He's been a firefighter for 36 years, a pastor for decades too...and like you, remembers where he was on September 11, 2001: watching his fellow first responders give up their lives to save others. Make sure to Subscribe to this Run The Race podcast to hear motivating messages and extraordinary stories like his.

(5:25) Battalion Chief Mark Burnett for Columbus (GA)Fire &EMS opens up about the feelings of anger & pride on 9-11 as we just had the 20th anniversary. He's also an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God, answering questions about why God would "allow" such evil to happen. And how does he juggle the roles of husband, father (7 grandkids too), firefighter and preacher? (15:31) Being an outspoken Christian in a fire department provides its opportunities and challenges. And Mark gives us the 4 foundational things for you to do, in order to have an impact on other people's lives, from right where you are at.

He's also in great shape at age 55. (23:14) Mark tells us why fitness is a priority to him and what his routine for workouts is, starting at 5:30am most mornings at the gym. His passion is triathlons, having done a half Ironman so far. (31:12) He also gets specific on nutrition goals and the importance of being fit for firefighters, how that can impact mental focus for all of us. Mark calls the local church the "hope of the world" and points to lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. (43:38)After his closing prayer, I give a "Parting Gift" from Joshua in the Bible.

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