BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Take Illumination Seriously

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let’s get started by talking about something that will becoming increasingly important in the coming days, weeks, and months leading up to Bass Pro Marathon weekend and the Dogwood Canyon Trail Runs weekend… Illumination.

 
This was something I was thinking about yesterday as I got out an hour earlier than usual for my morning run. And let me tell you it was dark! So dark, in fact, that I couldn’t even see my hand in front of my face without the use of my headlamp. “And so it begins,” I thought to myself. With the sun coming up later and going down sooner, it’s time to get those illumination devices charged. 

Now, I say devices rather than device because not only do I own many different types of runner lights (some to see and some to be seen), I use different ones for different occasions. With that being said, check out my personal recommendations below and then check out this link at Runner’s World (that includes some of my favorites) that will shed more “light” on the subject (like that pun?). 

Without further ado then, here are my two favorites that are worn “to see…”

1. Headlamp

I am currently using the SLONIK headlamp and have been for several years. . And while I’ve never found a headlamp that I can say that I love (I also refuse to spend a fortune seeking out the perfect one) I do like this one a lot for a few reasons: It’s rechargeable. It’s 1000 Lumens. It’s waterproof and is bright up to 60 feet. You can also order extra batteries, which works great when you’re running through the night as you can simply replace the battery when needed. Carrying a few batteries is way easier than packing a few extra headlamps.

2. Chest Lamp
I’ve been using the AVANTO Triple Beam Chest Lamp for several years. It’s not as bright as the headlamp but is rechargeable and has 500 Lumens which is sufficient because of the placement on the chest. It can be angled to your suiting. On a side note, when you wear the chest lamp and the head lamp at the same time, it really lights up the course, which is awesome when you’re on technical trails or uneven pavement. The best part about the chest lamp? It fits into the category of “to see” and “to be seen” as it has a blinking light on the back.

Now on to the category of “to be seen,” I’m a fan of the Noxgear Tracer. It’s a little pricey but is rechargeable, which means it will eventually pay for itself when you consider the cost of batteries over time. There are cheaper options but I haven’t personally tried them. If you have, please let me know how you like them! That’s one thing about runner gear… personal reviews and recommendations are priceless and I love sharing them.

 
So, know that we’ve gotten serious about illumination which will keep you safe on those early morning or late night training runs, check out these additional tips for avoiding danger so you’ll be able to step up to the start line this November.

 
Choose a Safe Route and Environment

• Stick to well-lit and familiar routes: Avoid shortcuts or unfamiliar paths when you’re running in the dark. When you can, stick to areas with streetlights. This won’t always eliminate the need for personal lighting sources but will help you see the road under you. 
• Run with a group: Running with friends can enhance safety and deter potential threats. It can also help hold you accountable as the temptation to stay in bed rises as light diminishes.
• Avoid potentially hazardous areas: Stay away from bushes, hedges, and wooded areas where you're less likely to be seen and more prone to accidents.

Enhance Your Situational Awareness

• Run against traffic: When running on roads, always face oncoming vehicles so you can see them coming and react accordingly.
• Stay alert and avoid earbuds: Minimize distractions by not using earbuds, which can prevent you from hearing approaching traffic or other potential dangers.
• Pay attention to surfaces: Be mindful of black ice or other hazards on sidewalks and roads that can cause slips and falls. 

Share Your Plans

• Tell someone your route: Let a friend or family member know your planned route and expected return time so they can establish a timeline if you go missing. 
• Carry your phone: Keep a phone with you to call for help in an emergency.

And there you have it friends. Fall is almost here! Which means it’s the best time of the year to train (in my humble opinion of course) for marathon or half-marathon. And you won’t want to get sidelined by the darker mornings and evenings! So take illumination and safety seriously as you get out there and get in those training runs, remembering that every mile covered is preparing you for the start line. Happy Running!

Conditions are Rarely Perfect

“He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.” Ecclesiastes 11:4 (NKJV)

In a story published by the Livingston County News out of New York over the weekend, it was reported that “John Schnitter of Geneseo won the Oak Tree Half Marathon while also setting a new age group record in the process. More than 500 runners finished the 21st Oak Tree Half Marathon & 5K races that took place Aug. 31 through the town of village of Geneseo. Race Director Ben Gajewski, who is also executive director of the Genesee Valley Conservancy describes race conditions as perfect and noted that several new records were set.”

As a longtime runner and race director, I can tell you that it comes as no surprise that several new records were set. And I’m sure the runners were ecstatic! Because one thing is certain in the world of running, race day conditions are never certain.  Which makes "perfect" conditions rare to say the least. And while I personally have never NOT stepped up to the start line because race day conditions were less than perfect, I know many runners who frequently bow out of races they’ve trained and paid for if their chances of success are slim due to the conditions, or if it appears that the weather will cause excessive suffering.

Unfortunately, waiting for "perfect" conditions is not something only runners do though. Many believers are guilty of this as well. This was something Solomon observed that led him to say “He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.” Solomon understood that the person who is waiting for the perfect conditions or the perfect timing (always looking around for the winds to change or looking up at the sky for a flawless forecast), to do something will never step out and begin to do anything… and will therefore never fulfill their God-given calling. 

“ If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” 

Colossians 3:1-2

I don’t know about you, but I find that very sad considering that there is so much joy to be found in serving the Lord (so much joy!). But this is the deal... when a person keeps their hearts and minds set on the things of this world, they will always find a reason—or an excuse—as to why “now” is not the right time to step out and obey the Lord. This is a sure way to delay (at best) or completely prevent (at worst) the harvest the Lord wants a person to receive. You see, the one who waits for certainty in an uncertain world will certainly wait… and may never find the conditions perfect enough to step up to the start line. Which is the very reason believers must keep their hearts and minds set on the things above... viewing everything through an eternal lens and being obedient to the calling God has placed on their lives, no matter how imperfect the conditions might be or how slim their chance of success might seem. When God says "Go!" believers must go!

 

“Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.”

 Luke 1:38 

There is perhaps no better story about bad timing or conditions that were less than perfect than the story of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. To say that it was not a good time for Mary to be pregnant with Jesus, would be an understatement. As an unwed, pregnant teenage girl living in a society where such a situation brought shame, judgment, and the threat of severe punishment, Mary knew that the road ahead would not be easy. But Mary had her heart and mind fixed on things above, and not on the earth. So, when the angel Gabriel told Mary that she would conceive a Son  (not just any son but the Son of God!) that would be called Jesus, Mary didn't hesitate to say, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." And because of Mary's immediate obedience, she fulfilled her God-given purpose and had the awesome privilege of giving birth to the Savior of the world. 

“In the morning sow your seed, And in the evening do not withhold your hand; For you do not know which will prosper, Either this or that, Or whether both alike will be good.” Ecclesiastes‬ ‭11‬:‭6‬ ‭

So, when the Lord calls you to do something, do it my friend. Don't wait for the right time or the perfect conditions either because chances are, the perfect conditions will never come! And don't waste time looking around or looking up. Set your heart and mind on things above today and say, "I am your servant Lord. I will do as you say. In the morning I will sow my seed, even when there’s no chance of rain, and in the evening I will be found busy as well, praying that You will bring in the harvest.” Now that won't mean the road ahead will be easy (because it won’t) but it will mean that you'll reap rewards far greater than you could ever imagine. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that our obedience always comes with rewards. Lord, help us to see things through an eternal lens that we would step out to do the impossible the moment You tell us to move. Remind us that life is short Lord and that we don't have time to wait for the conditions to be perfect. As your Word tells us... the harvest is ripe but the workers are few. Compel us to be those workers who go out to bring in the harvest no matter what conditions we are faced with. Help us to rejoice in our sufferings and to count it all joy when we encounter trials! It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Labor with your Whole Heart

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV

In a story titled “After 2 Straight DNFs, Tom Evans Overcomes Blizzard-Like Conditions to Win First UTMB Title” the writer said “Turns out, the third time running the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc certainly was the charm for Tom Evans, even if the weather was decidedly not. The 33-year-old former British army officer battled rain, snow, and sleet, a strong field of international runners, and about 31,000 feet of elevation gain and loss on the weather-shortened 103-mile race around the Mont Blanc massif on Friday and Saturday, en route to winning in 19 hours, 18 minutes and 58 seconds. Following his win, Tom said “My goals today weren’t to win. My goals today were to be able to look at myself in the mirror after the race and be proud of what I’ve achieved.”

And, you know, in honor of the celebration of Labor Day today, you and I would do well to give thanks as we rest from our work and then stop to consider whether our goals honor the Lord, which must always be a higher objective than winning. You see, at the end of the day, our bodies are not our own. The Bible is very clear that we were “bought at a price” and, in light of that amazing truth (that God gave up his one and only Son to redeem us from our sins), are to “honor God” with our bodies, acknowledging that we belong to Him.

 

“set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” 2 Corinthians 1:22 NIV

In fact, you and I not only belong to the Lord but we “are temples of the Holy Spirit” whom we have received from God! Do the blessings abound or what? God not only redeemed us but “set his seal of ownership on us” putting his Spirit in “our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” How can we not, then, honor God with our bodies since they belong to Him? This means we have no right to be idle with, or wasteful of, what belongs to Him… which is our time, talents, and treasures. Our bodies should be put to use glorifying God using all that He has given us—something that should be our biggest goal when choosing both our vocations and our hobbies.

 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

And, as new creations in Christ, you can be sure that our acts of honor and worship (and that’s what every pursuit of ours ultimately is) should not be done half-heartedly but with our whole hearts since to give God anything less than our best is a sin. Spurgeon said it this way, “Your body was a willing horse when it was in the service of the devil, let it not be a sluggish hack now that it draws the chariot of Christ.”

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters," Colossians 3:23 NIV

So, whatever you do, work at it with all your heart my friend, as working for the Lord, and not for human masters. Choose pursuits that honor God and use all that He has given you in service back to Him. Can you just imagine how many people would be inspired to seek the Lord if every believer did that?  

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are not our own so that we would make the best use of our time, talents, and treasures… working to produce fruit that will have eternal value. Lord, help us to see that everything we do is to be done to honor You and to inspire the lost to seek You. Show us areas in our life God that fail to live up to that standard and help us to work hard so that we would be able to look at ourselves in the mirror at the end of each day and smile… knowing that our day was spent in service to you. Help us to understand that winning in life means living a life that has eternal value. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 
Happy Running!