"Sly Fox" played alongside Michael Jordan on one of the best teams ever. On this episode, I go 1-on-1 with Orangetheory Fitness Franchisee/Partner Abdul Fox to talk about lessons learned through basketball, motivation to get in the gym as we kick off this New Year, his coaching, and much more.

Hope you subscribe to the Run The Race podcast. I start this one with an interesting history of basketball, including some of my fondest memories of my favorite sport including meeting MJ.

(6:43) My conversation with Coach Abdul Fox starts with the former basketball star's connections to Michael Jordan, as he was invited to Chicago Bulls camp decades ago, and his locker as an NBA rookie was next to MJ, who even gave Fox all his #45 gear, when he went back to #23. (11:18) In the "Fast 4" rapid fire questions, we learn about his coaching, fitness routine, how he helps #addvalue, and being a kid at heart as he turns 50 years old.

As we are at the beginning of a New Year, (14:03) this former pro athlete has advice for you on goals for 2021, starting small, not procrastinating, having support - having fun with workouts and moving for 30 minutes, even if it's dancing.

(17:07) Fox started playing basketball at age 14 on the streets of Queens NY, playing at a boarding school, then in college and transferring to Rhode Island. His team got wins in the NIT and NCAA Tournaments, losing in March Madness to the eventual champs the UNC Tar Heels.

(22:35) The death of his father - suddenly at a park - was a big turning point, testing his faith, but also leading him to inner peace as he embraced the culture of Taiwan when he was balling there. In coping with the loss, Fox stopped chasing the NBA and focused on fitness to help prevent heart health issues like his dad's.

(27:35) As for his pro and short NBA career, he got invited to camp with the Chicago Bulls, the team that went 72-10. Fox eventually went to play basketball all over Europe, then took a year off, his bball career ending at age 31 - not wanting the sport to define him. (30:41) The coach also offers lessons learned about mental strength, which he says is more than music to pump you up.

He explains how fitness sessions with heart rate monitors work (32:37) at OrangeTheory Fitness, a company that he started with a decade ago when there were 2 studios, and now there's 1200+. How is it different than traditional big box gyms? It's a passion for Fox, who's been told his coaching has helped save lives. He also has recommendations for how often you should do a workout, plus cleaning protocols for gyms after we get through the COVID-19 pandemic,

(39:05) Basketball players and other athletes, ages 5-18, also get mentored by Fox through Redline Athletics. He talks about effectiveness of different coaching styles: being tough vs. guiding, directing, adjusting to this generation - along with what he learned from playing under NBA legendary Zen master coach Phil Jackson.

In our final segments of this 51st episode of Run The Race, (45:17) our "Parting Gift" inspiration is from Michael Jordan, also "Food for Thought" with news about basketball creator James Naismith being an evangelist and actor Adam Sandler's connections to the sport. We close in prayer.

Thanks for listening! Please share this with your friends using #RunTheRacePodcast. Also, write a quick review about it via Apple Podcasts. For more info and download any previous episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

2021 is finally here! Kick off the new year by making sure you subscribe to the Run The Race podcast for weekly inspiration related to fitness and/or faith. This 1st episode of the new year is our 50th, so it's a BEST OF, with some brief but great motivation from 22 of my previous guests. I start with response to protestors storming the US Capitol, as we pray for our nation, then we get into (5:10) the origins of this podcast.

(7:12) Military spouse and yoga instructor Charlotte Gallagher talks about her solo bicycle ride across America.

(8:54) 1st Lt. Haley Johnson is an Army nurse and bodybuilder who won the Titan Games reality TV contest.

(10:37) Retired Army tank commander Jimmy Mathews discusses his 1800 mile walk across the USA to help veterans.

(14:37) Famous GA filmmaker & actor Alex Kendrick draws parallels between faith and sports in his movies like "Overcomer."

(16:32) Legendary race director Lazarus Lake talks about the origins of The Barkley Marathons and the new Great Virtual Race Across Tennessee.

(18:39) Fellow podcast host and also running coach Denny Krahe aka DizRuns talks about preventing injuries and easy effort runs.

(22:32) In response to police shootings of African-Americans, former NFL player Bishop Michael Grant Jr. talks protests and faith.

(24:07) Urban author and Christian activist Baron Elias Klaif also opens up about racial unrest and what we can learn from Jesus.

(25:59) On the same topic, Pastor Jay Bailey talks about loving others where you live and mission work in areas beyond.

(29:08) I ran 5 marathons with Jimmy Davis, father of 5 who did some of those races to raise money for cancer, with personal connections.

(31:25) She's a SLAM boss, which stands for sweat like a mother. Rebecca Paull of Stroller Strong Moms gives us some motivation to get fit and alleviate stress.

(34:33) While he fights and treats for COVID-19, Dr. Grant Scarborough is focused on Jesus and medicine.

(36:27) My friend Andrew Chalmers opens up about heroin addiction that almost killed him and how God's love transformed his life, as he now leads Take The City ministry.

(39:08) During the coronavirus pandemic, Tre Rager did an almost 40 day water fast. How did the Lord help him through it?

(42:00) Bodybuilders Loren & Cathy Fuller help get you in shape and give you reasons to go to the gym, eat better.

(43:52) Another couple, run community leaders Reggie & Carolee Luther, have advice for those intimated by running and the right gear.

(45:28) We are looking for the keys to success for wellness goals in 2021. Married nutrition experts Dayton and Karen Preston break them down for us.

(49:05) The very 1st guest for the Run The Race podcast was 70-year-old cancer survivor Cecil Cheves, who talks about the multiple Ironman events he competed in.

(51:00) What's in a name? Hockey coach Jerome "Boom Boom" Bechard will tell you, plus why fighting is a big part of the sport.

(52:25) Karate sensei, former journalist, and atheist-turned-Christian Mark Mcgee tells us how Tai Chi helps with the pain.

(57:42) We close this episode with closing prayers by Pastor "Big Lee" McBride - who's led hundreds of men and football players to Christ - and runner, entrepreneur Patrice Riley.

Thanks for listening! Please share this with your friends using #RunTheRacePodcast. Also, write a quick review about it via Apple Podcasts. For more info and download any previous episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

As we celebrate Christmas in 2020, there are many fewer big family gatherings because of the COVID-19 pandemic, so as we get ready to do a Zoom-version of the holiday, my guests on this special episode are members of my family.

(2:03) Listen in on a "fireside chat" with my mom Susan Dennis and sister Sherry Dennis, who are in NC, as we are socially distanced and staying safe for the holidays. We started by talking about our favorite Christmas movies and songs. What are yours?

Not being with family and friends is difficult, especially this time of year. (8:13)We discuss surviving through the coronavirus pandemic, what we miss most, not worshipping together at church, loneliness. (11:35)Then we turn to Christmas traditions - from building snowmen and sledding fast to gifts on Christmas eve, good food, going to the movies and Disney World.

I grew up in church (16:02) and we share thoughts about what it means to be involved in church and having hope in the Lord.

(19:50) My sister, who has had a disability all her life because of cerebral palsy, opens up about her faith in God while she faces these big health challenges, trying to prove herself and eventually getting her Masters degree, learning it's OK to rely on others. Then, she questioned God when, 20 years ago, she was struck with Guillian-Barre Syndrome (GBS)which caused a lot more pain and nerve damage. As a caregiver, my mother has also learned how to depend on God and be strong by accepting help from others.

(27:41) Have pain in your knees? Susan Dennis, who got both knees replaced years ago, talks about working hard at rehab, and sometimes thinking you can do more than your age may allow. We discuss the advantages of running, walking.

We close our discussion with a trip around the world. (33:40) Travel is a passion in our family. They give their favorite destinations, which include Italy, New York City, and Aruba where my mother lived for the first 15 years of her life. Unfortunately, getting on a plane is riskier now during this pandemic. (41:06) Closing segment "Food For Thought" is how jazzercise is a family affair.

(42:58) You don't want to miss a special reading of the CHRISTMAS story from the MESSAGE version of The Bible, the book of Matthew. We close in prayer. Hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas!!

After taking a few weeks off from doing the podcast, we're back! I start with (3:10) a recap of my experience in Biloxi MS at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon, #14 in my 13th state, and my fastest marathon ever (by 2 minutes).

Our guest on this episode of "Run The Race" is (8:03) fast East Alabama and Georgia runner Joel Mattocks, who says he's unorthodox about his running because he doesn't use a training plan or schedule, just focused mostly on speed. And most of his runs are shirtless. We talk about his unique "birthday runs" - the most recent one being 48 miles with a group for his 48th birthday. Joel also tells us about winning the team event Run Across Florida, running the Boston Marathon, tips for mental strength, his motivation for running, pacing others, trail vs. road running, recently winning the GA Jewel 37 miler, heat and hydration issues, strength training, how to overcome injuries, and more.

Happy Thanksgiving! And we have a "double feature" on this episode of the weekly podcast, which focuses on fitness and/or faith. Our two guests are movie actress Erin Bethea (known best for her role in "Fireproof") and the writer/director of their new film "Miracle on Christmas," Thomas Bonifield.

After a sneak peak of the holiday movie and introducing the pair, (7:02) our discussion starts with what the uplifting film is all about, like a Hallmark movie with an edge - about a mom and wife struggling with her faith then getting help with a unique and surprise visitor. (9:45) We also talk about the need for uplifting stories after a tumultuous 2020, including positive messages from faith-based movies.

(10:45) Thomas talks about his journey from a 20+ year career in international broadcast journalism to making his first movie, with some help from a relative of the late Rev. Billy Graham. (12:55) He also discusses how they got this movie shot just before the COVID-19 pandemic this year, with the hand of God in it.

(14:00) Erin talks about the portrayal of marriage on the big screen and in movies like "Miracle on Christmas," (15:44) plus how God uses people to speak to us, as reminders to focus on others and be kind.

There are also misconceptions or a reputation for faith-based movies, (17:41) which Thomas addresses, along with how he's jumped into the film business with the help of what he learned as a journalist and writer in war zones.

(21:59) He says Christians and anyone will be able to relate to the family and faith difficulties faced in "Miracle on Christmas" which can be seen for free now on Amazon Prime, also available for purchase at Wal-Mart and Amazon as a stocking stuffer idea. (23:35) Thomas also talks about his lead actor and actress being from the growing filmmaking hotbed of Georgia, (25:01) and what's next for this new moviemaker.

(27:51) Final segment "Food for Thought" has movies in mind, the top sports and fitness ones, plus an actor's faith choice. We close with an inspiring "Parting Gift" and prayer.

Thanks for listening! Make sure to subscribe to this podcast. And please share it with your friends using #RunTheRacePodcast. Also, write a quick review about it. For more info, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

If you haven't yet, please subscribe to this Run The Race podcast, where we talk on a regular basis about fitness and faith. This week's guest is a standup comedian who gives us a wide variety of impressions, showing how laughter is great medicine in crisis or whenever. Sam Beman - who's also a deejay, talk show host, and father of 5 - talks about being a cancer survivor and how God used him to bring joy to other cancer patients in his darkest days.

After my intro, (5:14) the chat with Sam kicks off with some of his voices: Mickey Mouse, several Presidents, Jack Sparrow, Yoda, Christopher Walken, Waterboy, and more. We talk about how comedy can help in crisis like this pandemic. Did you know a good belly laugh relaxes your body for 45 minutes and laughter boosts your immune system?

In the “Fast Four,” (12:59) we get to know Sam a.k.a. DJ Smooth B who’s also a father with five kids in the house. He discusses how cancer affected his fitness regimen, his positive attitude, and his motto of “love God, love people.”

(20:49) He becomes “The Grinch” During this holiday season, available to be booked for parties and schools, while he also brings holiday cheer and costume at hospitals - telling the story of what his Grinch Did with a young cancer patient who didn’t have long to live.

(24:29) Sam also takes us through his cancer journey from a few years ago that started with a lump on his neck and being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease lymphoma stage four, then being hospitalized for almost a month right after getting married. He had to learn how to walk. Sam lost 45 pounds, and jokes it’s a weight loss plan he wouldn’t recommend.

How did he become a full-time entertainer? (32:23) That is thanks in part to the recession and losing his job in 2012. He attributed health problems to burning the candle at both ends with numerous entertainment jobs. He still feels at home on stage, doing voices, acting, bringing joy to others. (38:28) His deejay Job during the pandemic included bringing classic tunes outdoors at a senior center, while social distancing.

Sam got into comedy in 2007. (42:08) He’s OK be known as a Christian comedian or someone who does clean comedy. He says it’s a challenge, because it’s easy to go dirty with comedy.

(45:39) We close with Sam giving an inspiring message for others about using your gifts and talents from God for good in this world, not like the prank phone calls he used to make as a youngster. When cancer hit, Sam thought his life was over and asked God to help him be a blessing to others, even using the cancer center as his stage. (53:23) Don’t miss the final segments, Food for Thought, Parting Gift, and a closing prayer.

Thanks for listening! Please share this with your friends using #RunTheRacePodcast. Also, write a quick review about it. For more info, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

It's been one year now since we started the RUN THE RACE podcast, which we hope you subscribe to. This episode comes out on Veterans Day and my guest is a retired Army tank commander who walked more than 1800 miles across the country and is now on a 601 mile walk in the Southeastern U.S., to raise awareness and money for military issues like PTSD and veteran suicides.

(4:29) Master Sgt. (Ret) Jimmy Mathews and I talk about the "Buddy Watch Walk," how his body is holding up with all that walking, war stories about leaning on faith during his 25-year Army career, his personal struggles with depression, fitness and walking as therapy, and how this event is helping to save the lives of veterans that may have considered taking their own lives.

Thanks for listening! Please share this with your friends using #RunTheRacePodcast. Also, write a quick review about it. For more info, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

A few days out from the election, we're still talking faith and fitness but also talking voting with a convicted felon who is now a 1st time voter. Terrence "Coach T Flow" Flowers talks about going to prison at least twice for a shooting and drug dealing, then turning his life around as a personal trainer, videographer, father and now opening his own gym 4.0 Fitness in South Columbus GA. We talk about him losing 150 pounds (he started at 325), his criminal past, overcoming obstacles, and this coach's Pillars to be "4.0 fit."

Thanks for listening! Make sure to subscribe to this podcast. And please share it with your friends using #RunTheRacePodcast. Also, write a quick review about it. For more info, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

Are you interested in issues of fitness and/or faith? Subscribe to this podcast. We talk to experts and people with extraordinary stories, like this week's guest: author and decorated war veteran and biblical prophecies scholar Chaplain David Giammona (Ret. COL U.S. Army). He's talking about his new book "The Military Guide to Armageddon: Battle-Tested Strategies to Prepare Your Life and Soul for the End Times." We discuss the COVID-19 pandemic, what's next for our World and what Christians need to do, his experiences in a 32 year Army career including getting shot at while on a run in Iraq, faith and politics, also spiritual warfare.

Thanks for listening! Please share this with your friends using #RunTheRacePodcast. Also, write a quick review about it. For more info, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

Whether you're focused on your faith, a new or experienced runner, or getting fit in other ways, I hope you'll subscribe to this podcast. The guest this week is someone that will inspire you to "Take The Next Step" and "Be Ready on Race Day" - the title of his book.

I just recently competed in an in-person running relay, but as you know, I'm also part of a 12-16 month virtual event called CRAW (Circumpolar Race Around the World). Our 10 person team "We Run Diz World" includes the man who I'm chatting with for this episode, the host of popular running podcast Diz Runs Radio with more than 1 million plays.

(3:51) After a brief introduction, Denny Krahe - the Chief Everything Officer (CEO) of DizRuns.com - and I talk about meeting at the very rainy Marine Corps Marathon last year, before COVID hit. What's his favorite race distance to run and why? (7:17) He answers that and my "Fast Four" where we learn this husband/father's inspirational mantra and his weekly running routine.

(14:20) Injury prevention is a hot topic for all of us, especially athletes. Denny gives us some pro advice as a certified athletic trainer (ATC) and certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS): Start slow and gradual, help your body adapt to pounding and pain, recover, don't compare yourself to others.

This podcast host is the one answering the questions this time. (19:30) Denny talks about the origin of "Diz Runs" which now has nearly 900 episodes and 1.1 million plays in 6+ years, and how he balances the podcast with his life. (23:50) He also has a goal, like me, of running a marathon in all 50 states.

(26:55) With most races canceled because of the coronavirus, what's the point of virtual ones? Denny says they can motivate us, hold us accountable, even help us compete in a "team sport." One example is CRAW, for which our team will run or walk 35,000 miles or 50,000 km, learning about different countries and cultures. Our 10-person crew knocked out about 3,000 miles in the first 6 weeks.

Denny is also an author. (34:28) Check out his book "Be Ready on Race Day" which he previews as a way to write your own custom training plan instead of the one-size-fits-all ones. (38:30) This running coach also gives some great insight into the benefits of easy running and training your aerobic base, as opposed to "No pain, no gain." Usain Bolt gets better as the race goes, so can you.

(44:13) We close with what's next for Denny, from a potential 50K, lots of miles for CRAW, and a future book about marathons and metaphors. (48:44) The final segments are "Food for Thought" where we learn how waffles can make you better at running, plus a nun's treadmill marathon, then the "Parting Gift" is the Bible verse that inspired the name of this podcast.

Thanks for listening! Please share it with your friends using #RunTheRacePodcast. Also, write a quick review about it. For more info, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.