator for years. Now, I’m proud to represent a platform that supports athletes like me and prioritizes safety, inclusivity, and the empowerment of creators.”

And, you know, while the world might think it’s empowering for women to showcase their nude bodies on platforms such as OnlyFans for the world to see (hence their nonstop push to normalize porn and make it mainstream by creating teams of athletes) the Bible is very clear that a person’s nudity is a private thing. Hence the reason Job, a man who was blameless and of complete integrity, made a covenant to not look upon any woman other than his wife—even though it was normal and mainstream in that culture for a rich and powerful man like Job to do so. Furthermore Leviticus 18:1-18 reinforces the biblical principle that the nakedness of an individual is private and “belongs” to an individual and to their spouse, and does not “belong” to anyone else. Which means that, when a man looks upon the nakedness of a woman who is not his wife, he takes something that does not belong to him—and she, upon offering up her nakedness for strangers to see, gives away something that belongs only to her husband or her future husband. This is something, then, that’s not only NOT empowering to women but degrading to them in the long run, and just one of the many reasons that porn is so deadly and destructive to a person and to society as a whole. 

So, don’t buy into the lie that a person can either watch or make porn (which includes all form of nudity) and come out unscathed my friend. There’s a reason the Bible tells us to flee from all sexual morality, and to not set our eyes on any evil thing. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for your Word that serves to keep us on the road that leads to life and good health. Help us to understand the consequences of engaging in all forms of sexual immorality Lord that we might set our eyes on only those things which are good. Help us to be people of integrity in a world where the lines are blurred and to abstain from all evil desires and deeds that we might inspire others to do the same. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Tell Someone Today

“And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!’” Romans 10:15 NKJV

As I stared at my swollen, red, and achy feet with many of the toenails either missing or completely misshapen from years of abuse yesterday morning, I couldn’t help but smile at the reason they were (once again) in the shape they were in. My husband I began Saturday by participating in the Run like Rudy 5k which commemorated the life of Rudy Zevallos Jr., a young runner who died at the tender age of 18 after crossing the finish line of the Frog Hill Half Marathon. Thankfully, since Rudy had made the decision to follow Jesus before his untimely and unexpected death, the event was also a celebration, leaving me ever so glad that someone had taken the time to share the Good News with him. After a short nap, my husband and I then headed out to set up for the annual 12-hour Racing for Daylight overnight event that began with a devotion and prayer and then ended in the same way. After more than 40 miles of running on pavement and steps gained in unloading supplies and then loading them back up after the race, it’s no wonder then that my feet were in bad shape. But it was worth it knowing seeds were planted. 

And, you know, while the world might see my feet as ugly, God says they’re beautiful. In fact, the Bible says, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace…” You see, there are countless people in our world who are in desperate need of hearing the gospel. Which means it’s not only a beautiful thing when we share it, but the feet of all those who are motivated by love to actively and exhaustively move out to “bring glad tidings of good things,”(because it's the news of salvation through Jesus Christ) are beautiful as well. 

So, knowing that only those who call on the name of Jesus will be saved, strive to have beautiful feet that go out at every opportunity to share the Good News my friend. After all, “how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” Someone told Rudy about Jesus, and because of that he will spend eternity in heaven. Who will you tell today?

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that the lost can’t come to know You without someone telling them about You. Compel us Lord to go out into the highways and the hedges and to beckon the lost to accept You as their Savior before it’s too late. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Compete According to the Rules

“An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” 2 Timothy 2:5 BSB 

In a disturbing story published by Canadian Running Magazine yesterday it was reported that The indoor track and field season for Virginia Class 3 high school athletes ended with a literal bang on Tuesday at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. In one of the wildest track and field videos ever captured, an athlete used her baton for more than just a smooth handoff during the second leg of the girls 4x200m relay final. Junior Kaelen Tucker of Brookville High School was poised to help her school secure the state 4x200m title when she suffered a blow to the back of her head from another competitor. This wasn’t just an accidental tap but a full-on smack with a metal relay baton, knocking her team out of the race. The incident occurred as Tucker passed a competitor from I.C. Norcom High School to move into second place on the bend. Race officials quickly disqualified the I.C. Norcom team for runner interference and unsportsmanlike conduct. Tucker’s mom later told ABC13 News there were no apologies or explanations from the other team.

And, you know, as sad as it is to say, displays of unsportsmanlike conduct have become so commonplace that I was appalled by the Norcom High athlete’s behavior but I was certainly not suprised. In a world where winning is applauded above integrity, people will justify breaking the rules to take home the prize. But the Bible is very clear that “an athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” Which means that any gain gotten by breaking the rules is really no gain at all, despite what the world says. In the same way, when we make up and follow our own rules to justify our sin rather than adhering to God’s commands, we fail to gain victory and are quickly disqualified. 

So, compete according to the rules my friend—by following the established guidelines and standards of the competition the Lord has laid out in the Bible. Resist the temptation to do anything that will take you off course and you will one day take hold of the crown. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that ONLY those athletes who compete according to the rules will inherit the crown of eternal life. Help us to be people known for their integrity Lord that we might represent You well as ambassadors for Christ, thereby bringing You glory and inspiring others to seek You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Make an Informed Decision

“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” Luke 14:28 ESV

In an op-ed titled “How Much Running Races Costs, Depending on the Type of Runner You Are” published Tuesday, the writer, Meredith Dietz who is also a marathon runner and the senior finance writer for LIFEHACK, said “Running is often touted as one of the most accessible sports—just lace up and go, right? But as many runners discover, what starts as a "free" activity can quickly transform into a significant investment. Last week I broke down what it looks like to invest in proper running gear. And now, I'm turning my eye to the world of races.” Meredith went on to estimate the cost of being a causal runner, a dedicated road racer, a destination racer, and a trail/ultra runner and ended by saying, “While racing costs can add up, I still find the most valuable aspects of running—the endorphin rush, sense of achievement, and community connection—are more than worth it. When you consider the costs associated with your preferred style of running, you can make informed decisions about which races and experiences are worth the investment for you.”

And, you know, when it comes to considering or counting the cost of something so you can make an ‘informed decision’ before embarking on it, Jesus asked the great crowds that were accompanying Him a very important question… “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” This was a very important question because Jesus knew the heart of the crowds. They loved the miracles, healing, and free food Jesus had provided but had no desire to follow Him for any other reason than what He could give them. Which meant they would turn back to the world the moment following Jesus cost them something… like their obedience, their possessions, their comfort, their relationships, or their reputation. Which is the very reason Jesus clearly detailed that the cost of discipleship would mean giving up everything they had.

So, knowing that the cost of being counted as a true disciple of Jesus is being willing to completely renounce all that you have, I hope that you have already made the informed decision to follow Jesus my friend. If not, I highly encourage you to do it right now. As for me, though it cost me everything to follow my Savior, I know that giving up what I can’t take with me to grab hold of that which is eternal is the best investment I could ever make. Which means that deciding to follow Jesus was the best decision I ever made. And I hope you can say the same.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that true discipleship will cost all that we have. Help us to count the costs before following You that we might understand and make an informed decision to do so only if we are willing to follow You until the end.  Help us to remember that following you You now is exponentially worth giving up the world and its ways to gain eternal life. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Try Intervals for Motivation

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about some really, really, really good news. Registration for the Bass Pro Shops Fitness Series Marathon Weekend opens next week!! And... if you're one of the first to sign up and claim a select spot, you'll get $5 off your entry fee into the 5k, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay, or the Marathon. Exciting right? 

 

Now if this has you thinking... "Hmmmm. I really want to participate in the greatest running weekend of all time, but the thought of running all those training miles is daunting," I have good news (this good news is a theme) for you. The run/walk interval method devised by Jeff Galloway (pictured above with yours truly) and used by coaches (like me who have coached countless runners using it) and runners for decades can take the daunt out of daunting and have you smiling at the idea of training again. Why? Because well timed walk breaks make it exponentially easier to complete the miles. 

Want some more good news? Thirty second walk breaks (my personal favorite) combined with your  appropriate run time (based on science, your goal, your fitness level, and other factors) can be used to complete your first 5k, PR at a half marathon, finish your first marathon, run a Boston Qualifier, or even complete an ultra marathon. While it may take time to find your sweet spot, I’ve found that beginning runners enjoy 30 second run/30sec walk intervals while more experienced runners prefer a 60-90 second run followed by a 30 second walk for their intervals. Ultimately, you’re in charge so find what works best for you. 

 Intervals using 30 seconds as the walk time are appropriate for all runners and could be your ticket to reaching the finish line. But don't just take my word for it, check out what Chris Twiggs, chief training officer of the Galloway Training Programs who currently coaches between 220 to 250 athletes through the Galloway Method using the 30-second walk break has to say about it:

When Galloway started recommending the run/walk method back in the 70s, he started with run a mile, walk a minute, regardless of pace. Over time, though, as he and his team of coaches collected more data on how runners performed with the method, they started tweaking the recommendation, personalizing the run ratios based on pace while still suggesting the one-minute walk.

They found that when training for longer distances, such as halfs and marathons, runners started slowing during their later walk breaks, which dragged down their overall pace. For example, a runner might start out with a 15-minute-per-mile run/walk pace, but as the race wore on, they’d drop to a 16-minute-per-mile pace because of the slower pace during walk breaks. To compensate for the slow down, they’d push themselves to run faster during the run intervals, but that would backfire by making them more fatigued and cause them to walk even slower during subsequent breaks.

“By eight miles in a half marathon, or certainly by 20 miles in a marathon, I’m now walking significantly slower during my walk break than I was, and I’m having to run significantly faster than I was to make up for that,” Twiggs explains. “And it just becomes this downward spiral.”

That’s why, about a decade ago, the one-minute walk break morphed into 30 seconds, Twiggs says. “In 30 seconds, you’re getting the recovery benefits that you need from the walk, but you’re not slowing down [your overall pace] significantly,” he explains.

While there are exceptions to every rule (meaning some runners will need shorter or longer breaks), Twiggs gave these further benefits of using the 30-Second Run/Walk Interval:

There’s a notable perk to shorter running intervals. “It allows you to run at a more natural pace for you,” Twiggs says. As he explains, to complete a half or full marathon, you have to adopt a slower pace than what you’d average on a shorter run, such as a five-mile jaunt around your neighborhood. However, there are only two ways to slow down your average pace. The first is to deliberately hold back while you run, which can compromise your biomechanics and cause more vertical oscillation up and down, Twiggs says. “Often, what we find is, when people are forcing themselves to run slower, they end up bouncing,” he says. This can cause more pounding on the joints, leading to an uncomfortable stride, he explains.

The other way to slow your pace is to inject regular walks into your runs. “Now, I can run the same pace for a half marathon that I’m comfortable running for five miles, but by putting in the walk breaks more frequently, it brings the average pace down to something that’s sustainable for the entire half marathon, or something that’s sustainable for the entire marathon,” Twiggs says.

Still, for the vast majority of athletes? Those 30-second breaks are where it’s at.

Rarely, but sometimes you will need to walk a little longer as Twiggs explains: 

One is if you start a workout or race too fast without a proper warmup. This can jack up your heart rate and push you into the anaerobic zone. “You want to recover from that as soon as possible,” Twiggs says. To help lower your heart rate, you can either add in an extra walk or lengthen an existing walk. Once you get back into the aerobic zone, he suggests resuming the 30-second walks.

What if you feel extra tired toward the end of the race? It's better to take more frequent short walks than fewer long walks, Twiggs says. That’s because once you start extending the walks to a minute or so, it can be challenging to start running again. If you feel like you need a longer walk, you likely just need to shorten your run segment, Twiggs explains. For example, instead of doing cycles of 3-minute runs/30-second walks, you could shift to 2:30 runs/30-second walk.

Keep in mind: The 30-second walks apply are for tempo and long runs only. When it comes to speedwork intervals—for example, quarter-mile, half-mile, or mile repeats—you’ll need longer walks after each repeat to give your body time to properly recover from the high-intensity efforts. “We may put as much as five minutes of walking in between those harder effort miles,” Twiggs says.

So, there you have it friends. There's no reason to NOT sign up to join the funnest group of people on the face of the planet for Marathon Weekend, aka the greatest running weekend of all time. By using run/walk intervals, getting to the finish line can be easier than you thought. So get signed up next week and get to training. You'll thank yourself in November. 

Happy Running!

Jesus Never Changes

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 NIV

In an article titled “Running USA Launches 2025 Global Runner Survey with Exciting Incentives for Participants” it was reported that Running USA is, once again, calling on runners worldwide to participate in its 2025 Global Runner Survey, the most comprehensive annual study of the running community. To increase their chances of getting more surveys this year, Running USA is offering their respondents the chance to win entries to four premier running events or a premier treadmill, thereby making participation more rewarding than ever. To explain why the survey is so important, Jay Holder, Executive Director of Running USA, said “The running event industry is always evolving, and we want to make sure that the races runners love are keeping up with the needs of their participants. By taking just a few minutes to complete the survey, runners can make an impact on the direction of events around the world.”

And while the world might constantly be changing and the running event industry always evolving, there is one thing that never changes. And that is Jesus Christ. He “is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Which means God's character never changes or evolves. Because of that, His word, His standards, and the way of salvation also never changes. The wages of sin is still death and there is still only one way to eternal life. And that’s through the free gift of salvation that Jesus provided by His death on the cross—a gift that can be claimed by the renouncing of the things of this world and the acceptance of Jesus as one’s Savior. 

So, if you truly want to make an impact on the direction of events around the world, share the Good News of the Gospel my friend! There’s no better way to positively change our world than by sharing the only Message that has the power to change the lives of all who accept it. And if you have not accepted this free gift yourself, I urge you to do it today. It will be the best decision you will ever make in your life.

Heavenly Father, thank You for being the God who never changes unlike the thousands of other gods of this world. Thank You for having unchanging standards so we can know that what’s labeled sin never changes either. What was wrong since the beginning is still wrong today. Which is the very reason we praise You for sending Jesus to save us when we were powerless to do it on our own. Help us to share this Message boldly with the world Lord so we can make an eternal impact. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Continue the Mission

“We will not hide them from their children, Telling to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done.” Psalm 78:4 NKJV

“When I told Nadine that I wanted to do this challenge, I didn’t even believe in myself that I would finish. Yet, I needed to do something to help get me unstuck, feeling sorry for myself because of my physical ailments that accumulated over my time in the Army. I struggled everyday. I woke up to get on the bike and just finish that days workout, being exhausted from long weekends of wrestling tournaments, and fighting sinus issues. All excuses! I Did It, and I Do Not Plan To Quit At This Point! Task completed, Charlie Mike!!!” These were the words my dear friend Kevin (Nadine is his wife) wrote after completing the Taji 100 challenge last week. And let me tell you, Kevin not only completed the challenge, he went above and beyond the 100% completion rate needed to be done and then pressed on to end up with a whopping 181.3%  rate that earned him a place at the top of the leaderboard. Was it easy? No way! But Kevin got it done and vowed to  ‘Continue the Mission’—which is the meaning of the Charlie Mike military code phrase. Per heroesbridge.org, Charlie Mike is used during military operations that experience a delay, or for individual issues such as minor injuries, discomfort, or even pain. Over time, military personnel learns to silence complaints and “continue the mission”.

And, you know, when it comes to important missions, there is no mission more important than telling the “generation to come” about the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, including “His strength and His wonderful works that He has done,” that they might come to know Him. You see, you and I must “not hide them from our children” and the next generation if we are to ‘continue the mission’ of fulfilling the Great Commission—which is the telling of the most praiseworthy thing God ever did for all of humanity…He loved the world so much that He sent His one and only Son to die for our sins so that all who would believe in Him would have eternal life with the Father. 

So, continue the mission my friend.  Press on in the midst of minor injuries, discomfort, or even pain in your calling to share the Good News. And remain hopeful and persistent when you experience the delays and setbacks that are sure to come when you set out to spread the Gospel. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that every believer has the same important mission… and that is to know You and to make your great Name known. Please give us opportunities to tell the world what you have done in our lives, starting in our own homes, and how you saved us from our sins so that we might inspire the lost of every generation to seek You and Charlie Mike!!! It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

We are Called to Speak up Against Evil

“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” Ephesians 5:11 NIV

In another disturbing and disheartening story about young men being allowed to participate in women’s sports, it was reported that the recent updates to Pennsylvania’s gender policy on high school sports won’t stop a transgender athlete from racing against girls in the state championships. An 18-year-old male-born student who identifies as female is scheduled to compete Sunday in the girls’ indoor track-and-field event, despite President Trump’s executive order on single-sex sports and a gender-policy update approved last week by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association. To detail just how absurd, unfair, and downright evil this stance is, ICONS (Independent Council on Womens Sports that advocates for female athletes) responded to the update by stating the obvious, “ Male athlete Sean “Luce” Allen has taken a spot in the GIRLS 200m at Pennsylvania’s high school state championships, denying a female athlete the chance to compete at the state meet this coming Sunday. His 25.43 time is nearly 3 seconds slower than the last boys’ qualifier.” 

And you know, while officials will continue to vehemently hold on to the woke idea that a person identifying as the opposite sex can actually become the opposite sex, science itself testifies that a persons DNA can NOT be changed, regardless of the amount of hormones a person takes, the number of surgeries a person undergoes, or by demanding those around them use their ‘preferred pronouns’. Furthermore, the Bible is very clear that there are only two genders. The Bible is also clear that, as believers, we are not only to “have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness” but are to “expose them” so that our silence is not interpreted as our approval. We must be those people who will take a stand for what’s right and boldly defend the Truth. And the truth is… when evil is allowed to rule, the righteous suffer. 

So, while the world continues to blur the lines between good and evil, let us be brave in declaring the absolute truth regardless of the consequences it brings my friend. We will not only be obedient to the Lord for doing so, but will encourage others around us to take a stand as well. And the more people that speak up, the more change we will see. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the clarity your Word brings and the light it shines to expose deeds of darkness. Lord, help us to be bold in calling out evil and speaking truth that we might protect those who are harmed by silence and the perpetuation of evil. Give us the boldness to speak up and a platform to be heard Lord. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Make Time to Do the Things that Matter

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?”Matthew 6:25-26 NLT

In a story titled “Ultrarunner Sophie Power breaks 48-hour treadmill world record in bid to inspire women in sport,” it was reported that Sophie Power recently broke the record for the most distance covered by a woman on a treadmill in 48 hours. It follows an equally impressive feat last year, in which she became the fastest female to cross Ireland on foot. In her latest challenge, Power covered more than 365 km (226.8 miles) across two days in January, running and hiking on a treadmill at the National Running Show in Birmingham, England. Her achievement – which is still subject to usual ratification from Guinness World Records – was driven in part by her burning passion to improve access for women in sport. Knowing that she serves as a role model to other women, it warmed my heart that Sophie (a 42-year-old mother of three) shared some of the sacrifices she must make to achieve her goals—thus making it clear that if a person wants to “do great things.” there are things they must give up. “I think we put lots of pictures up of women achieving things without saying how they do things, and that only gives us that desire to do something but doesn’t say how we do it. It’s important to say, ‘This is my training, this is my childcare, this is my multitasking, this is what I don’t do.’ Like my house is always a mess, I don’t put makeup on in the morning, I don’t care about what I wear, I don’t watch TV, I don’t go out all the time, so there’s all stuff I don’t do, so I can do things.” 

And, you know, this attitude that every successful ultrarunner has—of not doing meaningless things so they can do important things, like making the time to train—is the very attitude every successful Christian has, and by successful I mean serving Christ to their full potential. You see, we all have the same amount of time in a day. But the believer who doesn’t spend their time worrying “about every day life” seemingly has more time because they don’t waste time pursuing things that are of no benefit in reaching their ultimate goal. They are content with having their basic needs met and so can pursue knowing God and making his great Name known. Furthermore, successful Christians “look at the birds” as Jesus told them to and trust Him to meet their needs since they know they are “far more valuable to Him than they are.”

So, don’t worry about everyday life my friend. God knows what you need and is He faithful to provide. With that always in mind, “don’t do” those things that waste your precious time so you “can do” the things that truly matter. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are called to make the best use of the time you have given us. Please give us the wisdom and strength to give up those things that steal our time Lord so that we can redeem the time you have given us by serving You to our fullest potential, thereby investing our talents wisely and successfully doing our part in making heaven full. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Go For a World Record

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! Again! This seems to be a recurring theme. But thankfully, this time, it’s because of the record breaking highs rather than the record breaking lows. I don’t know about you but I was so ready for some spring-like temps.

Speaking of records, did you know that a Great Britain runner recently broke the record for completing the fastest marathon while on crutches? I know… who knew there was even such a thing? 73-year-old Chris Terrill certainly didn’t. It wasn’t until a friend of his from London City Runners told him the good news. The previous record was six hours, 24 minutes, and 48 seconds. Without meaning to, Chris did it in six hours, 11 minutes, and 11 seconds. Pretty impressive right?

What's even more impressive is the optimistic attitude Chris had. After suffering an injury playing pickleball that rendered him in need of a hip replacement, Chris decided that he would run the 2024 Brighton Marathon regardless of his limitations. He crossed the finish line of the 26.2 mile race wearing a green beret as part of his mission to raise money for this charity, the Royal Navy Royal Marines. 

His story inspired me so much that I did a random search of "weird" running Guinness World Records to share with you. Why? Because if you've lost the motivation to train for a "normal" race, why not go for a record? The added difficulty of running while doing something "weird" with the prospect of breaking a world record might just reignite your passion in time to train for a spring race. 

So, without further ado, check out this list of some of running’s weirdest (but real) world records shared by Canadian Running Magazine. And if you're looking for more ideas, check out this list of eight more "weird" running records. 

On Feb. 5, 2022, Edmonton’s David Eliuk broke the Guinness World Record for most T-shirts worn while running a half-marathon. Racing the Hypothermic Half Marathon in Edmonton, Eliuk donned a whopping 120 t-shirts, breaking the previous record of 111, and crossed the finish line in two hours and 45 minutes. This record is odd, but it’s far from the only unorthodox running record we’ve seen over the years. There are so many strange feats out there; here are the top five weird–but real–running records.

Anything joggling

Joggling (juggling while jogging) is surprisingly popular in the running community, and there are world records from the 100m up. Unlike some Guinness World Record running feats, joggling results tend to be extremely quick, with the record breakers running times that many non-juggling runners wouldn’t even be able to hit. Take P.E.I.’s Michael Bergeron, a runner who owns joggling world records in the 5K (16:50), 10K (34:47) and half-marathon (1:17:09)–or Port Hope, Ont.’s Michal Kapral, who still holds the joggling world record in the marathon (2:50:12), which he set at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 2007. 

American David Rush is another joggling world record holder, although he added yet another twist to the feat (as if running while juggling wasn’t already tough enough). In 2021, Rush broke the world record for the fastest 100m while juggling blindfolded, covering the distance in 16.29 seconds.

  
10K carrying 100 lbs
American Erin Grindstaff owns what sounds like an extremely arduous record: fastest 10K while carrying 100 lbs. Grindstaff ran Las Vegas 10K with a backpack weighing 100 lbs, and she crossed the finish line in 1:26:49. If this sounds more like a military training method than a running event, it’s because that’s how Grindstaff got the idea. As she told the Guinness World Records team, she is an American Air Force veteran, and she had plenty of experience “rucking,” which is walking, hiking or running with a weighted backpack. “I wanted to set this Guinness World Records title to show normal, everyday people that you do not have to be an elite or full-time athlete to do something physically extraordinary,” Grindstaff said. “With hard work, a solid plan, and true unwavering commitment, anything is possible.”

Backwards mile

In 2020, a Kansas man named Aaron Yoder took to the quiet country roads of his hometown and ran a 5:30 mile… while running backwards. That’s right, Yoder ran a backwards mile faster than most people can run going straight ahead. That works out to an average pace of 3:25 per kilometre, and it beat the previous world record of 5:54, which not-so-coincidentally also belongs to Yoder.

Golf running

In 2021, Swiss athlete Jürg Randegger played a ridiculous 252 holes of golf in 12 hours, breaking the world record for the most holes in a 12-hour period. He covered 93K in this mind-boggling world record, carrying just a 7-iron for the entire day. He took a total of 1,348 strokes and managed to hit five birdies (one under par). Not bad for a sport in which calmness, patience and taking one’s time are of the utmost importance.

And there you have it friends. If you're looking for a challenge to fire up your passion for running, go for a world record. But if that's too daunting, make breaking a personal record your challenge. That's quite the feat as well (whether it's speed or distance). My point is this... get some skin in the game if your motivation is waning and get back out there with a smile on your face. With these amazing temps, it's the perfect time to do it. 

Happy Running!

Compel Them to Come in

“Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” Luke 14:23 NKJV

“Wow! Look at that sunrise,” my husband (aka sweet Larry) said to me yesterday as we were driving to the clinic for his early morning bone marrow biopsy that we hoped would yield positive results. “Isn’t that beautiful?” As I was agreeing with him and praising the Lord for the work of His hands that was on full display before us, the song “Come Jesus Come” by Stephen McWhirter began to play on the car radio…

“Sometimes I fall
To my knees and pray
Come Jesus come
Let today be the day

Sometimes I feel
Like I’m gonna break
But I’m holding on
To a hope that won’t fade

Come Jesus come
We’ve been waiting so long
For the day You return
To heal every hurt
And right every wrong
We need You right now
Come and turn this around
Deep down I know
This world isn’t home
Come Jesus come
Come Jesus come

One day He’ll come
And we’ll stand face to face
Come and lay it all down
Cause it might be today
The time is right now
There’s no need to wait
Your past will be washed
By rivers of grace

Come Jesus come
We’ve been waiting so long
For the day You return
To heal every hurt
And right every wrong
We need You right now
Come and turn this around
Deep down I know
This world isn’t home
Come Jesus come.” 

While listening to the melody, I couldn’t help but cry tears of both joy and sadness. Joy knowing that no matter what my husband’s test results were, he was ready and waiting to meet the Lord, and sadness knowing that millions of people in this world are not. And as much as I hopefully anticipate, desperately yearn for, and relentlessly pray for the return of my Savior, I pray every day for opportunities to compel people to accept Jesus as their Savior before it’s too late. You see, the Bible clearly tells us that we must be ready—because Christ will return at a time when we least expect it. Sadly, that means the millions of people in our world who are not ready will not be granted access into the Great Supper and will not ‘stand face to face’ with the One who created them. 

And, you know, while the thought of that happening won’t bother those who are lost, it should grieve the heart of every believer so much that they are filled with a sense of dire urgency to heed the command of the Master to “go out into the highways and hedges, and compel” the lost “to come in” —not only that heaven might be filled, but that the lost might be kept from the pain, anguish, and the weeping and gnashing of teeth that those in hell will experience for all of eternity. 

This literally means that we (meaning every single believer in Jesus Christ) must get outside of the four walls of the Church building and go into our schools, our streets, our neighborhoods, our alleyways, our cities, our towns, and even venture into the outermost and most dangerous of hedges to reach people with the Good News of the Gospel. Our search and recovery mission should be exhaustive and ongoing until the day we go to be with the Lord or He returns and meets us in the sky. 

So, knowing the fate of all those who die in their sins is eternity in hell, may we, like Paul, declare “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” And then pray for, look for, be prepared for, and seize every opportunity to tell someone about Jesus so that they can be so ready for His return that they will join the saints in singing, “Come Jesus come. Let today be the day.”

Heavenly Father, thank You for promising eternal life to all those who place their trust in You. Help us to compel others to make that same choice by reminding us that hell is a real place and a place so awful that we would do all we can to keep people from going there. Lord, help us to remember that the harvest is ripe and we are the workers that need to be found busy bringing in the harvest upon your return. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Keep Your Promise to God

“When you make a promise to God, don’t delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools. Keep all the promises you make to him. It is better to say nothing than to make a promise and not keep it.” Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 NLT

In a heartwarming story published by Runner’s World last week, 39-year-old runner Farouk Gomati detailed his harrowing battle with Guillain-Barre syndrome (an autoimmune disease that attacks the nerves that branch out from the brain and spinal cord). In 2013 Gomati said he was a full-time musician and went on to say,”I was active, enjoyed tennis, and was recently married with a four-month old son. I had just completed the last phase of a two-month tour around South America when, during our final stop in Bolivia, I ate chicken that wasn’t properly cooked. Shortly after, I experienced severe headaches and, weeks later, numbness spread rapidly throughout my body. After being rushed to the hospital, I was placed in a three-week induced coma. When I woke up, I was on a breathing machine and 100 percent paralyzed. Over the next two years, I underwent intensive rehabilitation, slowly rebuilding my strength and regaining control of my body. During this process, I promised myself that if God healed me and I could walk again, I would one day run a race. It became a driving force in my recovery—a personal commitment to honor the gift of movement and a reminder of the resilience within me.” Thankfully God did heal Farouk and, although the rehabilitation and training was far from easy, Gomati kept his promise to God and crossed the finish line of the Life Time Miami Half Marathon on February 2, in a time of 2:21:19.

And, you know, when it comes to fulfilling our vows  to God, Solomon knew that we should guard our steps when we go to the house of God—meaning we should be reverent, prudent and wise with our words when coming to meet with God. Which is the very reason Solomon said, “When you make a promise to God, don’t delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools.” He then went on to say, “It is better to say nothing than to make a promise and not keep it.” You see, God doesn’t take broken vows lightly. Hence the reason we are not to even tarry one iota in fulfilling an oath we’ve made to the One who has power beyond our comprehension. 

So, knowing that we honor God by having a heart set on pleasing Him and showing integrity in all things, be very careful before you make a vow to the Lord my friend. And if you do make a promise to the Creator of all good things, be sure keep it no matter how hard it might be to do so. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that vows to You should never be made without prayerful and careful consideration. Lord, please cause us to understand that You are the God of all power and deserve our ultimate reverence, honor, and devotion. Help us to fear You Lord, that we might gain a heart of wisdom that keeps us from stumbling. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Jesus Will Never Let You Down

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:22-23 NIV

In a story published by VN Express News yesterday, it was reported that “Australian record-holder Lauren Ryan turned heartbreak into triumph by winning the 3,000m run at the Boston Valentine Invitational on Feb. 15 after her boyfriend ended their relationship via text message.” When speaking of the breakup and the win that followed, which landed her with Olympic gold and a personal best (PB), Lauren said, “I just wanted to win so bad. I’ve just had a tough run the last couple of months with some family stuff - and my boyfriend broke up with me yesterday, Feb. 14, with a text message. The only person that won't let you down is yourself.”

And, you know, while the notion that ‘the only person that won’t let you down is yourself’ is a widely held belief, the Bible tells us that we are all to measure ourselves against a Holy standard rather than a worldly one. You see, the world will tell you that you can save yourself by being ‘good,’ with ‘good’ being a relative term with no clear way of being measured. But God’s standard requires absolute perfection. And since we “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” we all fall short of that standard and need the saving grace that God provided by “his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” 

So, if you have not chosen to place your trust in the only One who can and will never let you down, make today the day you accept Jesus as your Savior my friend. You’ll not only have the complete confidence that you will spend eternity in heaven, but will have complete confidence that He (unlike people in this world) will never leave you nor forsake you. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much that You would give all those who trust in You as their Savior the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. No other god would ever or could ever do that. Thank You also for the gift of the Holy Spirit that all believers have—a gift that assures us that we will never be alone. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Stop Your Work to Meditate on HIS Work

5 

“God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’ So that everyone he has made may know his work, he stops all people from their labor.” Job 37:5-7 NIV.

Although it was 13 degrees below zero on the windchill yesterday morning, and the roads still covered with snow and ice, my husband and I decided to take advantage of the precious time off work the winter storm had given us by putting on our trail shoes and heading out the door together for a long run (which turned out to be more of a hike due to the conditions). And boy were we glad we did! With no traffic on the trail (or anywhere in town for that matter due to school and business closures), we were able to better hear the sounds of nature all around us. The stillness of the cold air seemed to echo the harmony of the songbird's praise and I couldn't help but smile. The beauty of the new-fallen snow, generously provided by the Creator out of his incalculable treasury, was so breathtaking that I found myself thanking Him over and over for the blessing of the unexpected day off that allowed me the time to slow down and enjoy the work of His hands as I meditated on the words of Job 37, the chapter that just 'so happened' to be where I was at in my Old Testament Bible study. 

And, you know, when it comes to taking time to enjoy the work of His hands, one thing is certain. The majority of people don't do it, not even Christians. Which is the very reason so many people forget that creation didn't come to be by accident nor does it operate at random. The One whose "voice thunders in marvelous ways" and "does great things beyond our understanding" sits on the throne and controls the times and the seasons. This means the One who "says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth'" has the power to make it happen simply by commanding it to be so, "so that everyone he has made may know his work." Furthermore, God has the power to stop "all people from their labor." Take a moment to truly think about and ponder that... When God sends the cold and the snow, the farmer cannot do his work (neither can most of us when conditions are this bad). His hand is held from working the land so that the time away from work will cause him to reflect on the work of God. Charles Spurgeon explains it this way "When the Lord seals up a man's hand, he is unable to perform his labor. The Lord has an object in this, namely 'that all men may know his work.' When they cannot do their own work, they are intended to observe the works of God" 

So, seek to "know his work" by ceasing from your work at least once a day my friend. Slow down and take the time to just be present in nature for a few moments that you might develop a regular time of unhindered fellowship with the Father that will bring joy to your heart and mind in ways that I can't explain. It's something you must experience for yourself.  And something you will never regret, of that I am completely certain. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing us to know You and experience You through all that You have made. Lord, help us to understand that time spent in your Word and in your world will benefit us in more ways than we could ever imagine. Help us to set aside time each and every day to do both that we might grow closer to You and to inspire others to do the same. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Consider Taking a Rest Day

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let’s get started by talking about this weather… again. Between all the snow and the ice, this winter has wreaked havoc on the trails and roads the last few weeks. Which means, if you’re a runner like me who opted to not own a treadmill (a choice I’m highly reconsidering), you might be feeling the frustration of missed runs or runs that are subpar in speed or distance to account for the conditions. 

But I have good news! A snowy and slick day can actually be a blessing in disguise for a runner. For one thing, it’s an opportunity to take a rest day. (Yes, you probably do need a day off.) Especially if you’re experiencing both psychological and physiological signs that you might need a day (or more) off from running. What are those signs you might ask? Well…

Perhaps the number one sign you might need a day off for your mental health is when (not if) you don’t feel motivated to tackle your runs and workouts like you used to, or you’re not actually enjoying doing them. If running is something you love and you start to notice that it’s feeling more like an unwanted chore, a day off may be just what you need. Unusual crankiness and irritability are also signs you need a mental break to recharge your batteries and refocus on your goals.  

Physically, there a few key signs to look out for. Among them are: regular sleep disturbances, an elevated morning heart rate, the inability to fight off a cold, a sense of generalized fatigue, loss of appetite, feeling stiff or sore in general or feeling discomfort in a localized area, and feeling like it’s getting harder to maintain your normal training pace (physically and mentally). 

Running Coach Angela Fifer has this to say about knowing when it’s time to take a rest day (something I’ve repeated to the runners I coach as well)… “I like to tell my athletes, ‘Listen to the whispers of your body, it will never have to shout at you.’ That simply means that if they tune into the more subtle signals that they’re pushing too hard—or the whispers—and respect those signals by altering the plan to allow for some recovery, then they might be able to avoid injury—or the shout.” 

So what should you do on a full rest day (as opposed to an active recovery day)? Take the complete day off from training by not engaging in any significant physical exertion, including activities like brisk walking (although a stroll in the park is always a great idea) and focusing on passive recovery methods like stretching, foam rolling, or light mobility exercises instead. This gives the body (and mind) time to recover. 

Key points about a full rest day for runners if you’re still leery:

• Importance:

  Rest days are crucial for preventing overuse injuries, replenishing glycogen stores, and allowing soft tissues to heal, which can ultimately improve performance and prevent burnout. 

  
  

  Frequency:

  Most runners should aim for at least one full rest day per week, although some may need more depending on their training volume and experience level. 
• Who might need more rest days: 

  New runners, runners returning from an injury or who are prone to injury, and runners with a high training volume.

So there you have it friends. You may not want to take a rest day but you need to take a rest day every now and then. We all do. So embrace it, add it to your training plan, and then reap the many benefits that will come from it. You’ll be so glad you did.

 Happy Resting!