Little Rock Marathon 2015

"Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works." Hebrews 10:24

Leny Richards of TEAM413 walked her first marathon
She boasted that her new "friend" found her at mile 16
when she was ready to quit and encouraged her to finish.

This year's theme for the Little Rock Marathon centered on water, mermaids and pirates-quite fitting for an event held in the rain with many of the runners donning buccaneer costumes and sporting hooks for hands. Gotta love crazy runners! The cool weather and drizzle didn't seem to "dampen" anyone's spirits though, especially those of the volunteers and spectators. For those brave enough to "walk the plank" and run the 13.1 or 26.2 miles, it was a great race despite the conditions. The course provided a closeup view of historic homes, sites and beautiful scenery. The water and aid stations were impressively plentiful as were the post race refreshments. Despite not getting their famous medals in on time, they provided us with a pretty cute substitute along with a promise to deliver the other ones as soon as they could. Two medals for one race turned out to be a pretty good deal and I'm looking forward to doing this race again next year (God willing of course). Great job Little Rock!

One thing I learned at this race is just how contagious joy and encouragement can be. Not quite halfway through the race, we ran by a building with many windows in front. As I looked to the side, I caught a glimpse of myself in the reflection. What I saw was definitely not what I wanted anyone else to see... me. I immediately prayed, "Lord, let them see You in me. Let Your light shine through me." And then I realized just how to do that... encouragement and joy! I spent the rest of the race in pursuit of sharing that. 

Although the race started at 8:00 a.m., those athletes walking the marathon were offered a 6:00 a.m. start. By mile 10, many of the runners were catching up to them.  I have so much respect for these men and women that pursue the finish line-I know the effort that goes into completing a 26.2 mile goal, whether walking or running. And I've been on the receiving side of a motivating word or shout enough times to know that it makes a difference. Filled with a renewed purpose, I shouted out "good job, looking good, you've got this" or some other encouraging remark to each one I passed. As I did, it seemed those around me caught on and were doing the same! Midway through the race, I began giving high fives to other runners I passed in the turnaround loop. And what do you know? It was catching on, it was contagious. For a brief moment, many of them smiled and encouraged those around them and then kept on moving, intent on reaching that next mile marker. But for that moment, there was a bit of happiness and hope. And isn't that what Christ would do? 

Heavenly Father, no matter where we are or what we are doing, may we always remember that, as Christians, we are to be reflections of you. Let us never miss an opportunity to spur others on to love and good deeds that You might be glorified through our actions. Help us to be bold encouragers to those we meet that they would want to come to know more about the Reason for our hope, happiness and joy. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

With every act of love - Jason Gray

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1Ak6FdbQGE

I will praise You

"Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you." Deuteronomy 31:8

So, let's see... yesterday morning I was pummeled by a wind chill that brought negative zero temperatures and blinding snow riveting into my face mask and stinging my eyes, almost slipped on an ice patch, had the wind at my back (that was nice) and nearly froze to death. All that in one hour of running. But it was great! Before you think that my brain is frozen, let me explain. It was a good run because I was able to do it and because God was there with me. You see, He never promised me or you an easy life-in fact, we are not even guaranteed a long life. But He did promise to be with us through it all.

In those lonely times when I couldn't see beyond my tears, He was there to comfort me. In those times when I was riddled with guilt and shame, He was there to forgive me. In those times when I felt like giving up, He was there to give me strength to face another day. In those times when I had lost my way, He was there to guide me back on course. And mostly, in those times when I felt alone, He was there... my Friend, my Father and my Comforter. How then can I not rejoice? Even in the wind and snow of a cold winter day, He is there.

Exodus 15:2 says, ""The LORD is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him." So no matter the situation, no matter the location and no matter my destination, I will praise Him. I will praise Him for who He is and what He has done for me. And I will thank Him for his goodness, kindness and mercy...undeserved gifts given freely to a sinner like me... and you. Have you thanked Him today?

Heavenly Father, thank you for always being there for us. Thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit who indwells in all believers. There is nothing that can compare to basking in your presence every day, every hour and every minute. I will praise you my Lord til the end of my days for your mercy and grace. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

I will praise You - Rebecca St. James

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXET-duSRr8

Take that first step

"The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives."  Psalm 37:23

I've heard it said that, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." Did you know that it takes approximately 2,000 steps to complete a mile depending on your height and stride length? That's about 6200 steps to complete a 5k and about 52,400 steps to complete a marathon. A thousand mile journey would require about 2,000,000 steps to complete. That's a lot of steps! But one thing is true of each distance... you cannot take that last step until you take the first. And, many times, the first step is the hardest.

To accomplish any goal, there are three things that we need to believe:

1. It is possible to achieve - "Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." Mark 10:27

2. You have the power to overcome any obstacle in your way - "Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you." Luke 10:19

3. We were created to do great things - "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

So don't be afraid to take that first step. You can do extraordinary things if you simply believe you can achieve it, believe you are equipped for it and you have the power to conquer your fears, doubts and limitations. What are you waiting for?

Heavenly Father, thank you for providing us with everything we need to do amazing things. May we glorify you in all we do, whether that be running a race, finishing a project or accomplishing a goal. All praise to you for giving us the ability to overcome any obstacle in our way. Help us to take that first step today, and then the next.... and the next. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

He is with us - Love & The Outcome

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYLoigK4WSI

Don't get led "off course"

"Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear." Philippians 2:12

It's much easier to stay on track when we have someone leading us in the right direction. Wouldn't you agree? Unfortunately, that's not always possible. Most times we are on our own to navigate the way and Paul warns us that "it is even more important" to be mindful to obey Christ when we are without a competent guide. What happened at the Mercedes-Benz Half Marathon last weekend is a reminder of how easily even the most experienced and disciplined people can "get lost" following the wrong leader. Peter Chebii was in the lead, positioned to win first place, with two runners (of the Brooks Hansons team) in close pursuit. They were following the pace car that was leading them along the course. Problem was, the pace car took a wrong turn.

As you can imagine, this cost Chebii a first place win. Although he managed to place second and the other runners claimed a third and fourth place victory, their actions cost them dearly. David Marley, who was in fourth place, stayed on the correct path and claimed the first place prize and the prize money. As you might imagine, the runners were quite upset and tweeted: @Run_Mercedes dropped the ball this morning in the HM. Lead vehicle took top 3 men off course in the last mile. Pretend it never happened? Valerie McLean, the vice chairman of the race said, "The course is very well marked," and added that the crowd was screaming at the runners but they kept on going. She then said that, "the race expects the athletes to do their homework prior to running the course."

The thing is, we can blame any number of things and people for our actions, for our straying off course or away from God. But, ultimately, we are responsible for our own salvation. It is our job to work hard and obey God and His Word-and to walk with Him so closely we cannot be turned"off course" by anyone or anything. By doing so, Philippians 2:16 tells us that we will, "be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain." How about you? Are you focused and "on course" today?

Heavenly Father, thank you for your word that gives us everything we need to stay focused and run the race set before us. May it be our greatest training tool and the words we crave daily to keep us from straying off course. We ask that you run the race beside us, guiding us and leading us along the paths of righteousness. May we stay completely focused on you that we would not be led down the wrong path. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

http://www.runnersworld.com/general-interest/course-confusion-leads-to-a-surprise-winner-in-half-marathon

I will Run - Misty Edwards

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUcrJqGdPSg

Each day is a blessing

"I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." Psalm 27:13

With only 15 minutes left to go before the expo ended (along with the last chance to register for any of the races), I didn't really expect to see anyone other than those on the way out. Unexpectedly, a very beautiful woman, still dressed in work clothes complete with her name tag, rushed over to our TEAM413 booth. We could tell she was in a hurry as she asked where the sign-ups were. In fact, she seemed so frantic to get there that I stayed behind as my partner, without hesitation, led her over to the registration table. About 5 minutes later she returned with a determined look on her face.

"Do you have any of these shirts in pink?" she asked. How funny that she wanted that color as I had just found the only one we had left buried under some of the others. And what do you know? It was in her size. God is so good, I thought to myself. As we talked further she told me why she was there. Her name was Gena and she and her friend had talked for a long time about training to do a 5k race but, like a lot of people,they kept putting it off. Her friend was diagnosed with breast cancer and was buried on Valentine's Day (just a week earlier) and life, as Gena viewed it, was forever changed. She was now determined to complete the race (running, walking or crying) in honor of her friend. Not only this 5k but one every month for a year. Fighting tears, we agreed that it was indeed time to start living... and then we agreed that God would indeed provide the strength she needed to finish. 

You see we aren't guaranteed tomorrow. James 4:14 reminds us that we, "do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." If you have today, it's a blessing. Every breath you and I take is an undeserved gift from God-one not to be wasted. Gena sent me a picture of herself after finishing the 5k she kept putting off and I have a feeling that she will view each day differently from now on. How about you? 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the blessings that come out of the most tragic times in our lives. Thank you that we can see a purpose for life through our tears and sadness. I pray that we would live each day to the fullest. I pray that we would love hard, laugh harder and rejoice with the blessings of each moment we are given. Thank you Jesus for the lessons learned through sadness, tears and despair. Thank you for lifting us up to live another day. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Celebrating with her daughter after finishing the race.

Blessings - Laura Story

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CSVqHcdhXQ

We are all runners

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14

Many times runners won't admit to being a "runner" because they don't feel they look like one. Well... what does a runner look like anyway? I consider myself a runner but I certainly don't fit the stereotype. I am not rail thin and my legs certainly aren't long. I don't let that stop me though, and I hope you won't either. I pray you will, instead, choose to see yourself as God sees you... wonderfully made! No matter what shape, size or weight you are, if you have the items listed below then... Congratulations! You look like a runner.

1. Legs - Legs that propel you down the road or path (whether assisted or not) are the first part of your runner’s body. It doesn’t matter if they’re long and lean or strong and muscular. It doesn’t matter if your thighs rub together or not. It especially does not matter if you require the use of prosthetics. You HAVE a runner’s body.

2. Lungs- Do your lungs pump oxygen throughout your body? Have you either perfected your breathing pattern while you run or are working towards it? This vital process is foremost necessary to live, but the productivity with which it occurs helps you become an efficient runner, therefore giving you a runner’s body.

3. Brain- Your brain functions to send and receive signals all over your body. It starts with telling one foot to lift and move, and then the other foot follows. Next, a more extraordinary thing happens, and a stronger signal is sent over and over again telling your runner’s body to keep pushing: don’t give up; you’re getting stronger; you can do this; you will succeed.

4. Heart- Gene Hackman’s line in The Replacements says it all: “You’ve got to have heart. Miles and miles of heart.” So, most importantly, does your heart tell you that you’re a runner? Your heart is what tells you that you have a runner’s body.

http://runhaven.com/2014/11/07/runners-body/

1 Samuel 16:7 tells us this, "The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." So, whether you have a 7 minute pace or a 15 minute pace, are 200 pounds or 105 pounds... if you have legs, lungs, a brain and a heart, you are a runner. And if you have a heart for Jesus too, you are a Christian runner. 

Heavenly Father, help us to see ourselves as you see us....fearfully and wonderfully made. Help us to celebrate our differences and embrace them as different ways to glorify You. Help us to run the good race knowing full well that we are Christian runners no matter how the world views us. May we lift up your name with every breath and every step we take and give you all the praise when we cross the finish line. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

You make beautiful things - Gungor Lyric

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1spkhp41ig4

Treadmill vs. the road

"Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise." Psalm 47:6-7

Wow! Just when we thought Spring was close, wind chills and snow returned. Rather than abandoning their runs, runners are turning to the dreaded "mill", aka the treadmill or dreadmill. Which leaves a person wondering.... is this workout equivalent to running outside? Is it really worth the effort? According to the newest research, the answer is yes... and no.

Per a study by exercise physiologist Reed Ferber, who is the director of the running injury clinic at the University of Calgary in Canada reported that treadmill running has a few negligible variations in biomechanics compared to outdoor running. Here's the breakdown:

Biomechanics- “You have more forward lean from your trunk and more flexion at the hips and knees when you run on a treadmill because you don’t need to generate as much power at the same speed as you do running on level ground outdoors,” he said. “For the average runner, this doesn’t mean much.”

Calorie Burn- Studies show there are miniscule differences in calorie burn when running at the same speed and incline on a treadmill compared to outdoors. These differences only become meaningful at speeds faster than about 8.5 miles per hour -- which, let’s face it, is way faster than an average runner’s pace, Ferber noted.

*Ferber said that speedsters can incline their treadmill by 1 or 2 percent to make up the difference.

Injury- There are no studies comparing the injury rate or types of injuries you get on a treadmill versus running outdoors. However, Ferber still cautions runners who spend their winters on the treadmill to cut their mileage in half when they finally get back out on the road.

*“When you run outdoors, your calf muscles produce about 80 percent of the forward propulsion power but this drops significantly on a treadmill because the ground moves underneath you,” he said. “When you transition from the treadmill to the road, you could be at risk for calf strains, plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.”

Boredom- Treadmill workouts are the exercise equivalent to watching paint dry for many people, Ferber admitted. Some exercisers tend to cut their workouts short out of sheer boredom.

*But studies have shown distraction techniques like listening to music or watching a movie can help speed up time. Ferber also recommended playing around with any preprogrammed workouts that automatically change speed and incline to help keep the brain engaged.

Just remember that our bodies are gifts from God and it's important to take care of them... physically, spiritually and emotionally. It's easy to find excuses but, by staying fit and healthy, we are better equipped to carry out our God-given vocation on earth. So go ahead and jump on that treadmill. Sing praises that God has given you good health and start dreaming of Spring. It will be here soon enough and, by not abandoning the run, you will be ready!!

Heavenly Father, thank you for designing our bodies so wonderfully. Help us to remember that the body, mind and spirit work together and that we need to work daily to keep them healthy. May we strive to daily strengthen our body as a whole giving you the glory for the ability to do so. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/myth-debunked-treadmill-good-road-running/story?id=29050477

Designed to Run- hope it reignites your desire to stay fit in anticipation of warmer running weather. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bz8ip2ptJQ