Give it your best shot

"There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven--" Ecclesiastes NASB

On Saturday, November 7, my friend Sid Busch, who started running marathons in 1981 after a back injury in the Navy to prove he was still fit to serve on Submarines, will be running what he says will be his last Marine Corps Marathon (virtually of course) and the final marathon of his running career. "If not for the medal containing sand from Iwo Jima, I would never be attempting it," he said. "My plan is to do 3 miles an hour. That will give me a finish of 9 hours, which I will proudly accept. Gone are my days of fast marathons and 100 mile run training weeks, but I have to accept the fact that I am close to being 3/4 of a century old. I will give it my best shot." Do you just love Sid’s attitude or what? By the way, this will be his 206th marathon, something Sid says he does to honor the men and women in the military who have lost their lives.

And you know, just as there is "an appointed time for everything," there is a last time for everything too... a last time we send a child off to school for the first day, a last time we see our mom or dad alive, a last time we clock into work, a last time we hold the hand of a loved one, a last time we are able to run fast, and even a last time we cross a finish line. Which is the very reason you and I should be living to make every day count no matter what age we are right now. And we do this by serving the Lord to the best of our ability; refusing to buy into the belief that we somehow retire from service at a set age. 

So today and every day, adopt Sid's attitude and say, "I may not be able to do what I once did but I will give it my best shot" and then get out there and serve with all you’ve got! Attempt big things at every age knowing God will give you the strength to complete those things for His glory. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are to serve You by serving others all the days of our lives. If someone reading this is struggling to discover their purpose or calling, please reveal that to them God and give them the wisdom and strength to fulfill it that they might glorify You and lead others to the foot of the Cross. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

I offer You my life - Dan Moen

Do unto others

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12

While competing in the Indiana State Finals on Saturday, Ben Boardley of Penn High School saw a runner from an opposing team, Faizan Khan of Brebeuf Jesuit, stumble as spectators cheered on the athletes finishing the race. And although Ben was intent on doing his best for his team, he didn’t hesitate to stop in his tracks just before the finish line to help Khan to his feet and then hold him up as they ran together. "I just kind of saw it and did it. I guess that’s how my parents raised me," Ben later said. "They taught me to treat others how I'd want to be treated and to be helpful when I can. Because I knew if that was me, I wanted to make sure I’d finish at state.”

And you know, doing “to others what you would have them do for you," commonly referred to as the Golden Rule, is exactly what Jesus said “sums up” the very way “the law and the Prophets” said we should be treating others. Think about it... if you and I would simply treat other people the way we want to be treated, we would naturally obey all the law says about our relationships with them right? Of course. We would be kind, unselfish, patient, loving, generous and forgiving. And while that sounds like an easy concept, it’s much harder carried out because it usually costs us something; in this case, it cost Ben to drop back in his placing and could have actually disqualified him from the race. But you can be sure he would do it all over again. 

So no matter what it costs you today to treat others the way you want to be treated, whether it be time, money, awards or position, “in everything” just do it. I promise you will gain so much more than you will ever lose.

Heavenly Father, thank You so much for the timely reminder that we are your ambassadors in this world and that people will only want to seek You when we are behaving in a manner worthy of our title. Help us to put others before ourselves Lord that our actions might lead them to the foot of the Cross. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Love - Newsboys

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Join a Pace Group

Hello runner friends! 

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series 

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog. Now let's get started by talking about some of the 2020 Bass Pro Pacers and the amazing runners that joined them. 

First of all, let's discuss what a pacer is and why you might benefit from joining a pace group on your next marathon or half-marathon. 

So maybe you've seen those people out on the course running with sticks and wondered what their job was. Well technically their main job is to get the runners in their group from the start line to the finish line in the time printed on their sticks. But as all pacers know, in order to do that, they must encourage, motivate, uplift and inspire their group along the way and they must keep a consistent pace so those in their group will do the same, thereby dramatically increasing their chances of reaching the finish line in their goal time. So their job really then is to get the runners from point A to point B with a smile on their face. 

And to show just how much a pacer can help you reach your goal (with a smile on your face), check out what some first-time marathon runners that joined a Bass Pro pace group on Sunday had to say about their experience... 

Kelsie is second from left, Melissa in middle, Shannon on right

After 12 half marathons, I decided to take the plunge and run my first full marathon. I chose the Bass Pro Marathon due to the values of the Bass Pro Fitness organization and one of my pacers, Melissa Martinez. I am so thankful to have used a pacer in my first marathon as it allowed me to stay on pace for the entire race, not just the beginning. Being an experienced runner, I still found the marathon to be quite different than what I was used to. This is where the pacers came in! Using a pacer also kept me motivated to keep running on pace and inspired me to push harder. This was the first race I have utilized a pacer during the entire race, and I was not disappointed! My pacers, Melissa and Shannon kept our group on pace and motivated each of us individually. They were constantly checking in on us all while keeping our group on time. I had a wonderful experience using a pacer and would recommend using your pacers! - Kelsie Linebeck, 4:45 marathon group

Pacer Jody in front, Ed in back 5:30 Marathon Group
From left to right (Gretchen, Randi, Randi's sister,  Angi, Jeanette)

The fun banter between them and with us was great. They made sure none of us got left behind, even while staying on pace AND most importantly with potty breaks. They really fostered that team family spirit. And even though it was directed toward all of us, they seemed to know just when I needed encouragement - Angie Betran

I liked that I didn’t have to worry about what pace I was going because I knew we’d get done in 5:30. And everything Angi Betran said lol- Jeannette Luttrell

I absolutely loved our pacers! They kept us smiling and laughing and whooping and hollering and cheering the whole way! When things felt tough, Ed Green said to us, "it is hard, if it was easy everyone would be out here doing it but they're not". That really hit home with me and kept me going! My parents said we were the only big group they saw all cross the finish line together. We really were a family out there, we all helped each other all along the way - Gretchen Puett

Our pacers were more than pacers for our group even before the race started. As we were in the corrals getting ready for the race to begin, Ed and Jody were already laughing and having the best time together and with all of us. This time together at the beginning of the race set the tone for the rest of the day. For 26.2 miles, Ed and Jody didn’t just work together to run the pace we needed to finish in our goal time. They laughed and whooped with us, encouraged us, and really took the time to get to know all of us. There was never a time during the race that I wanted to fall behind or pull ahead of our pacers, because we were all having so much fun together. I am so thankful they were able to help me reach my goal of completing my first marathon in my goal time, and make it an experience I will never forget. - Randi Cicardi

Are those great reasons to join a pace group or what???

And those people being paced are not the only ones that finish with a smile on their face. Pacers love what they do! And they always have fun or interesting stories to share. Here are a few of them... 

Melissa on left, Shannon on right after the race

My funny story is that even though I knew better, I listened to my co pacer, (whom I’ve been running with for a decade), and totally underdressed. Twenty three miles of numb. Thankfully, the aid stations were stocked well because I couldn’t unzip my belt to get to anything I needed. I couldn’t go to the bathroom because I couldn’t get my skirt unhooked, I had to stick the entire package of fruit snacks in my mouth and squeeze them out with my teeth because my lips were not functioning and I ran 13 miles with chocolate GU smeared all over my face because it was numb and I couldn’t feel it. And no Melissa, I will not submit a picture to you because this is all your fault. - Shannon Briscoe

In defense of Shannon's statement, I have paced and run many races with her when all I heard was, "It's so hot. I'm nauseous. Why did I dress so warm? What is the heat index anyway??" that I feel I know what she needs to wear... so I tell her over and over how she should dress until she breaks down and listens to me. Who knew we were going to get a strong wind that would literally make the GU she squeezed out freeze to her cheek? On a good note though, I am such a great friend that I pointed it out to her BEFORE we approached the finish line so her photos would be good. Ahhhh.... the joys of pacing. We sure had a good laugh after she warmed up! - Melissa Martinez

Miguel is on the left, Ken on the right - 5:15 marathon pace group

Ken Fattman and I brought in two. One runner, Hayley, was running her first race ever, had trained 18 weeks. We picked her up early, I think around mile 13 and she held close and finished just 3 minutes behind. I think Ken's walk run walk method and even pacing. He held the pace like a champ and I chewed everyone's ear. - Miguel Drew

While it’s a great idea to start with a pace group, sometimes life gets in the way of our plans. This dedicated nurse was running with the 5:00 pacers when a young man doing his first half went down. She stayed with him until the ambulance arrived then tried sprinting to catch up with her group (which was long out of sight). By the time she realized the energy cost of her effort, it was too late. She was reduced to walking it in. Until the 5:15 group caught her. She saw that we were doing 2 minute run/30 second intervals and decided to join us. It proved to be just what the doctor ordered. She was so grateful for being able to salvage the race that she refused to go ahead when we sent the others on because she wanted to finish with us. We crossed the mat at 5:14:20 but she had paused her Garmin while assisting the fallen runner... and ended up breaking 5:00 actual running time after all. - Ken Fattman

Elizabeth is on the left - 2:20 half marathon pace group

From the start, we had a gentleman who ran right with us until about mile 4. He had raced a half marathon the week before and finished around 2:30, but knew he had more in him, so at BP he decided to stick with the 2:20 pacers. Around mile 4 he ran off. My co-pacer said, "We will see him about mile 10." And sure enough we did! RIGHT at mile 10! However, he told us that since he was 53, he knew he would need a restroom break, so he ran ahead, hoping that when he was done, he would be able to find us. He said, no sooner had he come out of the port-a-pottie, then there we were, calling his name! He ended up finishing slightly behind us, but found us at the end and thanked us for helping him stay on track. One of the BEST parts of pacing....helping others not go out too fast, or to pick up their pace a little. - Elizabeth Schulte

So there you have it... being part of a pace team will most definitely help you make it to the finish line. Like I said, pacers love what they do and will do whatever it takes to keep a runner motivated to press on, including singing to them (yes I did that), telling them stupid jokes (yes I did that too but Ed from the 5:30 group told even worse ones) and talking their ear off to keep their mind engaged on the conversation rather than their pain. So whether you're looking for a PR or a great time, join a pace group on your next race. You'll be glad you did!

Happy Running!!!

Despite our best intentions

And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly. Luke 22:61-62 NIV

Everyone loves a great comeback story right? I know I do. So when I read my friend Aaron Householder's post Sunday, I just had to share it. "I'm feeling grateful," he wrote. "Last weekend Lorenzo Valdivia put together a route for a group of friends to run the 45th MCM (Marine Corps Marathon). It was a decent route and 16 of the 17 people finished the route. Only one DNF. That one was yours truly. Anyway skip to Tuesday and I decided I wanted to take another swing at it so I plotted a route, gathered supplies, got encouragement from Kate Householder and Craig Horstman, set the date to November 1st and got ready. I started the adventure yesterday morning and proudly finished the marathon in 6:36:46. I say all that to say, I did it. I completed my first (and probably only) marathon."

And you know, when it comes to reaching our goals, there will be times in all our lives when we will fail despite our best intentions. It's just a fact. But failure doesn’t mean we can’t “come back” and finish the race like Aaron did. Consider the apostle Peter who, despite his best intentions, broke his vow to never deny Jesus no matter what happened. But the Bible tells us that's exactly what Peter did... three times. Can you just imagine the immense sadness, regret and disappointment he must have felt when the Lord turned and looked at him and he realized just how bad he had failed Him? The pain Peter must have felt when he remembered the moment Jesus said to him, "Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times?" Thankfully though, for Peter's sake and for ours, the Lord forgives and restores those who repent and gives them a comeback story in the process. 

So if you're feeling as if you've failed the Lord so miserably today that He could never forgive and restore you, think again my friend. If He can forgive and restore a man who denied Him three times, you can be sure He can and will do the same for you, no matter what you've done. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for being the God of second, third and one-thousandth chances. Lord, despite our best intentions we fail you each and every day and yet You still love us and grant us forgiveness and restoration when we confess and repent of our sins. It's so unfathomable that all we can say is thank You. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Take me back - Meredith Andrews

God will use it for good

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Genesis 50:20 NIV

As a group began to gather in front of the Bass Pro Outlet Store early yesterday morning, my friend, Jim, and I prepared to begin the pre-race devotional service that has always been a part of the Bass Pro Marathon and something he and I have been beyond blessed to perform for the past several years. Normally the service would have taken place inside one of their buildings but due to COVID was moved outside to the building closest to the start line. And just as we were about to begin, the Race Director, Melissa Bondy, rushed over and said, "I've decided that you are going to give your devotion from the loud speaker where all the runners will hear it. Now head on over there because it will start soon." And just like that, the devotion that is normally attended by 30-70 people was heard by 2,000!! 

And you know, believe it or not, God is in control... always has been and always will be. Nothing in this world can or will ever change that, including COVID-19. And because of that promise, you and I can be one-hundred-percent certain that God will use this virus "for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Think about it, the coronavirus has caused millions of people around the world to seek the Lord like nothing else could ever have done! How's that for God using something the enemy intended to harm us with for good?

So no matter what you might be facing today, be patient and remember that God is still on the throne my friend. He is and always will be sovereign over all and for that you and I can have peace knowing that God is working all things out "for good" no matter how it might appear at this moment. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that no matter what may be going on in the world today, that You can and will use it for good to accomplish your good and perfect will. Help us to trust that promise as we patiently wait on Your timing to see it come to pass. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.  

Happy Running!!!

It's gonna be okay-Tawsha Lawton

A second chance

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace” Ephesians 1:7 NIV

“Redemption: Minnesota marathon runner who collapsed in 2019 race crosses the finish line in 2020” was the headline published Wednesday by KSTP Eyewitness News. And the story made headlines because it was about a man, Tyler Moon, who was given a second chance at life and came back to not only finish the 10-mile race he started in 2019 but to go even further and complete the full 26.2 mile marathon (virtually of course). You see, in 2019 while running the Twin Cities 10-mile race, Moon went into cardiac arrest and was later told that his heart may have stopped for 15 minutes. His doctors weren't entirely sure why his heart stopped, but he received a stent and they cleared him to run again. And Tyler wasted no time to begin training, later saying, "I just got the calling from God to just go and do this… to share the story and to show people and encourage people."

And you know, when it comes to getting a second chance at life, do you realize that every believer received a second chance when Jesus died on the cross? It's true! The Bible tells us that "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sin, in accordance with the riches of God's grace." That means, while we were dead in our sins, Jesus gave his life as a sacrifice to redeem us from death. He paid a price we couldn't pay for sins He didn't commit and, by doing so, conquered death once and for all so that every person who places their trust in Him would have eternal life. Wow! How's that for being given a second chance? 

So in consideration of all that Jesus has done for us, let us waste no time in sharing our stories! After all, telling others what Christ has done for us has the power to draw others to the foot of the Cross... the very place where they too can be born again and receive eternal life. So won't you tell somebody about Jesus today?

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending your one and only Son to die on the cross for us that we might receive eternal life by putting our faith and trust in Him. Lord, help us to be bolder than we ever have in going out into the world to share what Christ has done in our lives, how He has changed us, that others might seek the know the God of second chances as well. 

Happy Running!!!

Tell Somebody 

Make sure you are ready

"And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut." Matthew 25:10 ESV

As I began my run early yesterday morning, I couldn't help but notice that the morning was darker than usual. There was not even a hint of light from the moon or stars; something that wasn't a problem until my headlamp began to grow dim very quickly after setting out. "Oh no!" I said silently. "You haven’t changed the batteries since last year! It's no wonder they’re running out of power." Knowing I had to do something quickly, I made my way to the brightly lit Dollar General parking lot (right before the light went out completely) where I ran in circles waiting for the sun to come up. "Melissa," I chastened myself as I went around and around. "What you did was foolish! You've got to be ready!" And do you know what made the situation even worse for me? The realization that I had the money in my running vest to buy what I needed but the store didn't open until eight.  

And you know, when it comes to being ready, Jesus clearly laid out the consequences of not being ready for His return when He gave us the Parable of the Ten Virgins. In the parable, Jesus explained that there were ten virgins waiting to join the wedding procession, hoping to take part in the wedding banquet. But when the groom didn't come at a time they expected, five of them who were foolish and unprepared ran out of lamp oil. And by the time the five went out and bought extra oil, it was too late. "Those who were ready," the wise ones who had extra oil, had already gone in with him to join the marriage feast "and the door was shut." 

So let me ask you this... if Jesus returned at this very moment, would He find you ready? If He returned next week, would He find you prepared? I sure hope so my friend. Because when the door is shut, it will be shut forever... never to be opened again. So get ready and stay ready. Jesus is coming and soon we'll be going home... if we’re ready. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that we must be ready at all times for the return of Jesus. And since we don't know the day or time that will be, fill us with an urgency to be prepared at all times as we anxiously wait for the Son to return in the same way we anxiously wait for the sun to rise each day. As the days get darker Lord, help us to shine bright that others might be drawn to us and the message of Salvation we are commanded to deliver. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!! 

People get ready - Avalon