After some advice on running for beginners, I introduce our guest for this week: Former MLB pitcher Kevin Jepsen. (6:42) He talks about the state of baseball and the changes due to COVID-19, as the shortened 60-game season is set to finally start later this month.

Jepsen also discusses his career (2008-2018) as a pro baseball player, coming out of the bullpen for the Angels, Twins, Rays, and Rangers, What are the fitness routines for professional athletes? We chat about staying fit on and off the field, giving motivation to all of us, no matter how athletic we are.

Jepsen and former teammates also created a new outdoor recreation game called CupCheck. As CEO, he explains how you play it, how you can get it, and how it's helping raise awareness about testicular cancer.

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/.

On the 4th of July week, this Run The Race podcast episode includes an in-depth conversation with an inspirational man who just became an American citizen 2 years ago. Jamaican native and father of five Pastor Jay Bailey, who leads my church and is my brother-in-law, talks about: his call to the ministry while playing tennis at UGA, preaching in the pandemic, CrossFit, cycling across Africa, Israel, race relations, a challenge for Christians, and more.

(2:20) I start by celebrating my 20th wedding anniversary, singing a song (hold your ears) for my wife Shana. Then, I introduce our guest and (5:31) start the very worthwhile chat with Solid Rock Church lead Pastor Jay Bailey, based in Columbus GA.

We talk first (6:29) about his journey to USA citizenship, voting for the 1st time in 2018, his emotional and deep love for our nation. One of his children is now an officer in the Army. (11:30) In the "Fast 4" rapid fire questions: we talk about his jobs, how he stays fit, favorite Bible verses and his motto of "My Body, His Temple." (14:20) And what's it been like for the church during this coronavirus pandemic?

(17:02) We go back to when Pastor Jay moved from Jamaica and Canada to the U.S. to attend University of Georgia, hoping to be a pro tennis player. He came to know Jesus there, getting the call into the ministry, sharing about a defining moment while watching The 700 Club. We also dive a bit into what Pentecostal churches believe.

Pastor Jay is also very fit. (22:15) He talks about the challenges of CrossFit, which he's done the last 3 years, a place where you have to "check your ego." (26:10) He also describes what it was like Cycling across Africa twice, helping to raise money for Reaching A Generation, which brings the Gospel and food to millions of children in Africa.

What is at the heart of Christianity? (29:01) Pastor Jay talks about Missions, giving and going! He also asks my perspective from the numerous overseas work trips I've been on. (33:05) My pastor also has a passion for Israel and the Jewish people, discussing a life-changing trip, following the footsteps of Jesus and seeing the threats to Israel.

(36:49) In the midst of racism and protests across America, he doesn't pull any punches, as the pastor of a racially diverse congregation, "horrified" by polarization in America today and describing what he believes is the true answer for this crisis. (41:45) He also answers my question: What can anyone, Christians do to bridge the divide and help heal America?

We close our chat on a lighter note, (43:03) talking about sports returning from the COVID-19 pandemic. And Pastor Jay prays a blessing over us.

(46:17) This week's "Food for Thought" segment deals with a CrossFit controversy and a new documentary "We Hear You." And the Parting Gift is an inspirational quote from Jamaican superstar Usain Bolt.

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/.

Golf is back! PGA broadcaster Mark Immelman takes a break from his duties at the RBC Heritage in Hilton Head SC, alongside the greatest golfers in the world, to join us on the Run The Race podcast to discuss his golf journey that started in South Africa, changes for the game because of COVID-19, his faith in God, and being a dad - with Father's Day coming up.

The former pro golfer-now coach and Columbus State University Director of Golf (6:24) first talks about the "new normal" for golf and the PGA, post-pandemic. (10:01) Then, we get to know him with our "Fast Four" questions.

(14:05) I talk to Mark Immelman about how he got started in the game of golf, how every day in golf is different, and why he became a coach. (17:09) He's coached 2 Masters Champions, and discusses what it was like to be there with his younger brother Trevor who earned the green jacket in 2008. Does the South African accent help both of them in broadcasting?

We also dive into (20:21) how his Christian faith and "Jesus First" attitude has changed his coaching and life, while he tries to show God's love on his "mission field." Mark also points out a few life and faith lessons from the game of golf, like facing adversity and renewing your mind.

Many of us lead busy lives. (24:24) He explains how he balances all his jobs with being a good husband and father. (26:05) And Mark shares one of his treasured golf moments, which involves one of his daughters and Tiger Woods.

(28:34) How are people staying fit, including golfers, especially during the coronavirus pandemic? He talks a little on the change in mindset about weight training for PGA stars. Oh...also those 6am bear crawls for his college teams, teaching a mindset of overcoming.

(34:33) Mark Immelman calls being a successful American broadcaster a Godsend, alongside amazing golfers and elite sportscasters like Jim Nantz. This week's guest also has his own podcast called "On The Mark" with more than 400 episodes!

(38:30) We finish our conversation with Mark's perspective on current race relations and protests over police brutality, as he gives perspective with apartheid he saw in South Africa. (43:00) There's a golf twist to the final segments "Food for Thought" and "Parting Gift," then ending in 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/.

Make sure to subscribe to this weekly podcast on fitness and faith, to hear more motivational chats like this one with a married couple who have teamed up as wellness consultants to help you meet your health goals, especially heading into summer as people want those "beach bodies."

I start this episode looking at some thoughts on the Christian response to racial injustice and protests happening, from former NFL coach-turned analyst Tony Dungy.

Then we get to know Dayton & Karen Preston, who just celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary, (7:30) The leaders of Preston Wellness Co. talk about how the COVID-19 quarantine has impacted our fitness, health, eating - as some people are working out more while others have become bigger couch potatoes. How can you resist those food temptations?

"Every day is a great day to start being healthier." (10:06) Karen reminds us of that and discusses what to do about weight gain.

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/.

Amid racial unrest and protests around the nation, following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers, we talk to Bishop Michael Grant Jr. about faith, anger, and communication. We also talk about his stint in the NFL and what church has been like during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I start (2:45) with some personal thoughts on racial injustices happening in our world today, then introduce our guest for the 27th episode of the Run the Race podcast: Michael Grant Jr. is Senior Pastor at Faith Worship Center in Columbus GA and CEO of Michael Grant Ministries International, the same name of his own podcast. The husband and father of 2 was a star cornerback at Mars Hill University then went on to play 2 years for the Cleveland Browns.

(4:49) Our chat starts by getting to know him, including how their church is about to start back with in-person service in their sanctuary.

Then we get into serious topics. (8:19) Pastor Grant talks about needing to have a different perspective and response to the racial injustices, as a "man of God." There are plenty of peaceful protests, but what if it goes beyond that and involves illegal activity? He talks about doing things differently, like Martin Luther king Jr. modeled.

(12:29) Communication is key! The Bishop discusses how we can handle anger over police brutality, plus steps to keep protests safe and peaceful. He talks about the power of prayer and if he's ever felt overt racism.

(16:00) Pastor Grant also gives his take on what churches can do during such divide and what Christians can do - being the voice of reason and living out your faith. Churches have also been changing because of the pandemic. He answers whether people have been gaining or losing faith during this health crisis.

Over the past few months, (20:55) COVID-19 has also had a big impact on sports. Bishop Grant discusses his days playing college football and as an NFL cornerback, cheered on by the "Dawg Pound." Then there's his experience with the business side of pro sports.

(24:22) Mixing ministry and football, Grant opens up with us on sharing about God with teammates of the Cleveland Browns and in NFL Europe. (26:15) Fast forward to post-pandemic, the former NFL player talks about how being off the field so long will impact the players and the product. It can also affect all of our fitness choices.

Along with staying fit physically, (28:42) Pastor Grant pulls no punches when it comes to spiritual self-discipline and being the successor of a faith pioneer, his mom Dr. Ann Hardman who passed away a few years ago.

He tells stories of (32:37) kind of running away from the ministry and pursuing a job as a football coach, starting with being an intern coach for the NY Jets and Arizona Cardinals. Which NFL team does he root for now?

(34:36) Faith is at the center of fatherhood and family for Grant, who also discusses how he talks to his sons, ages 8 and 12, about race relations. (37:18) We close our conversation with hopes for changes or the "new normal" after the pandemic and protests. And he prays.

(42:30) The "Food for Thought" segment touches on a 12-hour cycling ride for racial injustice and church attendance amid riots and the pandemic, My "Parting Gift" comes from the lyrics of the Mandisa song "We All Bleed the Same."

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/.

We have a treat for you on this episode of the Run The Race podcast, which we hope you subscribe to. Our guest is a legend in the running world, Gary Cantrell aka Lazarus Lake, the mastermind behind The Barkley Marathons, known as the toughest road race in the world. Now, he's helped create a race during the pandemic that's drawn almost 20,000 participants: The Great Virtual Race Across Tennessee.

I open up the podcast (1:29) talking about those two events, then some advice I gave a co-worker (4:20) for people that are new to running, hoping to avoid injuries.

(5:40) We start our conversation with Lazarus Lake - as he's out for a walk - with some rapid-fire questions to get to know him. (8:30) Because of COVID-19, with races canceled including Barkley, he explains how they came up with this virtual race idea that spread like wildfire and his surprise when so many people signed up worldwide. You have 4 months to run or walk 1000K+ (from one end of Tennessee to the other) or 635 miles, and you can do that activity anywhere, not just TN.

Lazarus, who's walking all his miles for GVRAT, wants people to have fun. He discusses strategy for runners and walkers of all skill levels. (13:42) Laz also reminds us to stay ahead of the "buzzard" on the tracking map, to finish before August 31: "The 1000K across Tennessee is going to be more than they ever dreamed they could do."

(18:50) In 55 years, Laz has completed more than 100,000 miles, but how did he get started with running? He opens up about that and breaking a 5:00 mile but "that 3rd lap around the track is as close to hell as you can get without dying."

I ask (22:40) how he got his nickname, which was an accident involving email. His real name is Gary Cantrell. In our podcast chat, we also discuss (24:58) the mental and spiritual side of running, with Laz saying the world is his church. He's got plenty of wisdom too about making goals, pushing your limits, and working hard.

Lazarus is now preparing for a Trans-Continental journey, (27:00) after already walking across the USA in 2018 which took him 4 months, averaging 27 miles/day.

(28:17) The mastermind of The Barkley Marathons also talks about that iconic race, a grueling challenge in the TN foothills that's only had 15 finishers in 34 years! How did it get started? Laz also talks about the connection with a prison escape involving MLK Jr's assassin James Earl Ray. The event has become even more popular thanks to a documentary that's now on Amazon Prime.

40 people run The Barkley Marathons each year. (33:19) Laz talks about the creative application process and treacherous terrain in Frozen Head State Park. The race has a total elevation of 60,000 feet, the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest twice! He also gives us some names of books at checkpoints on the course, with runners required to grab certain pages for proof.

(38:20) We ask Laz if he thinks a woman will ever complete The Barkley Marathons. He also talks briefly about the 5 loops that have to be done in 60 hours, adding up to allegedly 100 miles but more like 130 miles.

(41:15) Because of the coronavirus pandemic, this legendary race director talks about all the people doing virtual runs in their own back yard, as he helps annually with 118 backyard races in 37 countries. (43:23) Lazarus gives some final thoughts on GVRAT, his hopes for those doing the virtual race, as especially less experienced runners look for motivation to get through the challenge.

(49:07) Our "Food for Thought" segment is about extreme faith and a world record for a 100 mile run on a treadmill. Then we close the episode with a 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/.

As we approach Memorial day, and remember those that made the ultimate sacrifice, an Army chaplain on Fort Benning talks about losing 8 fellow soldiers in an explosion in Iraq, how that led Major Jared Vineyard to go into the ministry. He also tells a story of redemption involving 1 of his 6 children. We chat about fitness related to the military, fatherhood, helping others during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We tackle a serious topic in portions of this podcast episode - talking about the Ahmaud Arbery shooting death in Georgia. Our guest is an African-American entrepreneur, mother, and runner who talks openly about racism, her faith in God, and experiences as a black runner. We also talk plenty about fitness, how she's inspiring others, and her military deployment to a war zone.

After my introduction (00:55) about the Arbery murder from 2/23 and the recent 2.23 mile run to remember him on what would've been the jogger's 26th birthday, (5:10) we get to know our guest.

(7:52) Patrice Riley, 39, gets honest on the "Run The Race" podcast about fear, sadness, anger over the Ahmaud Arbery tragedy plus her participation in #irunformaud.

She also opens up about (12:36) her personal experiences with racism, growing up in California and now living in Georgia. She says we need to have more conversations about race, and sit in the uncomfortable mess at times. Does she think issues with racism have gotten much better in America?

And how can religious faith help overcome racism? (16:16) Patrice prays for unity through Christ. Jesus gave us the example of love and being with people not like him, being out of our comfort zone.

(18:40) We also discuss Patrice not growing up in a Christian home and how her 6+ years in the Army - including a deployment for Operation Iraqi Freedom - changed her forever. The former soldier remembers verbally attacking Christians, but describes how God helped her overcome anger while on Fort Benning.

Then we dive into fitness! (23:52) She's a daily runner now, despite not liking it in the military. Her first 6-mile run completely changed her mindset. She even finished 1st place in a 6-hour race, running 30 miles. Now, she pushes others to get fit. (31:05) Patrice also talks about the importance of overall fitness with a variety of exercises, and how that translates to her role as a mother of 2.

(33:15) She has a message for busy moms about making time to stay fit: you owe it to yourself. Patrice says it's ok to go for a run when you're "in your feelings." (35:55) Now, this mother uses her gifts and talents to inspire others with a faith-based apparel brand WonderfullyCreated 1 and co-hosts a health podcast called "Well Well Well."

(38:05) We go back to the issue of racism, and what she thinks when people say they don't see color. Hear her surprising answer. And Patrice closes us out in Prayer!

(43:21) Our "Food for Thought" segment has a Christian perspective on past and present racist roots in America, and also how some people thing jogging has excluded black people.

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/.

Subscribe to this podcast so you can be alerted to conversations like this one with 3-time champion arena league football coach Jason Gibson, who also was a star wide receiver in college football and the CFL. He talks about being off the field during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before introducing our guest for this week's episode of Run The Race, (1:25) I talk about signing up for The Great Virtual Race Across Tennessee. More than 18,000+ around the world are taking part in an event organized by "Laz." The challenge: run or walk 632 miles over the next 4 months. Let's do this!

(5:14) We start our interview with getting to know Jason Gibson, who is in his 14th season as head coach and director of football operations for the Columbus Lions football team in Georgia. He's led the arena league team to the playoffs all but 1 of those years, winning 3 championships so far.

(8:00) We talk about life without sports right now. How are players and coaches and fans handling it? Coach Gibson says God is telling us to slow down. The Columbus Lions were supposed to start their season 3 weeks ago but instead, his football players are getting creative with workouts while social distancing. Everyone is finding ways to stay fit while at home.

The big question is, (12:15) when will sports return? The coach gives his insight as people look forward to Nascar, PGA, baseball, football and more. He says playing arena football with no fans in the stands would be "weird."

Then there's faith. (14:15) We chat about the disconnect when you're not attending church in person and how Coach Gibson's daily routine is changing, especially as a father who's homeschooling 2 of their 3 kids. It's more time with his family, but how much does he miss coaching? And how will COVID-19 change our world and sports forever?

(20;01) We look back at his football playing days, as a QB-turned-star WR for Fairmont State University (WV) then going pro, playing in the Canadian Football League and in Europe. He misses the grind of workouts, even in "strength shoes" and talks about life lessons learned from being benched his senior year of college football.

(24:36) We talk about how faith and football mix on the high school and semi-pro levels. Coach Gibson says it's vital to learn how to come back after failing. He teaches faith, family and football - in that order.

We close our conversation (29:01) with a look ahead to arena league football possibly returning in June and the NFL season not being in danger as much as other sports.

(33:18) The "Food for Thought" segment focuses on Alabama alum-now Miami Dolphins QB Tua's faith foundation and some college football players' "farm boy workouts." We close out the podcast in prayer.

Thanks for listening! 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/.

You don't want to miss my chat with Dr. Grant Scarborough, who took off his haz mat gear and took a break from treating coronavirus patients to be on the "Run The Race" podcast. He leads a ministry called MercyMed, which I recently helped raise money for.

I start the episode (2:35) with how my COVID-19 Miles For Hope run went. It was 150 loops around WTVM (where I work), captured on 4 cameras for Facebook Live, garnering $7,000 in donations so far to help the non-profit clinic to test and treat for the coronavirus. You can still give to this great cause at www.wtvm.com/run.

(5:19) Our interview with Dr. Scarborough, founder and executive director for MercyMed of Columbus (GA), starts with how they're battling COVID-19 and how the money raised through the run will be spent. (8:55) We get to know him as he talks about being a father to 4 girls and "watching" his wife exercise.

Then we get into (11:58) the ins and outs of the coronavirus, which Dr. Scarborough describes as the common cold but an unprecedented strain. What are the unknowns even for medical experts? For people that tested positive, how are they walking them through the virus?

(14:18) The doctor also gives his take on shelter in place orders, tough decisions for politicians, what will likely happen when businesses re-open. (15:50) Dr. Scarborough discusses the conditions of the COVID-19 patients he's seeing and treatment options, including zoom calls and a prayer team.

Called into the medical field more than a decade ago, (18:39) this doctor says he wants to see God glorified by caring for the less fortunate - pointing out the Bible's focus on helping the poor, loving others, and also doctors as priests!

So, can faith and medicine coexist? (21:23) Dr. Scarborough says absolutely, there's room for Jesus and science, while prayer and medicines can both be used for healing.

(23:25) We talk about MercyMed, where they care for people more than just physically. The non-profit's origins include clinics for the poor in Memphis TN and Augusta GA, a mission statement focused on Jesus, and what the Bible says about showing mercy.

Dr. Scarborough gives his honest take on (29:39) how fitness and nutrition impact your overall health, an even bigger challenge for the poor focused on simply surviving. People exercising less and eating worse is leading to more obesity which he calls "the biggest health crisis of the day." It's also the 2nd highest risk factor for dying from COVID-19 (after old age).

We close our chat with a prayer. (37:44) In one of my final segments "Food for Thought," I have a story about a Philippines doctor who had COVID-19 and credits her faith with surviving the virus. In fitness news, there's a global event happening Friday April 24 called "Together We Sweat" - free live workouts from Australia, London, NYC, etc. by fitness app ClassPass.

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/.