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/.

I completed the challenge, finishing 2 marathons (26.2 mile races) in 2 consecutive days in 2 states (New Mexico and Colorado). This shorter podcast episode is a fun recap of those races and the travel to the Southwest U.S. Check out the episode to hear about my higher volume training to take on this challenge...being halfway through the 50 state challenge now...crossing the same bridge 24 times in my Farmington NM race...extreme cold and hot soaking (aka Purgatory) for quick recovery between marathons...great people and food spread with the organizers Mainly Marathons...fighting elevation (5500 feet above sea level) and mental fatigue at 2nd race in Durango CO...focusing on God through the struggle...ringing the bell at the fun finish...enjoying the travels and scenery all through New Mexico...doing my own tour in Albuquerque of sites from our favorite show Breaking Bad...and what's next! I close episode #180 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 being a fitness instructor for nearly two decades and a mom for almost that long, add entrepreneur to this woman's resume as she wants you to glove up for some boxing group workouts to get in shape! This all comes years after she beat cancer. And she's got some advice to help you get moving. (2:53) Helena Coates has been leading group fitness classes since 2005. She talks about why she's so passionate about being in the gym and helping others...wanting to look a certain way, enjoying the community, but also the way fitness makes her feel through the ups and downs of life. The goal: make people feel comfortable coming to the gym. Why are people motivated to work out or unmotivated? She gives a list. (11:00) Facing stage 4 cancer - spreading in her body - in her early 40s, Helena beat it but then just finishing a workout was extremely difficult, after being a gym rat since she was 13. This mom of 3 also said the cancer battle was mental too. (17:32) Now, she and her husband have bought 4 franchises of Rumble Boxing in Alabama, the latest one in Auburn. What happens in this boutique fitness studio? She gives the details. It includes gloves, "rounds" during the group workout, fun music, and the opportunity to take frustration out on a soft bag. It's part of changing trends in the fitness industry. (28:28) This fitness guru also is very involved in many organizations, nonprofits in Columbus GA, chairing some boards. She's involved in Uptown Columbus Inc which just brought the international kayaking competition to the rapids of the Chattahoochee River (called canoeing overseas). What kind of strength and endurance do kayakers doing tricks need? She also talks about affecting change through action, being part of teams in the community to help make a difference. (37:50) Faith also drives our decisions to make positive changes in the world around us, a desire that was sparked for her while attending BYU. Helena talks about it being a moral compass for her, setting priorities straight, her faith helping her make decisions, wanting to be a better person, and looking at fitness holistically. (45:45) We also dive into her being a certified scuba diver, an adventurous hobby allowing her to do some shark dives and also see some amazing things underwater. Hiking and other fitness, she points out, can also open doors to some fascinating experiences, views. (52:34) 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/.

I talk to other people every week on this podcast, about fitness and faith. This episode, you'll get to hear a lot about my journey of running and walk with God. (2:53) In Spring of 2020, three years ago, veteran podcast host Denny Krahe had me on his show, and vice versa (links to both below). He got me to open up about my favorite running/race distance, the ins and outs of my training for marathons. (15:10) In this conversation with Denny aka Diz, I also talk about how I got started in running and eventually moved to the challenge of trying to run a marathon (26.2 miles) in all 50 states. Fun way to see the world! (30:32) Our chat came right in the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic, so Denny asked me about finding ways to still exercise while "social distancing" and also virtual races like CRAW (he and I were on the same team for a virtual race around the world). (36:29) We close that chat with the origins of my "Run The Race" podcast, which was 1 year old at that point, and what I continue to learn from my guests like Denny - who talked about injury prevention, run training at more on my pod. Here's that episode, also from 3 years ago: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/42-helping-you-prevent-injuries-as-we-run-diz-world/id1485963489?i=1000494802598. And make sure to check out the Diz Runs podcast and website, which has close to an amazing 1200 episodes now (mine is #888): https://www.dizruns.com/podcast/. I close this 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/.

Long before his careers in soccer, the ministry, and Army...Retired Major Chris Cairns had deep roots of faith and military, including 106 years of unbroken active duty service in his family. We talk about all that in this episode, plus how his bringing a pro soccer team to the city in Georgia where he grew up and played the sport. (5:30) Chaplain Cairns first talks about his historic family legacy in the US Army, joining the service late at the age of 40, then serving soldiers and families as chaplain for a decade (after 18 years working for faith-based non profits). (9:13) He says PTSD was a challenge he helped troops faced, and during one rotation to South Korea, he talked 9 of his men out of committing suicide. As a Anglican Pastor, how did he handle having a diverse unit of pagans, Jewish, Catholic, etc? He talks about bringing God to soldiers and vice versa. At West Point, he played soccer, (17:09) but Chris' injuries redirected his life towards the church. (23:38) Now, this recently retired Army Chaplain is one of the investors on an ownership team for Columbus GA's new team in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), which will reveal the team name and logo this Friday. Learn more here: https://www.columbusnpsl.com/. Cairns talks about the excitement of soccer for fans and his hopes that this team can help underprivliged kids get involved in the sport. (37:40) Growing up as an "Army brat," he talks about why he chose to be join late and be a Chaplain...having his only family legacy through their 3 kids that love Jesus and want to serve others...and the importance of the assist in soccer and life! (49:50) This Army vet closes 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/.

Will exercise help you live longer or can you push yourself too hard that it can lead to heart issues? We talk about that and much more with the only trained specialist in both heart failure and pulmonary hypertension in the Chattahoochee Valley (West GA, East AL). The doctor also dives deep into the mind-body connection. (2:07) Dr. Hunter Champion, of Southeastern Cardiology in Columbus GA, first talks about how exercise or lack of impacts your heart, which can lead to good or bad thickness of the heart. He celebrates the process of trying to get healthier vs. the numbers of weight loss. He talks about experiments he's done and if you can push yourself too much, after we've seen a number of pro and college athletes recently collapse on the field or court. What can you do to avoid that? What are the red flags for amateur athletes? He lists, answers those and says...Listen to your body! To track your health stats, (11:37) like heart rate, there's technology that can help. Dr. Champion also discusses what it was like working with pro athletes in Pittsburgh and Baltimore. What keeps them motivated and what does he say to average patients who say they don't have time to exercise? The key: find what works for you. (17:03) As one of the men who coined the phrase "Broken Heart Syndrome" (sudden emotional stress of the mind, impacting heart failure), this physician shares a lot about the mind-body connection. That includes being strong mentally for athletic performance and when you're under pressure...mindfulness to keep negative thoughts at bay...box breathing...meditation instead of panic. (24:48) As for healthy aging, Dr. Champion tells people of all ages to eliminate excuses and find what you can do, even walking in a pool. He also has patients with the YOLO mentality, but too much pizza and living it up can lead to a shorter life. A hug thing, he says, is to know you family history for heart, health, cholesterol. That can help catch things before a heart attack. (33:57) He also give warning signs and preventative tips for everyday athletes. And there's also a shortcut that involves maalox. Dr. Champion also won't tell you to stop running or playing tennis or exercising...but will tell patients, you can't do it like you're used to (you may not be 20 years old anymore), so ease into it. (45:00) Finally, we talked about the mood benefits of exercise and especially the connections between faith and fitness. Dr. Champion discusses research on the power of prayer, plus wakeup calls for us to have a healthy mind/spirit/body. We all want to be around longer for a family, like this doctor who has 3 children. I close the episode talking about the war in Israel, world mental health day, and my closing 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/.

This Georgia couple started Billboards for Jesus earlier this year to "hold the Lord's banner over the city of Columbus." On this podcast that you should subscribe to...the small business owners, home church pastors, and grandparents talk about those ads for God, plus other hot topics like financial wellness and abortion, which they did themselves when they got pregnant 4 decades ago. (5:25) Tim and Angie Hollis talk about the origins of https://billboardsforgod.square.site/, why they're doing this, and what Bible scriptures inspired them to put the 8-9 rotating billboards all over Columbus GA. The cost to do this for a year is at least $100K and they're raising money to keep it going. (12:45) Do God and money mix? Tim leads a financial wellness ministry and explains some key advice to help people get out of debt, involving stewardship and generosity. (18:17) They're also both focused on stopping abortions locally and nationwide. Angie is a sidewalk advocate for ministries near a local abortion clinic. She herself had an abortion 41 years ago, which Tim now calls the "worst decision" of their life. How does she spread the Pro-Life message without appearing judgmental? (28:20) This couple are also creators and pastors for the Living Water Home Church, with traditional Sunday morning services at their house with a congregation of 20+. It's a growing trend. How does it differ from traditional church and what do they say to skeptics? They talk about it being similar to small group, where you can be vulnerable like she was in confessing about abortion and healing. (38:22) Tim and Angie also opened Home Care Services of Columbus in 2005, to help care for senior citizens. They discuss the balance of running a business and church out of the place where they live. And they've got a growing family too, with a recent wedding and also a 2nd grandson recently born. (44:25) Back to billboards for Jesus, they explain how they come up with the simple messages, some of their favorites, how donations are spent, building the Kingdom of God this way, and not having an agenda or promoting a church with these billboards. And I close the episode, as always, 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/.

Do you get enough sleep? Probably not. On this shorter Friday "Food for Thought" podcast episode, I talk about the importance of sleep in rest for your health and your performance as a runner or athlete in any sport. On this pod, you'll hear some stats about the # of hours of sleep you're supposed to get...the health risks if you get too little or too much sleep...what the Bible says about rest...the 5 ways sleep can make you a stronger runner that doesn't get sick as often...5 tips for developing better sleep habits...what doctors say about how rest and recovery impact you before/during/after exercise...active recovery and how often you should take a recovery break...the red flags you need a rest day...and some expert advice on getting quality sleep. I close the episode with a quick 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/.