From music and spreading the Gospel to transforming prayer and lessons from sports...this episode of "Run The Race" has it all. A ministry serving West GA and East AL is rebranding from "Take The City" to "Harvest Movement." Their leader is this week's guest, Jeremy Northington sharing about that transition and the Biblical meaning of the new name...plus his past prodigal sinful ways leading to a life-changing moment in a new prayer closet...and how fatherhood, sports, fitness are changing his lifestyle lately.

(2:20) Following my own call from God, I first talk about a meaningful song, on the radio these day, and even sing my version of "Flowers," to hopefully uplift you when going through difficult times. Then, learn a lot more about this ministry leader.

(9:27) Harvest Movement's new President talks about the evolution from outreach to more missional opportunities that include coffee, restoring lives, revitalizing communities. What if it's awkward to talk to strangers about Jesus? Jeremy had that same fear and explains how their ministry gets you ready in a non-intimidating way to fulfil our mission. there will be a Harvest Rebrand open house and celebration with worship, food, drink this Saturday July 12 (from 10am-2pm) at 2910 2nd Avenue in Columbus GA. Find out more about the nonprofit, how to get involved and support them at https://www.harvestmovement.org/.

(19:58) As a rebellious teen, Jeremy strayed from the Lord - alcohol, drugs, sex - then had a moment in 2016, while desperate and broken, that led him to create a prayer closet. Hear his powerful testimony of transformation!

(28:25) Along with starting a business a decade ago, Jeremy really loves being a dad, which also leads to him coaching his son. He talks about sports correlating with ministry. (37:56) And now he's on a new fitness and health journey, feeling like God's calling him to eat better and be in better shape - to be able to achieve all that the Lord has planned for Jeremy. Time to say Yes to the Holy Spirit! (47:17) And he closes us in prayer.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast, which I hope you'll subscribe to! Share it with your friends. Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and listen to any previous episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

With this episode coming out on the the eve of the 4th of July, it makes sense that the guest is all about the American flag, In fact, this military veteran has carried it on nearly 750 races across almost 12,000 miles. Incredible! Why and how does he do it? Give this a listen and subscribe to the podcast, tell others about #RunTheRace.

(3:54) I met Billy Richards (from NY) at "mainly marathon" races last year and again last month during my 3 races of 26.2 miles in 3 days. He did 11 straight 50Ks. He talks about carrying the USA flag and/or a ruck sac to symbolize carrying the burden of veterans. Your body can do more than you think. He slows the intensity and can run a lot more, and more days.

His experience (10:26) as a former Marine and Army paratrooper made for a tough transition to civilian life, like many vets. Working out compulsively helped, but there was no purpose behind it. It became a "mission" when he carried those items like the American flag at all these fitness challenges. Billy also describes some of the crazy parts of the "Death Race" team event.

(23:54) This personal trainer also describes pushing your body, getting lost and in the zone with a task like running 100 miles. You'll want to hear his story about his legs not working and him ending up in the hospital after his first race that distance. Then, he almost broke the world record for most 100 milers completed in 1 year - which led to hop surgery.

(36:50) Running for a cause can be an extra motivator for all of us. For Billy now, it's Operation Vest, who helps provide counseling services for veterans to prevent suicides. Donate here: https://www.operationvest.org/campaign/billyrichards/.

After we talk about the true meaning of freedom, with this holiday here...and also his current/future goals...i close out the pod in prayer.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and all past episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

I did it! A lot of Firsts for me earlier this month. This solo episode of "Run the Race" is the recap of me running 3 marathons (26.2 miles) in 3 days in 3 different states in New England. That's 80 miles over the span of 15.5 miles of races. God made us to do hard things!

You'll hear the ins and outs of my trips to run in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine - three states I'd never been to before this either. In this shorter pod, you'll hear about inspiring new long distance runners I got to meet and run with...shirts and food with a purpose...finish times that got progressively slower...music (80s and worship) to pump me up and even sing out loud to during the marathons...scenery and obstacles on the race courses...running for others...how my body held up those 3 days...ice baths and fueling in between each marathon.

I close out with my tours of these states including the longest covered bridge in the nation that takes you into NH...a farm with fresh Vermont maple syrup...a unique mill-turned in that I stayed and ate at...hitting the beach and a Presidents' home on the Maine coast...historic lighthouses...and lobster rolls! And i pray.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast, which I hope you'll subscribe to! Share it with your friends. Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and listen to any previous episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

For our 250th episode, we have a special duo sharing a lot about their up-and-down journey to redemption. These guys have both had leadership roles in churches for decades. They find God lessons in everyday life...have faced adversity with both recovering from addictions, one of them also battling cancer and the other losing his marriage, but they lean on faith and each other and their family and music to live life to the fullest. Make sure to subscribe to "Run the Race" and theirs too.

(4:32) Chaplain Richard Moore and Brad Williams recently started their own podcast "Sermons on the Side" which I highly recommend and they had me on as a recent guest: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sermons-on-the-side/id1795709466. They talk about the real meaning behind the name of their weekly show...and how church is important but their are huge experiences that happen beyond the 4 walls.

(14:22) Brad is a father of 3 now, including a newborn. Hear why he thinks parenthood can reveal our selfishness and how to play "zone defense." Grandfather Richard and his wife have a combined 5 adult children and gives us some wisdom on how being a son of our Heavenly Father can inform all out relationships.

(25:52) Brad learned he had testicular cancer at the same time they got their most recent positive pregnancy test. Along with his health journey, he explains why their baby's name Lily Grace is Biblically significant. Richard also gets vulnerable about, after 30 years in ministry roles, his "secret life" was revealed - an addiction (porn and struggle with lust) and "D-day" that led to trauma for his family and a broken marriage. But God. Don't miss how he's discovered, through a 16-year recovery so far, the surrender to the Lord trumps fear and shame because it leads to the ultimate freedom and a new identity in Christ.

(44:05) Brad and Lisa - name of their music group, and they lead worship at a church in Harris County - have had their own marriage struggles and addiction challenges, that they sing about. I play portions of "Only You Can" on this episode: https://open.spotify.com/album/1f5aOlMYf7rdSMOjKjeAW5. Both these men are part of a weekly recovery group, knowing how vital community is to create change vs. trying to solve problems in isolation!

(57:30) Both music and mentoring are powerful tools that Richard and Brad love talking about.

(1:13:05) Love having these guys on. I close out in prayer. Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and all past episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

Some may call him marathon man or the "Moses of running" lately. This 58-yr-old proud Christian from Colorado has completed an astounding 456 marathons or ultras in his life. He's on target for his goal of running 100+ marathons or 50Ks in 2025 including the completion of all 50 states several more times!

(2:50) Having met Keegan Haga more than a year ago and run a few races alongside him, I first asked WHY he runs so much, so many marathon. "Because we can." He elaborates, taking me back to his sister motivating him to run that 1st marathon in his mid 40s...and experiencing amazing things on his journey of running all over the USA: https://www.mycoloradolife.net/about/.

(17:05) We dig deeper into the logistics of all these races and the biggest challenges of traveling so much, figuring out where to fly and sleep. In his "year of 50Ks" (as he calls it), Keenan talks about his pace for these races...finally getting a coach to help avoid injuries and do very beneficial strength training...his love of God and people helping run so much...favorite foods before and after marathons...and dealing with all sorts of weather. His previous fear of starting lines was paralyzing at times but the "mainly marathons" family makes it more fun. He's doing all 75 races with them in 2025!

(39:27) Years ago, he left a great network media job in Manhattan for a simpler life in Colorado. 80% happy wasn't enough for Keenan. who has some advice for making that scary and big leap of faith from a maybe "stuck" life to taking big swings at life. (48:33) A big part of his life now is staying Prayed up, seeking out people to share kindness God's love with at races. That faith walk also changed after surviving two bouts of stomach cancer.

(55:03) I asked him his favorite races overseas - quick stories about Milan, majors like Berlin, "Fire and Ice" Iceland. He also shares wisdom about picking marathons in the U.S. - which can be huge like NYC or small and informal like the "mainly" ones: https://mainlymarathons.com/.

Having failed at similar big goals last year, he's stronger and confident this time around, praying through adversity and knowing how God can use imperfect people for mighty things. I close the episode out with some kudos for Keenan, a prayer, and my achievement of a 3 year run streak.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast, which I hope you'll subscribe to! Share it with your friends. Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and listen to any previous episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

Closing out National Bike Month with a young man from Auburn who just completed "Bo Bikes Bama" for the 4th time. We have more on that event (started by the famous Bo Jackson) and (5:15) avid cyclist Jared Bowles shares about the importance of doing challenges for causes, this one for storm relief victims in Alabama. It was instilled in him early in life about lessons of discipline - for all of us. Make sure to subscribe to "Run The Race" to hear stories like his of fitness and faith.

(13:40) This single father his fitness journey from swimming at 11 years old to now triathlons. What has his training looked like for his Half Ironmans? He breaks down the numbers for swimming, biking, running...plus being a healthy example for his 4-year-old son.

(22:01) Rebelling at a younger age, Jared's son being born was a wakeup call that got him back into church and exercise! The ups and downs of his health journey included a failed full Ironman, a snow skiing injury, and learning to lean on the Lord more. What does he reflect on about God while running and cycling?

(29:21) The challenges of having his own single family residential construction company and being a single dad means finding balance...and waking up earlier than he wants to bike or run. (33:16) Jared shares a little more of his cycling story, the costs involved with this hobby, what the average bike ride looks like for him...his recent Marine Corps Marathon experience, and aiming for a full Ironman in the future.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and all past episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

In the heart of this graduation season, one young man took a nontraditional route to his degree and into a life of ministry. Matthew Sanchez is a content creator, entrepreneur, speaker and podcast host who aims to help people step into their God-given purpose. We talk about the Lord changing his mindset of doubt and feeling unworthy...how obedience can bring clarity in knowing God's hand is in what you're doing...overcoming his porn addiction...and how obstacles led to his calling, including an absent father.

(3:25) This dreamer and former special ed student - who struggled in school - talks about graduating from Highlands College (connected to Church of the Highlands), with the goal of continuing to tell stories to help people find your gift and say yes or surrender to our mighty God, who uses broken people. Find out more about him at https://linktr.ee/Iammatthewsanchez?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

He recently became a world champion pizza maker, winning the International Pizza Challenge in Las Vegas, out of 100+ of the best pizzaiolos. And he gives God the glory for it! We chatted while eating a pizza he made for us at the business he's owned for almost a decade, Cerrone's Brick Oven Pizzeria in Columbus GA. Make sure to subscribe to this podcast to hear fun and inspiring conversations about faith, fitness...and food too.

(2:49) Leo DiCesaris discusses his love for pizza, his family roots in Italy, studying how to make pies all over the USA, passion for cooking authentic italian food, plus how you can make dough lighter and more digestible.

(10:38) Leo sees Cerrone's as "God's business." We ask him about that higher calling and giving joy to people through food and fellowship. He also gives some of his keys to a good work-life balance.

(16:09) We then dive into the 2025 International Pizza Challenge: the rules, criteria he and the other pizza chefs were judged on, what was on his WINNING PIZZA (plenty of unique ingredients including a rare pig from Spain) that started with a dough that he created over the course of 2 weeks. (31:41) Listening to worship music while cooking in this competition, pizza champ Leo is glad he now has a worldwide platform to talk about honoring the Lord, and seeking His will. He has some Godly advice for future chefs and restaurant workers dreaming of success in the face of fear and a high probability of failure for pizzerias.

(35:45) And nearly 3 years ago, this pizza business owner got into a horrible head-on collision, leaving him with a list of broken bones. He opens up about that, the full year of recovery, and his super supportive wife. (40:45) Leo is also a big guy, who played offensive tackle in high school and college and arena football - where he got lessons for life that have stuck! He talks about food (like pizza) being fuel for sports too, essential nutrients before and after workouts. And after talking about what I eat before and after long runs and races, I close the episode in prayer.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and all past episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

About 1/4 way into the Major League Baseball season, and you may not be a pro, but experts say you can train like one! We talk on this shorter episode about strengthening your core, flexibility, and faith when times get tough - when you're up to bat in life.

Baseball movies teach us lessons. So does discipline when it comes to the principles of fitness and faith. One specific workout called the "hurling exercise" can help with the core aka foundation of your muscles. How about yoga? And the benefits of eating healthier?

The sport is sometimes compared to a religion. Baseball's lessons include the power of teamwork and getting grace from God when we're facing those curveball, fastballs in critical moments of our lives. He can work miracles, coming up to bat for us.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast, which I hope you'll subscribe to! Share it with your friends. Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and listen to any previous episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

Nowadays, with people living more sedentary lives, many of us begin losing 1% flexibility each year, starting in our 30s. But did you know proper stretching can help slow down the aging process? And that intravenous hydration can help you deal with energy and a long list of ailments? Our guest recently opened up two separate businesses that provide those services for anyone, including athletes. Subscribe to "Run The Race" to hear weekly insight to help you improve your fitness and faith.

(6:44) Experienced sales associate - in the field of physical therapy, health and wellness - Josh O'Neal is the co-owner of a Hydralive and his newest venture a Stretch Zone, both those in North Columbus GA. He talks about the unique advantages of those businesses...the importance of having better range of motion, even as our bodies get older...the what/why of practitioner-assisted stretching...and being proactive with flexibility.

(19:55) As for jolts of hydration, Josh talks about what that does for your body...additives for that IV...other services at Hydralive like the really cold Cryotherapy. (28:41) He also talks about how a month+ furlough from his job during COVID led to being an entrepreneur who now co-owns these businesses, God opening doors with the help of a partner/nurse.

(41:46) Josh's goal is helping others through enjoying experiences to improve their health. His faith in God drives that passion to focus on the Golden Rule for clients - do onto others as you'd want them to do to you. That also goes for his family and his church, which is why he fights through anxiety on the worship team. (52:10) We close our chats with his favorite parts of co-owning businesses. A lot of it comes down to having "ownership."

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and all past episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.