Run The Race

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/.

You remember the movie "Boyz N The Hood" but what about the Gospel in the hood? That's what this week's guest on the Run The Race podcast is focused on. I introduce him as an urban missionary and explain what that is.

(4:48) Baron Elias Klaif is an author, leader and evangelist in West Georgia, the founder and director of a ministry/movement called Block Huggers. We start with a serious topic: racial unrest, tension with police, plus what Christians can and should do about all the division or "beef" as he calls it. Hospitality and compassion, like Jesus showed us, can be weapons for good. Same for sharing meals with those that don't look like us.

In the "Fast Four" rapid fire questions, (11:23) this full-time dad to 3 daughters talks about his different community outreaches.

(13:22) Elias also has a major heart condition that requires him to have a pacemaker, but he still tries to stay fit and walks regularly. No excuses. Even with half of his heart working, this author says he's still "using my brokenness to serve the broken." As everyone looks for hope, he talks about the difference between happiness and joy, also what you should do when you want to throw in the towel - like him, when he struggled with anxiety and depression. His advice is not to suffer alone: "A Christian in isolation is the devil's lunch meat."

What is Block Huggers? (21:03) In a time when sharing your faith is at an all-time low, we learn about this urban discipleship evangelism ministry. (24:23) Elias also holds prayer walks after shootings to help push back the darkness, discussing the difference between witnessing in the hood vs. the suburbs. He has a challenge for you about putting politics aside and spreading the Gospel!

(28:00) From his new book "Good Mourning Joy: A Practical Theology of Joy for the Everyday Sufferer," Elias talks growing up in a broken home in Brooklyn, losing loved ones and friends, meeting spiritual needs of others, and a pain free Heaven.

And with the presidential election less than a month away, (31:08) he is not afraid to talk about his Biblical world view on abortion, mass incarceration, explaining how being a "Woke" Christian includes being focused on social issues.

(35:18) While he walks, he prays and shares inspiration on social media videos. He also spends plenty of time at the liquor store or "pop up shop" - encouraging people in places where churches often don't go. (40:01) Elias closes us in Prayer.

The "Food for Thought" segment (42:42) is about the similarities of exercising and evangelism, also gaming as a spiritual tool, then the "Parting Gift" is from C.S. Lewis' famous book "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe."

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've reached the 40th episode of the Run The Race podcast, and hope you subscribe to it, if you haven't already. Our special guest this week is a yoga instructor and military spouse who is back home in Georgia after a 3,018 mile, 82 day bike ride across America!

After I introduce her - and talk briefly about completing my first 50K alongside friends in Alabama - (5:33) you'll hear a great chat with Charlotte Gallagher, first about her solo bicycle journey from Portland, Oregon back to Columbus GA, raising more than $3,000 for several causes. She hopes this inspires you, others to go for your dreams!

As someone fairly new to long distance biking and camping, (10:43) Charlotte opens up about the fears of this bike trip and fears in life, how she grew up with anxiety and panic attacks, resolved a lot through running and yoga. She also talks about the emotions through this 3 month bicycle adventure, experiencing a lot of kindness from strangers, screaming at continuous hills, crying. How was she able to keep going? How did she figure out where to sleep along the way?

In the "Fast Four,"(17:00) we learn about this paddleboard yoga instructor living by "Change your thoughts, change your world," how she stays fit, and a carnival childhood.

(20:29) Charlotte tackles the myths about yoga, like needing to be flexible before you do it, being able to touch you toes, ego issues for men and the military who end up enjoying yoga. She also tells us about the benefits of yoga, working all systems of your body, plus peace of mind, flexibility, releasing tension and anger on the mat, and fitness elements for athletes especially runners. Ever tried a tree pose on a paddleboard?

And what's it like being a military spouse? (31:08) She runs and does yoga with her husband, an Army Warrant Officer on Fort Benning. He's gone on deployments and now she just got back from one via her bike. She talks more about one of the causes she raised money for, "Stop Soldier Suicide." We discuss the stigma and preventing suicide with the help of movement.

(37:25) Charlotte has also spent parts of her life serving others overseas, telling us about teaching English in Mexico and helping with hurricane relief in the Caribbean. (40:41) Along with biking, she also loves running, her "moving meditation" to release energy that needs to get out because of anxiety.

In the final segments, (46:15) our "Parting Gift" comes from the beginning of The Bible, "Food for Thought" deals with biking benefits and a teen's bike across America for clean water, then our 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/.