During this Women's History Month and anytime, her job as Associate Brand Manager for Aflac (headquartered in Columbus GA) gives her the opportunity to put women in the spotlight, like when she went to the NCAA women's Final Four last year, among some big names. We also talk on this episode about transitioning from being only to runner to strength training...dealing with the pressures of being a strong woman on the job and in the gym...and how faith brought her out of a path of panic.

After a update on the growth of women's sports, (6:20) Madison Montgomery joins in to talk about her Final Four experience, why it's important to shine the light on female athletes, and her advice for young women.

(17:00) Becoming "too thin" a year ago, Madison has since lifted weights more and hired a nutrition coach. You may be surprised what she's learned about workouts and especially food (and more of it). She also describes the "athlete camp" she recently attended.

(27:18) In her mid 20s and busy juggling school and jobs and being fit...she started having panic attacks which led to depression and thoughts of suicide. She shares her story to help other women who may think they need to portray having it all together. (37:08) And Madison credits getting through dark times to the Lord's grace. She talks about starting her day early through quiet time with God. And she wants to experience as much as she can in life - which recently has helped her see women's sports in a different light.

I close 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/.

Known as Chap, this Puerto Rican Chaplain in Georgia is focused on church unity and diversity, and showing our faith with works, hence the name of the church he's the founder and pastor for: Love in Action Outreach Ministries. He's also the organizer of a special event this weekend called "March for Jesus Columbus." You can learn more about both at https://www.facebook.com/loveinactionoutreachga.

(2:33) Chaplain Emilio Rosa first talks about his call into ministry, that started with translating his dad's sermons into English for a church at age 8.

(8:26) He recalls facing racism while growing up as a minority in the 1970s in Brooklyn NY. Rosa opens up about pet peeves about churches separated by race, but what can be done about the divided body of Christ? He says we have to be intentional about being with those that don't look like us, amidst a push lately for multicultural churches.

(13:45) The event March for Jesus will happen in downtown Columbus GA - for a 4th year - on Saturday March 15, with gathering at 9am at St. Luke church then heading out on 3 mile march at 10am, with a break in the middle for a brief message and worship. Part of this is praying for local cities and leaders. Columbus' mayor is scheduled to be involved again. Rosa talks about why being part of this is so important, getting out of your comfort zone, showing a diverse group that has a message of hope for those seeing this march.

(27:05) The chaplain also breaks down the ACTION part of his church "Love In Action Outreach." Most of Jesus' work was outside the church. He talks about how he/we can identify needs. Part of the way Rosa does it is through being on the Columbus Hispanic Outreach Committee - sharing resources, networking, then doing. For more info, you can send an email to [email protected] or call Rosa at 770-837-1421.

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/.

He's now one of only 400 people that have completed a Transcon. Navy LT Paul Johnson joins me on the "Run The Race" podcast (subscribe now) to talk about his 3,000 mile run and walk from Los Angeles to New York City, plus his new world record for a fitness challenge in Antarctica...all of this helping him and others with mental health issues, some that come from military deployments.

(5:11) Johnson talks about how running is a coping mechanism for his anxiety and depression. He loves it so much he ran across the USA in 52+ days, raising more than half a million dollars in the process for nonprofit Team RWB that helps military veterans with healthy lifestyles. Listen to the pod to hear more about that org plus his stories about transcon training...challenges like sandstorm and heat...sleep and crew...lots of food, that may sound strange and delicious...mental strength throughout the epic journey...seeing the USA this way...and the documentary film all about it that will be streaming this Spring.

(21:34) How do different military branches handle fitness, like his - the Navy? Regardless, Johnson talks about exercise being essential for stress management...for any of us. On long deployments, stuck on a ship at sea, it's tough.

(27:24) Another environment that's one of the harshest in the world is Antarctica, where he and a Navy vet friend ran 100 miles in the fastest time ever, just under 24 hours through snow and major winds! He describes that immense challenge. (33:31) And Paul Johnson also enjoys helping other people meet their goals, sharing fun videos on social media with tips about a lot of things to do before/during/after runs and workouts. You'll also want to hear about his next goals that are unique and may sound crazy. We close our chat with why it's so important to support causes like Team RWB. You can still donate to them, on behalf of Paul's transcon and upcoming movie: https://donate.teamrwb.org/fundraiser/5143120.

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/.

Dana Barker works a few jobs and wears a lot of hats - now add dancing to that! This Auburn University senior technical analyst and fill-in TV meteorologist (for stations like WTVM in his hometown of Columbus GA) also stays busy as a football ref and hockey PA announcer for the Columbus River Dragons, who he's representing in the upcoming "Dancing Stars of Columbus," the biggest local fundraiser for the Alzheimer's Association. We talk on this episode about his many roles and how fitness/exercise is a part of those.

(2:41) Dana says he's out of his "comfort zip code" learning a dance for this Thursday night's gala. He's been sweating quite a bit while learning/practicing his 90 second routine with pro Tracie Chamblee, who was my partner when I was a "dancing star" 2 years ago. The most important part is raising money for Alzheimer's research and caregivers. You can support Dana or others by giving at this link: https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Gala/GA-Georgia?px=24103747&pg=personal&fr_id=18356.

(10:16) This former nerd of mathlete (his term) did not play sports growing up, but is involved with them now like being an experienced ref for high school football - which his broadcast career has helped him with a key part of that job...communication. This president of the local AHSAA association, covering schools in East Alabama, also gets in tens of thousands of steps during each football game as a white hat. It sometimes has to dance on the football field to keep from being run over.

(22:04) Dana has also become a student of the game of hockey that he loves now. The longtime PA announcer and DJ for the Columbus River Dragons (formerly the Cottonmouths) talks about why this sport on the ice has hung around this part of Georgia for three decades now.

(27:17) This scientist may have the strongest passion though for weather and forecasting! He tells a story about storm chasing and getting close to a funnel 4+ years ago in Eufaula AL. Dana also talks about how the 2019 deadly tornado in Beauregard AL (23 people dead) changed his mindset from working severe weather as an adrenaline rush to a real focus on being a service and saving lives. (37:40) Now, dancing Dana is nervous and excited to hit the dance floor, giving back in the city of Columbus GA where he has deep roots. I close out the pod episode 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/.

His day job is endodontist (dentist) in the Griffin GA area, but some people may see his hobby as extremely challenging: running a marathon race or more per month for the last 8 years! That includes some 100 milers. On "Run The Race," Paul Shepherd talks about that consistency as he chases marathons/ultras in all 50 states...favorite races like Boston and UTMB in France and beyond...benefits of trail running...this sport as a way to be humble and grow closer to God...building his own running trails...and other cool race stories, from Jerusalem to ones themed for history or military.

(2:07) This episode kicks off with my personal recap of my latest 26.2 mile race, the Rehobeth Beach Seashore Marathon in DE, which Paul ran as well! (11:06) Paul talks about the keys to consistency vs. fleeting motivation. What helps is having 2 signed-up-for races on the calendar at all times. He's 47 states into his marathon journey now.

(19:20) Paul has run some of the big ones like the Boston Marathon, the Kona triathlon, and Ultra Trail Mont Blanc (UTMB) - he goes into details about the trails there from France into Italy/Switzerland, the 106 mile loop with 36K feet of vertical, in an area where his grandfather escaped after being shot down in Germany during WWII.

After a little on the pros and cons of running on trials - which he likes better - (28:03) we dive into his mindset of being a "forever beginner," trying new things and staying humble with new skills. Running, in his eyes, is also spiritual - because when we stress our bodies (like in ultra races), the spirit carries us and we connect with God who "designed us to run." (37:00) Paul also built a half marathon trail on the land where he lives, inspired in part by "Field of Dreams." It means sharing fun and suffering at home with fellow runners.

(42:20) After giving his take on our DE marathon together, he talks about making core memories as he runs races all across America, helping him learn and love our country even more. This June, he plans to run a marathon in his 50th state, joining the only 2,000 people in the world that have done that. We wrap up our chat with some of his quick stories about the Jerusalem Marathon, painfully going down stairs after his early-on Soldier Marathon, and his still marathon-running 82-year-old dad being his run hero. (1:03:45) My closing 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 turn 49 years old today and continue to "Run The Race"!

On my birthday, here's a pod episode with my personal thoughts on today Not being about me but God...His gifts in this life...going through some of the major milestones of my almost 5 decades...reflecting on past successes and failures...being knocked down and getting back up because of Jesus...prayers for my spiritual purpose in the future. I hope you can relate to some of these, as we all grow older and thankful!

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/.

6 years after losing her teen daughter to suicide, an East Alabama mother is only ramping up her crusade to help save the lives of other students through their "Love Like Lexi" project, which is hosting a new event later this week. Check out her emotional, heartbreaking, inspiring story on this episode of "Run The Race," which you can subscribe to or follow for weekly wisdom and testimonies of faith and fitness.

(3:20) Andrea Mills' high school senior daughter took her own life on February 6, 2019. What prompted it may shock you. It was a wakeup call for this family...and a warning for so many others, before it's too late. It has to do with purpose, self-worth and empowerment for teenagers.

(14:20) Andrea felt major guilt, but God kept her going...and seeing so many others with intrusive thoughts motivated her to go from grieving mom to advocate! Along with sharing their personal story, she has advice for other moms and dads about what to ask your teens and talk to them about. For the last 4 years, she has led a nonprofit named after their daughter where they talk about navigating mistakes/failures (that will happen) at many school assemblies, which have had 80,000 attendees so far, preparing young people and their parents for this fight! Suicide comes with stigma too, to even talk about, but Andrea says we have to use our voices for change.

(27:45) Faith is also a centerpiece in the story of Lexi and her family. So is spiritual warfare and people pouring into each other with encouragement (for outsiders and "comfort carriers" too). Andrea also explains the message behind the name "Love Like Lexi." (42:05) And this Thursday February 6, they'll be hosting the tri-city Live Project Crusade at Woodruff Park in Columbus with free food, new inspiring music, the Miracle Riders and other groups - all to help people out of the darkness. More info: https://lovelikelexi.networkforgood.com/events/76105-live-project-crusade.

(48:18) Andrew closes the episode out in Prayer for us. 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/.

Are you ready for a change or to live your best life? Maybe God is signaling to you it's time for a shift. A new life coach is ready to help you prepare and organize with a strategy. Quadasia (Dasi) Love wears a lot of other hats too: international chaplain, model and actress, and a prophet at her church (through the fivefold ministry) that's focused on unity and going soon to Zambia.

(3:15) Dasi Love kicks us off on this podcast episode with insight on how faith impacts big life changes for us, like God's call and tools to do special things vs. bad habits and the world's distractions. There are plans that need to be made over the course of months, part of her life coaching called "My Kairos Time" (greek for due season): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571592010474.

(8:40) Time management is huge for a lot of us. Time to eliminate excuses. And when do you know to make that sometimes-scary change in your life? Dasi says "God can't be through you what He isn't to you." She went from being a pre-med Biology major in college and a future Dr. Love....to a real relationship with Jesus, attending seminary and becoming a Chaplain for Dunamis International Chaplains.

This young woman is (19:03) also an actress and model who won't comprise on certain photo/video shoots. She was the stand-in and running double for the main actress in the Kendrick Brothers' popular film "Overcomer." (25:35) Dasi also loves to discuss what true unity looks like, in and out of the church. She's learned a lot from her job as a chaplain - going where they're needed!

(32:50) One more hat she wears is as a prophet top make sure others are in alignment with the Word of God, not as a "fortune teller." This is part of the Christian concept of fivefold ministry - 5 roles to serve the church in different ways. Satan can also pervert those roles or what's in the Bible. What can also get in the way of those gifts are pride, churches' fear of criticism, denomination differences, pastors not held accountable).

(44:33) Along with fundraising for a Fall 2025 trip to Zambia, Dasi Love also has partnered with pastors to help persecuted believes in the Islamic state of Pakistan. She explains...then closes our episode 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/.

The young woman on the podcast today is a lawyer and road runner turned therapist + ultra athlete + race director who shares some insightful, deep thoughts on finding the right career path...the path of running as a healer instead of a competition...why and how she's done numerous 100 mile races now...her tools to help professionals and athletes that are very driven...and how sports (especially endurance) can help with your mental health. Subscribe to "Run The Race" to hear more inspiring guests talking about fitness and faith.

After talking about the rare snow we just had in Georgia - and getting to run in it - (6:34) I introduce to y'all Emily Labutta, a licensed Associate Professional Counselor with Atlanta Wellness Collective, a big change from her years as a criminal prosecutor. Why the change? And her reasons for running have changed too! you can probably relate to what she's been through. Now, it's about adventure (on trails) instead of performance. Great quote from her: "What happens in the soul is better than what happens on the watch."

(17:24) Athletes can be driven...and as a therapist now, she can help with positive aspirations/energy instead of negative self-talk. Listen, she cries during long races, then gets to running again. She's completed nine 100 mile races in the last 3 years, including a recent one around a track in less than 24 hours! Emily has some wisdom about training your legs, stomach and more for those long distances...and how to ACCEPT the PAIN.

(33:24) Sports challenges also help a lot with self-discovery and our own resilience, what we can and cannot do (both important). She explains the connections that can happen between endurance athletics and trauma. (43:51) She also helps lead events as a co-race director, adding that job now with Revolution Running in Georgia. Her newly created race The SPARROW (I'm running the 3 hour but there's a 6 hr option) on February 8 in Flowery Branch GA is named for a Latin phrase that means "While I breathe, I hope." And she describes how HOPE (and help from others) may look different than you think. You can still sign up for that great event: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=116113.

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/.

Two weeks into 2025, how are your goals (resolutions) for the New Year looking? A lot of people may still be going to the gym weekly or even daily. Sticking to those healthy habits can be a challenge, but it's worth it.

(2:30) Brian Patrick has been with Crunch Fitness for the last decade, now General Manager of the gym in Columbus GA. He has some advice on being consistent with your exercise routines. And the why lately is more about "healthy" than losing weight. Hear what he says about small challenges and friends motivating you.

(8:24) Brian started his fitness journey on an Olympic power lifting team while attending high school in Savannah. He talked about essentially lifting a person over your head in 3 seconds flat. He also says showing up to the gym is more important than form, (15:57) but you can always ask questions or get help from others at the gym. What do you like to do as far as fitness? That'll keep you coming back. Why or when should you hire a personal trainer? Brian explains a few ways they can help you. Group fitness is what some people enjoy most.

(24:40) Working out can also help your stress and mental health. Brian even gets a little emotional in talking about how rewarding his job is...helping soldiers, married couples, people of all shapes and ages. And what are the new trends at gyms? They include HIIT (high intensity interval training).

(34:10) And we close out our chat talking about good nutrition for your health and how to maintain small changes like serving sizes and when you eat. Still gotta eat or fuel enough too!

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/.