Itching ears lead to trouble

"For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear." 2 Timothy 4:3 NLT

If you've been running for any length of time like I have, you've probably seen lots of trends come and go. Remember the Vibram toe shoes that were all the rage for a while until countless runners got injured? Well now there is another new trend that Colleen M. Brough, director of Columbia Runlab at Columbia University, is seeing, "Runners, especially recreational runners, have full-on embraced the ankle and wrist weights trend." Why the sudden interest in running with weights you might ask? "While gyms were closed, the perceived benefits of the cuff weights trend might allow for strength training and aerobic fitness getting done in the same workout,” Colleen said. “Some think that greater strength gains are happening because of the greater load being towed during the run.” But just like most trends in the fitness industry... this one comes with a high potential for injury and should be avoided.

And you know, when it comes to trends or the ways in which something changes or develops, the world has never been short of people searching for new ideas or ways to do things. Unfortunately trends aren't just limited to changing the way we do fitness or fashion either. In record numbers, professing Christians are looking "for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear." Why? Because "sound and wholesome teaching" doesn't fit into their lifestyle and makes them uncomfortable. But guess what? This growing trend is extremely dangerous because, unlike the world's view of morality which changes by the minute, God's definition of what's right and wrong never changes and neither do the consequences for disobedience that are laid out in the Bible.

So if what you're listening to doesn't convict you or make you feel uncomfortable in some way, then you might want to ask yourself, "Does the message this person is preaching align with the Truths laid out in the Bible or does this person only say what I want to hear?"

Heavenly Father, thank You for the timely reminder that trends are not tried and true. They come and go and usually leave disaster in their wake. Help us to seek out and listen to only those pastors and teachers that deliver sound doctrine that aligns completely with your Word. Incite us to be "factcheckers" Lord who read our Bibles diligently and consistently so we might be discerning in these last days and lead others to be the same by our example. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

You never change

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION-Add life to your years

Hello runner friends! 

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series 

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog. Now let's get started by talking about how running can not only add years to your life but life to your years... something that I hope will motivate you to either take up running or take your running to a new level.

So when it comes to living longer, the research is in according to a recent article published in Runner's World Magazine titled Vigorous Exercise Could Add Years to Your Life. All activity is helpful," the researchers said. "But throwing in some intense workouts could give your health an extra boost." That means developing a running routine with a few HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) spurts thrown in can potentially lengthen your lifespan. In fact, researchers went on to say that, "those who had a higher proportion of vigorous physical activity to total amount of exercise showed a lower risk of early death from all causes. That means they were more likely to live longer than those who didn’t have more intense exercise in their routines. And when it comes to how much, 150 minutes of vigorous activity a week seemed to give the largest advantages in terms of health." 

So now that we know how running can add years to your life, let's talk about five ways running can add life to your years. But first, let's discuss what that means. Have you ever met those people who can regale you for hours on end with tales of the fun, crazy, amazing, and sometimes stupid things they've done? Like doing a themed run in a costume? Running a crazy-long distance just to get a buckle when they don't even own a belt? Hiking to the top of a tall mountain just to see the sunrise? Or running a race they weren't trained for just because someone dared them to or because it was for a good cause? These are the people who add life to their years! Think about it... I'm approaching 50 (my birthday is December 23) and living life to the fullest has been my goal for as long as I can remember. I live each day with the intent of making a difference in the life of someone else, learning something new, doing something memorable and maybe even remotely dangerous, working to be better than I was yesterday, and learning to be more grateful. And because of this, my days aren't just lived but experienced to their full (some days more than others of course). But this is what it means to add life to your years. And guess what? Running can help you do that! How? 

1. Because running takes you to places you never dreamed you would go. I am not even joking about this! While you may only see your own neighborhood and maybe even the city park when you first start running, keep with it for a while and you'll most definitely expand your horizons (literally). I would never have dreamed I'd be scaling the mountains of Alaska or running the streets of Boston but those are just two of the places that running has brought me. It may not bring you that far, but it will definitely bring you to places you would never have ventured otherwise... especially if you experience number 2.

2. Because running brings people into your life that will inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. This one is so true! Do you remember your mother ever asking you, "If all your friends jumped off a cliff, would you do it?" Well if you're with other runners the answer would most likely be, "Maybe. Is there a shirt and finisher medal at the bottom?" This is just the way runners are and one of the main reasons they add life to their years! They take chances and do things most other people wouldn't even dream of doing... and they make it fun!

3. Because running teaches you that there is always something to be thankful for.  Bad day at work? A simple run can relieve all the stresses from the day and give you a new attitude. Have a problem that you need a solution for? A good run can get your blood pumping and help you brainstorm. Science shows that we think better when we run. Feeling down? A run out in nature can have you counting your blessings. Seeing the sun rise or set has the power to remind you that a new day is sure to bring new hope. Plain and simple, when you're out on a run, your mind can find endless things to be thankful for. And being grateful is one of the very best ways to add life to your years because it allows you to appreciate the moments you are given. 

4. Because running allows you to disconnect from the world. Face it. In this day and age, most people are inundated with social media, texts, calls, news and other alerts that pop up on their phones or computers. And spending time staring at a screen while surfing, posting or tweeting is only living life virtually which is not living life at all. Running allows you to get outside with the purpose of breaking free from life and engaging with nature, the people around you and your own self. I cannot even begin to stress the importance of getting alone and getting away from the noise and distractions of this world regularly. It will transform you!

5. Because running reminds you of how valuable and fleeting time really is. This is something every runner eventually comes to understand. Time stands still for no one. Everyone of us will get older physically no matter how old we remain mentally and it will eventually show in slower finishing times and longer recovery times. This is the beauty of running though. It's a reminder to enjoy every run for what it is... a gift from our Creator that we don't deserve but get to experience. Recognizing that time is limited is the very thing that helps us to make the best use of it, thereby adding life to the years we are given. Think about it... some people live to be 90 and never have anything even remotely interesting to talk about. Other people may live only half that long but more than make up for it in life experiences and the positive and long-lasting impact they had on other people and the world around them. Live to be one of those people!

So there you have it friends... running can not only add years to your life but life to those years. Which is a great reason to make 2021 the year you either become a more consistent runner or take your running to a new level; a level that might not necessarily mean putting in more miles but logging your miles with renewed intention, increased gratitude and a revived sense of wonder and awe at the blessings running brings into your life. Because after all... running truly is a gift. 

Happy Running!!!

Jesus sets the captives free

"Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin." John 8:34 ESV

As the Wellness Coordinator for the local health department in our county, I have the blessing of organizing and directing many running and fitness events throughout the year. So you can just imagine the frustration I felt yesterday when I discovered that the company van I use to haul the supplies and equipment needed to do this was vandalized. It seems that, in an effort to steal the catalytic converter from the vehicle, thieves had cut a hole through the floorboard and sawed a portion of the exhaust manifold in half; no doubt for money to buy drugs we were later told by the investigating officer who assured us that we were not alone in our experience. And while I was a bit angry at first, those feelings quickly turned to sadness prompting me to pray, “Oh Lord, the people who did this were desperate to feed their addiction. They are such total slaves to their sin that they will never be able to break free from their bondage unless they turn to You. Compel their hearts to seek you God that they might be find You and be restored." 

And you know, when it comes to sin, Jesus made it abundantly clear that, "everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin," using the analogy of a slave and his master so that you and I would truly understand the power sin has over a person. You see, a slave has no choice but to obey his master—whatever that "master" might be (whether it be drug addiction, porn, adultery, gambling, anger or anything else)—because he or she belongs to and is owned by that master who has total and complete control over them. But guess what? Jesus came to set the captives free, and in Him even the worst of sinners can be forgiven and restored; something we should be telling all those held in bondage. 

So in a world that desperately needs hope now more than ever, let us carry the Message that so many people need to hear... Jesus loves you and wants to free you the sins that are holding you captive today. He can and will break your chains if you will let Him. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that there are hurting people in this world who desperately need to be freed from the chains of addiction. Help us to have compassion on these people Lord that we would be moved to pray for them rather than condemn them as we remember that we too are sinners saved by grace. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Chain breaker - Zach Williams

Give your maximum effort

“To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.” Revelation 3:21 NIV

“What Does It Take to Run a 2-Hour Marathon?” That was the question posed by Runners World in an article published on Friday. In light of that query, researchers examined some of the world’s fastest runners to find the answer and this is some of what they said, "Elite runners can take in oxygen twice as fast at marathon pace as a 'normal' runner could while sprinting at their max effort. These physiological advantages are likely to have been optimized by genetic predisposition and long-term training.” Researchers went on to say that “Even if you never come anywhere close to that two-hour mark—an average finish for well-conditioned runners is closer to four to five hours—it’s helpful to train as if you’re in the elite category.” The takeaway from this? We can’t all be elite runners but we can and should always train like them by giving our maximum effort. Why? Because our victory lies not in winning the race but in being the best that we can be. 

And you know, when it comes to being victorious, the Bible tells us that that there is a reward for every person who tirelessly presses on and continuously gives their maximum effort to reach the finish line. Thankfully the Bible also tells us that, like the church at Laodicea, if we have been either cold or lukewarm in our training to be like Christ--compromising our beliefs, morals and values to "fit in" with the world--we can stop what we're doing this very moment, repent of our sins and complacency and still be overcomers. Not only overcomers though, we can be victors worthy of the ultimate and priceless reward of sitting with Jesus on his throne. Is that amazing or what?

So if you were to take your spiritual temperature today, what would it be? If you say anything but hot, I urge you to recommit your life to Jesus Christ right now by praying, "Lord I admit that my fire has gone out. My love for You has grown cold and I have been compromising all that I know to be Truth. Forgive me today God and reignite my passion to serve and follow You with my maximum effort.”

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we cannot be lukewarm in our walk and service to You but must be all in.. Please renew our desire to serve You wholeheartedly today Jesus that we might one day sit with You on the throne; a reward greater than anything we could ever imagine and so worth our maximum effort. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

All In - Matthew West

Look for chances to do good

"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV

On November 28, Max Aronow clocked a 4:30.38 mile while dribbling a basketball to break the record for the fastest mile run while dribbling a basketball (the fifth time the record has been broken in 2020). The 23-year-old said he heard about the record for the first time four weeks ago when his brother, Miles, a junior at Wesleyan University, told him about it. So Max, a former high school point guard, who said he had a hankering for competition, decided to give it a try. “I jogged and dribbled to the track... and I was like, Oh, I think I can do this if I put on some spikes.” Max later said, “There was all this adrenaline heading into the final lap. I had a chance for the record, so I went for it.” With the record now in the books, Max said he is figuring out what to do next—but another time trial is likely. And if his record is broken, Max said he'll likely give it another go. 

And you know, while most of us will never have a chance to do something as great as breaking a world record, we can all do something good. Especially when we choose to live wisely and not waste any chance we have to do it. In fact, because "the days are evil," you and I should be feeling a strong sense of urgency to actively seek out and "make the most of every opportunity" to do good that we can find. You see, evil is as rampant now as it was in the apostle Paul's day, maybe even more so. And because of that, there are countless hurting people in our world, both believers and nonbelievers alike, in desperate need of a kind act, a helping hand, or an encouraging word. 

So don't wait for an opportunity to be a blessing to someone today my friend. Look for one! And then look for another one and another one and another one... never stop looking because as long as it is today, there is much good to do! Let us be found busy doing it. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for opening up doors for us to be your hands and feet. Please give us an urgency to minister to people in need by our words and actions and help us to be so sensitive to the Spirit’s nudging that we would immediately go where we are led to be that blessing. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Hands and Feet - Audio Adrenaline

Creation proves His existence

"For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God." Romans 1:20 NLT

As the sun began to rise early yesterday morning, I was so overcome with thankfulness to be running outside again after taking some time off to cross train due to an inflamed tendon that I had to fight back tears. But as the yellows and oranges became more and more vibrant and then began to spread across the horizon, I started to cry; so hard in fact that I had to stop in my tracks. "Lord," I said with my head hung down in shame at the thought that pierced my heart. "I am so undeserving of the incalculable good things You have given me. How many times have I taken my blessings for granted? How many things like new days and new sunrises have I not thanked You for? How many times?? How many things?? I'm so sorry Lord. Please forgive me." 

And you know, quite honestly, I can't think of anything in this world that declares the majesty, sovereignty and power of God like nature. There's just something about standing on the top of a mountain and seeing for miles or running through a cool creek bottom that can cause a person to understand that there must be some higher power that controls all these things; that the beauty and the flow of creation could not have happened by mere chance. In fact, Paul agreed saying that "ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky" and "through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God." 

So let me ask you this my friend... when was the last time you marveled at God's handiwork? When was the last time you turned off the TV and turned to look at the stars instead? Or woke up early just to see the sunrise? Or patiently sat by a stream just to listen to the water flow? If it's been a while, I urge you to take a few minutes each day to get out into nature and connect with the Creator to get to know Him better. I promise you won't regret it. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us through your creation of just how small and insignificant we are. And yet You love us with a love so great that we can't even begin to fathom it. Help us to never take your blessings for granted Lord but to live in awe and thankfulness each and every day and to inspire others to do the same. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen, 

Happy Running!!!

So Will I - Hillsong

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION-Formulate a plan

Hello runner friends! 

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series 

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog. Now let's get started by talking about how making the right New Year's Resolution and formulating the right plan to carry it out can motivate you to make 2021 your best running year yet.

But first, let's talk about why we are talking about this so early. Well if the old adage "when you fail to prepare you prepare to fail is true" (and it is), getting off to a good start is super important. Think about it this way... once the gun goes off and the race begins it's too late to GET ready. You have to BE ready and that preparation starts long before you step up to the start line!

And how can you be ready? By addressing one of the top resolutions I have seen and heard throughout the years from both new and experienced runners... 

I want to be able to run this distance (you fill in the blank) by this time (you fill in the blank). 

So for the sake of time, lets talk about the two most popular distances that people set their long-term sights on... the half marathon (13.1 miles) and the marathon (26.2 miles). And while we won't go into specific training plans on either of these here since they are dependent on a lot of individual factors including current fitness level, lifestyle, and the season a person hopes to be ready by, let's talk about which one might be right for you for 2021 and how you can realistically start putting that plan into motion. 

And remember if you are completely new to running, this can still be a goal for 2021! Just start with a 5k plan (Couch to 5k is one of my favorites) and then move up to the 10k distance slowly. Once you are logging consistent miles for a few months, you can realistically set your sights on a half-marathon all-the-while strictly adhering to the 10 percent rule. 

The Half Marathon... 

With a distance of 13.1 miles, this is by far the most popular race to train for. Why? Because it's long enough to be challenging but not so long that training for it is equivalent to taking on a second job. If you're in a season of your life where you don't have a whole lot of extra time, this is the distance for you. And let me tell you... the Bass Pro Half Marathon will not disappoint you. Held the last weekend in October, the giant medals and post race party make this a must-do race at least once. But you don't have to wait for a fall race. Once you have completed the 5k and 10k distance, you can be ready for a half in just a few months. But like I said, this depends on how much time you have to devote to training and how well your body is responding to the increased mileage. But this is most definitely something that can be added to your 2021 list of resolutions and completed! 

The Marathon... 

With a distance of 26.2 miles, this is definitely a resolution that is not for everybody. Why? Because it takes double the time and commitment to train for and complete. But hey, if you have the extra time and the desire, go for it! I mean that!! If 2020 has taught us anything it's this... if you want to do something, do it now. Don't wait for the perfect time or the perfect circumstances because those two will never align. Determine within yourself that you will achieve this goal at any cost and take the necessary steps to make it happen.

Okay so now that you have determined which distance you will ultimately aim for this year, it's time to rid yourself of the three greatest reasons running resolutions fail... 

1. You have no accountability. Tell your friends, your coworkers and anyone else who will listen about your new goal. You'll be way less likely to back out if you know people are watching. 

2. You have no support group. This is so important. Find a friend or group of friends who share your goal. And that's not as hard to do as you might think. Simply search for a local running group and show up to a run. You will be shocked at how supportive they will be because every runner there has been where you are! In the Springfield area? Check out Ozark Mountain Ridge Runners at omrr.org. In the Fort Leonard area? Check out the Frog Fitness Group (www.facebook.com/groups/FROGFITNESSGROUP) or TEAM RWB (https://www.facebook.com/groups/196253530570406). Wherever you happen to be, find a local group. They will be crucial to your success. 

3. You don't have a feasible plan. This one is pretty simple but relatively easy thanks to the internet. Find a training plan that works with your schedule keeping in mind that training plans are meant to be tweaked to fit into your lifestyle. Can't fit in that long run due to work or a child's sports event? Adjust your schedule to do your long run on a different day to make it work for you and/or your family. This is key!! A running plan is only good if it fits into your plans and your life!! Too many runners fail because they find their training plans are too rigid and impossible to follow and simply give up on them. 

Okay so there you have it... that's one resolution that can totally be completed in 2021 if you're willing to plan ahead and put in the work. And guess what one of the great things is about this one resolution? It usually causes you to make better food choices, get more sleep and give up bad habits that are contrary to seeing this goal come to pass. Pretty cool huh? So determine which distance is right for you and carefully formulate a plan that is specific to your life and to your needs--keeping in mind that plans can and should be tweaked to fit into your changing life. Just don't give up on your plan altogether! You can do this!! Keep reminding yourself of that. 

And remember this my friend... you are most definitely worth every ounce of the time, effort and energy it takes to reach the finish line. 

Happy Running!!!