Run The Race

Happy 2023...almost! We are celebrating the end of 2022 with inspiring stories from a pastor I know in NC who walks daily (25,000 miles in the last 7 1/2 years) and was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, given 5 months to live. He has wisdom about faith journeys and motivational advice to help you get out of bed to do something for God and for others! And make sure to Subscribe to the "Run The Race" podcast as we head into the New Year.

(3:10) Jim Pearce, who just turned 66 years old, has walked 9 miles a day for more than 7 years now! It was kind of like Forrest Gump. He says God called him to do it, and the daily routine is the first battle of the day - "flipping the covers." The pastor calls it his drug of choice, and opportunities to draw closer to God while walking. (7:50) There are also fitness and health benefits. How can you stick with goals like this that you make for the New Year? Jim says Aim Low. He explains.

(10:55) At the beginning of this year, Jim was diagnosed with non-smokers lung cancer, which is normally terminal. The doctors told him he had less than half a year to live, but he's in the 5% that has a rare mutation that medicines can treat. (17:01) Knowing time may be short, he has a more directed purpose and focus in life...to finish well. And he lives by a famous line in the movie The Shawshank Redemption: "Get busy living or get busy dying." He looks at a t-shirt with those words every day, as a reminder.

After being a teen troublemaker into drugs and alcohol, (21:09) Jim Pearce came to Christ at age 16. He talks about the pivotal moment: an invite to a Christian concert, because he liked loud music and girls. Eventually, he went to seminary. Since then, he's led overseas missions trips to 40 different countries in the last 40 years! That included being a young man scared and smuggling Bibles behind the Iron Curtain before the Wall came down. Doing so much in the world has taught him...our faith is more alive when we are looking for it. He has advice on how to listen and watch for "God sightings," the supernatural happening among us. He describes it as "tuning your heart" with "spiritual antennas."

For the last 24 years, he's been the pastor of visitation at Grace Community Church in the Hendersonville, NC area. (31:03) How does he care for people in crisis, especially men who are struggling and don't want people to get too close? Men also bond over sports, and Jim was a runner for 20 years, doing so all over the world like Iceland and Fiji. He agrees there are many faith and fitness parallels.

(38:03) The cancer wakeup call has helped Jim Pearce try to live life to the fullest, reminding us that everyone has a role, no matter how small you think it is. You can do something important for God, who is not mad at you. We end with a quick chat about lessons from the holiday movie It's a Wonderful Live and (44:40) Jim's closing prayer.

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

Merry Christmas to you! 2022 is almost over, and this year has been a big one for a 70-year-old grandmother in Columbus GA. On this episode, she talks about running the same number of races as her age...faith in Jesus mixing with her fitness...marriage and runs together...and traveling to all those 5Ks and half marathons.

(4:15) Tricia - and her husband of 50 years Aubrey, who also joined us - first talks about why she did the challenge of 70 races for her 70th birthday year. She heard from God audibly, the same God who reminds this grandmother how strong she is. Tricia says "I run because I can. I run for those who can't," like those with illnesses or passing away.

How about the (10:49) logistics of so many races in a year - not just in Georgia but in places all over the U.S. - with more than 1 some weekends, trips and races her husband took part in too! He talks to us about keeping fit as a longtime police officer, but being less motivated after retirement. What started out years ago as being the water boy for his wife's runs has led to him running more (17:04) and seeing the health benefits. He calls it phenomenal Tricia's success at now 73 races in 2022. How and why did she start running, in her early 60s? You might call it a combination of peer pressure and bling. She explains.

(24:55) Family is also a big priority for them, with 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. Part of the 70 for 70 journey has been running a race with each of her kids, where they live.

Staying fit also helps Tricia (29:15) be even more thankful to God, realizing even when she was down as a teenager that she was blessed. She talks about her love for family and Jesus, sharing her blessings with others! Aubrey shares some of their love story and how he also now loves fitness.

(37:37) Tricia has an important message for retirees, people that are older about staying in shape. She herself loves to seat and wants to take care of her body. Her mantra about pain is it's a reminder we're alive. And Tricia's advice, for those of all ages, is find something you love that will help keep your body and mind sharp, then you'll stick with it. That includes reading the Word, and she throws out some favorite Bible verses.

We close out our pod chat with (45:35) some of her favorite races and places to go for runs...including the Boston 5K she did with her oldest daughter this year, a unique and beautiful place in Pennsylvania, Run Sedona Arizona, the gorgeous Alaska forest, and a party on the pavement in Arkansas. Is Tricia or Aubrey faster? Listen to find out. He closes us 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/.

We did it again! Listen to this to hear me and friends sing some solos and duets of famous Christmas songs. I joined talented musician Justin Belew at his production studio Bibb City Sound in Columbus GA for part 2 of our J & J Christmas Music Extravaganza, following up on the most popular "Run The Race" episode from the past year (check out #92).

We have a few special guests performing this time around, including my WTVM co-anchor Barbara Gauthier. Subscribe to listen and find all the conversations I have weekly about faith and fitness!

We have some fun with this one, give some interesting info on holiday songs you know, and talk about the Gospel that's at the heart of Christmas. Here's a rundown of the songs we sing and talk about:

(4:43) JINGLE BELLS, one of the most famous ones but did it originate in Boston or Savannah GA? It also had a different title. After we sing that together, (11:16) I do an Elvis impersonation (maybe not a good one) on BLUE CHRISTMAS, a sad tune, while (14:32) Justin turns into a diva for ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU by Mariah Carey, a song that people tend to love or hate.

(17:32) We do some fun or funny duets with LET IT SNOW! which was written in the summer sun of California, but does everyone want snow? Justin and i also play our parts in (26:19) BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE. We also talk about the controversy surrounding this song over the last decade vs. the original intent.

(32:58) Local songwriter, singer, and Army veteran Tim Maggart, who's originally from TN, plays guitar and does his rendition of TENNESSEE CHRISTMAS, a classic by Amy Grant. He talks about memories songs bring and how the military handles the holidays. He also jumps in for a quick FELIZ NAVIDAD, then we continue the international flavor with (42:00) my solo of MELE KALIKIMAKA, Hawaii's greeting at Christmas, played on a ukulele from Waikiki!

There are also important hymns and songs focused on Jesus that we sing, like (47:47) O COME ALL YE FAUTHFUL, sung at many holiday services at church, then we discuss the changing lyrics of (53:31) AWAY IN A MANGER and sing the classic song of faith together.

(57:28) Veteran TV news anchor and my friend Barbara Gauthier does a beautiful acapella version of SILENT NIGHT, then she and I talk about the Savior Jesus being born and what people may have thought of that news more then 2,000 years ago. (1:06:08) Justin also plays and sings one of his favorite holiday songs by a Christian artist, LABOR OF LOVE by Andrew Peterson. We discuss the poetic lyrics that presents the Gospel in a raw way, how it may have been for Joseph and Mary.

We have some fun with our J & J duet of (1:19:30) RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER, a character and song which has a surprisingly sad origin. Were the other reindeer really bullies to Rudolph? We discuss.

(1:27:25) The Carpenters sang this one much better, but i give it a try with (THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE) HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, then we close out this Christmas Music special with (1:36:58) a quick discussion about how The Charlie Brown Christmas Special almost did not air, but brings us wonderful music like CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE. We give you an instrumental version and brief duet. Hope you enjoyed our music and discussion about Christmas, faith, music, and more. Tell your friends about it!

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

Faith-based filmmakers The Kendrick Brothers, based in Albany GA, just recently released their 8th movie, Lifemark - the second one they've filmed in Columbus GA. It was a team effort with actor Kirk Cameron.

(5:35) Alex and Stephen Kendrick talked to me about how they got their start as kids, the last 20 years of making movies, the power of prayer, the changing face of Christian movies, and how sports can help tell powerful Biblical stories.

(12:10) We also talk a lot about their latest project, their first film based on a true story. Lifemark is about an adopted young man David who meets his birth mom, who almost had an abortion but gave him up for adoption to a Christian couple instead. What do they hope people will get out of this movie? Does it have political messages that are pro-life or pro-choice? Alex, who co-wrote and stars in Lifemark, answers those and a lot more. (19:27) Stephen also shares his personal story of adopting a child with his wife, then (37:32) he closes our chat with prayer.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast, which you should 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/.

We dive deeper into the quote "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard." You have natural skills that are gifts from God, but are you working hard and being disciplined and reaching your full potential? This could be in athletics, your job, etc.

Make sure to subscribe to this podcast! This is a shorter Friday "Food 4 Thought" episode. Share it with others.

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

Operation Iron Ruck begins this morning (Wednesday before Thanksgiving), dozens of students veterans from Auburn University and the University of Alabama rucking 151 miles from Auburn to Tuscaloosa, leading up to Saturday's Iron Bowl football game.

(3:38) Auburn senior and marine corps veteran Clayton Buchanan - coordinator for that event - is this week's guest on the "Run The Race" podcast. He first talks about what rucking is, and what the combat load was in ruck sacks in the Marines, which could be up to 100 pounds. How did he avoid injury? How is it different than running?

(8:20) We talk about how Operation Iron Ruck works, as they walk across part of Alabama, day time and dark, for 3 1/2 days, which is great fitness. The 22 pounds of supplies they're giving to homeless veterans is a symbolic, the number of veterans who commit suicide every day. You can donate to these causes and help raise awareness by going to this link: https://asvastore.com/operation-iron-ruck/.

Clayton talks about the misconceptions and hardships post-military, how friends and family can help. (17:05) On the pod, we discuss why he joined the Marines in 2013, the physical and mental challenges he faced, plus how boot camp and beyond got him in shape. What about motivation and discipline for veterans and fitness post-military?

(24:30) Clayton signed up for a few military-themed races before he got out of the Marines, to help challenge himself during that transition, including the Marine Corps Marathon. This former Marine explains what it was like hitting that "wall" during the 26.2 miles. (28:35) He's also the President of the Auburn Student Veterans Association. We learn what they do to help military heroes and how Operation Iron Ruck is another step to have each others backs.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast, which you should 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/.

More and more people are watching shows on the Food Network these days, for entertainment and learning how to cook. Now, a group of church youth in Georgia are having their own cooking competition show to raise money for a ministry and important cause that you'll learn a lot about from this week's uber-talented guest, a new father and pastor, on a podcast that we hope you love and SUBSCRIBE to.

(6:19) After some fun clips of him cooking and the competition he's organizing...you'll meet Justin Gaston, student ministries director at North Highland Church in Columbus GA. We talk first about his passion for making videos that get people to smile, a way to tell stories like he does in sermons too. The vids can be serious or random and funny, like one that went viral several years ago called "Christmas in Columbus." Technology makes it easier for all of us to be storytellers! And he says it opens windows for him to talk about his church job and share the Lord with others.

(16:08) The 1st of 8 streaming episodes of STL Kitchen (Speed The Light Kitchen) premieres Friday, November 18 on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087561967498 and on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7RcZ_4Zx45s. It's a cooking competition between 10 local church youth.

Their goal is to raise $100,000 for "Project Rescue" to help build a school that's getting women and children out of sex slavery. Here's how and where you can donate to that and these young chefs supporting this cause: https://stlkitchen.org/.

(24:41) Justin is also a husband and a new dad to their son Zion, born last Spring, with ministry being a family affair and church loving on them - like they should everybody. How does he balance church and home life and running a video business? It's discipline with his calendar, which includes intentional time for...his wife, reading the Bible, making cool videos.

(36:15) Wanting to be the best version of himself, Justin also lost 30 pounds 3 years ago, when he was in his late 20s. What was his main motivations? How did he do it? Hint: it involved carbs and a personal trainer, which he highly recommends using. Since then, he's been improved spiritually and physically

(46:15) After we talk some more about how Speed the Light will use the money raised through the STL Kitchen cooking competition show, Justin talks about all the smart, quick cooking videos he's been making lately on his Instagram page - his favorite things to cook lately and new things he's made, like funnel cakes. Favorite "cheat" foiods?

(50:36) After our chat, "Food for Thought" is my favorite things to eat on Thanksgiving, and also my go-to foods for before and after long runs or races...then closing in prayer.

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

It’s election day! That’s when this Run The Race podcast episode is being released. And we’re talking with an apostolic prayer leader – who travels the nation – about how faith can drive who people vote for.

(3:40) Lynn Alderson, who co-founded Kingdom Authority Ministries Inc., with her husband, is also the Georgia State Prayer General for the Reformation Prayer Network, among a leadership role in numerous other ministries. First, we talk about what “apostolic” means, how it involves a mission to transform places to be more like Heaven.

(6:30) With a government that many say was founded on the Word of God, Lynn says people have a responsibility to vote, warning Christians not to be apathetic. She says to ask this: Does this candidate line up with what the Bible says? She points to issues like sanctity of life (abortion) and same sex marriage. (11:13) There are laws restricting churches from endorsing a candidate – of they lose their tax exempt status – but Lynn says churchgoers need to stand up for the Word of God and pastors need to say…choose wisely at the polls.

(14:50) How do we pray, in regards to an election? Not for or against a person or candidate, she says, but for God’s will and Biblical values and for destiny of cities, states, nation. There are also bigger issues connected to His Word, like standing for Israel. (19:19) As for the basics of prayer, Lyn says it’s not something to check off your To Do list…but it’s talking to God, sharing your heart. There’s also listening to God, but how does that work? Intercessors are also called to pray for certain people. Businesses.

Their Kingdom ministry (25:15) and mandate is to serve the destiny of Kingdom leaders, provide prayer to cover them, travel to those leaders to pray/teach/preach, serve other ministries. One main goal: help pastors, missionaries, businesses snap into alignment with God. She calls it building God’s kingdom instead of building the church.

(29:07) What’s your destiny? God knows, but our job is walking in that daily. Lynn tells a personal story about being frustrated with her ministry future, things not happening in her calling, then God gave her 3 powerful words in the middle of the night. Essentially it was about what you do today and the journey, instead of just the destiny or destination. Lynn also says you don’t need to wait until you die to be a citizen in the Kingdom of Heaven, the Bible says God already gives you that authority, one that comes with rights and responsibilities and the keys to the Kingdom while we are on Earth.

In a busy life of traveling and ministry, (38:48) she and her husband also make time for their 4 kids and 9 grandchildren, saying her priority list is 1) God (relationship with Him), 2) family, 3) ministry or walking out their assignment from God. Lynn closed out the pod with prayer.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast, which you should 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/.

In this shorter Friday "Food for Thought" episode, as basketball season kicks off, I talk about the desire to be taller as I grew up, playing that sport and the lessons we can all learn from what we want vs. God giving us what we need. I'm weaving faith and fitness into one of my favorite sports...as I wish I was a little bit taller (you know the rest). Tell your friends and make sure to SUBSCRIBE to this podcast for weekly motivation, inspiration, entertainment!

Yes, you'll hear me rap/sing a few classic songs from Skee-Lo and the Rolling Stones that pertain to this (hence the title of this episode). There are advantages and disadvantages to being taller. I also have some expert analysis on basketball giving you an all-around workout compared to the gym or other things. And I discuss what men & women of faith can do when we don't get what we want. Hint: trust God, His ways are higher than our ways!

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

He'd never run over 100 miles at one time, but Lee L'Oste-Brown recently ran the Moab 240 in Utah, finishing in the top 20 out of 250 participants in the challenging race. This father of 3 and President of a company in Columbus GA (who was born in England) traveled across the country with his wife for this adventure, 8 years after starting with Couch to 5K.

(2:15) Lee talks about why he took on this challenge and describes in detail the ups and downs of the nearly 4 days it took him to complete the 240 miles, going up and down canyons, day and night, sometimes avoiding poop. Day 1 and the first 70 miles, he says was the toughest, with plenty of doubts, then he temporarily lost his crew aka his wife.

(9:45) How much sleep did he get during the 3 1/2 days of running/hiking? What kind of food and drink did he take in? Hint: cheeseburgers with bacon. It also took discipline for him to start really slow, as his coach told him, but it paid off. What about running in the dark on these trails?

(18:27) The mental challenges were big at the Moab 240, but he was determined to make it. Lee describes the hallucinations he had on night 3, dreaming/walking at same time, seeing "leaf people." (25:41) He also put his body through a lot, so how did 6 months of training prepare him for that? Then came the finish line, with wife Brandy, a life changing moment for Lee, humbled by the support of so many people! He says your body can do so much more than you realize.

(32:44) He got started running consistently with 5Ks at age 34, then early morning marathon training with a group of moms in Georgia, then ultras. Training for Moab took sacrifice, time away from family. Lee has a message for you about motivation to get started.

We also talk about (38:42) the RV trip across the USA with his wife and 3 kids a few years ago, seeing the beauty of America. One of his race highlights was in MA, where the Boston Marathon lived up to the hype. And we close out with his mantra about living life to the fullest, doing things you don't want to do, challenging your body and mind to keep getting better. After the chat, I close the pod out in prayer.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast, which you should 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/.