Run The Race

Staying awake for 24 hours is hard enough, but this youth pastor ran and walked for that long. After I talk about the value of supporting causes with your running or other challenges, we dive into our discussion with the latest guest on the Run The Race podcast.

(5:32) Adam Churchwell is a former teacher and karate school owner, now student pastor of a megachurch in Georgia. He and a friend recently completed a challenge of 70 miles, running and walking, over a 24 mile time span, all on a 1/4 mile trail at their church. He talks about the epic challenge, what they ate and drink during it, how they raised nearly $4,000 so far for the Alzheimer's Association, and how you can still donate in the coming weeks & months.

In the "Fast Four," (10:52) we get to know this pastor and ultrarunner - from a Bible verse that stands out...to 25 years of martial arts, bringing him discipline that he's carried over to life and running. (14:07) We discuss how he became a runner thanks to his oldest child, the bonding as a father and son, and doing events like Run Across GA with a relay team several times. How can you get motivated to get fit too? He has some answers.

(21:14) His martial arts journey started at age 12 and he eventually opened his own karate school. Adam sounds off on how it helps with discipline, respect, flexibility, focus, and making people less likely to be a bully because of self-confidence. There are parallels between karate and the Christian faith.

Adam transitioned into being on staff in student ministry at Cascade Hills in Columbus GA, for the past decade now, with teens facing so much nowadays and (26:51) lately trying to do church during COVID-19. Adam gives us his take on what we've learned from this pandemic about fellowship, growing in the faith, family time and unexpected fitness changes.

(30:27) His "Monday Motivation" videos on social media will make you think. Pastor Adam explains what it means to "stand in the gap" for others, holding true friends accountable, and what Jesus showed us about trials when we think "life's not fair."

Running and athletic challenges (35:27) can also be symbolic for the hills and valleys of life. Adam, who's also completed marathons and a 50-mile trial run, talks about mentally pushing himself and how God also gets us through tough times. (38:33) He closes us out in prayer.

In the closing segments, (40:22) I talk about ultrarunning as an ideal "Christian sport" and priests comparing running with life in "Food for Thought." And we get some wisdom from the so-called Ultramarathon man Dean Karnazes in our "Parting Gift."

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/.

Wax on, Wax off! Have you seen the "Cobra Kai" series on Netflix? I talk a little about the reboot of the classic movie The Karate Kid (1984) and my son's black belt, but my guest for this episode is a real-life martial arts sensei who also happened to be my former news director - part of his 41 years in journalism, mostly TV. Make sure to Subscribe to the Run The Race podcast to hear inspiring stories and sound advice like his on fitness and faith.

(6:28) Mark McGee, who grew up in church, is the co-founder and senior instructor for Grace Martial Arts, a pastor and Bible teacher too with multiple black belts who has taught Karate, Tai Chi and other disciplines for 5 decades. In his 70s now, (7:08) we discuss in-depth about Mark's transition from Buddhism and atheism back to Christianity. That faith journey took a turn when he was bullied and discovered karate at a YMCA, leading him to a Buddhist sensei then to an anti-Christian college professor that prompted him to become an atheist.

His radio career (11:18) started with a Gospel and religion station. Mark talks about how he challenged God, mocked Christians on air, but one interviewee turned his life around with the use of science and evidence for God and the Bible. (18:12) We dive into the "Fast Four," learning about Mark, a husband and grandfather, what he does daily to stay fit, living by the motto "Loved by God, Saved by Grace, Blessed beyond Measure."

(20:45) What is Tai Chi? Mark describes how the slow movements of this 1,000-year-old Chinese "grand ultimate fist" method can help you prevent injuries at any age.

As an objective journalist for 4 decades with daily adventures, (25:15) he gives his take on the Media today, the rules of journalism, and how he was able to be accurate and fair with stories while also sharing his Christian faith with co-workers in TV.

(31:25) There are misconceptions about martial arts, he says. Is it about fighting? Mark talks about how the art can help you be situationally aware and deescalate conflict in any part of life, including controlling your emotions and healing marriages.

There's Cobra Kai strike first no mercy vs. Mr. Myagi balance mindset. (38:05) Mark details how we can respond to aggression anytime, with something called yield and clear - with your spouse, child, employer, anyone. Anger and bitterness can destroy. (42:39) He also gives some ingredients for a successful marriage, since he's been with his wife for 50 years. That includes Tai Chi's lessons of "blending."

(46:11) Mark, who started Grace Life Ministries and Grace Martial Arts, gives our closing prayer for the episode. (49:19) My "Food for Thought" and "Parting Gift" inspiration has a mix of Joe Rogan kicking, mixing martial arts with Christianity, Mr. Myagi wisdom, and the Karate Kid film displaying how muscle memory and breathing can help us face challenges, crisis.

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

Are you ready for some football? After introducing my special guest - one of the few people to be drafted by both pro baseball and the NFL - I compare how we root for underdogs in sports to the classic Bible story of David & Goliath.

(5:20) My chat with football star turned broadcaster DJ Jones starts with his take on the recent racial unrest and police shootings that prompted boycotts in some pro sports and protests around the nation. He discusses how athletes are treated one way on the field or court, but another off it when they are not entertaining the public. How does he deal with all the negativity, as a former pro athlete and from a faith standpoint?

In our "Fast 4," (9:53) we get to know DJ, from his current job and taking care of his parents...to mental workouts and treating people how you want to be treated.

(13:50) His journey to being a multi-spot star started with his parents teaching him, "You do what you have to do, so you can do what you want to do." He ultimately chose football over baseball, after being an All-American QB in high school in Columbus, GA then switching to Defensive Back (DB). DJ talks about winning a national championship at Georgia, winning 44 games in his UGA career, then being drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 1980's, plus how a higher power helped him get from tough times to success.

He opens up about (18:27) lessons of faith, making God a focus in your life, trying to do the right thing, and paying it forward.

(19:45) DJ reminisces about the hard workout in his days of playing college football and in the NFL, telling us about his workout routines and how anyone can "buy in" at the gym if they have motivation to be disciplined and can figure out a way to enjoy fitness.

Will we even have an NFL and/or NCAA football season amidst the COVID-19 pandemic? (22:45) This former football star says he doesn't trust it, without a vaccine or cure, and the focus should be health over wealth. How about playing without fans?

(25:05) We then dive into his 20+ year broadcasting career, in radio and TV, including his current role as co-founder/host/executive producer for SportsVisions. He talks about this being a "dream come true" after growing up, imitating sportcasters like Howard Cosell, knowing God's hand has led him here, while many of his friends ended up in jail. (28:43) He also gives us insight on sportscasting in the world of coronavirus,

(31:53) We close with DJ's perspective on how faith can bring unity in the midst of the chaos and race relations in America today, like how God has brought him so far. He says sports teamwork can also be a symbol for what our nation can be.

We close with (36:59) football-themed "Food for Thought" news tidbits, 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/.

We have a double feature of elite athletes in this episode. Please subscribe to Run the Race to hear guests talk weekly about fitness and faith.

This week, we have iconic race director Lazarus Lake for a part 2 interview, since I talked to him last May. We discuss the journey of thousands of runners in the "Great Virtual Race Across Tennessee." And now there's a new worldwide running adventure. I also talk extensively to John Teeples, one of the few to compete in Lazarus' Barkley Marathons along with many other 100 mile races and running across Georgia solo 10 times. Both have advice for you on overcoming obstacles, including John's 3 things for mindset: Be yourself, Be kind, Don't give up.

After talking about finishing my 635 miles for GVRAT, (4:05) you'll hear from Lazarus Lake who's hoping for 13,000 finishers by August 31 for this massive virtual event, with participants from 78 countries. (7:05) He talks about how rewarding and remarkable it's been to follow their journeys this summer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

(9:53) Laz gives his thoughts on virtual races and (12:28) shares his excitement about his next creation: CRAW or the Circumpolar Race Around the World, which starts September 1 with 10-person teams going 30,000 miles or 50,000 km over the next 12-18 months.

We close our brief chat (16:20) with Lazarus Lake's stories of mapping virtual runs before it was a thing and what he thinks will happen in the future, including for The Barkley Marathons 2021.

(23:15) Our fascinating conversation with elite runner 56-year-old John Teeples starts with his experience at Barkley, known as the toughest race in the world, where he did 3 loops or a "fun run.” He remembers fighting through the treacherous terrain, with no marked route, using a compass and map by day and night - at an event where the most fit athletes in the world take 8-12 miles to run the length of a marathon, with limited supplies and in potentially extreme weather at Frozen Head State Park in TN.

In our "Fast Four," (32:00) we get to know John - a businessman, husband, daily runner who has this advice for anyone: keep moving forward. (34:55) He even took a year off from Auburn University to join a traveling circus!

(37:35) John Teeples talks about creating the Run Across Georgia and running ir solo annually, 262 miles, for 10 years from Savannah to Columbus or vice versa, raising a lot of money for military organizations like House Of Heroes also. One year, he even tried to run that distance in the heat in 3 days. He says you can do anything you put your mind to and train for!

How did he get into running? (46:25) John says the words “cross country” intimidated him at first but he wanted to be happy and healthy like other runners he saw, working his way from a 5K all the way to (51:50) the Badwater 135M Race, for which he trained in a dry sauna for an hour a day. He explains why.

(53:47) Adventure is also how you can describe family vacations for John, his wife and 2 kids when they were younger, hiking & paddling across the world - scary but fun challenges. One example: walking 212 miles across England together. (57:56) This businessman and co-owner of a running store had important advice for runners and for life.

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/.

She's a Titan! Our guest on the podcast is a champion on the Titan Games reality TV competition. Army nurse and soon-to-be-mom 1st Lt. Haley Johnson talks about her experience on the show, being a competitive bodybuilder, breaking the mold for women, growing up low income, fitness tips, and being a health care worker during the COVID-19 pandemic. Subscribe to Run The Race to hear more fascinating interviews.

After I talk a little about my previous Spartan Race experience, with 23 obstacles, (4:40) I talk to 1st Lt. Haley Johnson about recently defending her title on the Titan Games, hosted by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. She first auditioned for and competed on the reality TV show after her father suddenly passed away, opening up about pain and grief and training with a purpose. You'll hear what it was like behind-the-scenes at the TV obstacle course, including her 1st competitor - a monster truck driver who did CrossFit.

In our "Fast Four," (11:15) we get to know the Army nurse a little more, as she breaks molds with mantras like: Remember the Why. (13:25) This standout high school athlete explains how athletics opened doors for her, since she grew up low income, with her love for ROTC Raider Team leading to her current life in the military.

(15:20) At her 1st competition as a bodybuilder, she won all three "swords" including the overall title, but her parents were worried and against it at first. Haley dispels myths and stereotypes about bodybuilding as a female, hoping to inspire others as someone who did it naturally - without steroids.

(18:15) What's her advice for people who want to get stronger, fitter during this pandemic? Be consistent and disciplined, find your motivation, challenge yourself. By the way, she's 5'3 1/2" tall. (20:53) This military nurse also talks about working with mostly newborn babies, amidst the coronavirus, and (23:55) how the Army training has helped her adapt in life and athletics.

Life wasn't easy for Haley, (26:30) as she talks to me about even living in a gas station during part of her childhood, how not having much impacted her life, becoming the 1st college graduate in her family. (29:40) We close by talking about her new husband, a fellow Titan Games competitor who she met through the TV show, how they're competitive with each other and now have a baby on the way.

(35:52) My "Food for Thought" segment has some news tidbits on a bodybuilding priest and how obstacles courses can make fitness fun for kids...then some "Parting Gift" inspiration and a 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/.

Subscribed to the Run The Race podcast yet? Every week, you'll get to hear fascinating guests like the one this week: Pastor Jeff Struecker, a former Ranger and Army Chaplain who's been on numerous tours to Iraq, Afghanistan and other places like Somalia where he fought in the famous battle at Mogadishu depicted in the movie "Black Hawk Down." He talks a lot about that conflict and how it led to a call to ministry.

(6:30) Struecker also chats with me about the intense fitness he had to do to win the Best Ranger competition (almost a decade after he started his Army career on Fort Benning), motivation to stay in shape, preaching for a new church during the COVID-19 pandemic, mixing military with faith, and dispelling myths about Christians being weak or not being able to have a warrior mentality.

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/.

What a great conversation with Pastor "Big Lee" McBride - a friend, pastor, comedian, evangelist, avid hunter and fisherman, podcast host, dedicated husband and father who's helped lead thousands of men to Christ. Before we get into our fun conversation, I talk about a new plan to read the Bible for one hour per day, then I introduce my guest.

(6:27)Pastor Lee McBride loves to tell stories. The Georgia native, who lives in central Alabama now, starts with a unique outdoor preaching opportunity he just had at "Two Tree Island." Then, he answers some rapid fire questions about his family, staying active, and the Bible.

Called to preach at age 12, (14:04) Pastor Lee talks about what it was like growing up as a PK or Preacher's Kid - the misconceptions, rebellion, expectations while "living in a fish bowl." The battle was between a call to the ministry vs. his desire to be a football coach.

(16:04) He explains a unique twist on ministry. How can you use comedy to communicate the Gospel? Big Lee describes why being funny is so important to him, including "janking" in the South. (20:37) He's also been able to combine football and ministry, talking to hundreds of teams. (24:08) This pastor and sports fan gives his take on if we'll have football this fall and how COVID-19 has also impacted churches, relationships.

Outdoors activities (26:30) are a big passion for him, especially hunting and fishing, even in a pandemic and especially in the South. He's spoken or preached at 500+ wild game suppers or "beast feasts" or church men's groups around the nation. Part of that has been raising money to help the disabled go on hunting trips.

(30:31) Pastor Lee has also been on 50 mission trips, including a special one with his son. Along with that story, (34:20) he tells us the origin of the name "Hidden Hook" for his ministries.

With his focus being leading youth and men - especially hunters -

to God, (36:35) this storyteller had advice on being the best husband and father you can be, saying "Marriage has got to be your highest commitment on this Earth." Wendy is his #1.

Even though COVID-19 has canceled (39:21) the annual "Souled Out" camps at Panama City Beach FL, Pastor Lee talks about those phenomenal events for teens. (41:50) His ministry now also includes hosting The Hidden Hook Podcast, with ordinary people telling extraordinary stories.

(45:10) My friend Lee closes us out in prayer, and sings a little of his original tune "Buffet Lullaby." (48:25) We have some comedy news tidbits in final segments "Food for Thought" and "Parting Gift" with some quick inspiration from a comedian.

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 podcast to hear great conversations with fascinating people like this former alcoholic who turned his life around thanks to running, the Bible, and fitness.

(1:30) After my recap of finishing my first ever ultramarathon in extreme heat, which I survived (barely), (6:54) I chat with personal trainer, running coach, and no gym manager Buddy Dutoit who talks about motivation to go to the gym...how a training client helped lead him to Christ...how alcoholism ruined his life...the healing recovery thanks to faith and fitness...how his running journey started with a bet...plus having the right shoes, technique and motivation to run.

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

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/.