Run The Race

Do people deserve 2nd chances? Jesus gives plenty. What about convicted felons? Our guest this week is attorney and mom of 3 who created a non-profit called “Second Chance” – which she talks about, plus blending faith and fitness in her busy life, opening up on the “Run The Race” podcast, which we hope you subscribe to (if not, do that now).

After an intro of Jennifer Dunlap, (2:19) she talks about why she started Second Chance Criminal Record Relief, based in Columbus GA along with her law office Dunlap & Lakes, PC. Seeing no remedy for first offenders trying to get their rights back, she and her organization are trying to fill the gap. These are people who’ve already done their punishment and want to move forward to be productive taxpayers. The goal: give hope to people that feel judged.

(11:05) She sees “Second Chance” as a ministry, a non-profit that started with what she calls a “miracle” after 18 months of praying and fasting. Now, they’ve helped nearly 200 convicted felons get their lives back, as voters and more, as people that are no longer convicts or outsiders that are discriminated against by employers. Knowledge is power and you have to know your history - which may have mistakes – to eliminate barriers.

(20:55) How does faith play a role in that non-profit and her law job? She sees this as doing God’s work. Jennifer’s faith is also vital as a mother of 3 boys, which it takes a village to do, as she owns her own business. That business includes criminal histories that sometimes can or cannot be changed. (29:55) Think about the kind of people Jesus hung out with. Her clients at Second Chance feel compelled to confess to her, and have a timeframe to stay out of trouble after misdemeanors.

Jennifer is someone people look up to, (34:42) representing women and African-Americans who want to achieve and help others. She has opportunities to speak to groups of girls, while balancing the roles of busy attorney and having 3 sons at home. (40:09) That balance includes fitness, which was modeled for decades by her amazing parents. How does she find time to exercise 3-4 times every week? (48:54) My “parting gift” inspiration is some Biblical wisdom on 2nd chances, then my 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/.

We have our youngest guest ever on the "Run The Race" podcast, which you really should subscribe to, for chats like this one with a young baseball star who's learning to put God first in his life while also learning from failure.

(2:08) 19-year-old Columbus Chatt-A-Hoots (collegiate summer team in GA) 1st baseman and catcher Conner O'Neal is talking about how he keeps his competitive passion for the game of baseball. He's also focusing more on nutrition, sleep, building muscle to hit more homers - like the one he hit earlier this week when he was a triple short of the cycle. He has meditation/prayer before every game, to help give him peace in front of thousands of fans.

(8:44) His superstitions include drawing a cross in the dirt before every at bat. Now, the team is playing for a ring, hosting a postseason game tonight (Friday July 29) at Golden Park in Columbus GA. (11:46) We also talk about the World Series champs Atlanta Braves, where his other brother played with their AA team,

(13:43) As for fitness and nutrition, Conner has 4-5 meals a day,but what and when is he eating? You might be surprised. And the intense workouts are only when it's not a game day.

(16:49) He also is focused on being spiritually fit, his family reminding him that his value does not come from baseball, but from the Lord - who doesn't promise an easy life. Facing temptations and other parts of life, Conner prays "let your light shine through me." Hoots teammates also open up to each other, pray together. (23:01) How does he handle adversity? This longtime catcher got a broken thumb while playing for GA State, but has since switched to 1B.

(26:48) Conner talks about his favorite things to do in baseball, unique celebrations on the bases, amazing fans, what it's like signing autographs for fans. (29:29) Could he make the major leagues? And how could that dream become reality? Plan B is still in baseball, but as a coach. This almost-20-year-old also has a message for parents about kids enjoying sports like baseball. After a baseball-themed "Parting Gift" motivational quote, I close out in prayer.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! 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/.

Days after we are seeing the first incredible images from the James Webb space telescope, giving us deeper views of the Universe like we've never seen it, an astronomer joins me for a discussion on that and the age old debate between science and faith, since he's had decades-long journeys in both. Make sure to Subscribe to "Run The Race" to hear inspiring chats like this one.

(2:50) Dr. Shawn Cruzen - who's been the Executive Director of the Coca-Cola Space Science Center in Columbus GA the last 18 years - first gives us his take on God vs. Science, if they are at odds or can coexist. Remember, the Bible says to test things, just like scientists do. His message for people on both sides: check your interpretations. He dives in the Big Bang Theory and the moment of creation, from the view of skeptical scientists and scripture in the Bible.

He defends (12:30)both science and faith, depending on where he is, as people sometimes ask how he can be a scientist and a Christian.

(16:40) Dr. Cruzen, while in school at UNLV, had the chance to work on projects/data connected to the Hubble telescope, but says the new James Webb space telescope is 10-100 times better, giving us the deepest images ever of the stars and universe! He explains, in laymans terms, why and how we're getting these images of how things looked billions of years ago, the most ancient light.

Speaking of those images, (24:45) Dr. Cruzen gives us expert perspective of 3 that have come from that telescope so far, showing the scientific beauty God created. The first image released - the result of pointing at nothing - reveals tons of science and is about deep field, galaxy cluster, gravitational bending. The 2nd image from James Webb we discuss is a star being born, with an orange looking mountain but really is a nebula or space cloud. And the 3rd one is the death of a star, inside what looks like a big eye ball, showing us detail like it's art you can hang up.

Passionate also about God, (39:40) Dr. Cruzen's faith journey started at a young age too, with a pivotal moment he had in a science class while a pastor's wife was the substitute teacher. Church mission trips overseas also changed his life, including in Haiti, where he told HS students that there will be a 1st Haitian astronaut, showing them science can be a bridge out of extreme poverty.

(46:57) He is excited about science and teaching others atthe Coca-Cola Space Science Center, with former students there now working in the space industry. The biggest questions he gets are about black holes and Pluto being a dwarf planet. How do you pronounce Uranus? And is there other life out there? For that last question, the James Webb telescope might be showing us a sliver of proof, while we could be getting awesome images from that instrument for the next 20 years.

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/.

Happy Friday! Make sure to subscribe to this pod to enjoy newer, shorter episodes like this week's "Food 4 Thought" where I dive into 5 avenues of motivation for you to focus on overall fitness - not just physically but deeper than that. And the U.S. Army is helping to lead the way with a new approach to holistic health and fitness. Hope these help you!

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! 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/.

A serious case of heat exhaustion halfway through a 24 hour race didn't stop this week's guest on the "Run the Race" podcast, who ended up finishing with 106 miles!

23-year-old Army National Guard Sgt. Nathan Harmon, who's active duty on Fort Benning, (2:30) starts by talking about God motivating him to run these long distances. He details how his first 24 hour race in Georgia, on a 1 mile track. An ambulance was called for him after he was throwing up at mile 63. How did he keep going after being a heat casualty?

(12:50) And why run or walk for 24 hours? He says "it's the beauty of pushing your body to the limits." (15:43) Nathan also points to certain scriptures about how he draws strength from God, starting races with prayer, and hoping to inspire others. He has a tattoo that in Hebrew means "Embrace Through Suffering" like Jesus did. No excuses!

He talks about his role in the military, (21:04) as a leader at the Army National Guard Warrior Training Battalion, hoping to influence Privates with Christian leadership. While the Army taught him to go fast and hard with running, training for ultras has taught him the importance of slowing down.

(27:51) That drive he has to be the best comes in part, from trials he went through growing up - from his mom having health problems to him working 50+ hour weeks as a 16-year-old while in school. Nathan has advice for others about being patient with growth (physically and spiritually). He jumps out of airplanes too, often the days before some big races.

One of his first ultras was (35:48) a 40 miler in Pine Mountain GA, where he hit a boulder and had a bloody leg a dozen miles in. He also talks about getting lost. (41:51) Nathan is also halfway through his meteorology degree, choosing soon between a career in the Army or forecasting the weather. After our chat, I have a "parting gift" about pushing limits, then my closing Prayer.

Thanks for listening! And tell your friends about the #RunTheRace podcast. Subscribe to it! For more info, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

In added, shorter episodes, our "Food 4 Thought" this week is about race relations in America, our churches, and in baseball. 75 years ago, Jackie Robinson helped integrate pro baseball. And his Christian faith was a big part of his effort.

Our WTVM general manager has a lot to say about that in her editorial, about honoring Robinson and how far we've come with racism.

A recent survey also sheds light on what Black Americans think about how race plays a role in church and their faith. I throw in some of my opinions, insight too.

After he spent a decade in prison as an addict, drug dealer and gang member, this man went on to own a few businesses, but now is answering God's call to go into full-time ministry.

(3:01) Blake Russell is the guest this week on the "Run The Race" podcast, which you should definitely subscribe to! He talks about that transition from steady work in the secular world to the unknown of doing what God wants and where He wants, giving scriptures about why. At nearly 40 years old, he's waiting on God to instruct him. Blake opens up about swallowing pride of not having to be the breadwinner, seeing has job now as "Hear from God on behalf of my family."

Blake almost had the chance (14:29) to play Major League Baseball, but drugs steered him off the path, which started as peer pressure at age 13, the drug abuse only growing then landing in jail and prison.

(23:52) What changed for this drug dealer - who was too thin and a shame to his family and full of gang tattoos? New rules at a stricter prison, and tears while watching a movie about Jesus, helped give him what he was looking for: Hope. What gave him faith and what did he ask God? How was that transformation different behind bars vs. the outside world?

(32:52) We talk about who Jesus is, an outside who hung out with different people, showing everybody belongs. Blake's past also opens doors to share the Gospel with inmates, criminals. people on the street, (40:00) Fitness is also part of our testimony, he says so God can use us a long time, and so we're around for our family; gotta be fit for street ministry too. This former personal trainer preaches strength training with weights, but leans more towards cardio and running now.

(46:52) He and his wife Krista also do ministry together, in person and on social media and YouTube videos. Their love story started as HS sweethearts, then a 13 year gap (he was in prison much of that). then the Lord brought them back together. And God restores! Blake calls it the goodness of God, who built back all that Blake had torn down. (55:35) My "Parting Gift" is a Bible verse about remembering God's faithfulness, then Krista Klumpp Russell has our 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/.

Trying something new, you'll now see these shorter episodes most weeks: Friday Food for Thought, with some news of the day related to fitness and faith, plus some insight from your host. As it's almost the 4th of July, we focus this time on American history and prayer...and active things to do over the holiday weekend. I'll also still have my mostly weekly episodes that are longer chats with people telling extraordinary stories that will motivate and inspire you. Happy birthday USA!

277 miles is a long way. Our guest this week is a mother in Georgia who just ran that distance...solo, in 4 1/2 days!

(4:56) Single mom and running store employee Saushia Hathaway, who's never done a marathon before, made her 2nd attempt to Run Across Georgia, and did it just a few weeks ago. She talks about why she did it...how she trained, mostly on the treadmill since busy with kids...how she prepared for her nutrition...lessons learned from a rough experience the 1st time she did Run Across GA, with her "feet destroyed"...and what it was like seeing her kids and lots of friends at the finish line.

She also gives us a (12:04) day-by-day breakdown of the running across GA experience, like how many miles per day...sleeping in a jeep...walking...her crew...and fighting pain or injury, including s stress fracture she got the 3rd day she didn't know about. (18:26) Anything extreme like that is a big mental challenge, so Saushia explained how she kept fighting, how others helped her, and what she hopes others can get from her accomplishment. She says anyone can do this, if they think they can and train for it,

(24:24) Her main job is mom to 2 kids, ages 6 & 7. Saushia opens up about the joys and challenges of motherhood, while working 2 jobs.

(29:13) And how did she get into running? She was a HS sprinter where she grew up in California and (31:11) now helps customers learn more about running and proper gear, especially the right shoes, but also...sports bras, chafing prevention, toe socks, nutrition like gels, water backpacks, and more, (36:30) The inspirational young woman also talks about her surprisingly quick jump into long distance running, having a strong mind for tough challenges, and what the running community means to her especially as a single mom.

(40:29) With her daily struggles, Saushia also discusses how church - which her kids love - helps get her through, after stopping to go to church with her husband, a marriage that's now ended. Now, her kids pray and teach her.

(45:45) Check out my race recaps, from the latest "Mainly" marathon I finished last week in Rhode Island to a local 5K where I dressed up in a wig and more to be the composer Beethoven as a pacer. (51:05) Our "parting gift" is inspiration from an actress/mom, then my closing Prayer.

Thanks for listening! And tell your friends about the #RunTheRace podcast. Subscribe to it! For more info, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

I'm on the other side of the mic for most of this one, as you learn more about the host of the "Run The Race" podcast. A year ago, I was a guest on The ONE LIFE Podcast, and am playing you that entire interview that tackles a lot of personal issues related to my faith and fitness! And by the way, you should SUBSCRIBE to both our podcasts, if you don't already.

(1:30) After a brief recap of "Run Across Georgia" - which my just graduated son and HS friends did, while myself and other crewed - we get into (6:43) my guest appearance on "The One Life Podcast" hosted by Army soldier Deven Rodriguez. We start with the road to and through my 2+ decades long TV news career, staying the course for the dream, questioning God's will, and also my journey to being a long distance runner.

(19:48) I also talk about challenging times, when my faith was tested, through my career and family. Why do I desire to be so connected to Jesus? And how does the Holy Spirit, prayer play a role? (34:24) Storytelling, as my job, has also had a big impact.

(39:04) Deven talks top me and asks why I'm running so many marathons, training. I appreciate him giving me the platform to talk about my life and the things I'm passionate about! (50:15) I close out by talking about the Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus "Beat Beethoven" 5K coming up in GA on Saturday, June 11 which you can still sign up for: https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/Columbus/YOGC5K. I also have a parting gift from the Bible and a 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/.