Run The Race

Some may call him marathon man or the "Moses of running" lately. This 58-yr-old proud Christian from Colorado has completed an astounding 456 marathons or ultras in his life. He's on target for his goal of running 100+ marathons or 50Ks in 2025 including the completion of all 50 states several more times!

(2:50) Having met Keegan Haga more than a year ago and run a few races alongside him, I first asked WHY he runs so much, so many marathon. "Because we can." He elaborates, taking me back to his sister motivating him to run that 1st marathon in his mid 40s...and experiencing amazing things on his journey of running all over the USA: https://www.mycoloradolife.net/about/.

(17:05) We dig deeper into the logistics of all these races and the biggest challenges of traveling so much, figuring out where to fly and sleep. In his "year of 50Ks" (as he calls it), Keenan talks about his pace for these races...finally getting a coach to help avoid injuries and do very beneficial strength training...his love of God and people helping run so much...favorite foods before and after marathons...and dealing with all sorts of weather. His previous fear of starting lines was paralyzing at times but the "mainly marathons" family makes it more fun. He's doing all 75 races with them in 2025!

(39:27) Years ago, he left a great network media job in Manhattan for a simpler life in Colorado. 80% happy wasn't enough for Keenan. who has some advice for making that scary and big leap of faith from a maybe "stuck" life to taking big swings at life. (48:33) A big part of his life now is staying Prayed up, seeking out people to share kindness God's love with at races. That faith walk also changed after surviving two bouts of stomach cancer.

(55:03) I asked him his favorite races overseas - quick stories about Milan, majors like Berlin, "Fire and Ice" Iceland. He also shares wisdom about picking marathons in the U.S. - which can be huge like NYC or small and informal like the "mainly" ones: https://mainlymarathons.com/.

Having failed at similar big goals last year, he's stronger and confident this time around, praying through adversity and knowing how God can use imperfect people for mighty things. I close the episode out with some kudos for Keenan, a prayer, and my achievement of a 3 year run streak.

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/.

Closing out National Bike Month with a young man from Auburn who just completed "Bo Bikes Bama" for the 4th time. We have more on that event (started by the famous Bo Jackson) and (5:15) avid cyclist Jared Bowles shares about the importance of doing challenges for causes, this one for storm relief victims in Alabama. It was instilled in him early in life about lessons of discipline - for all of us. Make sure to subscribe to "Run The Race" to hear stories like his of fitness and faith.

(13:40) This single father his fitness journey from swimming at 11 years old to now triathlons. What has his training looked like for his Half Ironmans? He breaks down the numbers for swimming, biking, running...plus being a healthy example for his 4-year-old son.

(22:01) Rebelling at a younger age, Jared's son being born was a wakeup call that got him back into church and exercise! The ups and downs of his health journey included a failed full Ironman, a snow skiing injury, and learning to lean on the Lord more. What does he reflect on about God while running and cycling?

(29:21) The challenges of having his own single family residential construction company and being a single dad means finding balance...and waking up earlier than he wants to bike or run. (33:16) Jared shares a little more of his cycling story, the costs involved with this hobby, what the average bike ride looks like for him...his recent Marine Corps Marathon experience, and aiming for a full Ironman in the future.

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/.

In the heart of this graduation season, one young man took a nontraditional route to his degree and into a life of ministry. Matthew Sanchez is a content creator, entrepreneur, speaker and podcast host who aims to help people step into their God-given purpose. We talk about the Lord changing his mindset of doubt and feeling unworthy...how obedience can bring clarity in knowing God's hand is in what you're doing...overcoming his porn addiction...and how obstacles led to his calling, including an absent father.

(3:25) This dreamer and former special ed student - who struggled in school - talks about graduating from Highlands College (connected to Church of the Highlands), with the goal of continuing to tell stories to help people find your gift and say yes or surrender to our mighty God, who uses broken people. Find out more about him at https://linktr.ee/Iammatthewsanchez?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

He recently became a world champion pizza maker, winning the International Pizza Challenge in Las Vegas, out of 100+ of the best pizzaiolos. And he gives God the glory for it! We chatted while eating a pizza he made for us at the business he's owned for almost a decade, Cerrone's Brick Oven Pizzeria in Columbus GA. Make sure to subscribe to this podcast to hear fun and inspiring conversations about faith, fitness...and food too.

(2:49) Leo DiCesaris discusses his love for pizza, his family roots in Italy, studying how to make pies all over the USA, passion for cooking authentic italian food, plus how you can make dough lighter and more digestible.

(10:38) Leo sees Cerrone's as "God's business." We ask him about that higher calling and giving joy to people through food and fellowship. He also gives some of his keys to a good work-life balance.

(16:09) We then dive into the 2025 International Pizza Challenge: the rules, criteria he and the other pizza chefs were judged on, what was on his WINNING PIZZA (plenty of unique ingredients including a rare pig from Spain) that started with a dough that he created over the course of 2 weeks. (31:41) Listening to worship music while cooking in this competition, pizza champ Leo is glad he now has a worldwide platform to talk about honoring the Lord, and seeking His will. He has some Godly advice for future chefs and restaurant workers dreaming of success in the face of fear and a high probability of failure for pizzerias.

(35:45) And nearly 3 years ago, this pizza business owner got into a horrible head-on collision, leaving him with a list of broken bones. He opens up about that, the full year of recovery, and his super supportive wife. (40:45) Leo is also a big guy, who played offensive tackle in high school and college and arena football - where he got lessons for life that have stuck! He talks about food (like pizza) being fuel for sports too, essential nutrients before and after workouts. And after talking about what I eat before and after long runs and races, I close 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/.

About 1/4 way into the Major League Baseball season, and you may not be a pro, but experts say you can train like one! We talk on this shorter episode about strengthening your core, flexibility, and faith when times get tough - when you're up to bat in life.

Baseball movies teach us lessons. So does discipline when it comes to the principles of fitness and faith. One specific workout called the "hurling exercise" can help with the core aka foundation of your muscles. How about yoga? And the benefits of eating healthier?

The sport is sometimes compared to a religion. Baseball's lessons include the power of teamwork and getting grace from God when we're facing those curveball, fastballs in critical moments of our lives. He can work miracles, coming up to bat for us.

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/.

Nowadays, with people living more sedentary lives, many of us begin losing 1% flexibility each year, starting in our 30s. But did you know proper stretching can help slow down the aging process? And that intravenous hydration can help you deal with energy and a long list of ailments? Our guest recently opened up two separate businesses that provide those services for anyone, including athletes. Subscribe to "Run The Race" to hear weekly insight to help you improve your fitness and faith.

(6:44) Experienced sales associate - in the field of physical therapy, health and wellness - Josh O'Neal is the co-owner of a Hydralive and his newest venture a Stretch Zone, both those in North Columbus GA. He talks about the unique advantages of those businesses...the importance of having better range of motion, even as our bodies get older...the what/why of practitioner-assisted stretching...and being proactive with flexibility.

(19:55) As for jolts of hydration, Josh talks about what that does for your body...additives for that IV...other services at Hydralive like the really cold Cryotherapy. (28:41) He also talks about how a month+ furlough from his job during COVID led to being an entrepreneur who now co-owns these businesses, God opening doors with the help of a partner/nurse.

(41:46) Josh's goal is helping others through enjoying experiences to improve their health. His faith in God drives that passion to focus on the Golden Rule for clients - do onto others as you'd want them to do to you. That also goes for his family and his church, which is why he fights through anxiety on the worship team. (52:10) We close our chats with his favorite parts of co-owning businesses. A lot of it comes down to having "ownership."

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/.

As we head into Good Friday and Easter weekend, a local Pastor joined us to talk about Jesus dying on the Cross and rising again...growing up as a pastor's kid and his own call into ministry...what it was like starting a brand new church...how we can lay down our lives daily, as Jesus died for us...opportunities for churches on Easter...and their year-long prayer chain.

(3:25) The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus was Plan A, but we can't live up to His standard. Pastor Grant Collins of Fountain City Church in Columbus GA explains that and how it applies to our lives.

(13:48) His dad was a longtime pastor, and they were at church a lot. What kind of help does he give Pastor Grant, over the last few decades ago of ministry (also sharing those moments he felt called). And being obedient to God helps you discovery your unique calling.

(27:45) Starting or planting their church 7 years ago, it was scary and their family almost went to Turkey instead. Pastor Grant had a wakeup moment that helped change his definition of faith and lead a mission-focused church without empty religious traditions. He says here are things we can do to take up our cross daily: disown ourselves, be convicted by His Word, put ourselves in God's presence, be rooted in community, have accountability partner(s), get involved in church.

(52:30) Is his church doing Easter different than other Sunday services? Regardless, he knows it's one of the most attended and calls this an opportunity to share the Gospel, connect people with community. Fountain City Church is also leading a 2025 "Unbroken Prayer Chain for the Chattahoochee Valley" which other churches, businesses, small groups, etc. can sign up to pray certain days or weeks to help with what this pastor calls a spiritual "awakening" in this area: https://fountaincity.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2643050.

And Pastor Grant 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/.

Here's a recap of my latest marathon in state #32 of Maryland, near Annapolis. How did I finally break the elusive 4 hours for my finish time in a 26.2 mile race? You can do hard things too if you work hard and put your mind to it. Subscribe to "Run The Race" for more wisdom on fitness and faith.

I talk all about working for the first time with a coach, who helped give me confidence, and how a bunch of members of the Navy did at the B&A Trail Marathon. Meeting the goal also involved diverse and consistent training, a good pace strategy, digging deep, good food, using mantras (like "I can do all things through Christ") and music the right ways, believing and not stopping.

On this shorter episode, you'll also hear about my pre-marathon and post-race tours in Annapolis (US Navy Academy) and Washington DC (inside the Capitol). And travel can be a fun, but also messy, as I learned again. Regardless, God is good!

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/.

She operates a cafe in West Georgia with a motto of "serving coffee with kindness." We could all use that in our world today. Rewind back to what made her focus on loving people out of dark times, this business owner talks about growing up dirt poor with a mom who made life magical with outdoors adventures...leaving everything to hike the Appalachian Trail...making plans to kill herself but why she didn't do it...and the healing power of kayaking. Now, she's opening up a first-of-its-kind venture in the Chattahoochee Valley.

(3:18) The owner of The Brick and Mortar Cafe in Columbus GA first talks about why she left her 3 jobs and sold all her stuff, a decade ago, to set out to hike the AT from Georgia to Maine - and then why she had to stop after nearly 700 miles. The roots of it were depression and proving something to herself and the power to keep moving. And in Maine, she got a job managing a coffee shop that inspired her to open up her own!

(10:00) The mission of her coffee shop in "Old Town" is to love people where they are, put a smile on customers' faces. That comes from the dark place of Heather being suicidal, years ago, and one final phone call stopped her. Brick & Mortar may not be faith-based, but they want to touch people's lives. A small part of that is writing uplifting messages on their coffee cups. Heather also hopes she can inspire/mentor other female entrepreneurs who, like her, may have though these dreams are not achievable. Growing up as a people pleaser, she's also learning to take care of herself. She also talks about how her life changed from losing her mom recently, after being her caregiver, and how the cafe community she build supported her so much.

(24:45) The next business for her is a collaboration with the owner of local italian restaurant Treviolis called "The Collegiate Outpost" inside Columbus Technical College, a new concept for this part of GA. it's not just a place for coffee, sandwiches, pastries, pasta but also designed with a culinary internship program where students can learn skills and get future jobs at area restaurants, cafes.

(27:37) Not owning a TV for the last few decades, Heather loves the outdoors - getting on the water and in the woods for decompression, stress relief, meditation. And Heather gets emotional talking about how her mom showed them how powerful and exciting it is to be out in nature. She also shares some wisdom she's learned from the valleys and mountaintops...her evolving from a judgmental young Christian to a person focused on love instead of legalism...plus some of her favorite coffee drinks. And I close out the episode talking about the pros and cons of coffee for your health and workouts, then a final 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/.

During this Women's History Month and anytime, her job as Associate Brand Manager for Aflac (headquartered in Columbus GA) gives her the opportunity to put women in the spotlight, like when she went to the NCAA women's Final Four last year, among some big names. We also talk on this episode about transitioning from being only to runner to strength training...dealing with the pressures of being a strong woman on the job and in the gym...and how faith brought her out of a path of panic.

After a update on the growth of women's sports, (6:20) Madison Montgomery joins in to talk about her Final Four experience, why it's important to shine the light on female athletes, and her advice for young women.

(17:00) Becoming "too thin" a year ago, Madison has since lifted weights more and hired a nutrition coach. You may be surprised what she's learned about workouts and especially food (and more of it). She also describes the "athlete camp" she recently attended.

(27:18) In her mid 20s and busy juggling school and jobs and being fit...she started having panic attacks which led to depression and thoughts of suicide. She shares her story to help other women who may think they need to portray having it all together. (37:08) And Madison credits getting through dark times to the Lord's grace. She talks about starting her day early through quiet time with God. And she wants to experience as much as she can in life - which recently has helped her see women's sports in a different light.

I close us 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/.