If you think huge goals are unattainable or you're not good enough, so did this week's guest on the "Run The Race" podcast. More than a decade after this abused young man was a cocaine addict and homeless...he's focused on his Christian walk and long distance running, having recently completed his first 100 mile race...but there's pain on the way to the finish line for fitness and faith.

(2:46) I first talked with Randy Murphy, father of 3 in Alabama and new endurance runner, about how we can all overcome injuries as amateur athletes. It's bound to happen. 2 years into his running career, he had an almost completely fractured hip. He didn't know if he'd run again, (10:00) but he has a message for anyone hoping to make a comeback in any sport. Listen to his post-injury lessons learned, especially about not being undertrained, putting enough work/miles in.

(16:25) It was gaining 20 lbs during the Covid pandemic that prompted him to start jogging, fast forwarding to half marathons too quick too. Finding running friends and group runs helped keep him going.

(21:15) Randy also talks in-depth about the similarities of endurance for both ultrarunning (anything over a 26.2 mile marathon) and faith. What do you do when you feel you can't go any further in a workout or a race? As scripture refers too, there's a lot of training and discipline in the Christian walk too, just like for a sport. He gives some examples of how to prepare for those incoming storms in life. (26:33) He's had plenty of obstacles too, on drugs and living in his car during his early 20s. Eventually, he was invited to church, not judged there...and says God supernaturally took away his desire for those substances. Now, he strives to be the father he didn't have.

(37:30) As for running longer distances, he previously thought people that ran 50 or 100 mile races were crazy, but now finds it very fulfilling. Listen to the episode to hear his full recap of the Pinhoti 100 in Alabama, which he completed 1 year after his hip surgery. He breaks down feeling good for 75 miles, then the sleep-deprived Randy couldn't even run much because of calf pain, in tears the last few miles and at the finish line, after a 28 hour journey.

(50:30) Runner Randy also has advice for others about setting big goals, not feeling good enough, our bodies and minds capable of so much more as we chip away at challenges through hard work. (56:25) I close out the pod 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/.

Ever been to New Orleans or Louisiana? First time for me, and on this shorter episode, I break down what it was like running the Louisiana Marathon in Baton Rouge...plus all the sights, music, and food in New Orleans before and after the race. You'll hear some of those bands too on the pod. Make sure to subscribe to "Run The Race" for more inspiring, fun talk on fitness and faith!

It was a marathon in state #26 for me, my 3rd fastest 26.2 mile race so far, in almost 8 years of running races this distance. After running through local neighborhoods and LSU, the gumbo and jamabalya at the epic finish line festival were delicious too! There's other seafood to talk about too, along with the awesome and hip Frenchman Street in New Orleans - which I liked better than the rowdier Bourbon Street in the French Quarter where I stayed. To God be the glory for finishing another race, plus safe travels there and back.

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/.

We all want more money, but are you managing your finances properly now, the way the Bible directs us? What are your family's economic goals for this New Year? This Alabama native, mom of 4, and 4th generation entrepreneur has some expert advice on budgets, saving, giving, what God says about money, and "kingdom economics."

(3:40) Charline Oworu will be teaching free sessions on blueprints and "Financial Foundations for Building Your Year" this Saturday afternoon, January 20, at the Columbus GA public library on Macon Road. What does God and money have to do with each other? Charline describes what Kingdom Economics is, which involves financial discipline and giving to help advance His Kingdom. And there are also other tithes besides money, she says.

(9:33) She also breaks down the basics of budgeting like a recipe and (14:35) talks about making small realistic goals for 2024. Maybe changes with your Starbucks purchases? Charline explains how an emergency fund and small adjustments can lead to financial peace, which can help with your physical and spiritual health too. Tell your money what to do!

(20:40) God is our provider - when our motives are aligned with his - but she asks, what will you do "when the riches are released?" As a mother and as a teacher of financial classes for young people, she has quick lessons about investing in things you believe in, delayed gratification, and helping others.

This entrepreneur (33:25) wants to see others prosper but she has a few specific things anyone can do to learn, improve, and get other people to know about the product or service you provide. (37:38) Charline closes our chat with more specifics on what The Bible says about money, investing, filling needs, being successful. (49:00) I close 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/.

"Serving Christ in the Community" is the longtime slogan (and jingle) of the nonprofit Valley Rescue Mission, which our guest Mike Gaymon came out of retirement to help lead nearly a year ago, as President/CEO. He has some advice for you about getting rid of the stuff/hurt in your ditch...faith where you're at, like at your job...how a good economy can be ministry...and following callings to serve God and others! Make sure to subscribe to this podcast too.

(3:05) Gaymon, who was the top leader at the Chamber of Commerce in several states for nearly 40 years (26 years in Columbus GA). this preacher's kid felt a calling from God to serve the mission and the needy in this season. He has some personal stories on that. (9:45) His steps for letting God use you and your faith include: plant where God puts you, know your strengths, serve God not man, be honest, do the right thing for the right reasons. Mike also talks about hope...and vision!

(14:42) After people have been in the "giving spirit" over the holiday season, the needs are still there at the start of 2024. It's about giving a hand up, not a handout. How can you take care of the needy where you are? How are your donations spent? The Bible talks plenty about serving others.

(19:29) Hear what the Valley Rescue Mission has been doing for the last 60 years, with a high success rate of helping drug addicts too. Even the 2023 numbers are staggering. Mike talks about ways you can use your gifts and time to help people seen as "outcasts."

(28:18) He also wrote a book called "A View From the Backhoe," short stories sure to inspire you. Mike and all of us have stagnant water in our ditch - hurts, anger, disappointment - that needs to be cleaned out, replaced with fresh water. Symbolic, right. How did he do just that? A big part of it is letting God use you, following His Will.

(36:26) Way back, Mike was also a basketball coach at a junior college, seeing a door shut...surrendering to God...then a door opened. In life since, he's still been coaching those in economic development and now in the nonprofit ministry.

(44:03) Valley Rescue Mission will be delivering coats to those who need them soon from our WTVM annual coat drive that ends Wednesday January 10. Here's how you can donate: https://www.wtvm.com/2023/12/19/wtvm-partners-with-local-businesses-host-coat-drive/. Mike encourages you to find a place where you can make a difference and impact, where you live! If you want to volunteer or give to their Mission, here's all the info you need: https://www.valleyrescuemission.org/

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/.

It's now 2024! Make any New Year's Resolutions? I didn't either. We can always make goals - now and later this month/year. How do we make them stick? Why do we want to improve, physically and/or spiritually? I have some expert analysis on going after your dreams, big and small, with some important tools.

Hear what grit is and several steps on how to have more of it in your life. Being gritty will help you bypass excuses and push past the tough times. One blogger also says, instead of chasing self-improvement, we should pursue faithfulness. What does that look like in your life and the things you do on a daily basis? And God also wants to be with us, giving Himself away which is grace. As we start this new year, I dig a little deeper into the verse "Grace to you and peace be multiplied" (1 Peter 1:2).

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/.

Just days away from some of the biggest sporting events of the year, college football playoff and bowl games, our guest gives us some expert analysis on some of them...and quick predictions! The host of the popular, national show "Late Kick Live with Josh Pate" also has plenty to say about "grinding" and working hard to achieve dreams, promoting faith and God in subtle ways, SEC football culture, and finding time to workout - even at top notch gyms at big universities.

(5:39) Josh Pate, who's from West Georgia and got his start in broadcasting here, had a homemade show that took off - giving him opportunities to work for 247 sports and CBS sports covering college football (still underserved he says) on a national level. Is it ok to root for multiple teams? Hear his answer plus airport stories involving the Iron Bowl, Alabama at Auburn.

(10:45) He got some lucky breaks to achieve success, but talks about the value of working hard, paying your dues. Josh discusses how him seeing live streams on social media and YouTube changed his life and career! Now, thousands and thousands are listening to this "shy" guy. (21:15) Do people care what you have to say? Will passionate fans shut up to listen to you? He also has perspective, coming from humble beginning including a fabric warehouse.

(28:44) Growing up in church in Georgia, Josh talks about how faith drives his decisions and the culture of his show, with mentions of God you may barely catch - by design. He explains. And is it OK to pray for your team to win?

(33:37) We dig deeper into the SEC football culture and so-called SEC bias in the media. That leads to quick talk about huge conference changes on the way, with Josh thinking we are headed to a Big 2. There's also a made-up university called "Pate State" with it's own swag and where our guest may be the Chancellor. You'll hear the origins of this powerful marketing tool.

(41:33) We also do some quick hits, with Josh Pate giving his take a predictions on who will win these games happening this Friday through New Year's Day:

Clemson vs Kentucky in the Gator Bowl

Missouri vs Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl

Auburn vs Maryland in the Music City Bowl

Georgia vs Florida State in the Orange Bowl

Alabama vs Michigan in the Rose Bowl and CFP semifinal

Texas vs Washington in the Sugar Bowl and also CFP semifinal

(52:20) We wrap up the chat with some talk about showing off muscles in the white shirts he's always wearing, opportunities to work out in the nicest facilities the day before college football games, how fitness helps him in covering coaches and players, plus dabbling in the "death march" of future SEC football schedules. (1:02:07) I close out the episode 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/.

Merry Christmas to you and your family! As you travel to and from different places to celebrate...as you do holiday shopping...as you clean up your house for guests...give a listen to these almost 20 songs, many of them holiday classics....so this is like an hour long album!

We've done the J&J Christmas Music Extravaganza the last two Decembers, with my co-host on those episodes, music producer & singer-songwriter Justin Belew - in the studio he owns, Bibb City Sound in Columbus GA. This special pod has many of those duets and solos by us + special guests. There are also some NEW songs by your "Run The Race" host and a Christmas song by one of our recent guests, Platinum-selling artist Mark Schultz.

(3:08) Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Jason solo, acapella

(4:29) We Wish You A Merry Christmas - Justin & Jason duet, guitar

(7:05) Mary Did You Know - Justin Belew solo & piano

(9:32) Different Kind Of Christmas - 2018 by Mark Schultz

(13:05) Tender Tennessee Christmas - guest singer-songwriter Tim Maggart solo and guitar

(15:13) Joy To The World - J&J duet, piano

(18:14) The Christmas Song - Jason solo, Belew on piano

(22:35) Jingle Bells - J&J duet, piano

(24:29) Silent Night - acapella solo by WTVM news co-anchor Barbara Gauthier

(30:44) Let It Snow - J&J duet, piano

(33:26) All I Want For Christmas - Justin doing Mariah Carey

(34:33) (There's No Place Like) Home For The Holidays - Jason solo, Belew on piano

(38:02) O Holy Night - instrumental, Justin on violin

(41:06) O Come All Ye Faithful - J&J duet

(45:16) Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer - J&J duet

(48:03) Mele Kalikimaka - Jason duet, Belew on ukulele

(51:10) A Way In A Manger - solo & guitar by Justin, original song by Belew & Tim Maggart

(54:42) Christmas Time Is Here (from Charlie Brown) - J&J duet, piano

(57:37) I'll Be Home For Christmas - Jason solos acapella

Closing this special 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/.

After serving in the Marine Corps, this week's "Run The Race" guest may not be active duty but he's extremely active, aiming to run 50 marathons this year alone. How does he do it at almost 70 years old? Listen to find out, and make sure to subscribe to this pod for inspiring stories about fitness and faith!

(4:38) Colonel (Ret) Hank Donigan - who joined me from Honlulu after his latest 26.2 mile marathon there - first talked about continuing to run even amidst brain surgery this past summer. He talks the benefits of running for our overall health and stress, helping people like him face depression and anciety. (9:25) He opens up about PTSD, after his numerous deployments overseas, and how the scars can be unseen.

(13:48) COL Donigan has been running around a marathon per week, on average, for the last 7 years. First, what was his motivation to run as a Marine then beyond the military? He talks about setting an example as a leader, being physically fit. Now, at 68 years old, the extreme volume of long distance running is a litmus test for his health plus a way to motivate others of any age. He gives us a quick recap of the latest one in Hawaii.

We dive into (21:45) his three decade career as a Marine full of adventure, with prayers getting him through peril. (29:45) Fast forward to his 60s, how is he able to still be in good enough shape to run so much? There's inflammation, arthritis...but "Hammerin Hank" (as he's known) explains how a big change in his diet helped him overcome that pain and run as long as he wants. Hint: it involves meat and a certain kind of smoothie. He also has a message for people as they get older, that it's never too late to get started...with small steps.

(37:56) Donigan talks about the emotions of running the Marine Corps Marathon, which he's finished 24 in a row now. He's also run the Boston Marathon 3 times, in the city where he grew up. (43:58) Most importantly, his running allows him to fundraise for The Semper Fi Funds, benefiting wounded warriors and their families. In our chat, he talks about what they endure and visiting Marines in the hospital. Here's more on the cause and how you can give: https://runsignup.com/Race/47358/Donate/rpy06X1vBee5NBTB?fbclid=IwAR2y8WSL-Z4HzZQK-EVUX7gOug3FyVzFUJibQBdztWtDqXk_6scwpUREn14.

(51:38) As a young marine, after running his first full ironman triathlon, this star athlete almost left the military to pursue the Olympics. But a deployment to Beirut changed him. On the heels of hundreds of marines killed, his unit landed on Grenada to liberate the island. Despite facing that trauma, he stayed in the Marines. Decades later, he dedicates miles in those marathons to wounded warriors and heroes who gave their lives for us. He still teaches at the Marine Corps Command and Staff College on Camp Pendleton.

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/.

Platinum-selling Christian singer-songwriter Mark Schultz, who's had ten number 1 hits, has been a storyteller through music for many years. On this episode, he shares stories about his life, songs and growing family. (1:25) We start with a taste of one of his popular songs "Remember Me."

(5:33) Mark discusses how he got into music, without piano lessons, and thanks to those jingles on TV commercials. Even as a kid, he dreamed of performing for big audiences and just wanted his songs to be on the radio. He discovered the power of music in stirring emotions. Now, he continues traveling the USA, playing in front of many people...songs he wrote in a room by himself.

(13:22) Why Christian music? Mark's journey from Kansas to Nashville eventually led him to meeting a youth pastor while he was a waiter. A pepper eating contest with him and a ski trip with the youth group...led to some of his most famous songs. He was watching God work in the lives of these kids and their parents! (19:04) And how does he come up with lyrics? Mark explains how he plays emotions on the piano, then words come. The artist discusses how "Remember Me" was originally a graduation song and "Letters From War" was about his grandmother's letters, a tune that the Army took on as an anthem.

(28:51) Mark and I met at the Sound Choices Pregnancy Clinic gala (an organization that helps birth moms in crisis) in Columbus GA a few months ago. Mark himself is adopted, saying he eventually concluded he was born out of love! Mark and his wife have 4 kids of their own now, adopting 2 of them. He has a passion for helping raise $$ for those who help promote adoption over abortion. As an adopted kid, he was so driven to succeed and earn his parents' love, playing many sports including being QB...but he's learned that being a son or daughter is enough. He compared it to the different mindsets in "Chariots of Fire."

(39:00) This singer also enjoys biking. One of the most meaningful things he's done in life is a 3500 mile bike road across America in 2007, raising a lot of $$ for orphans and women in distress. He's got some funny stories from that road trip. Each year, he takes on a new personal challenge. The latest one is a new Children's book with the same title of maybe his most famous song "I Am." He's rekindling the passion for writing songs that move him too.

(46:15) Mark Schultz also talks about this podcast title "Run The Race" and how one of his songs is based on the same verse in Hebrews. (50:39) He closes us out in prayer, then we briefly discuss his latest single, a hymnal that people of all ages know, (56:57) "Jesus Paid It All" - which you can hear the entire song at the end of this pod episode.

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/.

We have a lot to be THANKFUL for. Thank you for listening to this podcast. Hope it inspires you and that you subscribe to "Run The Race." People will watch a lot of football before, during and after Thanksgiving feasts. This week's guest knows a lot about that sport...and faith in God!

(2:58) He's the current University of Alabama football team Chaplain, who was an All-American defensive back for the Tide under Coach Bear Bryant, and went on to play 6 seasons in the NFL. My chat with Jeremiah Castille opens up with his take on the Iron Bowl, this Saturday's Bama at Auburn game, which he calls the greatest rivalry in college football! How does he think both teams will respond? And he explains why he took it "personal" the 4 Iron Bowls he played in.

(8:20) We talk about what he does at practices and on game days as team chaplain, with chapel hours before every game, scripture and themes like the one this year: "A Season of Greatness." Jeremiah talks about how God uses sports like football as a tool to put your faith into practice! As he went up against bigger players often, his mantra was the scripture "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

(12:12) In the 2nd grade, he told a teacher he was going to play pro football. How did he know? And hear why he encourages kids, anyone to Dream Big. And Jeremiah talks about playing for the legendary Coach Bear Bryant at Bama who he describes as a "Champion" (each of those letters comes with a certain attribute we can all take with us).

(16:28) This former Bama star intentionally witnesses to his teammates with the Tampa Bay Bucs and Denver Broncos, explaining how/where he learned to share his faith, using football as a platform for spreading God's Good News, not being loud but living out his faith. It wasn't easy, as Jeremiah's mom was an alcoholic who eventually turned her life around.

(23:38) Speaking of family, his legacy of faith involves 3 daughters and 3 sons, one of whom was the lead in the movie "Woodlawn" (God opening a door) and has been in a big CBS show now for 4 seasons. (28:32) He also explains how they use free football camps to invest, influence, impact and inspire the next generation through the Jeremiah Castille Foundation. Learn more: https://www.castillefoundation.org/.

(31:45) We talk briefly about his favorite place in the world, Israel, (33:35) Jeremiah closes our episode in prayer, then he gives quick rundown of his current fitness routine, 30+ years since his NFL career.

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/.