BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Do things you hate

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 doing something you absolutely hate can actually motivate you to train harder to do something you love. 

 Meet Jill Brockman, a dear friend of mine, a fellow Bass Pro Marathon pacer, and the only person who hates running on pavement so much that she had "IHATEPAVMNT" printed on her race bib rather than her name. Now if that doesn't already have you laughing, her Facebook posts will. Prior to the Little Rock Marathon that took place last weekend, Jill had this to say, "So I’m not a fan of road races anymore. I signed up over 2 years ago and kept deferring. At least I have new pretty shoes to wear and the lightning will cause adrenaline. Here we are." Now if you're thinking her outlook improved upon earning a gigantic medal after 26.2 miles of slapping the concrete, think again. This was what she said after crossing the finish line, "Well that was Fun. So fun that I won’t ever do it again!" Hahahahaaa! Do you just love that or what?

All joking aside though, doing things we don't want to do, things that hurt, things that are hard and things that are uncomfortable can actually benefit us. 

One good reason to do hard things is that by doing them, hard things begin to feel easier — not because they are actually easier, but because by doing them, we become more adapted to and more adept at conquering them. Choosing to do what’s difficult makes us stronger to face difficult things. Choosing to do what hurts makes us better able to handle pain. And choosing to do the uncomfortable over and over eventually allows us to be comfortable with being uncomfortable, which motivates us to attempt harder and harder things. See where I'm going with this? 

But if you need a few more reasons to motivate yourself to do hard things and/or things you downright hate both in life and in running, check out these 8 Reasons from Lifehack while keeping this is mind.... many people take the easy way out of, well, everything. They take shortcuts in life and oftentimes end up living a life that is less than fulfilling and come to the end of their days asking themselves, "Why did I play life so safe?" A new idea – probably the best idea – is to do the hard things in life instead. This means making decisions to do the things that other people aren’t willing to do, or the things that you’ve always avoided doing. And, yes, even the things you downright hate!

 
1. You Will Grow As A Person
There is nothing more fulfilling in life than growth. Expanding your knowledge of your community, yourself, the people around you and the world are ways to grow as a person. This could mean trying a new restaurant in town, even if the food is from a culture you’ve never heard of. This could mean traveling to a new country, even if you go through a tour company, you’ll still be experiencing different cultures. Allow yourself to be accepting of people, places, and things that are outside your norm.

2. You Will Become A Better Person
Taking the easy way out allows you to flow through life unnoticed and unfulfilled. Allowing yourself to do the harder things in life will help you become a better person. Extending a helping hand to those who have hurt you is doing the hard thing, but you will feel better about it, and you are definitely the better person for doing so.

3. You Will Stand Out
Many times people avoiding helping or doing the task that nobody wants to do. Not being this person, and instead being the one who chooses to take on the project, or do the task, will help you stand out. For example, if you take on a difficult client at work and succeed, you will be noticed by your boss for your efforts. The next time a promotion comes up, you’ll most likely be on the top of the list to get one.

4. You Will Be Healthier
Again, taking the easy way out allows you to slink through life, but it could also create health issues. For instance, if you choose to buy dinner out because ‘it’s easier than making dinner at home’ you will suffer from the negative effects of eating fast food regularly. If you choose to eat at home, taking the extra time to prepare a healthy dinner, you will feel more energized, want to get up and exercise, and improve your overall health.

5. You Will Become Smarter
Another great thing about taking the time to do the hard things in life is that you’ll become smarter. Taking the time to solve a problem, or plan an event, puts your mind into overdrive. You’ll learn to come up with great ideas for doing new tasks, and open your mind to new concepts, you would never have come across taking the easy way out.

6. You Will Be More Productive
People who choose to do what nobody else wants to do are often very productive and successful individuals. They tend to take charge, and get things done. Just because it’s hard, doesn’t mean it has to take forever. You will learn to put your mind on the task at hand and push through until completion.

7. You Will Be Valued
Many people look at those who take on these ‘hard things’ as someone to depend on, someone to look up to, and above all, someone whose efforts they value. If you want to be this person, do the hard things in life.

8. You Will Be Happier
Probably the most important reason why you should choose to do the hard things in life is that it will make you happier. You will feel as though you’ve accomplished something, tried your hardest, put in the effort needed, and have made a difference in society. It will also build your self confidence in knowing that when the going gets rough, you’ll be equipped to handle whatever comes your way.

So there you have it friends. There are so many reasons to do hard things and things you hate. And you can be sure those 'hard things' are whatever is uncomfortable, challenging and/or tough for you. Like getting up before sunrise to exercise even when you want to sleep in. Running on pavement when you'd rather be hitting the trails or extending a kind word or hand of helpfulness to someone who has wronged you. All these things make a difference, help others, and essentially make you a better, healthier, happier, fulfilled individual. And that, in turn, makes you a better human and a better runner. And don't we all want to be that? 

Happy Running!

Be a Steady Freddy

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6:6 NIV

In an article titled, “How to run 100 miles, according to the women’s record holder,” Camille Herron, who won the Jackpot 100 Ultra last month in a record time of 12hrs 41mins, described how being one of the top ultrarunners in the world has resulted in an unexpected problem for her: ‘Everyone expects me to be up with the top men now,’ she says. As a result, she’s changed her tactics at the start of races. ‘I've been letting the top men go, as that they tend to go out too fast. As a woman, it doesn’t suit me to go out with them. For me, it’s better to be a ‘Steady Freddy’ and hit a more consistent pace throughout the race with the mindset that I'm going to catch them later.’ As most runners know, this is not an easy thing to do. ‘I want to go with the frontrunners, but at the same time I need to run the best race for me and work with my own physiology. And that’s made a difference in recent races.’

And you know, being a ‘Steady Freddy’ will not only help a person run the best race they can physically but spiritually as well. You see, being a consistent Christian—one who runs at a steady pace from start to finish, not letting the cares, concerns, temptations or trials of this world slow them down or lead them off track—starts with spending consistent time with the Lord in prayer each day. This is something Jesus made very clear by saying to the disciples, “when you pray...” Notice that Jesus didn’t say if you pray? Because, as He knew, constant prayer is never an option in a steady believer’s life, it’s an absolute necessity.

So knowing that the only way to have a consistent walk with the Lord is to have a consistent relationship with Him, set aside time to go to a quiet place to "pray to your Father" each day my friend. You'll not only be rewarded with the joy and peace that always comes from being in His presence, but will gain the renewed strength, resolve, and wisdom to keep pressing on no matter what obstacles you encounter along your journey to the finish line. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that being consistent in our Christian walk will not only help us make it to the finish line but will inspire others to do the same. Lord, as this world continues to spiral out of control, help us to be steady, stable and constant so that others would see the consistent peace within us that surpasses all understanding, and seek for themselves the only One who can provide it. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Turn back to God

“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 an article published recently titled, “New hobby, old runners: Aging folks take up jogging, turn to marathons and love it,” runner Tim Murphy described the moment more than a decade ago that he vowed to change his life for the better. When Tim Murphy awoke on his 40th birthday, he weighed 265 pounds. Unhappy with his fitness, he vowed to change.“I saw my father taking 20 prescriptions a day and I didn’t want to do that,” Murphy recalled. “Up to that point in my life, I was oblivious [to wellness].” He decided to start running. He liked it. About 10 months later, he completed his first marathon. Today, Murphy is 55 and a seasoned runner. In the last 15 years, he has finished 28 half or full marathons. He currently weighs 183. “It’s a commitment to say you really want to change,” said Murphy, chief executive of Boomers Parks, a Boca Raton, Fla.-based chain of family entertainment centers. “Once you decide to run a marathon, you need to plan properly, eat properly, hydrate enough and keep practicing.”

And you know, it’s easy for a person to say they want to change but actually making the change, as Tim pointed out, takes commitment, dedication and constancy. This is especially true of spiritual change, because as Peter preached, spiritual change requires repentance and conversion which involves a total change in a person’s thoughts and actions from what is sinful to what is good, right, and holy. It’s turning back to God with a wholehearted determination to leave the past behind for good; to not merely “turn over a new leaf” but to become a new creation entirely. You can be sure it’s worth the effort though, because turning "to God" brings new life, total forgiveness and “times of refreshing.” 

So if this has you saying, "I have surely strayed and turned my back on God. What can I do now?" take heart my friend. The words of Peter are actually words of hope. Upon your expression of sincere regret to the Lord for your sin and then turning back to Him, you will be made new and experience the refreshment that comes from true spiritual change. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for not only being the God of second, third and one thousandth chances but for being a God who will always take us back no matter how far we have strayed. Lord, strengthen the resolve of every person reading this that needs to turn back to you to do it today. Remind all of us Lord that there is soon coming a day when there will be no more chances to receive the eternal times of refreshing You have promised all those who repent. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

We know how the Story ends

“He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” revelation 22;20 NIV

“Down numbers compared to last year at this time but we started registration 5 weeks later and have not had a price increase yet. That increase will be on Monday 3/14,” was the message my Race Director friend, Scott, shared with me and my fellow ambassadors of the Rock Island Road Race yesterday afternoon. “I think race numbers will be down everywhere because of the state of our world,” I responded shaking my head. “Inflation is up and people are hesitant to spend their money on things they don’t absolutely need. I’m seeing it here for sure.” “I agree,” Scott replied. “It’s going to affect every industry possible.” Knowing just how true that statement was I messaged Scott back and said, “For sure. Crazy times we are in. Thankful that we know how the Story ends,” to which Scott gave me a big thumbs up.

And you know, if you enjoy a story with a happy ending like I do, then the last chapter of the Bible will not only not disappoint you but will give you peace as you watch the events of the last days unfolding--events that could quite possibly have you sitting on the edge of your seat as we speak, wondering how it's all going to play out. But you'll be happy to know that this Great Story ends with the return of Jesus who has testified, “Yes, I am coming soon,” imploring us to be ready, hopeful, and watchful. The Story ends with those who have placed their trust in Christ being taken home where they will abide with the Lord forever. I don't know about you my friend, but I believe this ending deserves a big thumbs-up from every single one of us. 

So remember that, although times are changing quickly, you and I have nothing to fear. We've read the final chapter and we know with complete certainty how the Great Story will end. And for this knowledge, let us join voices in proclaiming, "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!"

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the amazing Script we call the Bible. Instill in us a desire to read it with fervency Lord that we might not worry about the coming days, knowing that by the time the credits roll, we will be safely in Your presence for eternity. Give us an urgency to share this with others Father so that they might join us in celebrating the ultimate happy ending. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

The healthy eye looks to Jesus

"'The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!" Matthew 6:22,23 NIV

In an article published recently by Runner’s World, the writer said,”If you’re struggling with dry, itchy, burning eyes, aerobic exercise can help...” They then explained in greater detail. Quick anatomy refresher: Tear film is produced when we blink, and hydrates the surface of the eye in a thin layer that protects against irritants like dust. When tear film production is reduced, that creates dry spots where those particles can land on the eye’s surface and cause dryness and itching. In the recent study, those doing more exercise saw greater consistency in their tear film production, but even participants running only once a week got a boost, according study to co-author Heinz Otchere, Ph.D.(c), a researcher in vision science at the University of Waterloo in Canada. “The takeaway from our research and previous studies is that exercise can lead to significant improvement in eye health, and the more activity you get, the greater that improvement becomes,” said Otchere.

And you know, when it comes to eye health, Jesus said that "the eye is the lamp of the body" and that if our eyes were healthy our whole bodies would be full of light, but if our eyes were unhealthy our whole bodies would be full of darkness. Simply put, the “light” comes into the body through the eye. When our eyes are directed at Jesus and on heavenly things like using what we have to serve God and others, we will be full of light. But when our eyes are directed at ourselves and on acquiring earthly things, we will be full of darkness because self-serving desires, interests and goals block the light from entering. A "healthy" eye then is one focused on the Lord and doing His will. 

So how would you rate the health of your eyes today my friend? Would you say that your lamp is shining bright? If not, the way to restore that light is to look to God and vow to serve Him with all that you have. By doing so, you'll regain the spiritual vision you need to see the world from an eternal perspective. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for this reminder that "healthy" eyes, eyes that bring light into the whole body, are ones that look to You and fix their gaze on doing Your will. Help us to honestly assess the health of our eyes today and to make any adjustments we need to remove any film or cover over them so that we can clearly see what You want us to do. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Combat your situational depression

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 many runners around the world are experiencing right now but aren't talking about... situational depression. Now I'm not talking about clinical depression that would warrant a person to seek professional help but the unexplainable feeling of heaviness so many runners in my circle are talking about. Heaviness that stems from feeling helpless to change so many of the things going on in our world today. From the war in Ukraine to skyrocketing inflation and supply shortages, there is most definitely a sense of apprehension and dread in the air. And these feelings can undoubtedly wreak havoc on a person's motivation to train.

What exactly is situational depression you might be wondering? It's the period when a stressful event (like the pandemic, a divorce, a death, loss of a job) triggers a period of sadness, despondency and rejection. It’s quite common and most everyone will experience it at some point in their lives. It became much more common at the start of COVID-19 and is still very common now, even though it's not always talked about. And although running has been known to fight depression and relieve stress, most every runner will get the blues from time to time. So let's look at some of the symptoms of situational depression per WebMD and ways we can battle it. 

Symptoms of situational depression may include:
Anger
Appetite changes
Constant fear or worry
Difficulty carrying out tasks
Difficulty focusing
Difficulty sleeping
Frequent crying
Grief
Hopelessness
Loss of interest in normal activities
Overwhelming feelings from stress or anxiety
Sadness

Thankfully, situational depression usually improves after enough time passes after the stressful event. You may notice your mood improve and things start to look up. But guess what? There are ways to combat that situational depression even when you can't change the situation. There are things you can do right now to regain the motivation to lace up your shoes and head out the door. Here are some things WebMD says will help relieve your situational depression....

Strategies include:
Eating well
Exercising
Expressing your feelings
Mindful meditation
Progressive muscle relaxation
Slow, deep breathing
Spending time in nature
Writing in a journal

Those are all great strategies right? But here are three that are more specific to runners.... 

1. Run to support a cause. This is always a great motivator and a way to combat the blues. Many times, as in the case with Ukraine, we get down because we feel as if we're helpless. But we're not! We may not be able to physically help the people there but we can run to raise funds and awareness for their plight. Check out the MARCH FOR UKRAINE VIRTUAL CHALLENGE that a dear friend of mine created upon experiencing these feelings of helplessness. This is a free challenge but you will have an opportunity to donate to the people of Ukraine. And while you're out there logging those miles via running, rucking, or biking, pray for the people as well. The combination will most certainly relieve those feelings of hopelessness and renew your motivation. 

2. Be in the moment. This is more than just the mindful meditation listed above. This is turning off your music or podcast (if you're a fan of running with tunes or talk) and reminding yourself just how blessed you are to not only have the gift of movement but the gift of living in a country where you're still free to move about wherever you want. With the amazing temps we will have this week, take time to really listen to the birds and allow their song to minister to your heart as those cheeps, chirps and peeps remind you that the darkness and coldness of Winter will soon be replaced with the light and warmth of Spring. If you can, hit the trails and enjoy the solitude and beauty of the world around you. Take it in visually. Breathe it in deep physically. And exhale out gratitude for the gift of today. 

3. Find a running group!! Not just any running group though. Find one that is over-the-top positive, welcoming, encouraging and pushes you to be better in more ways than just with your running. As we all know, there's nothing that can spoil our mood and our run faster than a group that whines, gossips, or has a negative outlook. Create a group if you have to but, as Nike says, "Just do it!" There is perhaps no better way to lift your mood than to surround yourself with people who believe that the "glass is always half full" and that running is more about developing Personal Relationships (PR's) than Personal Records. 

So there you have it friends. There are always going to be things and situations in our lives that are less than desirable; situations that might cause us to be so down that we'd rather binge watch a Netflix marathon rather than train for one. But guess what? The power to change that is in your hands and there's no better time to do the things that will make you smile than today!! We've only got this one life friends. Let's live it with intention. Happy Running!!!

Chaos abounds

“For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.” James 3:16 NLT

In an article published by Six Minute Mile, the writer said, "Chaos training can improve your stability” and then went on to explain why. To thrive in an unpredictable world, you’ve got to train in unpredictable ways. That’s why today, we’re looking at chaos training. Fundamentally, chaos training is the addition of instability into your workouts to better recruit your stabilizer muscles. Some examples are hanging chains from a barbell, or looping resistance bands through weights as you perform a farmer’s carry. The dynamic resistance and sway of this equipment requires you to increase tension throughout your whole body as you perform the movement. You’ll have to expend some energy keeping the bar on a straight path, so you’re pushing and pulling in a variety of directions with every lift. The added challenge is worth it, as you’ll be engaging stabilizer muscles that are otherwise neglected by standard lifting routines. Chaos training mimics the unpredictability of trail running, and the 2 work together to maximize your versatility as an athlete. 

And you know, when it comes to chaos, or as it’s defined as complete disorder and confusion, the Bible tells us that “wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition” there will be “disorder and evil of every kind.” This is something we are seeing all around our world today, and something that is only going to increase. You see, when there are rulers who put their want of power, riches, and prestige above the needs of those they serve, evil always abounds. Wars are fought to gain property and possessions, laws are ignored to gain popularity, the truth is rejected in the name of inclusion, and the people suffer. It’s only when a nation turns to God that this can be changed.  

So as you look around at our world today shaking your head, don’t just stand there my friend. Take action through peaceful protest, petition, and prayer. Make it clear that this behavior is completely unacceptable using whatever platform you have. You’ll not only increase your own courage by doing so but the strength and resolve of all those around you. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are to pray for those in authority so that they might come to know You and change their ways. Help us to fervently pray for this Lord but to move to change things while we pray. Give us wisdom, discernment, and love in all these things. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!