BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Run Like a Kid

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 can totally improve your running and your outlook on running... choosing to run like a kid from time to time. This was something I was thinking about on Monday as I watched the elementary children I've been coaching all year as part of the ACTIVE Kids program run their last mile of the year. Once a week over the school year, the runners ran for 15 minutes (average time for a mile) around the track and received a charm to add to their necklaces (with special charms for the 5k, 10k, 13.1 and 26.2 mile distances) for each mile completed on their journey to finish a marathon. 

For all their hard work, the young runners were rewarded with an "official" one mile run (pictured above) as a reward. They laughed as they applied their bibs and then lined up at the start for the national anthem. As you can imagine, some of the kids were super fidgety and anxious to start. And then they heard the song that tells runners that it’s about to go down... the Eye of the Tiger. A few bars in and the girls and boys were off for the first of four loops around the track!

When they were finished, they each grabbed a banana (or two or three to take home to their mom of course), a medal, and a bottle of water. They were all red-faced but smiling and laughing, which made me laugh too. "Thanks a lot Coach Mimi," one of them said to me before giving me a hug. "I'm glad you had fun," I replied. "See you next year!" 

Can you feel the joy those young runners had? Adult running should be approached with the same joy and enthusiasm these children had because it can boost their mental and physical well-being, expand their social connections, and help to build their confidence. As kids demonstrate, running can be a fun, social, and enjoyable activity, rather than a sport solely focused on performance. 

Without further ado then, here are a few more reasons why runners can benefit from adopting a child-like approach to running:

Focus on Fun and Joy:
Children naturally approach running with a sense of play and joy, making it an enjoyable activity. Runners can benefit from rediscovering this sense of fun, rather than being overly focused on performance or competition. 

Embrace Social Connections:
Kids often enjoy running with friends and peers, finding motivation and support in group settings. Runners can replicate this by joining running clubs or groups, fostering a sense of camaraderie and making running more enjoyable.Social connections always make running more fun!

Build Confidence:
Like children, runners can build confidence by setting achievable goals, celebrating successes, and focusing on progress rather than perfection. This can lead to a more positive and rewarding running experience.

Appreciate the Natural Environment:
Kids often enjoy running in nature, exploring different terrains and environments. Runners can incorporate this by running in parks, trails, or forests, enhancing their running experience and connecting with nature. And I will tell you from years of coaching children, kids will stop often to marvel at the wonder and beauty of creation, not caring if it messes up their overall pace. 

Learn from Children's Intuition:
Children often run intuitively, focusing on their breath and body's signals. Runners can learn from this by paying attention to their body's cues, modulating their effort, and listening to their breath.

Prioritize Regular Participation:
Just as these children celebrated their weekly wins, and regularly participated in the program, they highlighted the importance of consistent activity and enjoying the process. Runners can apply this principle by incorporating running into their regular routine and rewarding themselves for each run and/or each mile. These young runners received charms but feel free to treat yourself to coffee instead. 

And there you have it friends. There are so many reasons to run like a kid from time to time. The joy that they exhibit is not only contagious but not easily lost. They run simply for fun and slow down when they need a rest. They don't compare themselves to others but run for the sake of running. Although they do (like us) enjoy those free bananas they ran all the miles for, they will do it without any rewards. So get out there often, with no set agenda, no desired pace, and no goals, and just run like a kid. You'll be so glad you did. Happy Running!

Let Grief Motivate You

“Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.” John 16:20 NKJV

In a story published by SPS News yesterday, it was reported that William Goodge smashed the world record for running across Australia after spending more than a month on foot. Spurred on by his mother's battle with cancer, and with his father by his side, William Goodge crossed the finish line in Sydney just after 4pm on Monday. It brings an end to 35 days of pounding the pavement, striding the equivalent of two and a half marathons per day. That's four days quicker than previous record holder, Chris Turnbull, who completed the 3800km feat in 39 days in 2023. The 31-year-old Brit crossed the finish line at Bondi Beach, making his massive run a new Guinness World Record… After crossing the line he was handed a bunch of flowers which he placed at the shoreline in memory of his late mother who passed away from cancer in 2018. “She was the most special person in my life ... she passed away seven and a half years ago to cancer," he said. Throughout the run, Mr Goodge has raised money for the Cancer Council of Australia in honour of his mother Amanda. Goodge said he used his grief and the strength his mother showed while fighting the disease to motivate him to do something positive instead of "waving the white flag".

And, you know, while many people will wave the “white flag” and surrender under the weight and despair of grief, Christians should not. Why? Because we not only have the promise that God will work ALL things for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose (that’s us!), but we have the example of Jesus, who personally proved the promise to be true. Before going to the cross, Jesus said this to the disciples, “Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.” In declaring this, Jesus made it clear that what was about to happen would not be pleasant. The disciples would grieve His death. But by this, Jesus taught them (and us) to look beyond their suffering, confident that there was a greater purpose in it than what their eyes could see or their minds could comprehend. Jesus did indeed die on the cross, but their sorrow was turned to joy when He rose from the grave three days later and conquered death once and for all. Jesus later sent the Holy Spirit to live inside us, fulfilling the perfect plan of redemption God brought from all the pain. 

So, if you’re going through a season of grief today, look up my friend. Trust that God has a purpose for your pain and let that truth motivate you to seek and discover the ‘silver lining’ in your sorrow and then pursue it for good. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the Word that reminds us that this life is not all there is and that death is not the end for the person who believes in You. Help us to find purpose in our pain, Lord, that our sorrow may be turned to joy and good would come out of our wvery trial. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Let us Not Boast About Tomorrow

“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” Proverbs 27:1 NIV

In a tragic story published by the New York News Saturday (that’s becoming all too common), it was reported that: A 31-year-old man collapsed and died while running the Brooklyn Half Marathon this morning, police and race officials said. The runner, who police identified as Charles Rogers, of Manhattan, was participating in the race for the first time. He made it to about the 8-mile mark at Ocean Parkway and 18th Ave. when he experienced a medical incident and collapsed at 8:11 a.m., race organizers said. Medics administered CPR at the scene, then rushed the man to Maimonides Hospital but he could not be resuscitated. “It is with sadness and heavy hearts that we confirm the passing of one of today’s race participants,” Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners, said in a statement. “On behalf of the whole running community, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loved ones.”

And, you know, as this story clearly shows, no one knows what a day might bring. I can only imagine the plans this young runner, whose life was cut short, might have had to celebrate his accomplishment after crossing the finish line… not even considering that this race and that day would be his last. Which is the very reason every believer must not only live with the mindset that this day might be their final one, but to encourage others to live that way as well. You see, the Bible is very clear that we are not to boast about tomorrow because tomorrow may never come. 

So, if you have not made the decision to accept Jesus as your Savior, I urge you to do it right now my friend. No one knows what the day will bring. But you can know where you will spend eternity if this day is your last. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us of the fragility of life. Lord, we pray for the family of Charles Rogers today. And we pray that his story will fill us with an urgency to share the Good News that no one would persish without knowing You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Rejection of God Leads to Foolish Thinking

“Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools” Romans 1:22 NIV

In a story subtitled “Pennsylvania has continued to ignore President Donald Trump's executive order on keeping biological males out of women's and girls' sports” posted by Fox News Tuesday, it was reported that “Luce Allen, a senior transgender girl, defeated a freshman biological female by less than two-tenths of a second in a 200-meter race at a Pennsylvania high school track meet over the weekend. Allen, of Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School, set a personal record of 25.20 seconds in the race at the SOL American meet. Allen now has six victories on the season, including in the liberty girls' 4x400-meter relay in the same meet. Allen's time would have been the fourth-slowest time among male 200-meter runners, including preliminary heats. The winning times for the boys were 21.72 and 21.96 seconds.” To further illustrate the level of foolish thinking it takes to believe that a boy can become a girl through surgery and/or hormone therapy (making competing against girls fair which is lunacy), Allen’s mother attended the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association board of directors meeting in March, and said that “she and her family have been on a journey for her to transition to the girl that she always has been, and having Allen compete against boys ‘would be cruel’ adding ‘My child is a female in her heart and soul, and according to her medical labs.’”

Unfortunately, this type of irrational thinking is nothing new. Since the beginning of creation mankind has been rejecting God, although they have no excuse for doing so since God has made Himself known through what He has made, and defining their own truth. And this rejection of God’s divine revelation is the thing that leads a person to pursue their own wisdom, thinking that man knows more than the One who created them. Hence the reason, “Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools.” When mankind turned away from God, their hearts were darkened and their thinking became futile. 

So, as our world spirals further into moral decay and foolish thinking, don’t be afraid to speak up my friend. This is what we are called to do! Expose deeds of darkness at every opportunity, knowing that we are called to be Truth bearers… assigned to shine God’s light into a dark world.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that those who reject You will be given over to a debased mind and will, therefore, think futile thoughts that deny the existence of You and also science. Help us to be bold in speaking up against injustices such as this Lord that we might protect and defend children—especially when their own parents won’t do so. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Turn Away and Turn Back

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,” Acts 3:19 NIV

In a story posted by Yahoo News yesterday titled “Greenock runner achieves legend status' after conquering epic 185km race,” it was reported that a GREENOCK Glenpark Harriers runner says she's thrilled to have conquered a gruelling trail race on a Mediterranean island better known as one of Europe's busiest holiday destinations.Viki Smith completed the 185-kilometre Trail Menorca Camí de Cavalls, a full circuit around the island, in 34 hours and 51 minutes, finishing first in the event's V50 category. Recounting her experience, she said: "I am so absolutely chuffed with myself.” 

Chuffed? Now there’s a word that’s not said very often. In fact, I’ve never heard the word and had to look it up. As I expected, based on the context in which it was used, chuffed means “quite pleased or delighted.” Which is exactly what you’d expect someone to be upon completing 115 miles under 35 hours. Sadly though, chuffed isn’t the only word that’s not mentioned frequently. In a growing number of churches, the word repentance isn’t mentioned much either. And while the world will define repentance as a feeling or expression of sincere regret or remorse about one's wrongdoing or sin, the Bible goes a bit further and says that repentance is the action of turning away from sin and turning to God, which involves a change of heart and mind, not merely a feeling. It’s a genuine shift in one's perspective and behavior which leads to forgiveness and “times of refreshing…from the Lord.”

So, don’t downplay the need for repentance just because many churches aren’t preaching the need for it my friend. The Bible is very clear that the wages of sin is death and that godly sorrow brings the repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. Which means we must turn from our sins and turn back to God if we want to have eternal life. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us repentance is absolutely necessary for our salvation. And that, although the world says repentance is merely a feeling, we know that true repentance leads to action. True repentance causes us to turn away from our sins and turn back to God so that our sins might be blotted out and we might be made clean. Help us to see when we’ve transgressed Lord so that we might turn from sin and turn to You. Help us to do our part in spreading the message of repentance. It’s in your precious nam we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Get Outside for a Digital Detox

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about digital burnout. Did you even know there was such a thing? To be honest, this was something I have experienced (quite often in fact) but didn't have a name for. That was until I received an email from 4imprint.com, of all places, yesterday that asked the question "Can there truly ever be too much of a good thing?" And then the writer went on to say, "When it comes to screen time, the answer is a resounding yes! Digital burnout—the physical, emotional and mental exhaustion that occurs from too much screen time—is real. And it’s causing people to rethink their relationships with devices.

And get this... Sixty-one percent of people say they are addicted to their screens. That's more than half of all people surveyed! And while I wouldn't say I was "addicted," I'd definitely say that I stare at a screen way more than I should. That being said, I'm among the 53% of Americans that say they would like to reduce the time spent on their computers and/or cell phones by regularly going through a digital detox. 

So what exactly is a digital detox? Well... A digital detox is exactly what it sounds like: A period of time where participants intentionally reduce (or even temporarily eliminate) their screen time. Doing so has been shown to help reduce a person's stress and anxiety, improve their focus and productivity, and even lead to better sleep. That’s good news right? 

Well... I have even better news! The best way a runner can detox is to get outside and get into nature. Now I won't tell you to leave your phone at home for safety reasons, but I will urge you to keep it stashed away with your notifications off for at least a few hours a day, several times a week. Research continues to show that being outside and experiencing nature can improve our mental health and increase our ability to focus... especially when we forego the use of our cell phones and choose to be mindful. 

Think about it. Many of us are in front of a screen for much of our day (at least Monday through Friday) — whether that be a computer, TV, or smartphone as I said before. As a result, we spend less time outside experiencing the natural world. Here are some reasons why we all can benefit from a digital detox in the middle of the great outdoors. 

1. Nature can help us improve our thinking, reasoning, and other mental abilities

When we're in urban environments or the office all day, we can experience sensory overload, resulting in tension and mental fatigue. Studies have shown that our minds and bodies relax in a natural setting. This increases feelings of pleasure and can help us concentrate and focus more effectively, according to studies in the National Library of Medicine.

Being outdoors can also have relaxing effects on our minds. Nature can provide a mental break by allowing us to temporarily escape the demands of everyday life. It can also boost your creativity and problem-solving abilities.

For example, if you're having a mental block writing a paper or can't seem to solve a problem at work, step outside for a breath of fresh air. Take an easy walk around your neighborhood or office. You just might find the answers you were looking for.

2. Nature can improve physical wellness

Getting out into nature can lead us to want to walk, bike, hike, or kayak (great cross training exercises) and run more often. People typically engage in regular physical activity when they're in nature. So, stepping outside can help you keep a healthy weight or even lose weight by increasing activity levels.

Studies also show that being in nature has a positive effect on our bodies by reducing cortisol levels, muscle tension, and demands on our cardiovascular systems (lowers heart rate and blood pressure). Being out in nature often may lead to lower rates of heart disease. The great outdoors can also help you increase your vitamin D level, which is important for your bones, blood cells, and immune system.

3. Being outside can improve your mental health

Nature can help decrease your anxiety levels and can help lessen stress and feelings of anger. Exercise can also help this, but it's even better when you're outside.

Regular access to green spaces (do an internet search to find parks and trails in your area) has been linked to lower risks of depression and improved concentration and attention. Being outside allows us to be social and come together with family, friends, or even people you don't know while on a hiking trail, for example.

Additionally, you may find that you sleep better when you are regularly outside. Daily exposure to natural light helps regulate sleep/wake cycles. By making sure that you get outside in sunlight every day, you can improve your ability to sleep at night.

Nature can also have benefits for children. One study in Denmark examined 900,000 residents born between 1985 and 2003. They found that children who lived in neighborhoods with more green space had a reduced risk of mental disorders later in life.

Other benefits to being in nature

There are some positive health impacts related to getting outdoors and getting away from the digital world. You can learn more about these in the research summary from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They include the following:

• People who live near parks and green space have less mental distress, are more physically active, and have longer life spans.
• Exposure to nature may decrease death from chronic disease.
• When people exercise outdoors in nature, they do so for longer periods of time and at greater intensities.
• Positive health effects are enhanced when green space includes water (think of Dogwood Canyon on this one!). 

So, there you have it friends. We talk about the positive effects running and nature have on the mind and the mood all the time. But we gain so many more of these benefits by removing distractions and being mindful of our time spent running, walking, and/or hiking in creation. So get away from your computer, TV, and cell phone often and head outside. You'll be so glad you did! Happy Running!

 

God Fills the Hungry Soul

“For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness.” Psalm 107:9 NKJV

In a story titled “‘I’m hungry’: BYU All-American runner breaks 25K record at 48th Amway River Bank Run” published over the weekend, it was reported that Casey Clinger, in his first-ever 25K road race, the largest of such kind in the country, shattered the American record at the River Bank Run on Saturday by finishing with a staggering time of 1 hour, 12 minutes and 15.01 seconds –– easily defeating the old record, which was set by Diego Estrada (1:13:09) at last year’s run. Clinger was among the front-runners for the men’s race but used a swift final mile-plus kick in storming to victory. “It’s really rewarding to take that next level up and compete against such high talent … but man, I’m hungry and I just want to get out there and run again,” said Clinger, 26. “I’m loving it, and I just got to keep working hard and I’m excited for what’s next.”

And, you know, when it comes to the type of hunger that drives a person to run back again and again to gain something, the Bible tell us that God “satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness.” Which means it’s not the self-sufficient soul whose hunger is satisfied, but the one who yearns for the fullness of Christ. It is not the self-reliant individual who is refreshed with living water and feasts on the bread of heaven, but the one who, like the exhausted deer, pants for the refreshing water-pool in the midst of a dry and dusty desert. The one that seeks after God with their whole heart is the one that finds his or her satisfaction in the Lord. And it’s this person, the one who continually hungers for the presence of God, that will continually be filled with His goodness.

So, if you’re going after the things (like people, possessions, and prestige) of this world in an effort to satisfy your soul, stop running my friend. Turn your eyes and heart to Jesus instead and allow Him to provide the contentment and peace that your soul desires. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we will never truly be satisfied until our soul is filled with your Presence and all the goodness—the peace, the contentment, the ceasing to strive, and the ability to appreciate and be thankful for what we have—that comes from being filled with your Spirit. Give us a hunger for your Word each morning and evening Lord so it will be the first thing we seek when we wake up and the last thing we think about before drifting off to sleep. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!