BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Meet your pacers

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about a group of people that you might not know even existed but are getting trained up and ready to help get you to the finish line of the Bass Pro Marathon or Half in November. The Bass Pro Pacing Team is a group of individuals who love helping others fulfill their running dreams. They're encouraging, they're fun, and most importantly, they are ready to get you from the start line to the finish line in the time you want to get there and with a smile on your face. They really can make your 13.1 or 26.2 mile race more fun than you could ever imagine! So say hello to some of this amazing group (who will introduce themselves and tell you why they enjoy pacing so much) and make plans to join them in the fall. 

Greetings! Our names are Rich Palmer and Rachel Lyons and this will be the 3rd time we have paced the Bass Pro Half Marathon. Little did we know that when we started running 15 years ago that it would become such a critical part of our lives. We run because of how good it makes us feel, the sense of accomplishment we get after completing races, and to socialize with other fitness oriented people. We met each other through running as well as many other long term friends. There are so many benefits to running! We are excited to train with you this season and to help you crush your running goals!

(Pacing the 2:15 half)

I love supporting others in their pursuit to be successful. Pacing is a fantastic opportunity to help others reach a running goal they have been working towards. Pacing is also one of the most fun jobs in the world. Getting to know the people around me makes for great conversation while the miles fly by. Whether someone is pushing for a PR, getting back into running after injury, or just wanting to settle in to a pace to make it to the end, we have fun along the way!

(Beth Schulte on right - 2:20 half)

I’ve been very blessed to have amazing people in the running community to come and help me throughout my running journey. It’s because of these amazing people that I was able to accomplish things that once seemed unthinkable to me. So, when I was asked to pace, I was so excited. I want to be able to give back to the community that helped me so much. It’s such an amazing feeling to accomplish something that you once thought would be impossible for you to do and to help someone get there would be such a blessing in giving back. 

(Amanda Toliver - 4:20 full)

Hello there, I’m Shelley Stout. I’ll be one of your 4:20 marathon pacers. This will be my 11th year participating in the Bass Pro Conservation Marathon weekend. Bass Pro was my first marathon back in 2011. I fell in love with running 20 years ago. I enjoy running 5K’s to 50 miles and everything in between. I’m a school nurse with SPS and the assistant cross country coach of my school. I love sharing my passion for running with my athletes. I’m excited to pace Bass Pro, have some fun on the course, and help fellow runners reach their goals!

(Shelly Stout - 4:20 full)

I started running in 2011. I started pacing half marathons in 2014. I really enjoy pacing because I love motivating and helping people reach their goals. I try to keep the people running with me entertained.

(Randy Acklin - 2:00 half)

This will be my 2nd year pacing a Bass Pro race. I love giving back to this race and pacing is the perfect opportunity for me to do so. I enjoy mentoring and helping people achieve their running goals. BP pacers have helped me achieve many PRs at this event and now I can do the same for many others. Looking forward to tag-teaming this with Ben Byrd!

(Mitch Wilkins - 5:00 full)

I enjoy pacing runners to help them achieve their goals. I am looking forward to pacing a great group to the finish line at Bass Pro this year!

(Ben Byrd - 5:00 full)

I have run over 20 marathons and paced Bass Pro at least 4 previous times. It is fulfilling to me to help runners achieve a goal. Having run with pacer groups many times myself, I understand how helpful they can be. I want to help runners enjoy the experience and accomplish something that they desire.
(Kathy Carrol - 5:45 full)

Running is a highly positive sport. That has proven to be full of excitement and adventures for me. It's so great setting a goal, working hard and reaching that goal. That's why I pace...to help others reach their goal and achieve something that they have worked hard for.

(Janet Clement - 2:20 half)

About 5 years ago, after several hundred races, I decided I needed to give back some to the running community that was (and has continued to be) so instrumental in my running success and fun. After pacing a couple of times, I was hooked. It is so enjoyable and so rewarding to help others reach goals and achieve personal records. I can’t wait to run with some marathoners at Bass Pro.

(Charlie Hungerford - 5:15 full)

For me it all comes down to helping others get the joy from accomplishing the same goals I’ve chased in the past.

(Chad Johnson 1:45 half)

It’s my third year pacing and I love all the people I meet and hearing their stories and how some of them are doing their very first race.

(Jenni Sherman - 4:30 full)

It truly is a party at the back. I love seeing everyone accomplish the goals they have been training for. From first time marathoners to veterans hitting a time goal, the smiles at the end are everything.

(Rachel Baker, in black hat - 6 hour full)

I love this distance because I get to go on a fun 6-hour journey with runners who are typically running their first marathon or who are new at the distance. I feel so blessed to be apart of that!

(Melissa Bland, on left, with Rachel - 6 hour full)

I pace because I get to do two things I love: encourage and run! Bass Pro Fitness Series provides many opportunities to challenge yourself physically. So let’s get moving!!

(Seth Jenks 2:10 half)

This is my 9th time pacing a Bass Pro Fitness Festival event. These events are top notch! Melissa Bondy and her team put so much thought and effort into every detail. I love to be able to contribute a little and pacing is a wonderful way to do that. I'm looking forward to running with some of you and seeing all the happy faces out on the course!

(Lali Marie, on right, 1:55 half)

Running became my happy place in 2014, but it started out as a solo sport for me. I would run occasionally with friends and I’d start with them on race day, but we always ended up at our own paces and finish the race at different times, which was fine, but I was always envious of those runners who had a pack. I met Lali in 2019, not too long after we had our sons the fall before. Turns out we had quite a bit in common, especially our love for running. She became my buddy and introduced me to the OMRR community. Last year she got me a spot as a pacer, which sounded awesome, but scary at the same time. At first the nerves got to me, but the day of the race turned out to be more than I could have ever expected. Helping fellow runners meet their goals and making new friends along the way was so much fun!! I was hooked! So when the opportunity knocked again this season, there was no hesitation. I can’t wait to experience that thrill and excitement with all of those awesome runners again this year! Let’s get after those PRs!!!

(Jaunine Marie, on left, 1:55 half with Lali)

We loving pacing together. She's the talker and I'm the timer. More importantly, helping runners reach their goals and the finish line is what drives us. We have paced the Bass Pro Marathon for many years and having a local event with so many friends makes this event magical and motivating.

(Adam and Tye Irving, 2:30 half)

I love this race because it is what inspired me to become a runner! I volunteered at the bag drop back in college and seeing all of the exhausted runners after they finished made me realize I had never been that tired in my life and naturally I wanted to know what it was like! I love all of the emotions we experience during a big race and I can't wait to see everyone at the finish line!
(Kyla Mahoney, 5:15 full)

The best thing about pacing this bass pro is running with the first timers and then sitting at the finish line! Watching people finish is the best part! 

(Jill Brockman 2:45 half)

So there you have it friends. Although I didn't list all of the pacers that you will see on race day, you can be sure of this... every one of them loves what they do and can't wait to meet you! I’m pictured above with my partner-in-crime Jody Rhodes. We will once again be your 5:30 full marathon pacers and I know I speak for Jody as well when I say this... we are excited!!! We pace because we love meeting new runners and encouraging them to keep pressing on with a smile on their face. And we pace because we truly want to make Bass Pro a time that the runners in our group will look back on and say, "That was really a good day."  So look for the pace group you want to join at the start line and get ready to have a great time. Happy Running!

Be an example of perseverance

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7 NIV

Knowing I had been called to run the 100 mile distance at the Ultrapalooza, I stepped up to the start line early Saturday morning in anticipation of what the day would hold and the reasons God had led me to sign up for the race so many months ago. And while I recognized that some of the reasons were to do the prerace prayer and to talk to and encourage all those in my path, it soon became apparent that this race was about so much more. As the humidity rose and the temperatures climbed, many of the runners either dropped out of the race altogether or dropped down to a shorter distance. This was something I debated on doing myself after completing 50 miles. “It’s super hot out here Melissa and you’re tired and have a heat rash already,” the enemy whispered into my ear. “Just quit now. No one will think less of you.” And that’s when the Holy Spirit spoke, “Melissa, the last half of this race is going to be very very hard. But I have called you to finish it so fight hard to make it to the finish line on time.” And fight hard I did. After making it to mile 60, I slowed down to a stroll to try and lower by body temperature and never did find the strength to run again. I did, however by God’s grace, find the strength to walk out the last 40 miles (which took another 15 hours) with some amazing pacers by my side to finish an hour under the cutoff time of 30 hours. And as hard as it was to do this, I was grateful that I did hoping that it would inspire other believers to press on in their calling as well, no matter how hard it gets.

And you know, when it comes to finding the inspiration to keep moving foraward, you and I would do well to heed the words of the apostle Paul who said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith.” Paul showed by example what it meant to be a true follower of Christ. He suffered greatly, even boasting in his sufferings, but never backed down from fighting the "good fight" to win the lost to Christ, never dropped out of the race no matter how hard it got, and remained faithful until the end inspiring millions of Christians throughout history to do the same.

So remember that people are always watching you my friend. And by your words and your actions, you have the power to motivate them to continue serving Christ when it's not always easy by setting an example of what it means to fight the "good fight" like Paul did. So do whatever it takes to finish the race!

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that fighting the "good fight" to take hold of the prize will seldom be easy. Help us to follow the example of Paul who persevered in the midst of all opposition Lord so that we might be that example of perseverance and faithfulness to others. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Serve to receive the greatest honor

"If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, My servant will be as well. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him." John 12:26 BSB

In an article titled, "Cheering for a Cause with Alan Page at the Twin Cities Marathon," published Wednesday, it was reported that NFL Hall of Famer and former justice in the Minnesota Supreme Court, Alan Page, will not only be cheering on the runners at the Twin Cities Marathon on October 2, but encouraging others to cheer them on as well. “As a football player, people come to watch you play, and I take enjoyment seeing other people participating,” Page, a former Minnesota Vikings defensive linemen, told KARE 11. “I've also run a number of marathons myself, and having people along the way really helps. One of the things I loved about running, and distance running, is that you learn a lot about yourself, and how you handle both the good and the bad. I think we need to celebrate that.” He’s also encouraged others to cheer for the marathoners through the Diane and Alan Page Community Cheer Challenge. Diane Page was the wife of Justice Page, and was an avid runner who loved the Twin Cities Marathon. Page said that she’d bake cinnamon rolls and other baked goods for the neighborhood as they celebrated the runners participating. She passed away two days prior to the TCM in 2018 from breast cancer. This year, the Diane and Alan Page Community Cheer Challenge will honor those who cheer on the marathoners.

And you know, when it comes to receiving honor for a job well done, the Bible tells us that “the Father will honor” anyone and everyone who obediently follows his Son and faithfully serves Him. This promise is so remarkable because it means that the loyal, true, dedicated, and steadfast servant of Jesus Christ will receive honor from God the Father. Wow right?? As if that weren’t hard enough to fathom, consider this…. this honor that our Creator, Himself, will bestow on us as true believers is in the form of both reward and recognition.

So live to hear the applause of the audience of One my friend. Strive to serve Jesus in all that you do so that one day you will receive the honor the Father will grant to all those who follow his Son. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that there are priceless rewards for following You both in this lifetime and in the one to come. Cause our hearts to seek the approval of Jesus above all else that we might serve Him with all that we have. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Wait for restoration

“ At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”( In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.” Job 1:20-22 NIV

In an article titled, "Devon Allen Cut By Philadelphia Eagles" published by Runner's World on Monday, the writer said: It’s another disappointment for Allen after being controversially disqualified from the World Athletics Championships 110-meter hurdle final for a false start. “Track and field is so difficult, because you train all year for one competition that lasts 12, 13 seconds,” Allen said after the race on July 17. “And that’s that. Your identity is based all on that one competition which is frustrating. It happens. I’ll learn from it. Make sure I react not as fast next time.” Sources report that Allen will have a good chance of making the Eagles’ practice squad even though he didn’t make the 53-player roster. He showed flashes of greatness, which included the aforementioned touchdown run and 4.35 40-yard dash on pro day. Regardless of what happens, NBC Sports reported that he plans to return to the track next season.

And you know, when it comes to keeping hope for a future after experiencing great loss and disappointment in the present, the Bible gives us the story of Job. After losing everything he possessed in just a matter of moments, Job took the time to express great sorrow before acknowledging that everything he had belonged to God to do with it as He pleased. This acceptance of God’s sovereignty and full submission to His will then led Job to declare, “May the name of the Lord be praised.” In all this we are told, Job stayed faithful, never questioned God’s goodness, and was eventually restored beyond what he could have imagined. .

So if life has seemingly gone from bad to worse for you today my friend, hang in there. If you are a child of God, there is always a reason to be hopeful because God is always good and He is always working things for the good of those who love Him. It may not happen overnight but you can be sure it will. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Job that we can look to when we are going through tests and trials. Remind us that no matter how things might look through human eyes, You are always on the throne working all things for our good. Cause us to understand this fully so that at all times we too will declare, “May the name of the Lord be praised.”  It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Make preparations to have fun

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about being prepared for race day, keeping in mind that there's more to being ready to step up to the start line than putting in the miles. That is, if you really want to enjoy the entire experience. What exactly do I mean by that you might be wondering? Well, as someone who has run nearly 100 marathons and countless halves and ultras, I'll tell you that the whole race weekend can be fun if you plan ahead.

So if you're participating in the official Bass Pro training groups, you're going to learn everything you need to know to get from the start line to the finish line, whether you're running 13.1 miles or 26.2. But that doesn't mean you won't be anxious, especially if it's your first marathon or half. In an effort to ease that anxiety, here are just a few extra tips in no specific order that I hope will help to make your Bass Pro Fitness weekend the best that it can be. 

1. Lay out the clothing that you will wear the night before including placing your race bib and safety pins with your clothing. Do not wear a new outfit for the race — 26.2 miles is a long way to run if something is chafing you. A clothing tag can become a painful enemy very quickly. *if you're traveling with younger children or people you don't want to wake up, put these items in the bathroom so you can easily slip in and out without disturbing anyone.

2. Do not wear new shoes in the marathon. Wear a pair that you have worn during a few long runs (as long as they did not create any problems). Remember, nothing new on race day ever!

3. Be prepared for anything. Fill a gym bag with your essentials and pack a few extra items like a comfortable outfit to wear home, extra pair of socks (a long pair of socks with the toes cut out can double as disposable arm warmers), hat or cap, anti-chafe cream and diaper rash cream for post race chafing. Check the weather conditions before you leave. 

4. Arrange to have dry clothes at the finish line and a pair of flip-flops or sliders. As you can imagine, your feet are going to be sore after pounding the pavement for 13.1 or 26.2 miles. Letting your feet air out and giving your toes some wiggle room is a totally underrated experience. Personally, I consider this a "reward" after every long run. And another great way to reward yourself? Wear your race shirt home AFTER you've earned it. It makes putting it on all the sweeter. 

5. Plan to hang around for a little bit. While there may be no better feeling than crossing the finish line on race day, watching others do so comes in a very close second. Cheering on the other runners is a totally underrated pleasure. This is something I began doing many years ago and it always brings a smile to my face.  

6. Don't spend hours on your feet at the race expo. Despite all of the vendors, it's important to save your legs for the next day. 

7. By now you should have perfected your routine you used before your long runs. This is the same routine you should use the night before the race. Eat the same meal at the same times you've practiced, and make sure you're well hydrated.

8. Plan when you will leave, how you will get to the race, and where you will park. You don't want to fear getting lost or being late prior to the race. You'll have enough anxiety as it is. Plan every detail of your morning from waking up, to dressing, to getting out the door and to the start line. 

9. In addition to water, Bass Pro will have gels and electrolyte drinks on the course. If you haven't practiced using these products during your long runs, don’t use them on race day. Even small differences in sugar concentration can cause stomach upset during an event. Bring your own supply that you practiced with on race day. 

10. Review the map of the course and find the locations of water stops, aid stations, and portable toilets so you can plan accordingly. Also, plan for your family to meet you at various spots on the course. You'd be surprised at how powerful a friendly high-five or hug can be in raising your spirits. 

11. No matter what the temperature is when you get up, chances are that it will increase during the race. You'll generate a lot of heat while running but it will most likely be cold at the start. You might want to wear old clothing that you can discard once you are warmed up (I buy used jackets, sweatshirts and bathrobes at the thrift store for this very purpose). Don't worry... the volunteers will pick up the items but it's always kind to leave them in a convenient spot (like at an aid station or a mile marker).When you discard things though, be careful not to throw them in the path of another runner.

12. Arrive at the start expecting to find a line at the portable toilets. Since you have time to spare, don’t be stressed but get in line just in case. Head to the start about 5-10 minutes before race time and put yourself in an appropriate spot in the pack. The start of races is crowded and fast (especially the closer you are to the lead runners) so be ready. Don't take off too fast!  The pack will thin out quickly, and a slow start will give you a chance to warm up your muscles and get motivated mentally. And a word for the wise... you can always make up for starting off too slow, but you can rarely recover from going out too fast. Start slowly!!

13. Enjoy the race. Smile for the people taking photos and videos, sing out loud, thank the volunteers, and wave to the fans as you run by. You'll enjoy yourself so much more! Make it your goal to finish with a smile on your face by keeping this in mind... you don't HAVE to do this. You GET to do this. Repeat that as often as you need to... I don't HAVE to do this, I GET to do this. 

14. After the race, drink lots of water. Even though you drank during the race, you'll still be a little dehydrated and you'll need to flush your kidneys. Replenish carbohydrates quickly. There's a two-hour window following a hard effort during which absorption of carbohydrates may be enhanced. If you can't eat them, then drink them via chocolate milk or another protein drink (protein mixed in improves recovery). Don't  choose anything extremely high in sugar or fat, it will cause stomach upset.

15. Keep moving that day. This will diminish a lot of the post-race stiffness. Stretch gently.

16. Don't plan on running during the week after the race. Walking, swimming or cycling at an easy pace will work well and is highly encouraged as it's active recovery. You may find that a massage is helpful for post-race stiffness as well. When you resume running, start easy — 30 minutes three to four times per week — and increase gradually from there.  

17. Start planning for your next marathon. For real! Review your training and your race day performance; determine what worked well and what presented a problem. Adjust your training schedule accordingly. Experience is always the best teacher. 

18. Allow your body to recover. An extreme endurance event like a marathon is incredibly stressful on the body. The body needs the rest; otherwise, problems such as injuries, fatigue, decreases in performance and immune suppression can result. One more thing... watch out for symptoms of what I refer to as Post Marathon Depression Disorder (PMDD). They include sadness, lack of motivation, and a "what am I gonna do now?" questioning attitude. This is completely normal since you just spent 10-16 weeks training for an event that's now over. See number 17!

19. Last but not least, share your accomplishments with others. Post those finish line photos and proudly hang up that medal where you friends and family can see it. After all, you're earned it!!

So there you have it friends. Those are just a few things you can do to make your Bass Pro Marathon/Half experience unforgettable. But whatever you do along the 13.1 or 26.2 mile course, have fun! For real! Life is short so don't take it too seriously. Run happy, count your blessings along the way, and be thankful that you can do something that most people can only dream about doing. 

Happy Running!

Consider it a privilege

“For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.” Philippians 1:29 NLT

In an article titled, "How to Stop a Black Toenail From Ruining Your Runs, published by Runner's World recently, the writer said, "Black toenails in runners are often caused by repetitive trauma, which can result from running or from wearing any type of ill-fitting footwear. Keeping your toenails short, sizing up a half size in shoes, or wearing a thinner sock can help prevent black toenails from occurring in the first place. In mild cases, no treatment is needed, and the black nail will simply grow out. But if you’re in a lot of pain, your doctor can drain the blood from your nail, which relieves the pressure." The writer went on to explain that black toenails are both a bane (a cause of great distress or annoyance) and a badge of honor to runners; something that I can certainly attest to. I've not only celebrated losing toenails but so have the majority of my friends because it means we've done something most people will never do.. completed a lot of double digit runs and willingly endured a lot of suffering.

And you know, when it comes to suffering for an honorable reason, Paul told the church at Philippi that they had not only been given “the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.” These are privileges that you and I were given as well when we accepted Jesus as our Savior. In fact, this special right to suffer for the cause of Christ means we can and should willingly consider the hardships, temptations, and persecution we will encounter and be called to endure in our service to Him as “badges of honor” to be celebrated.

So commit yourself to serving the Father with all you have my friend. Then smile when you experience ill-treatment, hostility, oppression, and abuse for the cause of Christ, knowing what an absolute honor it is to trust Him and to suffer for Him.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that it’s a privilege to experience persecution for your Name’s sake. Cause this knowledge to spur us on to fulfill the calling You have placed on our lives Lord with no fear of the consequences. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Kindness makes you a better witness

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

In an article titled, “Here’s how kindness will make you a better runner,” published by TrailRunning magazine recently, Renowned ultrarunner, coach and co-author (with his wife, Megan Roche) of The Happy Runner, David Roche, said, “Most of us feel far more comfortable talking to strangers on a trail than we would on a street. If you see someone struggling a little out there, you’ve probably been in that situation yourself, and you have some empathy for them. That person you stopped to give a high-five to mid-race when you noticed them struggling hits the finish-line all smiles and tears, and you’ll feel their success like it’s your own. Roche explains that by building your running community, you will tend to be more process-focused and less results-focused (which will, in turn, help you run faster).” Roche summed up the concept of being a beacon of cheer when he said: “Spread the love, because life is too short and uncertain and scary to spend it alone, withholding affection.”

And you know, extending kindness will not only make us better runners, but will make us better witnesses for Christ as well. Think about it. In an age marked by selfishness, impatience, and meanness where everyone seems to be out for number one, patience and kindness (which go together) seem to be in very short supply. Which is the very reason, when kindness and patience are displayed—to someone who doesn’t expect it, may not be deserving of it, and can never repay it—it can have such a profound effect on a person and leave them wondering, “Why was that woman or man so nice to me? What sets them apart to behave in such an unusual way?”

So practice kindness and patience at every opportunity my friend. Look for ways to be the hands and feet of Jesus in your day-to-day life and strive to display ALL the fruits of the Spirit at ALL times so that people would be drawn to the One who can take hearts of stone and replace them with hearts of flesh.

Heavenly father, thank You for your presence in our lives. Thank you for the Holy Spirit who lives inside us and allows us to behave in ways that are contrary to the flesh. Help us to take up our crosses daily and to deny ourselves so that we would be set apart from the world Lord. We ask that You open up doors for us to be your hands and feet today so that we could draw the lost to the foot of the Cross. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. .

Happy Running!