Run The Race

By WTVMHealth & Fitness Religion & Spirituality

Run The Race episodes

August 26, 2025 #259: Sgt "Big Country" Goes From Losing Leg To Pro Para Athlete, From Army to Adaptive Sports
A decade after injuries ended his Army career, a man known as “SGT Big Country” is succeeding in adaptive sports – with parts of his legs missing – and placing 3rd at track and field nationals recently in seated disc throw, while a documentary about his inspiring journey will be streaming soon.
(2:38) Disabled veteran and Pro Para athlete Brian Conwell took a break from training and hopped on our podcast to talk about the major crash, dark days/years of depression that followed and teaching himself to walk again…
(9:13) what the military taught him about resilience and fitness, as he overcame news from doctors and misconceptions of disability…
(13:51) his adaptive sports journey that could land him on Team USA in the Paralympics, including competing against the best this summer in Oregon, what his average training days look like in the gym and with throwing coach…
(22:40) being determined and pushing past limitations, inspiring others in the process and how he hopes to get a lot of other disabled veterans involved in sports through his nonprofit “Veterans Battlegrounds” with a sanctioned competition featuring a dozen+ sports planned for 2028: https://vbgg.org/.
SGT “Big Country” Conwell also talked about making that comeback with prosthetics after the wreck, plus (35:00) what he learned from the Army about resilience, values, hard work, leadership that’s helped him to get where he is today. See more of him in action: https://www.instagram.com/sgtbigcountry/?hl=en.

52 min
August 19, 2025 #258: Chiropractor Climbing to Honor 9/11 Fallen Firefighters, Helping Sports Teams & Your Body Too
It's been almost 24 years since the attacks on America that tragic day of September 11, 2001. Columbus GA is hosting its inaugural Memorial Stair Climb at the Columbus Civic Center on Saturday morning, September 6 and the organizer of that event is my "Run the Race" guest. Dr. Ken Calain also talks about the cause that event with 2,200 steps benefits...how he helps people as a chiropractor...having that medical role for 3 local semi or pro teams in town...being a father of 8 kids and more.
(3:20) If you want to or can climb the equivalent of 110 flights of stairs - like each of the World Trade Center towers - then register for this event for only $45 with the proceeds going to the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation: http://colga911stairclimb.org/.
You have until Wednesday/tomorrow August 20 to be guaranteed a shirt after signing up. You can also donate to this great cause. Dr. Calain talks about how the organization spends money raised to help honor, assist (families, first responders) and prevent future tragedies/accidents involving heroes like our firefighters, some of which will do this stair climb in their full gear.
(13:08) Dr. Calain is also involved with F3, a national mens group focused on fitness, fellowship and faith. How and when can you get involved locally?
(18:21) We dig deeper into what people can expect when they go see a chiropractor like him. And he deals less with pain...more with pressure on your nerves, degeneration, inflexibility from lack of physical activity. His job: help your body function at 100% or closer to that. You'll hear his story about a grandmother dropping her cane and inspiring him to help others the same way. And doing adjustments, alignments in not like what you see in some of those viral videos.
(25:40) It's also interesting how he takes care of athletes in different ways as team chiropractor: hockey players for the Columbus Riverdragons, members of the Columbus Lions arena football team, and baseball players on the new Braves AA affiliate Columbus Clingstones. (31:44) He also stays busy as a father of 8 kids, combined with his wife - as they pass on a legacy of fitness and faith. And finally, he has some advice when it comes to serving in your community! I close our episode out in prayer.
Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and all past episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.
48 min
August 13, 2025 #257: Alaska Adventure of Hiking, Animals, Running (Marathon), Food, Rafting - Travel Ideas For You
It was our first time to Alaska! This is a recap of running a marathon in state #36 for me but so much more in the "final frontier."
Check out this solo episode with travel ideas for when you and your family go to the 49th state, but also plenty of stories about adventures with my son: flightseeing over the massive 6 million acre Denali National Park and landing/walking on a snowy glacier...running the race amidst mountains in the Alaska capital of Juneau (and where this one ranks out of 40 marathons so far)...going on several hikes, more than a dozen miles and thousand of feet of elevation, plus God's beauty what we saw at the top each time...rare sightings of Denali summit...seeing Alaskan sled dogs in action, with stories from a 4-time Iditarod champ...feeing reindeer and highland cattle at a farm...why Hatcher Pass was our favorite in hiking boots...how to get around Alaska...rafting down the river next to a big glacier in Juneau...and the different food we ate during our exciting trip (naming names of restaurants).
Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast, which I hope you'll subscribe to! Share it with your friends. Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and listen to any previous episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.
42 min
July 31, 2025 #256: New Miss Georgia Making Christ Known + Fueling, As She Competes For Miss America Crown
She won Miss Georgia in June and she will compete to be Miss America in early September but says there are other wins besides the crown, namely amplifying the Gospel of Christ through the opportunities on this journey. On this podcast (subscribe), Audrey Kittila opens up about winning...being a UGA student...how food/fuel is a top priority in he journey to stay fit, strong...her message to others about chasing dreams....her passions for music and education and speech...traveling as Miss GA and preparations for the next even bigger event.
(2:48) The 80th Miss Georgia, Audrey Kittila, talks about that moment she found out she was crowned the winner in Columbus. This platform also allowing her to share about her priority: To know Christ and to make Him known. She also shares about support from her home church in Alpharetta and what her top prayer was when she started as a UGA student 4 years ago.
(10:47) Fueling her body! She says that means eating what she wants in moderation. Audrey talks about the different sides of fitness within Miss Georgia and America. What are her favorite foods and how is a new personal trainer helping her? As for being spiritually and artistically fit, music also gives her a chance to share what she's feeling and her faith - playing violin and singing on big stages.
She's championing the message (19:47) "Chase your dreams." She didn't grow up in pageants, but hopes to inspire others during her reign and also as a future speech pathologist, with a little more left to get her Masters from UGA. Audrey also explains how her community service initiative "Education For All" is helping people enjoy learning more and reducing GA dropout rates.
We also dive into (28:19) the busy travel schedule as Miss Georgia, taking a "zoom out" approach, keeping a prayer journal throughout her 4 years of pageant competitions, and the sisterhood encouragement in that process. How's she preparing this final month before Miss America? It's September 2-7 in Orlando.
She also has advice for others facing fears or big challenges. (38:29) We wrap up the chat with what she wants her legacy to be as Miss Georgia...how the crown works for this taller young lady...how girls can compete for Miss GA 2026...and misconceptions about the pageant world.
Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and all past episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.
51 min
July 22, 2025 #255: Policeman Power Lifter Sets Record With 656 Lb Bench Press, Breaks Down His Training & Gym Passion
Police officer by day, power lifter when off duty, he just recently lifted or bench pressed 656 pounds! That's a new record at the competition he was at in Birmingham - the World Police and Fire Games. How does that strength fit into his law enforcement job? What's his training and meals look like? How can the rest of us have a similar "never satisifed" mindset in the gym?
(2:50) Sgt Garrett Williams, a 17 year veteran of the Columbus Police Dept (in GA), talks about the excitement of winning gold at that world event, but he quickly was like "What's next?" We also discuss how he started getting into power lifitng as a "short fat kid" in middle school.
(9:42) Being big and strong can also be a valuable weapon as a police officer, as the Sgt explains. Along with the exercise culture at CPD, he also gives details about food intake - which, for him, can be as a much as 6,800 calories per day. That number is dropping quite a bit lately, to drop some weight off his 390 pound frame. What are his go-to and cheat foods? (15:45) Garrett also gets into how often he goes to the gym, hours put in at Body Evolution in Columbus...pain involved with all the training...benefits of working out with other strongmen...why he enjoys the gym culture so much...struggles he's faced over a dozen years of consistently power lifting.
(23:57) Back in May, he also placed 1st in the super heavyweight division, winning Georgia Strongest Man, but now is kinda retiring from most competitions. It's about the journey! That journey included playing college football...and now getting cheered on by his fellow police officers, receiving messages from around the world after his 656 pound record in a video that's gone somewhat viral, and a supportive wife (their 14th wedding anniversary on that competition day).
After a little about his police job and how he may rep the force in Australia in 2027 to try and break his own record, (35:56) Garrett gives us insight into the mental toughness aspect of power lifting - subconsciously going inward with muffled sounds, when he's getting hyped up to lift - and resilience, bravery needed for police work too. Again, big congrats to Sgt Williams! Follow him on instagram to see amazing lifting videos at gwill_world_class. And closing out the episode in prayer.
Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast, which I hope you'll subscribe to! Share it with your friends. Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and listen to any previous episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.
48 min
July 17, 2025 #254: Superman, Jesus, and Superhero Strength (New Movie's Parallels with Faith & Fitness)
The new Superman movie just hit theaters and there's renewed talk about parallels between the famous superhero and spiritual figures like Jesus. I saw the movie. It's a message of hope in a dark world. On this solo episode of "Run The Race" (make sure to subscribe), along with faith symbolism on the big screen, I also talk about how you can get jacked up with workouts like the latest actor playing the Man of Steel.
Since Superman was created by a pair of Jewish teens almost 90 years ago, there have been Biblical parallels to the story. Hear some of those specific examples...but also know, fictional superheroes cannot save us and we do not need to be Superman. We can only try to be the best version of ourselves, with the gifts God gave us.
I've got some quotes from some other Superman movies about being the "light of the world" and Americans not "needing a savior" along with Bible verses that correlate. And are we headed to a Christian and American revival? There are some ways this new film makes Superman cool again, and the church too. And check out my review of the latest blockbuster movie.
On this episode, we also dig a little into how actor David Correnswet built muscle mass and put on 40 pounds for the epic role, including how much he ate daily, a breakdown of those nearly daily workouts, music to get pumped up to, and what exercises you can do to be like Superman.
Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and all past episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.
27 min
July 10, 2025 #253: Equipping People Into The HARVEST, Leader of Ministry Went From Prodigal To Prayer Closet
From music and spreading the Gospel to transforming prayer and lessons from sports...this episode of "Run The Race" has it all. A ministry serving West GA and East AL is rebranding from "Take The City" to "Harvest Movement." Their leader is this week's guest, Jeremy Northington sharing about that transition and the Biblical meaning of the new name...plus his past prodigal sinful ways leading to a life-changing moment in a new prayer closet...and how fatherhood, sports, fitness are changing his lifestyle lately.
(2:20) Following my own call from God, I first talk about a meaningful song, on the radio these day, and even sing my version of "Flowers," to hopefully uplift you when going through difficult times. Then, learn a lot more about this ministry leader.
(9:27) Harvest Movement's new President talks about the evolution from outreach to more missional opportunities that include coffee, restoring lives, revitalizing communities. What if it's awkward to talk to strangers about Jesus? Jeremy had that same fear and explains how their ministry gets you ready in a non-intimidating way to fulfil our mission. there will be a Harvest Rebrand open house and celebration with worship, food, drink this Saturday July 12 (from 10am-2pm) at 2910 2nd Avenue in Columbus GA. Find out more about the nonprofit, how to get involved and support them at https://www.harvestmovement.org/.
(19:58) As a rebellious teen, Jeremy strayed from the Lord - alcohol, drugs, sex - then had a moment in 2016, while desperate and broken, that led him to create a prayer closet. Hear his powerful testimony of transformation!
(28:25) Along with starting a business a decade ago, Jeremy really loves being a dad, which also leads to him coaching his son. He talks about sports correlating with ministry. (37:56) And now he's on a new fitness and health journey, feeling like God's calling him to eat better and be in better shape - to be able to achieve all that the Lord has planned for Jeremy. Time to say Yes to the Holy Spirit! (47:17) And he closes us in prayer.
Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast, which I hope you'll subscribe to! Share it with your friends. Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and listen to any previous episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.
50 min
July 03, 2025 #252: Running with American Flag in 700+ Races, Billy Richards Carries The Burden of Fellow Veterans
With this episode coming out on the the eve of the 4th of July, it makes sense that the guest is all about the American flag, In fact, this military veteran has carried it on nearly 750 races across almost 12,000 miles. Incredible! Why and how does he do it? Give this a listen and subscribe to the podcast, tell others about #RunTheRace.
(3:54) I met Billy Richards (from NY) at "mainly marathon" races last year and again last month during my 3 races of 26.2 miles in 3 days. He did 11 straight 50Ks. He talks about carrying the USA flag and/or a ruck sac to symbolize carrying the burden of veterans. Your body can do more than you think. He slows the intensity and can run a lot more, and more days.
His experience (10:26) as a former Marine and Army paratrooper made for a tough transition to civilian life, like many vets. Working out compulsively helped, but there was no purpose behind it. It became a "mission" when he carried those items like the American flag at all these fitness challenges. Billy also describes some of the crazy parts of the "Death Race" team event.
(23:54) This personal trainer also describes pushing your body, getting lost and in the zone with a task like running 100 miles. You'll want to hear his story about his legs not working and him ending up in the hospital after his first race that distance. Then, he almost broke the world record for most 100 milers completed in 1 year - which led to hop surgery.
(36:50) Running for a cause can be an extra motivator for all of us. For Billy now, it's Operation Vest, who helps provide counseling services for veterans to prevent suicides. Donate here: https://www.operationvest.org/campaign/billyrichards/.
After we talk about the true meaning of freedom, with this holiday here...and also his current/future goals...i close out the pod in prayer.
Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and all past episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.
53 min
June 25, 2025 #251: My Marathon Triple in 3 Days Across New England - Recap of Running and Touring VT, NH, ME
I did it! A lot of Firsts for me earlier this month. This solo episode of "Run the Race" is the recap of me running 3 marathons (26.2 miles) in 3 days in 3 different states in New England. That's 80 miles over the span of 15.5 miles of races. God made us to do hard things!
You'll hear the ins and outs of my trips to run in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine - three states I'd never been to before this either. In this shorter pod, you'll hear about inspiring new long distance runners I got to meet and run with...shirts and food with a purpose...finish times that got progressively slower...music (80s and worship) to pump me up and even sing out loud to during the marathons...scenery and obstacles on the race courses...running for others...how my body held up those 3 days...ice baths and fueling in between each marathon.
I close out with my tours of these states including the longest covered bridge in the nation that takes you into NH...a farm with fresh Vermont maple syrup...a unique mill-turned in that I stayed and ate at...hitting the beach and a Presidents' home on the Maine coast...historic lighthouses...and lobster rolls! And i pray.
Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast, which I hope you'll subscribe to! Share it with your friends. Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and listen to any previous episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.
27 min
June 20, 2025 #250: Two Dads Discover "Sermons On The Side" in Everyday Life + Restoration in Addiction Recovery
For our 250th episode, we have a special duo sharing a lot about their up-and-down journey to redemption. These guys have both had leadership roles in churches for decades. They find God lessons in everyday life...have faced adversity with both recovering from addictions, one of them also battling cancer and the other losing his marriage, but they lean on faith and each other and their family and music to live life to the fullest. Make sure to subscribe to "Run the Race" and theirs too.
(4:32) Chaplain Richard Moore and Brad Williams recently started their own podcast "Sermons on the Side" which I highly recommend and they had me on as a recent guest: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sermons-on-the-side/id1795709466. They talk about the real meaning behind the name of their weekly show...and how church is important but their are huge experiences that happen beyond the 4 walls.
(14:22) Brad is a father of 3 now, including a newborn. Hear why he thinks parenthood can reveal our selfishness and how to play "zone defense." Grandfather Richard and his wife have a combined 5 adult children and gives us some wisdom on how being a son of our Heavenly Father can inform all out relationships.
(25:52) Brad learned he had testicular cancer at the same time they got their most recent positive pregnancy test. Along with his health journey, he explains why their baby's name Lily Grace is Biblically significant. Richard also gets vulnerable about, after 30 years in ministry roles, his "secret life" was revealed - an addiction (porn and struggle with lust) and "D-day" that led to trauma for his family and a broken marriage. But God. Don't miss how he's discovered, through a 16-year recovery so far, the surrender to the Lord trumps fear and shame because it leads to the ultimate freedom and a new identity in Christ.
(44:05) Brad and Lisa - name of their music group, and they lead worship at a church in Harris County - have had their own marriage struggles and addiction challenges, that they sing about. I play portions of "Only You Can" on this episode: https://open.spotify.com/album/1f5aOlMYf7rdSMOjKjeAW5. Both these men are part of a weekly recovery group, knowing how vital community is to create change vs. trying to solve problems in isolation!
(57:30) Both music and mentoring are powerful tools that Richard and Brad love talking about.
(1:13:05) Love having these guys on. I close out in prayer. Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and all past episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.
1 hr 17 min

About Run The Race

From the publisher's feed

On your journeys of fitness and faith, we are helping you stay motivated to be stronger physically and spiritually on the new RUN THE RACE podcast. Host Jason Dennis - veteran WTVM news anchor,…