Run The Race

Welcome to 2020! Start the new year off right by subscribing to this podcast. After recapping running adventures from 2019 and giving shout-outs for your goals in the New Year, I have a treat for you.

(6:43) My guest for this podcast episode is Jimmy Davis, a good friend I've run with for nearly 5 years now, including 5 marathons together. (9:50) He talks about how he got started running, how anyone can do it, (12:03) then Jimmy discusses how he and his wife foster adopted 5 children/siblings all at the same time. Wow! You will hear how faith and prayer played a big role in that decision and process.

My guest also has his masters degree in exercise science (17:48) and discusses nutrition in the new year (making small changes) and teaching university fitness classes.

Jimmy and I chat about (20:48) how he helped me for my first marathon and our running adventures together - road and trail - then (25:23) we dive into some fitness topics: working out by yourself vs. working out with friends (companionship), exercising hard, and ideal body fat percentage.

We close the interview with Jimmy discussing (30:50) the why of running. For him, the focus is causes bigger than yourself, raising money for cancer through Team in Training especially with his niece losing her battle to cancer.

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/.

NO SPOILERS, but I sat down with Star Wars superfan Derek Kinkade (WTVM chief meteorologist) to do our own version of the famous theme music, then we talk about (2:45) the latest movie "The Rise of Skywalker" (again, #nospoilers) along with spiritual symbolism for THE FORCE - on the big screen, especially with Luke, and for our beliefs in real life.

(9:00) We also dive into the rise and fall of Anakin Skywalker aka Darth Vader (the original chosen one in these films). Derek and I discuss sacrifices made in these movies (14:30) plus the parallels of Star Wars with the Christian faith, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and free will.

There's also the (17:58) epic light saber battles and Jedi fitness that we talk about anyone being able to do. Also inspiring is the (20:56) wisdom of Yoda, and now there's "baby Yoda" in the Disney+ series The Mandalorian. We tackle the faith struggles and rebirth stories for characters like Han Solo, former stormtrooper Finn, and Luke Skywalker.

(27:11) We end our chat by seeing how well Derek does with some Star Wars trivia!

(32:30) Listen as I read the MESSAGE version of the CHRISTMAS story from Luke 1-2. And we end this podcast episode with (32:50) the Chewbacca Workout from Men's Fitness in "Food for Thought."

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

Make sure to subscribe to the podcast and write a short review. I talked with two special guests for this episode, both stars of the hit film "Overcomer." After I talk briefly about taking a break from fitness over the holidays, we go to the interviews.

(5:35) Alex Kendrick - actor, director, co-writer for the Georgia-based Kendrick Brothers movies - talked to us about starring in and directing their latest film "Overcomer" just out on DVD and Blu-ray. He tells the story behind their 6th movie and reaction to it worldwide.

With this podcast and the movie being focused on fitness and faith, (12:30) Alex talks about the parallels with those two worlds and how sports helps translate the Gospel on the big screen. (14:45) He also discussed what it was like shooting the movie in Columbus GA, the film's theme of identity, and success at the theater.

How does he balance filmmaking with being a husband and father of six? (20:30) Alex talks about how it's a family ministry, and we close our conversation (25:00) with talk about the next movie for the Kendrick Brothers.

BONUS interview (30:52) with another star of "Overcomer," 16-year-old Aryn Wright-Thompson, who talks about playing cross country runner Hannah Scott, the movie's main character. She also discusses how God has helped her overcome struggles personally and how staying in shape helps with mental health.

(35:41) Aryn also tells me about running in 100 degree heat during filming, and what it was like shooting the movie in Columbus GA. My "Food for Thought" segment (42:15) includes some news buzz about a pastor-turned-filmmaker and a marathon movie.

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

The theme of this 6th episode is physical and spiritual endurance, to dream big and chase the impossible. That may include ultra marathons and similar running events that are growing in popularity.

(5:40 mark) This week's guest is Kena Yutz, owner of Project 42 Running. She coaches athletes from all over the United States. This preacher's daughter from SC has completed multiple 100 mile races. (7:25) She discusses how she got started running at age 39, and the importance of slowly progressing with proper training.

At one time, (14:15) Kena held the women's record for running 254 miles in 72 hours. Wow! She tells me what that was like, and how anything's possible when you run with your heart. (19:53) She also opens up about balancing single motherhood with a job and running.

What is Project 42 Running? (24:45) She explains how she's coaching people to personal records and being fast enough to qualify for the Boston Marathon, plus (29:13) mentally pushing through the pain on workouts and races.

(33:30) Kena also dives into sleep, nutrition, and setting super high goals. (39:00) We close out with our regular segments including "Food for Thought" - news tidbits on spiritual training and the limits of human endurance.

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

This episode is focused on living life to the fullest and how to stay active, calm over the holidays. I start by discussing (3:30 mark) my experiences on mission trips overseas, including Haiti and Africa.

(6:30) Then, we turn to an interview with Pastor Chuck Hasty who has led churches for more than 25 years, now at Grace Presbyterian in Columbus GA. He talks about faith, home life, how he got started running and (9:30) how to live out the mantra "Hallelujah, I've got one more day."

Pastor Chuck (11:35) has also climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa at 19,341 feet, and Mt. Fuji, the highest volcano in Japan - discussing those and other adventures like hiking the 100+ mile Camino trek, a spiritual pilgrimage in Portugal.

(16:40) Traveling can broaden your horizons, deepen your perspective and appreciation, plus helps us learn from other cultures, he tells us. And as we approach Christmas, (19:35) Pastor Chuck discusses finding comfort and strength from God during a stressful and busy holiday season, with things like the "Luke challenge."

We also talk about being present in the moment, (27:22) having active hobbies, finding solitude, being grateful, and how to be spiritually disciplined especially in our prayer life. Finally, Pastor Chuck describes how he started running marathons at age 50 and (36:30) is now running with his daughter.

I close out the podcast (43:50) with "Food for Thought" - some news tidbits about the growth of wellness tourism and faith-based travel.

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

What are you THANKFUL for? I discuss that, around holidays like Thanksgiving, then our interview with Steve Crooks.

I met him on a recent flight and his story will amaze you. (6:00 mark) Steve talks about a health crisis and accident earlier this year that caused his heart to stop for 15 minutes, putting him in a coma for several days. (11:30) Doctors called him "Miracle Man" and he has a new perspective on life, making changes and saying "Race day is about being vulnerable...so is life."

(16:15) The triathlete and now ultramarathoner discusses being 280 pounds, his turning point, first time to the gym, how he lost 100 pounds, and how others can get started. (19:00) His simple but inspiring message: Tie your Shoes. Steve, who just completed a 50 mile race, gives advice on hos to get started on a weight loss journey, accountability (25:00).

My "Food for Thought" segment includes (32:25) thoughts on Mr. Rogers' neighborhood - the new movie and this man of faith.

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

Our guests are two bodybuilders and personal trainers who met through fitness and got married this year. Loren Fuller is a retired Army Captain turned fitness guru, on the verge of being a pro bodybuilder, and his wife Cathy Fuller is a master instructor at Max Fitness Elite, a gym in Columbus GA.

I start podcast #3 with quick stories about 2 inspiring friends who attempted huge fitness goals. Then, in the interview with the Fullers, they talk about their personal journeys of fitness and faith, (7:30 mark) daily eating and fitness routines.

(11:10) Loren opened up about his transition from the military to a trainer and bodybuilder, (13:00) how he fell in love with Cathy, and their journey of working out and being Christian athletes.

(23:55) Cathy also talks about finding your WHY for getting in shape, finding time to work out, and nutrition necessities. The couple also discusses (28:45) the advantages of working out with a personal trainer, how to enjoy the gym, and (29:57) preparing for bodybuilding competitions.

(42:25) My closing segments include "Food for Thought" and my thoughts on hip hop star Kanye West sharing his faith walk, with his new popular album "Jesus is King."

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

Our first guest for this podcast is longtime Solder Marathon Director Cecil Cheves, a cancer survivor who has completed 15 full Ironman events. He’s an inspiring and fit 70-year-old who wants to honor God.

This military-themed episode starts with highlights of running the very rainy Marine Corps Marathon, then Cecil Cheves shares interesting stories about (9:45) how he got started running in his 40s, (16:00) his battle with prostate cancer, plus how he stays fit at age 70 after battling injuries.

Cecil also talks extensively (20:30) about victories and struggles with his faith, along with tools for anyone to be physically active. It was fascinating to hear him talk about (28:25) Ironman success, adventure races he's finished, (39:30) and how "Lord may I have your grace" is how Cecil tries to approach everything.

(46:00) We close the interview talking with the race director about the 10 year run of the Soldier Marathon. The final one is Sat. November 16 on Fort Benning GA.

Tell others about this new “Run The Race” podcast, rate it and write a review after you listen. Share pictures of how you run your race and include #RunTheRacePodcast. Thank you for listening. For more information, past/future podcasts, go to https://www.wtvm.com/podcast/

Get ready to be motivated and inspired to improve on your fitness and faith walk. Do you want to lose weight? Grow closer to God? Get stronger physically, mentally and spiritually? On this new RUN THE RACE podcast, we’ll focus on how to get started and how to challenge ourselves in all these things.

On this first episode, you’ll hear me get personal, with lessons learned as a veteran TV news anchor, husband and father, avid marathon runner and church builder.

(12:00 mark) Listen to find out how I got started with running and working out. Along the way, there’s been plenty of pain, success, (17:30) even a bathroom fiasco while running across Georgia with a team of friends. (21:50) Getting motivated can be a struggle. Hear WHY your podcast host went from the couch (38:30) to the new goal of running a marathon in all 50 states.

(25:45) We also talk about doing more than talking the talk, putting faith into action. The name of this podcast comes from Hebrews 12:1, which says “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles us. And let us run with perseverance the race marked for us.”

Share pictures of how you run your race of fitness and faith and include #RunTheRacePodcast. Thank you for listening. Tell others about this new “Run The Race” podcast. For more details, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast.