BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Let your Why Motivate You

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 determining your ‘why’ can be the very thing that keeps you motivated to complete your longest training run this Saturday (if you're following the OMRR Bass Pro Fitness Series Training) before tapering down—and the very thing that then keeps you motivated on race day to make it to the finish line. So how exactly will having a ‘why’ inspire you to press on you might ask, especially when things get hard? Well, consider this... if a ‘why’ can be defined as the cause, reason, or purpose for which someone does something, it only makes sense that the more worthwhile and rewarding the cause, reason, or purpose is, the greater the motivation will be to see that thing come to pass. Right?

That was certainly the case at last weekend’s Frog Hill Half Marathon that I had the blessing of directing, that inspired the topic for this week, and that many Bass Pro runners used as a training run. From left to right pictured above you'll see Laura Murrieta, Gretchen Barnes, Amber Ferrell, and Jackie Morrison. All of the girls besides Laura were running their first half marathon and this is what they had to say when I asked them about their “why?” 

"I was injured all summer and these ladies never gave up on me. I even managed a 10 minute PR,” Laura Murrieta said. "I've never done one before. I came to support my friends." said Amber Ferrell as she smiled, realizing that all the hard training had paid off. Overcome with emotion, Jackie was unable to answer so Laura explained, "We ran in honor of her mom who passed away at the end of August so....." "It's for my Momma," Jackie said afterwards with tears streaming down her face. And last but not least, Gretchen said, "It was my first half. I ran the 10k last year. I knew I could do more. And when you have a husband who walks a 5k in prosthetics (something he did the previous year and the night before), what excuse do you have?" Indeed! What excuse do you have for not finishing a race right?

So if you're feeling unmotivated today, perhaps it's simply time for you to challenge yourself? Perhaps it's time to ask yourself, "What's my why?" Well only you can answer that but I will share with you three of my top ‘why's’ that keep me motivated to press on each day, and especially on race day. First, I run to glorify the One who made me and gifted me to complete distances that others can only dream of doing.  Second, I run because I can, because I know there will come a day when I will no longer have the strength or the ability to run. And since today is not that day, I will choose to lace up. And lastly, I do it because it simply feels good. Movement is medicine for the mind, body, and soul. I don't run because I have to, I run because I get to. 

So if you're looking for your own ‘why’ today, why not start by adopting my number two reason as your own by making your ‘why’ simply because you can? 

And if you're still saying, "Melissa, I'm not feeling any of that," consider this post and video that the Bass Pro Fitness Series shared last week on Feel Good Friday to be your ‘why’, "Rest assured that when you run with us, your dollars are going to a cause bigger than you! All of our profits that the Fitness Series makes from our events goes directly to one of our sponsored charities! Those charities include Girls on the Run of Southwest Missouri, Champion Athletes of the Ozarks, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks, Ozark Greenways, Inc., and Isabel's House! Stay Tuned for next week as we highlight the important work that each of our sponsored charities does leading up to Marathon Weekend!" This can be your "why!" Think of all the children and families that will be blessed because you chose to run one of the Bass Pro events! Which means you have to choose to finish the training. I don't know about you, but I think each one of those charities is a great "why" to lace up.

So there you have it friends. Having a reason "why" is a great motivator for completing that 13.1 or 26.2 mile race coming up in a few weeks. So determine what yours is and allow it to drive you to the finish line... because that's where the food is!

 Happy Running!

God is Not a Record Holder

“If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?” Psalm 130:3 NIV

In a story aired by Chicago 7 yesterday afternoon, the following was reported: The men's marathon world record time was shattered Sunday at the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Kenya's Kelvin Kiptum broke the men's marathon world record, becoming the first person to record a time faster than 2:01:00, crossing the line in 2:00:35. Running just the third competitive marathon of his career, the 23-year-old shaved 34 seconds off the previous world record which had belonged to his compatriot Eliud Kipchoge, though it is still subject to the usual ratification procedure, according to World Athletics... “I knew I was coming for a course record, but a world record - I am so happy," Kiptum said afterwards, according to World Athletics. "A world record was not on my mind today, but I knew one day I would be a world record-holder." Wow right?

And you know, when it comes to being a world record-holder, you and I can rejoice that it’s a title God doesn’t choose to hold. You see, as the psalmist knew, if the Lord kept a record of our sins, no one could stand… and I mean no one. Think about it… if the Lord kept a journal of all the ways you and I failed Him, it would show just how deserving of death we are. Thankfully though, the Bible tells us that God, because of His great grace, removed our sins as far as the east is from the west. Which means, through our faith in Jesus Christ, we can stand before Him with a clean record. Wow right? 

So if you’re a child of God you have cause for celebration today my friend. But you also have cause to share this Good News with those who haven’t made the choice to accept Jesus as their Savior. Jesus is coming back soon and there will be no second chances if the decision has not been made now to follow Him and to be set free. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much that You would provide Your Son as the only way for our sins to be forgiven. Help us to be bold in telling others about the only way to eternal life so that they would not perish in their sins. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Set Your Mind on Good Things

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8 NLT

“You can do anything that you set your mind to! Last night I completed my second leapfrog 5k. I did it in 2hr 23min which was 30 min faster than last year…. I am sore today but it was worth it. Now I get to watch my amazing bride Gretchen Barnes run her very first 1/2 marathon!!” Those were the words my dear friend Daniel Barnes posted early Saturday morning, the day after he did the seemingly impossible. This army veteran completed his second 3.1 mile race on prosthetic legs at the Friday night race I’m blessed to direct. Along with some other friends, I had the honor of walking the final mile of the course with him in 2022 before watching him cross the finish line. And while that race was exceedingly difficult for him and beyond what most people could tolerate, 2023’s race held even more hurdles. Four months ago, Daniel had an extensive surgery to remove a bone growth from what remained of his right leg. He not only had to learn to walk again but had a spot that wasn’t healing properly, which prompted his doctor to strongly advise Daniel to not walk the 5k. “Guess what?” He also wrote. “I walked it! I have learned that with the King of kings on your side you can do anything!” Do you just love that or what?

And you know, the positive mindset that got Daniel to the finish line despite the intense pain he was experiencing is the mindset that every believer needs to have. You see, the Christian life is not an easy one. There will always be tests, trials, suffering and struggles. But we can manage these experiences the same way we battle thoughts telling us to give up as we strain to complete a hard race… by training our minds to think about “what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable… things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” In other words, we replace the lies and words of the enemy flooding our minds with the words of the Bible and what God says is true. This will give us the mental grit to battle the worst hardships, and to stay in the fight during prolonged times of adversity. 

So mentally train to fix your thoughts on good and godly things my friend. Especially when your mind wants to focus on the negative. This will not only give you the staying power to keep running the race but will give you the stamina and resolution to continue following Jesus despite the persecution and pushback that is sure to come as we draw nearer to the return of Jesus. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the tools we need to run the race marked before us. Jesus clearly told us that we would have trouble in this world but that we should take heart since He has already overcome the world. Help us to think about true and honorable things such as this when impure and negative thoughts rise up in our minds Lord. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Share your Story

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” Genesis 50:20 NLT

In a story titled “Runner shares motivation behind wanting to reach finish line at Boulderthon” published Wednesday by CBS Colorado, Amy Goeckel, a runner and tech worker in Denver, said she is looking to run her second half marathon at Boulderthon. "I'm really looking forward to getting her done a lot faster this year," Goeckel explained. Running 13.1-miles is something she physically couldn't have done a few years ago. "I am recovering from a 16-year battle with bulimia," Goeckel said. The battle required Goeckel to dig deep and access a deep well of inner strength. "I was in a very bad head space for a long time," she said. It's a journey she shares on her podcast, Eating Disorder Diaries. “Too many people suffer in silence," she commented. Goeckel started the podcast in March. She interviews experts and has frank conversations with her friends and family. She's reached people all over the world. "My hope is that by my talking about it, it will break the stigma and help others grow," Goeckel explained.

And you know, when it comes to going through struggles and long-term battles, the story of Joseph clearly illustrates that good can come out of every story when we trust God and continue to follow Him despite the hardships along our journey. Betrayed by his brothers and falsely accused of rape, Joseph experienced times of deep suffering before he was eventually elevated to the position of second-in-command over Egypt—a position that allowed him to use his God-given skills and experiences to save the nation and his family from famine, telling his brothers “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” 

So don’t ever be afraid to talk about what you’ve been through my friend. In fact, pray for opportunities to do it! Too many people suffer in silence because believers fail to share their personal testimony of the power of God in their lives—a simple act that could be the very thing that leads to another person’s recovery. You see, our stories are proof that the Lord can turn everything the enemy meant for evil into something good…. and proves that, with God, there can be a happy ending to every story. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You can and will use all our broken pieces to form us into something beautiful if we would only give them to You. Lord, help us to be bold in sharing our stories with others so they would know that they are not alone and that there is a God who can heal every wound, cure every illness, and cause good to come out of every situation. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

The Spiritually Healthy Heart

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 BSB

In an article published by Runner’s World Monday, it was reported that regular exercise can significantly lower the risk of developing some types of heart disease and irregularities. One of the most common heart rhythm disorders worldwide, atrial fibrillation—known as A-fib—involves irregular electrical impulses in the atrium, one of the two upper heart chambers. As a result, those chambers are out of sync with the lower chambers. When this happens, it significantly raises the risk of stroke, but recent research presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2023 found that physical fitness can play a major role in reducing the likelihood of developing A-fib. That’s certainly a reason to keep lacing up those running shoes isn’t it? A healthy heart is something we should all strive for. 

And you know, when it comes to a healthy spiritual heart, the Bible is clear that a healthy heart is one that is led by the Spirit rather than the flesh. Which means that a healthy heart is one that leads us to regularly exercise our spiritual muscle by reading the Word. This, in turn, will cause us to exhibit the fruits of the Spirit which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. You see, in order for us to lower our risk of developing spiritual heart disease or disorder, we must make the decision to discipline our spirits each and every day in the same way we discipline our flesh. 

So if the state of our spiritual health can be determined by the fruits we exhibit, how would you rate your heart health today my friend? This is a question we must regularly ask ourselves so we can avoid spiritual disease and irregularities. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that our spiritual heart health is even more important than our physical heart health. Knowing that, help us to crucify our flesh daily with its passions and desires so that we can live and be led by the Spirit. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Prepare for Fluctuating Temps

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 totally makes me happy! It's finally fall (regardless of how the untimely heat we've been experiencing makes it feel). Yay right?? So it's once again time to talk about how to dress for temperatures that will fluctuate like the changing leaves. Which means that if you’re not already prepared for autumn running, you’ll want to check out what Canadian Running had to say about dressing for this season and the extra tips I’ve added from personal experience. This will not only keep you comfortable as you continue to train for the Bass Pro Marathon/Half and Dogwood Canyon (race day is getting closer and I'm getting excited!!) but will ensure that you’re dressed for success when you step up to the start line.

So without further ado here we go with four great pieces of advice:

1. Layer up

Fall weather can be deceiving — temperatures that feel chilly in the first few minutes of your run can have you overheating by the time you’re halfway through, making it really tough to figure out what to put on before you start. To get around this, opt for wearing a few light layers that you can easily remove and tie around your waist as you warm up. Your base layer should be made of a light, moisture-wicking material like polyester, elastane, polyamide or Gore-Tex, which help keep your skin dry to maintain your body’s temperature.

An example of layering is to wear a moisture-wicking t-shirt as a base layer, a light long-sleeve shirt or sweater designed for running and a waterproof windbreaker in case it’s rainy or windy. Stay warm, but don’t over-do it. 

You don’t want to be cold when you’re out running, but it’s also unnecessary to dress so warmly that you’re sweating as if it were the middle of July. To help figure out how much to put on, use the 10-degree rule: add 10 degrees to the ambient outdoor temperature, and dress for that level of warmth. So if the thermometer says it’s 5 C outside (41 degrees), dress as if it were 15 C (59 degrees). If it’s raining or it’s particularly windy outside, only add five degrees to the ambient temperature.

*I'm a huge fan of running vests which can warm your core without causing you to overheat. Paired with a long sleeve shirt and light gloves, this is a great fall option. Wearing a tight-fitting moisture wicking tank top under a long sleeve is also a great option. Especially on race day when the temps will warm up quickly. You can tie the shirt around your waist after you've warmed up, pass it off to a friend along the course, or toss it to the side to be donated. On a side note... having a few vests of different thicknesses and materials is always a great idea. It's an investment that will pay off. 

*Also, invest in some knee high socks that are a rayon/polyester blend (ladies, you'll want to get colorful ones to match your outfits). Cut off the toes and use these as cheap arm warmers (this saves a lot of money!) so you can still wear your tank tops or short sleeved shirts. This is very helpful when you're running for more than an hour as temperatures can start off cold. Also, don't underestimate the effect cloud cover (or lack of it) will have on the feel-like temps.

2. Choose bright colors

As the days get shorter, you’ll likely be doing a lot more running in the dark. Wearing bright colors will make you much more visible to drivers when you’re running through busy areas, and having reflective gear on will keep you safe while you’re out on the streets.

3. Get a good jacket

Fall can be a rainy time of year, so invest in a good water-resistant jacket to keep you dry on the cool, wet days. Even an un-lined “shell” to throw on over top of your other layers will go a long way in keeping you comfortable in the rain.

*This will be your most important piece of cold-weather running gear so choose wisely. Once again, having a few different jackets of varied thickness will get you through fall and winter. A light windbreaker, a rain-proof shell, and a winter neoprene shell are my go-to items. With practice, you'll learn what works best for you. What you choose to layer underneath will determine your heat level. 

*Remember that it takes time for the heat to build up under your jacket. Starting off the run a little chilly is always a good idea if you don't want to overheat. You'll be comfortable in a mile or so and be glad you did. 

4. Don’t hang around after your run

You may warm up quite a lot during your run, but it doesn’t take long after you stop for your body temperature to start dropping, especially when your underlayers are damp from sweat. If you’re running from home, make sure to get out of your wet clothes right away. If you’re not at home, make sure you have a warm sweater to put on after your run and a place to take off your wet clothes so you can get dry as soon as possible.

*On group runs or on race day, you'll want to break this rule and hang out afterwards so be prepared with fresh clothes, baby wipes, dry shoes or sliders, and a plastic sack to put your wet clothes in. If you don't have access to a bathroom or place to change, be ready to do it in your car by bringing a blanket. Put the blanket over you and change underneath (I've done this a lot!). A great majority of the fun that occurs on race day happens AFTER the race is over and you're standing around talking about the race or hanging out at the finish line watching other runners finish. These are truly the times I treasure so I take the time to be ready so you can experience this as well. You'll be so glad you did!

*On a side note... plan to stay until the last runner crosses the finish line. This is truly the BEST part of Bass Pro. It's the best part of any race for that matter. The last finisher always has a story and it's usually one that will make you cry. To see a person complete a race after being out on the course for hours is truly inspiring. And let me tell you, they appreciate those fellow runners and walkers that stayed to cheer them on! On another side note... I've always said that marathons are like mullets. The party's in the back. So stay for the party!!

So there you have it friends. Being prepared to run in the fall weather will make race day one that you'll look back on and smile. Speaking of smile, that's the most important thing to put on! Kipchoge is known for his wide grin while running and science says that it actually boosts your performance. I don't know about that but smiling does make for great photos! So layer up and smile!

Happy Running!

The Greatest Rescue Mission

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.’” Luke 19:10 NIV 

In a story posted by Daily Mail yesterday, it was reported that: An experienced 49-year-old trail runner has been missing for six days after he vanished while on a grueling 28-mile hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Search teams are desperately combing the remote Colorado landscape looking for Chad Pallansch, who was last seen at around noon on Wednesday. The software engineer from Fort Collins, Colorado, parked his car at the North Inlet Trailhead on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, officials said. The 5ft 7in marathon runner began his expansive route at the East Inlet Trailhead near Grand Lake on Wednesday afternoon… Pallansch was reported missing on Thursday, and park rangers confirmed his vehicle is still parked at the North Inlet Trailhead on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Some 55 responders, including 38 rescuers in the field, have been involved in the mammoth rescue mission which entered its fifth day on Monday. The odds look bleak but I’m praying that Chad is found before it’s too late.

And you know, when it comes to rescue missions, the Bible tells us that Jesus “came to seek and save the lost.” Knowing what those who died in their sin without accepting Him would face, Jesus made it clear that this life-saving mission was of utmost urgency and importance and was not to end upon His death. In fact, before Jesus ascended into heaven He ordered the disciples to fulfill the Great Commission, aka “the greatest rescue mission of all time.” A mission that will not be complete until the very last “lost” one is recovered and brought home. 

So do your part in this rescue mission my friend. Get out into your neighborhood and look for those people who may not know Jesus and tell them about the One who came to save them from the wages of sin. You will most certainly be saving them from a fate worse than death. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for modeling what it means to love the lost in such a way that our hearts would be so moved by compassion for them that we would seek them out and share the Good News… which is the only way they can be saved from eternal damnation and enter into eternal life with You. Lord we pray for Chad today, that somehow he’s found and returns home safe. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!