Run The Race

Make sure to subscribe to this podcast to hear more inspiring stories and helpful advice related to fitness and faith. This week's guest is retired Army LTC Chuck Hunsaker, who wrote a new book called "Angels in Combat Boots" about his experiences as the coach of the very first women's cross country team at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

(4:29) He talks about being part of history, with the integration of women in the military and across America, as he coached female soldier runners in the late 1970's. Some did not think women belonged at West Point or couldn't compete on the physical side, but they opened a lot of eyes. (11:39) Hunsaker explains how he came up with the title of his book, released in December, how it's connected to the TV show "Charlie's Angels." He tells me about how runners on his team opened doors for many other women for the future.

Playing other sports growing up, (15:52) Hunsaker describes his journey to the track and what ended up being 60 years of running. (20:24) He also talks about the impact coaches can have, and how he ended up the head track coach at the University of Cincinnati at age 25, working long hours and having success/awards on a national level.

(27:24) This former coach has a message and advice for those who don't run or didn't like it when they tried running. The key is starting slow. (30:34) We also talk about the connection between fitness and the military, along with (31:45) the mental and spiritual side of both. It was tough mentally for the first female runners he coached. (36:38) They succeeded though in beating Navy, in what helped launch a now famous athletic rivalry with Army.

(41:23) Hunsaker still keeps up with the "angels" that ran for him. His book is available at Amazon and book stores. (44:22) In our final segments, "Food for Thought" is about fitness fairness for female troops and "Parting Gift" is some wisdom from the Bible about breaking barriers, then my closing prayer.

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

They've come a long way to now be coaching people to breakthroughs and freedom through Christ. This married couple joined me on the Run The Race podcast, which we hope you subscribe to, not just to hear me sing sometimes (at the end of this episode) but also inspiring stories and motivating advice about faith and fitness.

(5:45) Jonathan and Jessica Cronin are the co-founders of Spirit and Life International - where they take people who are overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, unfulfilled...and take them to confident, healed and thriving through a holistic Christ-centered approach. Jonathan starts by talking about his life of drug addiction and violence that landed him behind bars a decade ago, where Jesus met him. Jessica was diagnosed with anxiety and depression as a middle schooler, sexually assaulted at least twice as a teen, getting drunk and in witchcraft - but Jesus brought her out of all that pain.

(24:25) What can family and friends do to help addicts or those facing mental health struggles? Jessica says the 1st foundation is prayer (which her mom modeled), then there are more steps. (27:46) This couple also talks about witnessing supernatural healings. And they have a message for cynics or critics of those miracles. They also have some advice on nutrition to help with stress and anxiety, that in turn can help with medical issues. Find out about the POWHA (power) method they developed and how you beliefs or perceptions could be holding you back from breakthrough.

There's also (44:01) stigma about mental health in the world, and also in churches. What can Christians do to help people on that journey to peace and walking in Christ? (48:38) Jonathan, also a former personal trainer, talks about how just 10 minutes a day of interval training can make a big difference for your fitness.

They're main job now is Spirit & Life coaching: https://www.spiritandlifeinternational.com/.(52:25) The Cronins describe their 30+ hours of self-paced curriculum and what else they do with clients. (56:22) Jonathan closes us in prayer. (1:00:55) For the "Stuck in my Head" segment, I dedicate the episode to a friend who recently passed away and sing a little of our favorite song, "Hold It Up To The Light" by David Wilcox. And the "Parting Gift" inspiration comes from Maya Angelou.

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

2021 National Arena League MVP Mason Espinosa joined us, just days after his Columbus (GA) Lions' heartbreaking loss in the championship game. To hear inspiring guests like him talk about fitness and faith, make sure to subscribe to "Run The Race."

After a brief introduction, (3:24) we dive into the chat with QB Mason Espinosa, first about that title game for his Columbus Lions, and how losing - in sports and life - can be a great teacher, for humility and improvements.

(9:59) In what was formerly the "Fast 4," we now have a "Tripod" of rapid fire questions. Mason gives us his weekly routine to stay fit, but he hates running! He also says his identity is as a follower of Jesus Christ, and not in football - which his something he does, and very well. How does that faith help him on the field? You may not know, he's also a certified scuba diver.

(15:14) This Columbus Lions star talks about being back on the field in front of fans, after COVID-19 canceled last season, and then winning league MVP with some eye-popping stats like 50+ touchdowns and only 2 interceptions!

(18:39) Following in the footsteps of his college football linebacker dad, Mason started playing football in TN at age 6, eventually going on to Division III football, starting 40 games at QB for Ohio-Wesleyan and owning 17 records at the school. Mason also talks about how NFL draft day went down and his brief stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Maybe he'll be back in the NFL one day!

Football also (25:27) gives him a platform to talk about faith in God, how he gets involved in church as an arena football player that has to move around. (29:51) Right after the NAL championship game, he started a new job as Wooster High School (OH) football team's offensive coordinator, after being an assistant coach at a few universities over the last 7 years.

(33:14) Being a football player connected to a community is important to him and he loves Columbus GA which he now calls "home." What's his future with the Lions? And as a coach? Maybe he'll be back to go for another championship. (43:32) For "Stuck in my head," hear me do a little rap of sports hype song "Lose Yourself" by Eminem. And in final segment "Parting Gift," a favorite Bible verse from QB Tim Tebow, followed by my closing prayer.

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

She just brought home a Gold medal from the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, and 1st Lt. Amber English stopped by to join me on the "Run The Race" podcast, which you should subscribe to for inspiring guests talking about fitness and/or faith.

(5:12) This logistics officer on Fort Benning and member of the U.S. Army Marksmanship team talks about beating the best in the world in skeet shooting, and under immense pressure. After breaking an Olympic record, she's now back home in East Alabama.

1st Lt. English opens up about losing her dad, a national champion shooter himself, 5 years ago - and how that led her to walk away from the sport. She also talks about all the training that goes into being the best at shooting and preparing for the Olympics. English also talks about the pride of representing the Army and Team USA, while giving out advice for anyone: Follow your heart, Don't Quit, and One Target at a Time.

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

He just released his latest album a month ago. Singer songwriter Garrett Lee, based in Georgia and Alabama, joins us for this podcast’s 75th episode - and towards the end of this one, I tell you about a contest to win his new cd “From the Ground Up” by simply writing a review for this pod on the “Run The Race” page for Apple Podcasts.

(3:27) Garrett, a church worship pastor too, plays a couple of tracks off his new album, one written for his now-4-year-old son and the other about remembering the foundation a marriage is built on. (13:40) He also opens up about the 3 years of ups and downs with this new music, from having another baby...to the COVID-19 pandemic...to being hospitalized with a mysterious leg injury...to having his bookbag stolen with all his hard drives and all the music he'd worked on for 2 years, only to get it back 2 months later, and released the album on his birthday, June 29.

(5:27) After he explains and plays "Hey Kid," Garrett also is honest about (22:45) the bittersweet test of faith he went through when he lost all that music, how prayer got him through it. (25:15) He started playing guitar at age 11 and has led worship at a church for the past decade. This Christian singer-songwriter doesn't want to be in a box, but connect with anyone through his alternative country Americana folk music, with his faith in God still playing a major role in his lyrics.

He calls music medicine and reminds us that God created melody. (34:55) Garrett also just recently opened up for country music icon Emmylou Harris in Lagrange GA. Does he still get nervous on stage at gigs or church? His main goal is to connect with an audience - and his own family. Garrett and his wife have a 3rd child on the way!

(40:09) He plays a bit of his new title track "From the Ground Up" and tells us why he wrote it and other songs that have special meaning like "Oh Joy." (46:59) He also closes us in prayer, before my final segment, (51:49) a "Parting Gift" from a famous wizard from the Harry Potter movies.

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

As the Olympics begin, two members of Team USA joined me for this week's podcast, which we hope you subscribe to! Both of these Olympians are javelin throwers who have been training in Birmingham, Alabama. After my humming version of the Olympic theme song,, we get into our chats that will inspire and motivate you - as a fan and athlete and in your faith walk.

(5:25) 2 time Olympian and Texas A&M alum Maggie Malone just set a new U.S. women's javelin record with a throw of more than 221 feet! She talks about giving God the glory and how she's mentally preparing for the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo, as she travels there real soon. Does she even have "expectations"?

(7:25) Javelin throwing is part of her faith, not the other way around. Find out how she intends to do God's will and encourage others. (11:05) Maggie has learned the hard way, with doubts and even giving up the sport a few years ago. She is open about what happened after she did not do as well at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, then rebelling against God.

(13:13) How is training with weights and cardio for the javelin different than other sports? There's also mental training for Olympic athletes. (16:45) Her success in college helped vault Maggie to where she is now, not even knowing what a javelin was until she was 19 years old but now using that to be a role model for young women.

There's gotta be nerves heading to the Olympics. (20:30) Maggie has advice on how to deal with that anxiety, give it to God, and be thankful. We will be rooting her on in the javelin events August 3 & 6!

(23:31) Curtis Thompson just found out earlier this month he's going to his first Olympics! He talks about what it was like to get that call and what he hopes to so in Tokyo. (25:21) The javelin throwing for him started in high school when he wanted to "throw the stick thingy," eventually getting a scholarship to do that at Mississippi State.

In training for being on the biggest stage, (27:06) Curtis tells us about the highs and lows, his strength conditioning, family support, and opportunities to inspire others. (31:09) By just inches, he missed out on the 2016 Olympics. What was that like?

(34:11) With more Olympic athletes testing positive for COVID-19. he reacts to concerns and precautions being taken in Tokyo for the Games. (36:46) Curtis also has a message for everyone about dreams and determination. He also gets to mold young athletes now, as a coach for throwers at Spain Park HS in Central Alabama.

(41;30) In the final segments, we talk origins of the Olympic anthem for "Stuck in My Head" and dive into a Bible verse about strength from God - used by many Olympic gymnasts - for our "Parting Gift," then closing prayer.

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

6 years ago, Aaron Burros was shot 5 times in a workplace shooting. Now, dubbed the "running servant" by friends, he's taking on the challenge of running 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 weeks - to celebrate his 50th birthday, tell people about Jesus, and raise money for children battling cancer. Subscribe to the "Run The Race" podcast to hear extraordinary stories and advice from people like him.

After my introduction of our guest - who I met last month at the Hatfield McCoy marathon in WV & KY - (5:21) our chat starts with Aaron of Houston TX describing being shot by an intruder at the retailer where he worked and how the trauma changed him. (14:01) How did the shooting affect his ability to run? Doctors say he should've died and will always be in pain, still with parts of 2 bullets in his glutes. Nearly a pro trail runner before being shot, Aaron says God has pulled him from the front of races to the back of the pack to minister to more people.

Missing that "runner's high," (22:23) he runs now to, in part, battle PTSD and deal with mental health issues like depression and fears that had him hiding under sinks post-shooting. (27:05) He's seen the Lord heal him and open doors, checking his pride and ego at the door.

(31:41) The day after he turned 50 years old in January, Aaron started his 50-50-50 goal, the 1st marathon being in GA and SC. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it even more challenging! (34:51) Having done those races in 27 states so far this year, he's getting messages from people all over the nation, talking to most people he meets about hope in Jesus. He says (39:36) each of these marathons are a different piece of the puzzle, each bringing opportunities to minister to others, even bringing him to tears.

Aaron also has a journey of big weight loss. (43:43) At one point, he was close to 390 pounds down and dropped nearly 175 lbs. Hear what he says about deciding to make a "lifestyle change" that jumpstarted his activity and what he's changed for good about what he eats.

(46:18) What's his motivation to lead others as the "running servant" and help make races a "party on the pavement"? (50:39) Aaron also has advice for runners on how to avoid injuries. The key word is form.

With races still being canceled due to coronavirus precautions, (55:25) we also talk about what's next in his 50 marathon journey in 2021, what upcoming races or scenery he's looking forward to most, and where you can find out more about the #runningservant journey and donate, since hIs mantra is #irunforAiden and he hopes to raise $50,000 for St. Jude Children's Hospital.

(1:00:15) After Aaron's closing prayer for Aiden and "running the greatest race for Jesus Christ," I go into my final segments of this episode: (1:05:46) I sing a quick bit of "Run To You" by Whitney Houston (sung to Aaron and I at our marathon) for "Stuck In My Head"...then some motivational speaker wisdom in "Parting Gift."

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

Your free therapy session begins now with a licensed professional counselor who has a lot of experience with helping students and couples who are hurting. He's this week's guest on a podcast that we hope you subscribe to - for weekly inspiration and entertainment! I start this one with a tribute to my wife on our wedding anniversary and some clues for "Stuck In My Head" before closing the episode with my singing rendition of that song that you may know.

(5:06) Jon Ebert, who now has a private practice in GA called Single Stone Counseling & Consulting Services, talks about how to deal with high stress and anxiety in the face of personal or national tragedies, like the COVID-19 pandemic. Self-care is part of that healing. (9:08) So is faith in God! The name of his LLC comes from the Bible story of David and Goliath. God is with us in the face of giants! Mental health struggles are common but there's a stigma.

(14:16) Jon opens up about his own battle with alcohol; how he was a functioning alcoholic with a job, married with kids, but carrying around brokenness; how his wife and faith in God (serenity prayer) pulled him out of it. (22:26) Now, he has a passion for helping others hurting because of anxiety, depression, addiction, and especially a fast growing number of students with severe mood disorders post-pandemic.

(27:04) So when and why do you go to counseling? There are misperceptions about therapy. A counselor like Jon asks questions and empowers people to decide and make change, instead of just giving solutions.

(37:34) We talk a lot about marriages, ineffective communication, keeping score vs. doing what Jesus modeled for us as a servant. (42:39) Schools are changing the way they're handling mental health, and Jon is part of that. (45:15) Churches are also part of the solution.

(49:34) Jon gives you red flags to look out for in the mental health struggles of family members, friends, co-workers. (57:50) Exercise, fishing and more can also help with stress and anxiety. Jon closes us in prayer. (59:49) I sing a little "Shoulders" and have some parting gift inspiration from a well-known pastor.

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

She just ran her 200th marathon. This 51-year-old mom of 6 is the latest guest on the Run The Race podcast, which we hope you subscribe to! After hearing me sing a WV favorite for the new segment "Stuck in My Head," (3:30) check out my brief race recap for the unique Hatfield McCoy Marathon in Kentucky and West Virginia, which included climbing 3600 feet of mountains/hills, my toughest road marathon and slowest so far.

(8:00) At that race, I met Michelle Walker of Indiana, who has 3 sons and 3 daughters, and has run a 26.2 mile race now 200 times in the last 15 years, completing a marathon in all 50 states and 7 continents. Impressive! Later in the episode, we hear how close she was when the bombs went off at the Boston Marathon (10:40) Why does she run so much? (13:27) And how has running changed her life and motherhood? Michelle has 3 key pieces of advice for other runners you'll want to hear.

(18:15) Juggling running with life is hard enough, but has wisdom for parents about how she does it with kids that are now ages 12-26. Marathons have become sort of a family affair. (26:41) Michelle also tells stories about traveling the USA and world, giving us some of her favorite places and races! And it's not cheap.

(33:20) Faith in God is also the most important thing in this mom's life. She opens up about how that's connected to her family and her running, especially how she incorporates it during those last 6 miles of every marathon. (37:07) She also describes what it was like crossing the finish line at the 2013 Boston Marathon, just 20 minutes before the bombing there.

(40:43) Getting faster continues to be her goal. Michelle gives some keys for speed. (46:29) She's also an author hoping to inspire others, releasing a book in 2017 titled "If You Give a Mom a Marathon: Six Kids and a Run Around the World." Check it out. (48:13) We wrap up our chat with her future goals, including 5 full Ironmans this year. (54:15) Our "Parting Gift" is mom-inspired from the Bible and I give a closing Prayer.

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

As we celebrate Father's Day, my pair of guests this week is a dad and son, 2nd and 3rd generation pentecostal pastors in Georgia. We start with "Stuck in your Head," teaching you a song from my trip to Israel with these 2 men from a decade ago.

(4:38) Pastors Dennis and Brad Lacy, leaders at North Highland Assembly of God Church in Columbus GA, told some serious and funny stories. We first dive into the dynamic of being a father and son on church staff together, including the former "punk preacher's kid." (15:23) That Israel trip gave us all a new perspective on Jesus.

(21:29) Their passion for Missions has taken these gentlemen all around the world but also helping people in America. They told one story about babies crying on the streets of Romania, no one to hold them, so they went and rocked babies. (30:24) Teens and young adults often walk away from faith and the church, so how are they combatting that trend?

(36:43) The COVID-19 pandemic has also changed the way church is done, possibly more minimalistic, Pastor Dennis never missing an Easter service in person before this. Attendance dropped, but now the focus is on how members can BE the church. (45:01) We also talked about gaining those pandemic pounds, how that's led to family walks.

(49:12) Pastors Dennis and Brad also share what it was like becoming a dad, and the legacy of faith they're passing down. (58:52) They did the honors of a closing prayer. Our "parting gift" is about training adding fuel to the fire.

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