Run The Race

After being a fitness instructor for nearly two decades and a mom for almost that long, add entrepreneur to this woman's resume as she wants you to glove up for some boxing group workouts to get in shape! This all comes years after she beat cancer. And she's got some advice to help you get moving.

(2:53) Helena Coates has been leading group fitness classes since 2005. She talks about why she's so passionate about being in the gym and helping others...wanting to look a certain way, enjoying the community, but also the way fitness makes her feel through the ups and downs of life. The goal: make people feel comfortable coming to the gym. Why are people motivated to work out or unmotivated? She gives a list.

(11:00) Facing stage 4 cancer - spreading in her body - in her early 40s, Helena beat it but then just finishing a workout was extremely difficult, after being a gym rat since she was 13. This mom of 3 also said the cancer battle was mental too.

(17:32) Now, she and her husband have bought 4 franchises of Rumble Boxing in Alabama, the latest one in Auburn. What happens in this boutique fitness studio? She gives the details. It includes gloves, "rounds" during the group workout, fun music, and the opportunity to take frustration out on a soft bag. It's part of changing trends in the fitness industry.

(28:28) This fitness guru also is very involved in many organizations, nonprofits in Columbus GA, chairing some boards. She's involved in Uptown Columbus Inc which just brought the international kayaking competition to the rapids of the Chattahoochee River (called canoeing overseas). What kind of strength and endurance do kayakers doing tricks need? She also talks about affecting change through action, being part of teams in the community to help make a difference.

(37:50) Faith also drives our decisions to make positive changes in the world around us, a desire that was sparked for her while attending BYU. Helena talks about it being a moral compass for her, setting priorities straight, her faith helping her make decisions, wanting to be a better person, and looking at fitness holistically.

(45:45) We also dive into her being a certified scuba diver, an adventurous hobby allowing her to do some shark dives and also see some amazing things underwater. Hiking and other fitness, she points out, can also open doors to some fascinating experiences, views. (52:34) I close out 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/.

I talk to other people every week on this podcast, about fitness and faith. This episode, you'll get to hear a lot about my journey of running and walk with God.

(2:53) In Spring of 2020, three years ago, veteran podcast host Denny Krahe had me on his show, and vice versa (links to both below).

He got me to open up about my favorite running/race distance, the ins and outs of my training for marathons. (15:10) In this conversation with Denny aka Diz, I also talk about how I got started in running and eventually moved to the challenge of trying to run a marathon (26.2 miles) in all 50 states. Fun way to see the world!

(30:32) Our chat came right in the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic, so Denny asked me about finding ways to still exercise while "social distancing" and also virtual races like CRAW (he and I were on the same team for a virtual race around the world).

(36:29) We close that chat with the origins of my "Run The Race" podcast, which was 1 year old at that point, and what I continue to learn from my guests like Denny - who talked about injury prevention, run training at more on my pod. Here's that episode, also from 3 years ago: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/42-helping-you-prevent-injuries-as-we-run-diz-world/id1485963489?i=1000494802598.

And make sure to check out the Diz Runs podcast and website, which has close to an amazing 1200 episodes now (mine is #888): https://www.dizruns.com/podcast/.

I close this pod 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/.

Long before his careers in soccer, the ministry, and Army...Retired Major Chris Cairns had deep roots of faith and military, including 106 years of unbroken active duty service in his family. We talk about all that in this episode, plus how his bringing a pro soccer team to the city in Georgia where he grew up and played the sport.

(5:30) Chaplain Cairns first talks about his historic family legacy in the US Army, joining the service late at the age of 40, then serving soldiers and families as chaplain for a decade (after 18 years working for faith-based non profits). (9:13) He says PTSD was a challenge he helped troops faced, and during one rotation to South Korea, he talked 9 of his men out of committing suicide. As a Anglican Pastor, how did he handle having a diverse unit of pagans, Jewish, Catholic, etc? He talks about bringing God to soldiers and vice versa.

At West Point, he played soccer, (17:09) but Chris' injuries redirected his life towards the church. (23:38) Now, this recently retired Army Chaplain is one of the investors on an ownership team for Columbus GA's new team in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), which will reveal the team name and logo this Friday. Learn more here: https://www.columbusnpsl.com/.

Cairns talks about the excitement of soccer for fans and his hopes that this team can help underprivliged kids get involved in the sport. (37:40) Growing up as an "Army brat," he talks about why he chose to be join late and be a Chaplain...having his only family legacy through their 3 kids that love Jesus and want to serve others...and the importance of the assist in soccer and life!

(49:50) This Army vet closes us 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/.

Will exercise help you live longer or can you push yourself too hard that it can lead to heart issues? We talk about that and much more with the only trained specialist in both heart failure and pulmonary hypertension in the Chattahoochee Valley (West GA, East AL). The doctor also dives deep into the mind-body connection.

(2:07) Dr. Hunter Champion, of Southeastern Cardiology in Columbus GA, first talks about how exercise or lack of impacts your heart, which can lead to good or bad thickness of the heart. He celebrates the process of trying to get healthier vs. the numbers of weight loss. He talks about experiments he's done and if you can push yourself too much, after we've seen a number of pro and college athletes recently collapse on the field or court. What can you do to avoid that? What are the red flags for amateur athletes? He lists, answers those and says...Listen to your body!

To track your health stats, (11:37) like heart rate, there's technology that can help. Dr. Champion also discusses what it was like working with pro athletes in Pittsburgh and Baltimore. What keeps them motivated and what does he say to average patients who say they don't have time to exercise? The key: find what works for you.

(17:03) As one of the men who coined the phrase "Broken Heart Syndrome" (sudden emotional stress of the mind, impacting heart failure), this physician shares a lot about the mind-body connection. That includes being strong mentally for athletic performance and when you're under pressure...mindfulness to keep negative thoughts at bay...box breathing...meditation instead of panic.

(24:48) As for healthy aging, Dr. Champion tells people of all ages to eliminate excuses and find what you can do, even walking in a pool. He also has patients with the YOLO mentality, but too much pizza and living it up can lead to a shorter life. A hug thing, he says, is to know you family history for heart, health, cholesterol. That can help catch things before a heart attack. (33:57) He also give warning signs and preventative tips for everyday athletes. And there's also a shortcut that involves maalox. Dr. Champion also won't tell you to stop running or playing tennis or exercising...but will tell patients, you can't do it like you're used to (you may not be 20 years old anymore), so ease into it.

(45:00) Finally, we talked about the mood benefits of exercise and especially the connections between faith and fitness. Dr. Champion discusses research on the power of prayer, plus wakeup calls for us to have a healthy mind/spirit/body. We all want to be around longer for a family, like this doctor who has 3 children.

I close the episode talking about the war in Israel, world mental health day, and my closing 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/.

This Georgia couple started Billboards for Jesus earlier this year to "hold the Lord's banner over the city of Columbus." On this podcast that you should subscribe to...the small business owners, home church pastors, and grandparents talk about those ads for God, plus other hot topics like financial wellness and abortion, which they did themselves when they got pregnant 4 decades ago.

(5:25) Tim and Angie Hollis talk about the origins of https://billboardsforgod.square.site/, why they're doing this, and what Bible scriptures inspired them to put the 8-9 rotating billboards all over Columbus GA. The cost to do this for a year is at least $100K and they're raising money to keep it going.

(12:45) Do God and money mix? Tim leads a financial wellness ministry and explains some key advice to help people get out of debt, involving stewardship and generosity. (18:17) They're also both focused on stopping abortions locally and nationwide. Angie is a sidewalk advocate for ministries near a local abortion clinic. She herself had an abortion 41 years ago, which Tim now calls the "worst decision" of their life. How does she spread the Pro-Life message without appearing judgmental?

(28:20) This couple are also creators and pastors for the Living Water Home Church, with traditional Sunday morning services at their house with a congregation of 20+. It's a growing trend. How does it differ from traditional church and what do they say to skeptics? They talk about it being similar to small group, where you can be vulnerable like she was in confessing about abortion and healing. (38:22) Tim and Angie also opened Home Care Services of Columbus in 2005, to help care for senior citizens. They discuss the balance of running a business and church out of the place where they live. And they've got a growing family too, with a recent wedding and also a 2nd grandson recently born.

(44:25) Back to billboards for Jesus, they explain how they come up with the simple messages, some of their favorites, how donations are spent, building the Kingdom of God this way, and not having an agenda or promoting a church with these billboards. And I close the episode, as always, 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/.

Do you get enough sleep? Probably not. On this shorter Friday "Food for Thought" podcast episode, I talk about the importance of sleep in rest for your health and your performance as a runner or athlete in any sport.

On this pod, you'll hear some stats about the # of hours of sleep you're supposed to get...the health risks if you get too little or too much sleep...what the Bible says about rest...the 5 ways sleep can make you a stronger runner that doesn't get sick as often...5 tips for developing better sleep habits...what doctors say about how rest and recovery impact you before/during/after exercise...active recovery and how often you should take a recovery break...the red flags you need a rest day...and some expert advice on getting quality sleep.

I close the episode with a quick 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/.

This week's guest on "Run The Race" wears numerous hats, including general manager of a business in Georgia and pastor and husband and friend. Make sure to subscribe to this podcast for weekly conversations about faith and fitness!

(4:18) Tyrone Baskin, known as the "king of high 5s" at his job, has worked for Two Men and a Truck (moving company) for 17 years, working his way up to be GM. We talk about spreading joy with the power of human touch, before and after the Covid pandemic. We are are all broken but are not meant to live a life of isolation and disappointment.

(9:05) How does he balance his job and his Christian faith? Tyrone says God living on the inside of him helps him be a better employee. He was ordained as a pastor 9 years ago. That side of him leads to more exceeding of customer's expectations at the business. And preparing for work includes QUIET TIME - he breaks down what his looks like, comparing it to the need to plug in your phone and recharge it, like reconnecting with God. (16:19) Being known as the "Jesus guy" at work means people trust him with their mess, but being a pastor has its downfalls too and the need to unplug.

(18:15) Tyrone has a passion for teaching God's Word, and seeing that scripture lift up people who are weary, hopeless. He gives examples of many overwhelmed people reaching out to him, but light shines brightest in the darkness! But it's about a relationship with God not empty religion / spirituality / moralism.

This podcast guest also (21:56) is involved in non-profit ministries like Take The City, showing him how evangelism can happen on the streets and how churches can be united and how people of different races can come together. He's also got advice for people that are not as comfortable sharing their faith with others. (26:16) There are moments that change and define all of us. For Tyrone, it was being dumped 16+ years ago, then falling in love with Jesus several years later, finding true identity and peace in Him.

(30:45) For nearly a decade, he's been the Pastor of Christ Alone Ministries (CAM) in Columbus GA. The name is simply about our hope being in just Jesus. He's also on a growing spiritual journey with his wife, as they just celebrated an anniversary and are now empty nesters. As he gets older, he also wants to hit the gym more, lose weight.

(37:25) All his jobs are service oriented...and in wearing all those hats, he wants to represent Jesus, using gifts God gave him to lift others up, mentioning 1 Corinthians 12:7. We'll tell you where and when you can find Tyrone and his church, (40:52) then he brings the closing prayer for this episode.

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/.

It's a huge challenge in September, Suicide Awareness Month. My guest for this episode of "Run The Race" knows how pain and failure can make you feel like giving up on life, but he wants to provide hope, in part through his upcoming longest run ever.

(3:20) Phil Parsons, a combat infantry veteran and ultra runner and husband/dad, is planning to go 444 miles on foot, running or walking that distance over the course of 11 days, all to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention, especially among vets: https://pledgeit.org/natr.

What's his training been like for the 444 that will happen September 20-30 from TN to MS on the Natchez Trace? How about his emotions? He's also doing this to change the narrative of his life. (11:25) Phil joined the Army not too long before the September 11 attacks, ending up on deployments to Iraq, seeing horrible things that did not bother him until he came back home. He talks about being angry, losing his marriage, being emotionless.

(18:05) This veteran tried to kill himself several times, the last suicide attempt being a gun to his head 16 years ago, in September - this 444 mile challenge being around the anniversary of that. He describes why he almost ended it all and why he didn't go through with it.

(24:30) Through all the pain, he found running...starting with a marathon in GA, moving up to a 50K, then the Pinhoti 100. At first, he was often running angry, but found something different on the trails: the feeling of being a kid again, getting to be himself - without a mask. Now, he GETS to run and also helps other veterans on his job as a social worker. He loves helping fellow troops, but had to take care of himself first.

(31:49) For his upcoming 444 miles, Phil discusses the logistics (40 miles per day), support(getting help from running group "Band of Brothers"), and nutrition/hydration that will be central to his week-and-a-half journey. Think electrolytes, PB&Js, Chex Mix, and more. Meantime, his triathlete wife is no slouch, training for an Ironman. You can learn more about the 444 here: https://unbridledrunning.com/the-four-forty-four/

Part of his journey is also being a (42:48) cult survivor, just going along as he grew up, but being terrified to break free, and finally being able to question things in life. (47:07) Phil also has a life-saving message for anyone, especially former/current military, that involves a story about a bridge on the Natchez Trace that has seen too much tragedy. The takeaway: Sit with the pain and discomfort in life or running, and it will get better, things will turn around. Stay in motion and do something! After our chat, I close the pod 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/.

Soon, we will mark 22 years since the September 11 horrific attack on America. My guest on this episode is leading an event honoring 9/11 heroes and the soldiers that have died fighting in wars since then. And this veteran is also rucking his way to better mental health.

After I give a quick recap of my new (fastest) 5K PR at a midnight race, then what Tim Tebow told myself and a crowd in GA, (6:00) we get to know SSG (Ret) Lee Rollins! He talks about where he was - as a young soldier - on September 11, 2001...eventually deploying to Iraq, Afghanistan which "changes your soul."

(13:17) We discuss how he and you can help veterans and Gold Star families (who've lost a loved one in military service) through organizations like the Travis Manion Foundation. That's the beneficiary of a 9/11 heroes 5K run happening all around the nation on Saturday morning September 9, including in Columbus GA (Chattahoochee Valley). You can register now to help with youth programs, especially Gold Star family members: https://www.travismanion.org/events/911-heroes-run/2023-chattahoochee-valley/.

(22:38) Travis Manion, the marine LT killed in Iraq, was known for saying "If not me, then who." Lee talks about being proactive, inspiring each other, doing acts of kindness - like Travis.

A big passion for this pod guest is (25:12) rucking, good cardio and mental challenge for this veteran who had an injury that forced him into medical retirement. Walking or hiking with that ruck sack is like therapy for him and other vets, but you got to do it the correct way to avoid inury! He's a part or regular group rucks in East Alabama and West Georgia.

(37:40) Lee also is focused, on and off his job, to help veterans transition from military to civilian life, especially with getting jobs and their mental health. He talks about what he does through Work for Warriors Georgia, with some inspiring stories! (45:58) And is this retured US Army sniper school instructor...still a good shot? Shooting/hunting, fishing, rucking, other sports and hobbies are also a great way to bond, he says, through tough times of grief and PTSD. (54:10) I close out the episode with a prayer for our military and more.

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/.

Time to get real, men. And on this episode, I've got 2 guys that lead "The Redeemed" ministry in Columbus GA to help us to that. They're also hosting a big men's event this week featuring former football superstar Tim Tebow!

(3:35) Former Aflac President Paul Amos, founder of this charity, and Nate Dewberry, director of "The Redeemed," sat down with me for an open conversation about how men can support each other and talk about more than just sports...but also challenges, failures, triumphs over struggles. Is sharing your emotions a sign of weakness? How can we be authentic and connect on a deeper level?

(9:05) We also discuss what REDEMPTION is. Paul says it's "being bought back," with sins washed away and God's promises, thanks to Jesus dying on the Cross for us. Guys are often defined by money and accomplishments via sports/job/house, but it's really about our true identity in Christ.

Tomorrow/Thursday August 24, they're hosting (15:36) a sold out event in West Georgia called "Restored," where 600 men will hear about faith and life from the one-and-only Tim Tebow.

(18:15) I dig into some personal stories with both our pod guests. Paul talks about transitioning from decades of business/law work to ministry, which has been humbling and challenging but letting God be in control. Nate, father of 3, opens up about getting divorced. Paul's marriage ended too. They say a lot of men can relate to relationship difficulties. (25:42) They also both talk about fatherhood, setting priorities right, being present, bonding with their kids over sports and faith. How can we not be awkward talking to our family or friends about faith? They address that.

(37:01) "The Redeemed" is independent from the church. They want to create community with mens small groups, devotionals, even their own podcast. if you want to learn more, go to https://theredeemed.com/.

Their goal is for guys to safely share about addictions, life turnarounds, trauma (including military), along with having fun. (47:32) Nate closed our chat out 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/.