Avoid Every Crooked Path

“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” Proverbs 10:9 NIV

In a disappointing story titled “Ruth Chepngetich, Chicago marathon winner and world record holder, suspended for positive doping test” published last week, it was reported that: Women's marathon world record-holder Ruth Chepngetich was provisionally suspended for a positive doping test on Thursday. Track and field's Athletics Integrity Unit said Chepngetich tested positive for a banned diuretic and masking agent in March and "opted for a voluntary provisional suspension while the AIU's investigation was ongoing." The Kenyan runner set the world record by almost two minutes at the Chicago Marathon last October in 2 hours, 9 minutes, 56 seconds. It was her third win in Chicago. The moment Chepngetich set the record in Chicago is forever etched in the minds of runners and sports enthusiasts alike. "A lot of us were there of course on that day, saw the race, saw the impact and how exciting it is to have a world record on the Chicago course," said Tim Bradley, executive director of the Chicago Area Runners Association… Bradley says word of Chepngetich being provisionally suspended for a positive doping test is troubling news. "Obviously, learning this news puts a lot of things into question, you know," Bradley said.

Sadly, as this story illustrates, a lack of integrity in one area of a person’s life can call their whole lives into question. After all, if a person will follow a “crooked path” to get ahead in sports, it’s almost certain that they would follow other “crooked paths” to get ahead as well, right? And although, a person might think they’ve acted in secrecy, the Bible is clear that “whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” It may not happen overnight, but you can be sure that it will happen. And the disclosure will come with disastrous consequences to the person and even to the church. Which is the very reason believers must walk in integrity—displaying uprightness at all times and an unwillingness to deviate even one step from the path of righteousness. This person not only walks securely but has no fear of sudden disaster. 

So, while it may be tempting to cut corners or to cheat, don’t do it my friend. You might gain recognition, riches, or rewards for doing so, but you can be sure they will be short lived. Those who take crooked paths are always found out. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that any wins or victories that are gained by dishonesty never last. Help us to be people of integrity Lord, that we might always walk securely and bring glory to your Name in all that we say and do. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Look to the Example of the Witnesses

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,” Hebrews 12:1 NIV

In a story titled “Ultra-marathon runner finishes two hours ahead of pack” published by BBC News yesterday, it was reported that A Scottish ultra-runner finished so far ahead in a 100-mile race that she was already home by the time the rest of the field crossed the line. Anna Rutherford ran the inaugural Rat Race between Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland and Edinburgh Castle in 17 hours and 23 minutes – more than two hours ahead of the closest male competitor…Anna said she only overtook the man leading the race before her about half-way through, meaning she ran the final 50 miles by herself and finished two hours ahead of the first male and five ahead of the first female. Wow, right? 

And, you know, in order for Anna to run as fast as she did, she had to “throw off everything” that could have hindered her progress—including the fear of running alone. This is a fear that not only plagues many runners but also many Christians. Which is the very reason we would do well to remember that, as believers, we are never alone but “surrounded by such a great crowd of witnesses” cheering us on as we press on to overcome the tests and trials of life in the same way onlookers cheer on runners on in a race. The witnesses Paul was referring to are the saints that have gone before us who, by faith, have overcome and persevered and now serve as examples to follow and draw strength from. You see, while sin can certainly entangle us and hold us back from finishing the race “marked out for us,” there are other things that may not be sin per se (every weight, obstacle, and encumbrance) but are hindrances that can keep us from running effectively the race God has for us. 

So, knowing that there are many things that can weigh us down, is there a weight in your life that God is calling you to lay aside today? If so, look to the Scriptures for the strength to do it, and then run with perseverance all the way to the finish line. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are never alone. Not only have You promised to be by our side everywhere we go but have given us cheerleaders in the form of the faithful men and women who have gone before us. Help us to put our hope in You, Lord, as we look to their examples of faith and steadfastness to draw the strength to persevere. In doing so, help our faithfulness inspire others as well. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Avoid Deliberate Violations

“Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.” Psalm 19:13 NLT

In a story titled “Canadian runner killed during Ragnar relay race on Whidbey Island, WA” published by Fox 13 Seattle News earlier thus week, it was reported that 

A Canadian runner participating in the Ragnar Road Northwest Passage relay race was struck and killed by a driver on Whidbey Island early Saturday morning. The Ragnar Road Northwest Passage is a 193.5-mile team relay race that starts in Blaine, Washington and finishes in Langley, Washington. The event runs July 11-12. According to the Washington State Patrol (WSP), 55-year-old Hui Li of Surrey, British Columbia, was fatally struck by a driver while running along southbound SR-20 at around 3:31 a.m. What they're saying: Investigators say Li was running in the southbound lane when he was struck by a pickup truck traveling in the same direction. The WSP said drugs or alcohol were not involved, and the crash was caused by a "pedestrian violation." Sadly, a “pedestrian violation” generally refers to a failure by a pedestrian to adhere to traffic laws and regulations while on or near roadways, which makes the story even more tragic—since Li’s death might possibly have been avoided if she had been facing traffic as per the law.  

Unfortunately, deliberately violating laws and regulations isn’t something just runners are guilty of, believers do it too... and it never ends well. This was something King David understood so clearly that he prayed, “Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.” He knew that knowingly, willfully, and intentionally doing things contrary to God’s Word, no matter how innocent it might appear, would eventually lead to being a slave to the intentional sin, which would only lead to regret, remorse, and shame later on… possibly even spiritual death. 

So, don’t be fooled my friend. Running in the wrong direction will only lead to ruin. Keep your eyes and your heart set on the Truth, and run to it. This is the only way to avoid the inevitable consequences of disobedience. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that there are always consequences to violating your laws and regulations. For that reason, keep us from deliberate sins Lord that we might not get tripped up or become disqualified. God we lift up the family and friends of Hui today that are mourning her loss. Be with them. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Learn to Number Your Days

“So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 NKJV

In an update to a story that’s captivated the running world on a global scale this week, it was reported that the man who allegedly rammed his car into 114-year-old marathon runner Fauja Singh on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway has been arrested, police said on Wednesday. Amritpal Singh Dhillon, a 26-year-old non-resident Indian (NRI), was arrested about 30 hours after Singh, popularly known as 'Turbaned Tornado', suffered head injuries in a hit-and-run accident while he was crossing the road at his native village near Jalandhar in Punjab. Singh was taken to the hospital, where he later died…. Born on April 1, 1911, in a farming family, Fauja Singh moved to England in the early 90s after the death of his wife. He took up running after his son died in 1994.In 2000, at the age of 89, he made his debut at the iconic London Marathon and went on to participate in Toronto, New York, and other cities within his age group. He became the oldest man to run a full marathon in 2011 at the age of 100 in Toronto. A torchbearer for the 2004 Athens Games and the 2012 London Olympics, Fauja Singh ran his last competitive race in 2013 at the age of 101, finishing the Hong Kong Marathon's 10-kilometre race in 1 hour, 32 minutes, 28 seconds.

And while what Singh was able to accomplish in his later years might be impressive, what’s more impressive is a person who understands the brevity of life and so makes the most of all their days by serving God to the fullest. This is the very idea that Moses conveyed when he wrote, “So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.” As someone who came to fully follow the Lord later in life, Moses urged others to carefully consider the shortness of life (even if you live to be 114 years old), the uncertainty of life (no one knows when or how they will die as this story shows), and the blessing of life (each day is a gift from God to be used to serve God). You see, it’s only when a person develops a heart that both realizes that their days are short and that only what’s done for God has any eternal value that they will live each day to the fullest. 

So, if you have not already done so, ask the Lord to “teach” you to number your days my friend… that you might gain a heart of wisdom and devote the remainder of your time here on earth to serving the Lord with all your heart, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is how a person lives life to the absolute fullest. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that life is fleeting and unpredictable. Teach us to understand this Lord that we might not waste our lives by living for our own desires but would live life to the fullest by seeking Your desires. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Get Friends and a Funny Side

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 obvious... it's hot, it's humid, and there's nothing we can do about it. Oh wait... we can complain. But that does nothing to make our runs this time of year less miserable right? All it does is remind us of just how miserable we are. Which is the very reason, we need two things to keep the motivation to continue training through the summer months... friends and a funny side.  

This was something I was thinking about after seeing Bass Pro Ambassador Jimmy Brook's posts on Instagram yesterday. In the picture above, as you can see, Jimmy pointed out the obvious (that the humidity was 100%) and then asked the question, "Is this going to be a run or a swim?" Obviously this long time and long distance runner knew he had no control over the weather so chose to use humor to make it less miserable. And with good reason, humor has been shown to lessen our perception of pain, improve our moods, relieve stress, and increase our personal satisfaction. In fact, laughter might indeed be the best medicine!

Which brings me to my next point. This was Jimmy's next post. After expressing his funny side, therefore decreasing the amount of anxiety he might have been feeling about running in the heat and humidity, Jimmy joined some friends to make it "suck" less. Because let's face it. Summer running sometimes just sucks, no matter how much we hydrate or our attempts to run in the coolest parts of the day. 

Which is the very reason we must find our funny side and then find some friends. This won't guarantee that the run won't suck but it will guarantee that it will suck way less!! And be way less miserable!

So in an attempt to help you with the funny side (you'll have to find your own friends but the Bass Pro training group is a great place to look), check out these 50 Running Puns and Jokes to Add Humor to Your Stride:

Best Running Puns

Early morning runners take the psycho path route.

I forgot today’s workout. Could you jog my memory?

You are what you eat, so I eat fast food.

A looped course is just pointless.

I laugh every time I say fartlek. It’s a running joke.

Runners who enjoy bridges in Paris are in Seine.

Just take it all run day at a time.

Been there, run that.

Pace, love, run.

Asking a solider about his hobbies. Iran.

The cow surprised everyone at the farm by running so fast. I think he really knows how to use his calf muscles.

The barefoot runner said it was all about heart and sole to finish.

I’ve been running a latte.

Trying to get the track team to do trails, but they have a one track mind.

Ring around the track, a pocket full of gel, dashes, dashes, we all fall down!

Eminem 8 up the miles on his run.

It’s a runderful life.

Nuns make great runners because their used to being chaste.

Even after the heart surgery, the marathon runner was setting the pace for this marathon. Guess this is why he had a pacemaker.

Watch out for those Team in Training groups, they’ll take your money and run.

The marathon runner was detained in the middle of the marathon by the police because he was resisting a rest.

Turtle runners are slow as shell.

She said running a marathon was a sole-ful experience.

When the joggers got winded, it was a real breath-taker.

Let’s move on to a few things that I find more enjoyable than puns…

25 Best Pun Running Jokes

Why are cows such great runners?
They have great calves.

What are the best sunglasses for runners?
Race tinted glasses.

Why was the treadmill runner laughing so hard?
Who knows, it was an inside joke.

Why did the runner collapse?
She went run step too far.

Why couldn’t the lemon finish the marathon?
Because it ran out of juice.

Why are pigs so bad at running?
Tight hamstrings.

From Reader’s Digest

What food makes runners feel bad before a race?
Eating impasta.

What to say to someone who just had a PR?
Looks like you had a good time.

What do you call running behind a car?
Being exhausted.

What was the runners favorite class in school?
Jography.

Why did the lawyer with a torn ACL win the marathon?
Because he had the power of torn knee.

Have you heard the joke about marathon runners?
No, jog my memory.

How do crazy runners get through a forest?
They take the psycho path.

 

Why did the marathoner decide to give up racing?
Because it gave him the runs.

What happens if a runner doesn’t wear proper shoes?
They will suffer agony of de feet.

Why was the DJ disqualified from the race?
Because he kept changing tracks.

Why did the gardener lose the race?
Because he took the wrong root.

What do sprinters eat on race days?
Nothing, they fast.

Why did the snowman get a cramp?
Because he didn’t warm up.

Why do light bulbs hate running? 
They could really burn out.

Why was the runner detained by police after the run?
Because he was resisting a rest.

What happened to the tomato that fell behind in the race?
It had to ketchup.

What is a runner’s favorite class in school?
Jography

Knock, knock. Who’s there? Eyesore. Eyesore who? Eyesore from my long run, can we take the elevator?

“How do you know if someone ran a marathon? Don’t worry, they’ll tell you.” This one isn’t a pun, it’s just a classically funny line from Jimmy Fallon.

And there you have it friends. Friends and a funny side can’t change the weather but they can change your perspective. So, choose to laugh at life’s hardships and embrace the heat and humidity. This season won’t last forever as you know. So grab a friend and get out the door for some fun in the sun! You’ll be glad you did this fall when those summer training runs pay off with those autumn PR’s. Happy Running!

Godly Friends Will Get You to the Finish Line

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:12 NIV

In an inspiring story published by Canadian Running yesterday, it was reported that Noah Allen, a 28-year-old runner from Prince Rupert, B.C., will mark the beginning of a physically- and emotionally-taxing journey on August 9: running seven marathons in seven days in honor of his late father, Markus, who died of bladder cancer two years ago. Allison will be raising funds for the B.C. Cancer Foundation’s Patient Relief Fund… Luckily, he won’t be running alone. “I’ll have tons of people running with me,” Allison told Canadian Running. “So far I’ve got a list of 14 and I expect it to grow to around 25-30 by the time of the event.” He’s even had some non-runners commit to trying to run a full day’s marathon alongside him. Which is a good thing since having the support of friends will exponentially increase his chances of completing the journey. 

This is true in completing the journey of life as well— a journey that can also be described as physically and emotionally taxing. Having people in our lives who are committed to walking alongside us can make all the difference in whether we stay the course until the end or give up when the race gets difficult. Which is the very reason Jesus commanded the disciples to love one another in the same way Jesus loved them. You see, Jesus knew that they would face many trials and troubles after He left them. But He knew they could continue pressing on with the encouragement and companionship godly friendships provide—because these friendships are held together by a mutual love of the Savior and involve a wholehearted-commitment to one another that goes beyond the world’s definition of love and friendship. 

So, if your life’s journey has become physically and emotionally taxing, refuse the urge to give up my friend. Enlist the help of some godly friends instead. Let them know what you’re going through and you can be sure they’ll come alongside you, spurred on by the love of Jesus, and assure you that you won’t be running alone. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are to love our brothers and sisters in Christ in the same way that You first loved us that we might inspire them to continue running the race until they reach that final finish line. Help us to love them in such a way that the world is inspired to seek You because of it. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

The Best Grief Counselor

“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.” Isaiah 53:3-4 ESV

In a tragic story titled “Michigan ultrarunner collapses, dies during 100-mile Colorado footrace” published over the weekend, it was reported that Michigan resident Elaine Stypula, a sixty-year-old ultrarunner, collapsed on a high mountain trail outside Silverton only three hours after the start of the Hardrock Hundred, a 102.5-mile endurance race in the southwest Colorado mountains. Authorities were alerted to a runner's collapse at 9:02 a.m. Friday, according to a press release from the San Juan County Sheriff's Office. Deputies, along with Silverton Medical Rescue personnel and a Flight For Life helicopter team responded to Gold Lake, a small body of water along the Little Giant Trail east of Silverton. Ground teams were able to drive within a quarter mile of the runner's location before hiking in. Despite intensive rescue efforts, Elaine was pronounced dead at 10:27 a.m. Race organizers expressed their sadness Friday and promised to make grief counselors available "to any and all" in the community at the Silverton Gym. 

And, you know, while grief counselors (those people trained to help individuals cope with loss and adjust to life after a significant bereavement) can most certainly help hurting people navigate their feelings of sadness, we would do well to remember that there could be no greater grief counselor than Jesus Christ. You see, the Savior was “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” having undergone experiences beyond what a mere human could ever endure. Yet, “he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows” because He loved us enough to die for us. Which means that not only will Jesus never leave us or forsake us, but He will comfort us in ways that no one else can, helping us to make sense of the things that happen in this life and pointing us to the future that awaits every believer who remains faithful. 

So, if life has you in need of a grief counselor, look no further than Jesus Christ my friend. He is the One who sticks closer than a brother and has the credentials to counsel, console, comfort, and encourage you like no one else can. And the best part? Jesus is always available and accessible “to any and all” who call out to Him in prayer. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a God who can fully empathize with our grief and sorrow, having experienced it for Yourself. When we are in need of comfort Lord, help us to look to You rather than to the world. Help us to remember that we aren’t immune to the trials and troubles of the world but that we do have a Counselor to walk with us through all the trials and troubles. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

God Makes our Feet Strong

“The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. For the director of music. On my stringed instruments.” Habakkuk 3:19 NIV

In an interesting story titled “Why I’m Hanging Up My Carbon-Plate Shoes – At Least Until My Feet And Ankles Are Stronger” published by Runner’s World recently, Olympian Paula Radcliffe said on her podcast that the growing pain in her ankle during the race meant she couldn’t put her foot down by the finish line and afterwards ended up in a wheelchair. She was wearing Nike’s Alphafly 4s, the latest technology. ‘I think the super shoes were just too aggressive for my foot,’ she said… Strong feet are essential. That’s what Tony Bignell at Nike, tells Radcliffe on her podcast. “Super shoes stop your feet moving around, your metatarsals, your toes. You’re kind of put in this artificial position. So that’s great because it makes you faster, but that’s bad because eventually it makes you weaker…’ The writer of the story, who developed a rare stress fracture after wearing the super shoes exclusively, said “There’s a lot of research into how fast these shoes can make you and almost none into whether super shoes cause more injuries. Believe me, I’ve looked. In the meantime, I’m hanging up my carbon shoes – at least until my feet and ankles are a lot stronger.”

And you know, when it comes to strong feet and ankles, Habbakuk declared that the sovereign Lord was his strength and made his “feet like the feet of a deer” so that he could “tread on the heights.” No doubt, the prophet used the imagery of deer's feet to describe the sure-footedness God provides, enabling believers to run speedily, jump effortlessly, and stand firmly on high places in a way that no super shoe ever could. Furthermore, the image of a deer, known for its agility and ability to navigate challenging terrain because of the unique design of their hoofs, conveys the idea that God equips believers to stand firm in the face of trials and to easily scale the walls of opposition.  

So, when it comes to your spiritual race, don’t look for a super shoe to make you fast my friend. Look to the Lord to make you strong, agile, and swift instead. Doing so will allow you to travel the road ahead of you and reach the finish line injury free.

Heavenly Father, thank You for making our feet like deer that we might have the confidence to stand steady on shaky ground and to overcome the difficult terrain that comes with being a follower of You. Help us to boldly go wherever it is you’ve called us to go Lord, knowing that You have equipped us for every good work. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Pursue Work that Means Something

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV

In a story titled “York County runner set to compete on international stage with her four-legged best friend” published by Fox43 News earlier this week, it was reported that Angela Coco and her dog, Abby, are set to compete for Team USA at the 2025 Canicross World Championships in October. Coco and Abby's journey to the international stage began just over two years ago, when they first discovered and set their sights on the international competition that includes the emerging sport of Canicross in their list of events. After months of training and racing, Coco built up a resume that got her selected for the national team, who she will be heading to the world competition with. "I started out doing Canicross with [Abby] for fun, because she was my running buddy. We found an activity [we] both liked, then, once I qualified for Continentals last year, I got really aggressive, started training super hard, and now we made it to Worlds," said Coco. "I first found out about it two and a half years ago. I never knew it was a thing. So, since then, I've been fighting for it, and we got it. It was incredibly exciting and validating, because all the hard work we did meant something."

And, you know, when it comes to putting forth hard work that means something, Paul was very clear that “the work of the Lord” is never done “in vain.” In fact, our labor for the Lord is not only not in vain but it has eternal value as compared to so much of our life’s work that will cease to have meaning in years, days, or even minutes. Which is the very reason we are commanded to "be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” In other words, we are to remain fully committed to the Word, unwilling to compromise on the Word to fit into present culture, and found preaching the Word at every opportunity— completely exhausting the time, talents, and riches God has given us in service to Him, working to store up our treasures in heaven rather than on earth no matter what trials, troubles, or hardships we might face in doing so. 

So, knowing that only what we do for Christ will last into eternity, let us be “abounding in the work of the Lord” my friend. Let us make knowing Christ and making His great Name known our chief mission so that our hard will have meant something when we leave this world. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that only what we do for You will have any lasting value. Help us to truly understand this Lord that we might not chase after fame and fortune at the expense of winning souls, knowing that to be known by You is better than to be known by the world. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Make the Choice to Do Better to Be Better

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about motivation (after all that's what we do here right?). But first, let's take a look at the meaning of the word as defined by Psychology Today: Motivation is the desire to act in service of a goal. It's the crucial element in setting and attaining our objectives. Motivation is one of the driving forces behind human behavior. It fuels competition and sparks social connection. Its absence can lead to mental illnesses such as depression.

Based on that definition, you can see why it's important to not only gain this priceless personality attribute that will get you to the finish line, but to keep it at all costs. This was something that was on my mind as I read a post yesterday put out by my dear friend Nadine Albrecht, who is one of the most motivated and motivating people that I've ever had the blessing of meeting. But even Nadine has her moments as captured in her post... 

"Had zero motivation/desire to get any movement in. I thought about counting the volunteering I did with my husband at the Senior Center today, but my conscience knew better.

I was going to go to the gym this afternoon but instead I sat in the recliner until it was too late. I was gonna just accept that I wasn’t going to do a workout but again…that nagging conscience.

I changed and laced up my running shoes and headed out. It was a little humid and the gnats were obnoxious but as I was on my way back home I came upon the spot that pushed me to get my crap together 4 years ago.

I couldn’t walk a quarter mile before calling my husband to come get me. I was comfortable being uncomfortable and unhealthy. I used to justify being that way because I was always busy doing something and I was able to get things done… but, if I’m being honest, it was a struggle and I paid for it.

I’m grateful for the nagging conscience because I’ve made the decision that I’m not going back to that person. I may have to adapt things at times but I know better now and I will do better!

So 4 miles done…slow and sweaty but I’m grateful for the ability to do it!"

So where did Nadine's seemingly newfound motivation come from? It came from within. It came from remembering where she started from (see the above photo) and the decision she made four years ago (and one she continues to make day after day) to "do better" even if that means having to "adapt things at times." On a side note, did you notice the gratitude that Nadine expressed? She acknowledged that the 4 miles were not completed under ideal circumstances... they were slow and sweaty... BUT, she chose to be grateful for the ability to complete the distance no matter what. This feeling of accomplishment will serve to motivate her the next time she needs some newfound motivation! Amazing how that works isn't it? We do something we don't feel like doing, we then express gratitude for it, and it serve as a springboard to continue doing better!!!

So, with the start of "official" Bass Pro Marathon/Half Training starting this Saturday with the Recycle Run, I hope you’ll make the decision to get motivated and to stay motivated. And remember... there will be times when you'll have to adapt, times when you'll have to complete your workouts in less than ideal conditions, and times when you'd rather be sitting in the recliner. But by making the choice now to "do better" so you can "be better" each and every day (and to be grateful for every step forward), you'll have that springboard that will propel you to complete the training so you'll be ready to step up to the start line this fall. I hope to see you there! Happy Running!

Jesus Broke the Barrier

“For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,” Ephesians 2:14 NIV

In a story titled “Beatrice Chebet Goes Sub-14 and Takes Down the 5K World Record” published by Runner’s World over the weekend, it was reported that Chebet averaged just under 4:30 mile pace to break the world record by two seconds… In addition to becoming the first woman to run under 14:00 on the track, Chebet has also broken the barrier on the roads. On New Year’s Eve in 2024, she ran 13:54 at the Cursa dels Nassos road race in Barcelona, Spain. Chebet’s resume is one of the most impressive in track and field. At the Paris Olympics last summer, she won gold in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters, and she also owns the world record in the 10,000 meters, 28:54.14, which she set at Prefontaine last May. Wow right? 

And, you know, when it comes to breaking barriers, the Bible tell us that Jesus broke down “the dividing wall of hostility” between the Jews and the Gentiles by His outpouring of blood on the cross, thereby making “the two groups one.” You see, Jesus doesn’t simply give us peace but Jesus is our peace. Which means the work of Jesus on the cross “destroyed the barrier” between Jew and Gentile and set them on common ground as equals, at peace with God. Hence the reason Paul wrote “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” 

So, knowing that Jesus “destroyed the barrier” among believers, don’t put any walls back up my friend. Regardless of race, gender, or social standing, we are all one in the body of Christ and must treat one another that way if we are to model Jesus’ example of peace to the world. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that believers are one in the body of Christ. In light of that Lord, help us to not make any distinctions or divisions among us that we might be seen as a unified family, connected by our love of You. In your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

God Restores Like Cool Wind on a Hot Day

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,” Acts 3:19 NKJV

After finishing up round 11 yesterday morning (out of 12) of the 4x4x48 event (aka the Goggins Challenge) that has become an annual 4th of July weekend charity event, I began to yearn longingly to be home in the coolness of the air conditioning. Not only had I already completed 44 miles over a period of 40-plus hours, but had done so in the intense heat and humidity of July (running four miles every four hours) on a hot high school track—all while camping on-site with my husband for the duration of the endurance run. To say I was being drained (as were the other participants) by the sultry conditions (and the sleep deprivation) would be an understatement. So you can imagine that my friends and I viewed what happened just minutes before it was time to set out for our final four-mile run, as a gift from God, Himself. As we prepared to start, we smiled as we felt a cool wind begin to blow and felt the refreshing of the gentle rain that soon accompanied it—wind and rain that cooled the air and stayed with us until every runner was done. Is God good or what? 

And, you know, when it comes to “times of refreshing” that come from the presence of the Lord, the Bible tells us that when a person repents of their sin and turns to God, they are converted into a new creation.  This conversion, according to the Amplified Bible, brings refreshing and restoration from the Lord that’s like “a cool wind on a hot day.” Think about it this way, sin not only drains us in the same way prolonged intense heat does, but it creates a chasm between us and God that leaves us wearied, depleted, lonely, worn-out, overheated, weak, and tired. The good part though is this… when we turn from our sin and run back to God, the Lord restores us like a cool wind on a hot day. 

So, if you’ve strayed from the course, and find that you’re exhausted and fatigued by the sin in your life, take heart my friend. The Lord blots out the sin of all those who turn to Him and bestows on them the times of refreshing they so desperately yearn for. Run to Him and be restored. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for promising to restore and refresh all those who turn to You. Lord, in a world filled with weary and worn-out people, help us to spread the message that there is hope for a new life in Jesus. Thank You for being the God who saves all those who call upon Him.  It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Let us Celebrate the Freedom Christ Provided

"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1

With Independence Day upon us, you might be noticing the many flags on display as you head out for your morning run. And if you've chosen, like many other runners, to participate in a 4th of July race, you might even see runners wearing red, white and blue while carrying it. You could safely say then that most Americans are still pretty proud of that 'ole flag'. I know I am! And with good reason. You see, 'Old Glory' represents the day our country's founders declared independence from Great Britain. Did you know, though, that each part of the flag stands for something? The 50 stars stand for the 50 states and the 13 stripes stand for the 13 British colonies which declared their independence on July 4, 1776. The colors also stand for something. The white vertical stripes signify purity and innocence, the red hardiness and valour and the blue signify vigilance, perseverance and justice. 

Speaking of flags, there is another flag that should be displayed with pride too… the Christian flag. You see, this flag represents the day believers were granted the greatest freedom of all... deliverance from the power of sin. The shade of red on the cross symbolizes the blood that Jesus shed on Calvary. The blue canton represents the waters of baptism as well as the faithfulness of Jesus, and the white represents Jesus' purity. Regardless of their differences in appearance though, these flags together serve as a reminder that we are “One Nation Under God,” and a country that’s been blessed by the Creator Himself. 

So, in the words of John Adams (a signer of the Declaration of Independence) as penned in a letter to his wife 250 years ago, let us commemorate this day “as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty” and let us solemnize the day “with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore.” And might I add… let us go for a run (or walk) as we count our blessings and thank our God for allowing us to live in the greatest country on earth. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for setting us free from the yoke of slavery and the bonds of tyranny. My solemn prayer is that this country would celebrate our freedom every day with solemn acts of devotion to you, the great God Almighty. Help us to be united as “one nation, under God" as we wave our white flags in total surrender to You, Lord. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Live Out Your Deep Purpose

“I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.” John 17:4 NIV

In an inspiring story titled “74-year-old Duluth runner ‘gave it his all’ after dropping out of 100-mile race” published by NorthernNewsNow on Monday, it was reported that Duluth area runner Michael Koppy, who was attempting to break an ultra running record out in California this past weekend, was disqualified after 30 miles, or 9 hours into the race, for coming into an aid station just a few minutes after the cut-off time. Koppy, age 74, was aiming to become the oldest person to ever complete the Western States 100-mile endurance run. In a message, Koppy’s wife says what matters is the years of training, the countless qualifying races, the early mornings and the deep purpose that carried him to the start line. Koppy says he gave it his all, but that the course was very technical, which slowed his pace. Of the six runners over the age of 70 that started the race, only one crossed the finish line. 

And while the world may view Michael’s race as a loss, I’d join his wife in considering it a victory since he fulfilled “the deep purpose” that spurred him to the start line. In the same way, every believer can count their life as victory by fulfilling “the deep purpose” within them for which they were created… which is to bring God glory by finishing the work He gave them to do. You see, as Jesus clearly demonstrated by his death on the cross, spiritual success is measured by the degree of our obedience and wholehearted devotion—-meaning that we gain victory when we give our all to the cause of Christ, doing everything for the glory of God, no matter the hardships, trials, or pain that we have to face along the way. 

So, in the example Jesus modeled, live to bring God glory on earth above all else my friend. Give it your all to finish the work He gave you to do, aiming to inspire the lost to follow Jesus in doing so. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You don’t measure success the way the world does. Help us to understand that we are in a spiritual race with a finish line put in place by You. Help us to run with endurance the race marked out before us with all that we have that we might bring You glory with every step and with every breath. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Narrow your Focus to Run Faster

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about speed. Now that the majority of runners are acclimated to the summer heat (at least the morning temps anyway), it's time to talk about thriving rather than merely surviving. This was something I was thinking about on my early morning run yesterday as I donned on a new pair of HOKA's for some speed work. And these weren't just a new pair but a new model! I know, I'm such a rebel right? 

But... as much as I willed my new shoes to make me faster than my old ones, I'm not quite sure if it worked. It did however make me smile as I came across an article later that afternoon titled, "Want to run faster? Change where you look." And of course, I said "Yes I want to run faster!" Which is the very reason I intently read the rest of the write-up published by Canadian Running Magazine. The writer started off by saying, "You probably don’t need a new pair of carbon-plated shoes or a fancy lactate threshold test to run faster in a race or workout. According to a new study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, simply changing where you look while you run might help you push harder and finish faster." 

So here we go! If this had your imagination piqued as it did mine, here's what else you need to know if you want to run faster...

Stop scanning the scenery

A team of psychologists, including researchers from NYU, Creighton and Rutgers University, found that narrowing your visual attention (a.k.a. locking your gaze on one fixed point ahead of you) can make a measurable difference in how fast and hard you run. The idea is simple: instead of admiring nature or checking out your wild spectators, aim to focus on one spot ahead, and then move that spot forward as you go. The closer you get to your goal, the more you narrow in.

The researchers call this strategy attentional narrowing, and in their tests, runners who used it consistently ran faster and spent more time working at a higher heart rate than those told to take in the wider view. In short: less sightseeing results in better performance. “By increasingly narrowing attention as a runner moves from earlier to later stages of a run or race—like locking in on a target, then finding another after you pass the first, and eventually the finish line—they run faster, raise their heart rate, and perform better,” explains Emily Balcetis, one of the study’s authors.

Not just for the elites (but they’re doing it too)

Across six studies, researchers found that faster runners and those with more racing experience were more likely to use this strategy naturally. The good news is that it’s a learned skill. Whether you’re gunning for a PB or just trying to survive your next tempo run, narrowing your focus is something you can start practising today. This isn’t tunnel vision; it’s more like a form of mental pacing—an intentional way to regulate your effort, without overthinking splits or form.

Use it when it counts

To see if the strategy held up in practice, researchers ran a few short-distance experiments using real runners. Some were told to keep their gaze wide, others to focus on a fixed point—either through the whole run or just toward the end. Across the board, those who narrowed their focus ran faster. They also spent more time with their heart rate above baseline, which suggests they were working harder, even if they didn’t feel like they were. A small shift in where you look turned out to have a real effect on how much you could give.

The takeaway

Focusing your eyes on one spot instead of scanning your surroundings might be more powerful than it sounds. It’s a low-effort, no-cost way to push a little harder when things get tough. Next time you’re grinding through a tough interval or closing in on the finish, try locking your gaze ahead, and you might be surprised what your legs still have left.

And there you have it friends. Marathon Weekend will be here before we know it. Which means if you want that fall PR, the time to thrive is now. So, whether or not you have a new pair of shoes, try these tips and see if you can shave a few seconds off your mile time. Over the course of 3.1, 13.1, or 26.2 miles, those seconds will add up and you'll be rewarded with a Personal Record. Happy Running!