Run The Race

Tired of constant news about the coronavirus pandemic? We talked to a pastor who has a new viral video of he and his wife dancing, while stuck at home - something to make you smile! He talks about the silver lining, God's peace, and church alternatives during this health crisis. We also discuss his journey as a Jewish man to Christianity.

I start with giving some of my thoughts on COVID-19, some interesting quarantine observances, how it's changing our prayer life and fitness routines, what you can do while not at work or school.

(6:39) Our chat with Pastor Ed Grifenhagen, pastor of Church on the Trail in Columbus GA, starts with that video, shared by USA Today - that has about 200,000 views so far on social media - of a living room dance to celebrate their 32nd wedding anniversary, amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.

We then dive into the ways to (9:58) find joy, positivity and peace in the middle of the coronavirus crisis. Pastor Ed reminds us that The Bible states to be anxious about nothing and that God promises us peace in the middle of the storm.

(12:52) What's it like to preach without a congregation being there in person? He has a message for church members, whether they agree or disagree with churches not meeting together and following the CDC's strict guidelines. This pastor also explains how churches are finding alternative ways to do faith activities.

Ed grew up Jewish. (18:45) He opens up about the transition to becoming a Christian, being saved at age 37 - from reading The Bible for the first time to a defining moment in his car. This now-pastor also talks about the main difference between Judaism and Christianity.

Being fit is also something he and many others strive for, (28:42) which is more challenging while being quarantined. Pastor Ed also says this gives us opportunities for more quality time with our family (like a past adventure trip in an RV that he, his wife, and 2 sons took out west with hiking, whitewater rafting, trout fishing and more).

Grifenhagen chats with us about finding innovative ways (31:58) to do outreaches and mission work while social distancing and trying not to potentially infect others, including their M2540 homeless ministry.

(34:51) Lastly, Pastor Ed describes working very closely with The Kendrick Brothers filmmakers on their most recent project "Overcomer" filmed in Columbus GA. The Grifenhagens were both on the big screen plus fed, housed the producers, crew. He also prayed for the cast and crew, coincidentally at a former synagogue he grew up in as a young Jewish boy.

After a closing prayer by Pastor Ed, (44:09) my "Food for Thought" segment is about a French man's solo marathon on his apartment balcony during the lockdown, and also a "Drive-in" church in GA.

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/.

Baseball legend and cancer survivor Darryl Strawberry is one of our guests in this special episode focused on the coronavirus pandemic. Subscribe to the Run The Race podcast and catch up on some fascinating interviews, while you are stuck at home during these difficult times.

Gyms and schools and businesses have closed. So many events (like my Big Sur Marathon) have been canceled or postponed. What now? I start with a look at the impact of COVID-19 on the fitness and faith aspects of our lives, with an inspirational message to stay strong in the face of this crisis. (5:50) We listen in on one pastor's take on coronavirus, when church was in person last Sunday.

Buddy Dutoit, Regional Manager of several Orangetheory Fitness studios in GA, (9:20) sits down for a chat about some gyms closing and others not so far, plus alternative workouts with trainers online, and what to do if you're getting stir crazy at home.

The former personal trainer and running coach (16:05) also is a focused Christian who talks to us about how COVID-19 is affecting church members and live-streaming services.

(18:50) Then we turn to my conversation with 4X World Series champion Darryl Strawberry, a former MLB All-Star with the NY Mets and Yankees. He first talks about sports in the face of the coronavirus and how our health trumps anything else going on, including Spring Training being canceled and the baseball season delayed.

It's also colorectol cancer awareness month, so (20:17) Strawberry talks about beating cancer, what he went through, why people don't get tested and why they should. (23:27) He also discusses the benefits of fitness and working out on avoiding health challenges.

The coronavirus outbreak (25:42) is the main topic of "Food for Thought" and "Parting Gift" with a unique workout in Spain, how churches nationwide are handling it, and my thoughts on the panic. As one pastor put it, "We believe in prayer, and we also believe in Purell."

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

Feeling anxious about anything? Maybe the coronavirus pandemic? We’re talking about anxiety and depression on this episode of the Run The Race podcast with nationally certified and licensed professional counselor Christy Hubbard.

Before that conversation, (2:00) I talk about anxiety vs. anxiety disorders, including a testimonial from a 25-year-old friend with mental health struggles.

(5:20) Christy Hubbard, who has a private practice in Columbus GA, specializes in helping couples, mothers, and children, also specializing in maternal mental-health. We start our chat with the growing fears worldwide over the deadly coronavirus and how to handle that anxiety.

We then focus on depression and anxiety overall, (8:48) the red flags and warning signs to look for, when being anxious can be good and when it can lead to panic attacks, along with solutions and treatment including different kinds of therapy.

Christy also has a message (11:50) for those intimidated by going to counseling, which she calls a safe place but also knows it’s a “brave decision” to go and be vulnerable. She talks about her own personal struggles with scary thoughts when she was a new stay-at-home mother.

(15:00) What role does faith and prayer play in dealing with anxiety? This counselor answers that and talks specific impacts of fitness on mental health, as she worked through her own issues with the help of Stroller Strong Moms.

Postpartum depression is such a big issue, (19:12) so we talk about that, as moms and dads can have anxiety especially after having kids, a time in your life that Christy says is "like a magnifying glass."

We close out our chat (22:20) by talking about counseling - when you need to go vs. talking to a pastor vs. talking to your spouse; what it's really like in counseling; finding the right counselor; and handling thoughts of suicide.

(28:55) My "Food for Thought" segment is what research says about how exercise impacts depression and anxiety, plus how religious leaders are dealing with fears over the coronavirus.

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/.

You will love our guest on this week's episode, whether you are hockey fan or know nothing about the sport. After I talk briefly about fighting the good fight of faith, Coach Jerome "Boom Boom" Bechard discusses his hockey career (including a stint with Wayne Gretzky), the role of fighting and spiritual faith in the sport, and how this former pro hockey player defines true success.

We start our Run The Race podcast chat (4:20) with how he got some famous nicknames as a no teeth, long-haired, aggressive hockey player. He also talks about (6:25) his regimen now for fitness and faith, including a defining moment that started with a puck to the face and ended with a bad wreck in an ice storm.

(11:15) Bechard's hockey journey started in Saskatchewan, Canada. He left home at age 15, was drafted by the Hartford Whalers. He talks about playing in Lake Placid (site of the Miracle on Ice) and being in LA Kings training camp with the legendary Wayne Gretzky. Boom Boom says success is not just about money but helping others.

You know you love a good hockey fight (16:30) but why and how does that fighting happen? Bechard explains it in-depth. (21:09) The hockey coach, husband and father also talks about if spiritual faith is part of hockey culture, including changes made thanks to the team pastor for the former Columbus Cottonmouths.

(24:09) He's now the coach of the Columbus (GA) Riverdragons hockey team. Boom Boom chats with me about the rough start this first season, setting a FPHL attendance record over the weekend, and their current hot streak while playing "Boom Boom" style hockey. We also discuss the athleticism of hockey players.

We close with some family talk! (29:19) My "pint-sized" 2nd cousin, Tim Santopoalo from Illinois, is on the Riverdragons team. And Bechard talks about his two daughters, one a UGA alum and the other playing soccer at Auburn University. War Eagle! And go Riverdragons, who clinched a playoff spot!

We close the episode (35:59) with the final segments include "Food for Thought" on boxing to help Parkinson's patients and a controversy over Bible verses on Army dog tags.

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/.

Go now and subscribe to the Run The Race podcast! Our guest for this episode is former drug addict turned evangelist Andrew Chalmers. He almost died from an overdose but God turned his life around and he now leads non-profit ministry Take The City. We also talk about some fitness adventures, advice for families, and traveling the world to places like Africa and Israel.

After an introduction about getting out of your comfort zone and what I thought about Africa, (4:21) Andrew answers the “Fast Four” rapid fire questions, then he tells his story (7:15) about hitting rock bottom, losing everything as a drug addict, even being brought back from the dead.

After many stints in rehab, (12:45) finally Teen Challenge worked because he was finally willing to surrender. Andrew talks about God’s love when he was at his worst. Part of that drug recovery (15:30) was fitness. He talks about the importance of “finishing well.”

(18:48) Running also helps with anxiety, depression, panic attacks as it did with Andrew. As he pursued a stronger relationship with God, (21:38) he had a vision/thought while driving over a bridge: “take the city.” Monthly outreaches by that name led to the start of the non-profit almost 5 years ago. One of the missions is unifying churches - tearing down walls of denomination and race.

We went to Africa last year! (27:27) What are the people and culture like there? How did the trip change Andrew’s life? We even ran together in the country of Malawi, known as the “warm heart of Africa,” where we saw how sports transcends culture.

Andrew and his family also just got back (33:20) from Israel. He’s also taken his wife, their 3 kids on hiking adventures, backpacking. He has advice for families about doing challenging things together, making memories and replacing screen time.

(39:55) We close with some java as Take The City has a newly opened Harvest Coffee shop, as a business ministry combo. (47:02) My “Food for Thought” segment has some news tidbits on getting out of comfort zones, like with cold workouts and giving stuff up for lent.

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

I just celebrated my 44th birthday and Valentine's Day! Now, I get to share some love with you on this 14th episode of the Run the Race podcast, which you should subscribe to.

Appropriate for #ValentinesDay, our guests this week are Reggie & Carolee Luther (5:00) who have been married for 30 years and have been avid runners for even longer. She is the president of local running club Columbus Roadrunners and a nurse manager. He owns several businesses, including running store Big Dog Fleet Feet.

(6:45) We start with how they met, how they started running, if they still love to run and why. Their version of Couch to 5K is called Porch Dog to Big Dog.

How does faith and God fit into their lives and running? (10:30) Hear how they walk the talk, sometimes needing to sing "Jesus Loves Me" on those tough runs.

(12:44) Reggie and Carolee also have an important message for those intimidated by running or if it's painful for them: keep at it, expect growing pains, learn correct form, and find others to run with. We need accountability in both fitness and faith.

They also talk about (17:07) their favorite races, from Georgia to California, then how they run as a couple and as a family (eventually wanting to run a marathon with their grandkids).

(23:05) Runners also need to do strength, training, yoga, alternatives to running to have a strong core. They point out some easy things you can do at home and at work.

Having the right gear (25:25) is also vital for running - shoes, socks, shirts, shorts that will help prevent injuries and chafing. Clothes can make a big difference! And when are you supposed to change your running shoes?

My "Food for Thought" segment (33:55) is about the spirituality of long runs and how running is like romance. Hope you had a great Valentine's Day!

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

CrossFit has become very popular, but does it really work? On this lucky 13th episode of the Run The Race podcast, we get some insight (6:00) from a CrossFit gym owner in Alabama.

(7:30) Elliott Quinones starts by talking about being overweight while in the Army, what it was like on his 3 combat deployments to Afghanistan, why he received the Army Commendation Medal with Valor, and life after the military.

(13:40) The former Staff Sgt. describes what CrossFit is and he has a message for those intimidated by these kinds of workouts. (17:20) He also opens up with me about transitioning from the Army to CrossFit thanks in part to depression, weight gain, and a DUI while he was a drill sergeant on Fort Benning,

The owner of CrossFit Deprivation in Phenix City (21:35) chats about leadership skills he learned from the Army and (23:57) how anyone can succeed long-term with fitness goals. How can you stay motivated and make it stick?

(27:50) Quinones is also in the top 5% fittest people on Earth, according to countless competitions. This gym owner that transformed himself is now focused on helping others deal with chronic pain, chronic disease, injuries. No reason to push through pain and be miserable!

We close our conversation (33:15) by talking about mental health outside and inside the gym, having a positive mindset (no complaining allowed in the gym), balancing a busy life, and his new fitness podcast.

In the "Food for Thought" segment (40:40), we talk the pros & cons of CrossFit and faith comparisons.

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

After the tragic death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant, (2:15) we start with his legacy, amazing work ethic in the NBA, and wisdom for life. (6:05) Our guest for this episode also talks about Kobe, from the perspective of another former pro athlete, recounting how the Lakers superstar talked to the Alabama football team in 2018.

(8:45) From walk-on to linebacker for the University of Alabama under Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant to the Canadian Football League (CFL), Eddie Lowe discusses his football days, including how race came into play for him in college football (1 of 2 black players that stayed on the Univ. of Tennessee at Chattanooga during a protest).

(12:48) What was it like playing for the legendary coach Bear Bryant at Bama? Eddie gives his honest take. (16:00) Then he talks about faith vs. facts - overcoming being undersized for football, then how to live out faith even in politics, which he does as the mayor of Phenix City, AL.

He wanted to be in the NFL, (20:10) but discovered his destiny was to play 9 seasons for the Saskatchewan Rough Riders in Canada, where his spiritual values only grew. With a degree in finance from UA, we also discuss Eddie's path from football to banking and eventually Mayor, plus how he continues going to the gym almost daily.

(31:50) Revealing leadership lessons he learned playing from Coach Bear Bryant at Alabama, Mayor Lowe also is open about challenges to making God a priority.

We close this episode of the Run The Race podcast with "Food for Thought" about Kobe Bryant's faith and a "Mamba Mentality" workout at one gym. Our "Parting Gift" is about facing failure and living life to the fullest!

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

I start this one briefly talking about (3:15) Yoga for injury prevention and the need for flexibility, in fitness and faith. The guest for this episode of the podcast - which I hope you'll subscribe to - is Stroller Strong Moms owner and instructor Rebecca Paul!

(5:55) We start our interview talking about what this mom of 3 does at home and work, staying physically fit and giving it to God. (8:55) Then, Rebecca gives us a breakdown of Stroller Strong Moms, where she and many other moms of all ages SLAM (sweat like a mother) in Columbus GA, 1 of 34 locations around the USA, including many military towns. How tough is it to be a mom? She tells it like it is.

(11:50) This SLAM boss also has a message for women and men who feel intimidated by working out and maybe don't think they have the time. (13:15) Her journey of running started with months of tears and difficulty breathing. She also describes how fitness has impacted her marriage.

How can exercise and professional help get you through anxiety and depression? (19:00) Rebecca knows first-hand and is passionate about mental health.

The now avid runner (22:10) chats with me about looking to God for strength in the midst of panic attacks, finding mantras while running a marathon, (25:25) strength training for injury prevention, (27:45) and losing weight the right way. Can scales be dangerous?

We close our conversation with Rebecca talking about goals and (30:07) being a mom of 3 kids (ages 2-13), including one of her daughters switching the famous Frozen song from "Let It Go" to instead sing "Go Away." (36:00) I also do some shout-outs of some testimonials from some stroller strong moms.

Thanks for listening! Hope you enjoy the podcast. Share it with your friends using #RunTheRacePodcast. Please write a quick review about it too. For more info, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

Take a minute and subscribe to this weekly podcast. In this episodie, we're talking about some high-tech ways to strengthen your faith and physically stay in shape, including the 7 minute workout. Then, we turn to (5:20) my conversation with business-savvy, workout-loving Pastor Quin Hardnett, a former Army reservist from Georgia who admits to running from the call into ministry at first.

(8:25) Pastor Quin also talks about being disciplined in regards to going to the gym, his experiences running track and in the military. (10:23) We also discuss the effective use of technology, smartphone apps, social media by churches, and for fitness.

He's also passionate about outreach (13:00) and "giving Jesus legs" as he calls it. We chat about 2020 being what Pastor Quin describes as the year of closed doors (your past) and open dimensions. (15:38)How do you deal with injuries, obstacles and not quit? He shares some insight.

Faith is such a broad topic. (17:45) We discuss how to build your FAITH in God, and how everyone has doubts. It's also vital to make your family a priority. (20:05) Pastor Quin says, "I'm not going to be a superstar preacher and a terrible father."

(22:27) We close out our interview talking about being spiritually consistent in the New Year and making running goals, making fitness a lifestyle. (26:00) The final segments are technology versions of Food for Thought, Parting Gift (quote), and a closing Prayer.

Thanks for listening! Hope you enjoy the podcast. Share it with your friends using #RunTheRacePodcast. Please write a quick review about it too. For more info, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.