Run The Race

After being a football star for Harris County High and the University of Georgia, Jordan Jenkins was drafted into the NFL almost a decade ago. (4:44) Fast forward to now, an injury forced him out of the sport and he's helping veterans in his hometown - after growing up being the son of an Army Sgt major. As the latest guest on our podcast, Jordan Jenkins talks about that charity effort...UGA football...being in pro sports...transitioning from pro athlete to real estate and still working out....military vets' mental health struggles...being back home, and more. (7:50) Jenkins, who had 22+ sacks in 5 years with the NY Jets, talks about the current Dawgs in the College Football Playoff...the changes in the sport including NIL and tough practices. He also gives us new info on almost playing at Alabama, where Coach Kirby Smart was back then. And a torn ACL ended his ride with the Las Vegad Raiders. (15:38) The former outside linebacker opens up about a rough end to his NFL career, then what he does for fitness and mental health post-football, with (20:57) God also opening doors for him in real estate and helping others through his new nonprofit "Harboring Change." (26:20) Growing up as an "Army brat" that moved around a lot, Jenkins is sensitive to what former soldiers go through, wanting to give them a second chance. He bought and donated 2 houses in Columbus GA to the Plummer Home nonprofit that provides transitional housing to vets that have dealth with life-altering challenges like homelessness, addiction, and/or prison. More info: https://theplummerhome.org/ (33:21) He calls the Harris County and Columbus area "home." What's it like for him to watch football when he's off the field? And he doesn't miss the pain of being in the NFL. (39:35) I close out the episode in prayer. Thanks for listening to "Run The Race." Make sure to subscribe and share it with others, for more inspiring stories of fitness and faith. 

You know the holiday classic Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Story" - with Scrooge at the center. A longtime evangelist and Columbus GA native has been playing that role for a decade now in "The Ebeneezer Experience." Pastor Joe Phillips took a break from the shows and sermons to join me on the podcast to also talk about using comedy to spread the Gospel...how his rough childhood and God whispers and basketball led him into ministry...what it's like being a traveling evangelist...hiking hundreds of miles on the Appalachian Trail and up a mountain out West, for his nonprofit ministry...and more. (2:20) Joe Phillips talks about the fast-pace show where he plays Ebeneezer Scrooge, then building a bridge from that character/story to the Gospel. The production has been seen by 52,000 people in more than 50 cities in a dozen states -  with more than 19,000 making decisions for Christ. More than a "church play," it's a quality production they'll be performing this Sunday December 7 in Zebulon GA then several more places in Georgia and Alabama before Christmas. More on "Ebeneezer Experience" and going to it for free: https://www.joephillipsministries.com/the-ebenezer-experience (16:03) We talk a little about churches using production or entertainment and comedy to reach people. Joe has long been part of a Christian comedy duo with Lee McBride. (23:32) Given up at age 3 by his mentally ill biological mom, Pastor Joe opens up about his childhood, hearing the Holy Spirit (like a ghost in the Scrooge story) in a GA night club, getting a bank loan to fulfill dream of college, playing basketball, and being called into ministry while with his team. God uses sports too! (34:55) To keep his non-profit Joe Phillips Ministries (JLM) afloat, he walked 100 miles on the Appalachian Trail to raise money for the ministry. He added more miles each year, then he discusses another fitness challenge recently: climbing 12,000 foot high Mt. Adams in Seattle with am ice axe and a friend. The hiking helped him learn a valuable lesson about negative vs positive self-talk. (43:08) After being a youth pastor for 15 years, what's it like as an evangelist? It's about grace. Joe also just wrote his 5th book "Irrevocable" - hoping to turn it into a stage show they can do year-round. He's also done a film called "Aren't You Somebody?" about human trafficking. (56:00) Joe closes our episode out in prayer...then leaves us with a laugh, a story that involves a bathroom break and wrong turn on the Appalachian Trail.  Thanks so much for listening to the "Run the Race" podcast, focused on faith and fitness. Subscribe and tell others about it!

A popular singer shares a lot about faith, his songs, and their current Grace & Glory Tour on our “Run The Race” podcast. Nationally known Contemporary Christian artist David Crowder aka CROWDER joined me via Zoom. He will be in concert this Sunday night 7pm at the Columbus (GA) Civic Center, along with more big names Zach Williams and Matt Maher on stage. They call it country grit meets front-porch gospel, with roof-raising praise! (4:29) David Crowder (solo artist name "Crowder") is up walking again after breaking his leg months ago, but he talks about a collaboration with fellow injured Christian artist Forrest Frank on "The Rock." How will the injury impact him on this tour? And he describes his genre of music as "sweet tea and gasoline." (10:35) As for the origins of his music career, it started where he grew up in Texas and went to school at Baylor, being on stage for a church start there. Now, they've lived in Atlanta for more than a decade.  (14:09) Crowder gives insight on what songs are hitting on this tour and his favorite part, right before going on stage, as he hopes the audience feels that grace is available and God is pursuing them. How does he come up with the lyrics for these songs? Part of it is being broken. (18:30) And with his big success as a singer, what keeps him grounded is his wife and a normal life back home, including rooting on the Georgia Dawgs. Crowder also answers why Christian music is growing in popularity, the authenticity of it, what listeners are looking for. And there's all ages in the diverse audience for his concerts, including one again this Sunday in Columbus GA. Tickets are still available: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0E0062B48C7F1A4F 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/.  

This week’s podcast guest is the all-time leader in interceptions in arena football – 117 of them by the former player nicknamed “Night Hawk.” Columbus GA native Damian Daniels is now the head coach of the Columbus Lions, the same team he won 4 championships with! We talk on “Run the Race” about football, fitness, changes coming for his Lions, and more. (5:51) We start with how he got that NIGHT HAWK name, also the differences between exciting arena football and NFL/college football setup and rules and fans. (10:00) Damian Daniels started playing the game at age 7. How did he get from there to almost the CFL and a long, successful career in arena football – mostly as a corner. (17:46) Coach Damian and I dive into fitness and strength and speed (or quickness) related to football, training players’ bodies for different roles. And he opens up about the brotherhood in this sport, plus what it was like to bring arena football trophies to his hometown, while also winning five Defense Player of the Year awards. Now, with a second chance, how is it different for him as a head coach for the arena football team he played for until retiring in 2016? (35:03) The Columbus Lions have some changes coming, leaving the NAL and now in the American Arena League (AAL), but why the move? It has to do with travel and having more true arena football rules. Next up, is the announcement of a new team owner – not revealed yet, but Damian is excited about the local ties. We’ll find out Thursday November 13 in a 1:30pm news conference at the Columbus (GA) Civic Center. He also touches on helping coach the Pacelli HS football team, the differences there…being a personal trainer (45:36) and the importance of family support for athletes/coaches. Damian Daniels loves being a father figure for young men, helping on and off the field. And the next season for his Columbus Lions may start in April 2026. (50:48) And as always, closing out the episode in prayer.

It is now again the biggest marathon in the WORLD with more than 59,000 finishing the New York City Marathon this past Sunday! Wow. It was my first time running this race, my 40th marathon overall and in state #37. For this mega race recap, I got help from my college friend Michael Rodgers who just ran his 12th NYC Marathon and worked for almost a decade for the New York Road Runners that are in charge of this epic event. (00:28) We break down the amazing numbers of the NYC Marathon, like the average finish time - which I was a little slower than and Michael was faster. In previous years, he's also paced pro athletes and celebrities like Kevin Hart at this event. (9:20) Our connection goes back 30 years ago, when we attended Elon College together - where he was on the XC team. (12:40) The two of us talk about our food, sleep, fitness, prep on race week leading up to this world major - some advice for you. It involves sushi, an earlier bedtime, NYC pizza, and the cause I ran for. (17:50) Getting TO the start of the NYC marathon...is a marathon challenge in itself! Learn about the bus then ferry to Staten Island then bus again...then waiting for several hours before being at the start line. Michael started his 26.2 miles a few hours before me. (25:29) And the crowds were incredible while running through all 5 burroughs of New York City! It's a wall of sound at times. We also discuss some of the best signs we saw from spectators. But I did not follow Michael's pre-race advice to not high five people and use up energy. I got caught up in the moment - because I wanted to enjoy my first in NYC - and I paid for it later. Learn how my last 10 miles were slower than those first 16.  (40:00) And now you get the Michael Rodgers school of the NYC Marathon, as he breaks down - mile by mile - the course! There are hills and bridges and turns and 60+ blocks straight...from Brooklyn to Queens to Harlem to the Bronx to Manhattan into the "victory lap" of Central Park - where God helped me finally connect with a younger charity teammate and run the last couple miles together for a stronger finish! (51:10) How do I get in to the New York City Marathon? There are lots of ways that Michael discusses, but one of the best (which I did) is to be a charity runner! It unlocks the power of running even more...helping causes we care about. (59:15) And we close out our race recap and chat with some hot seat questions for my friend - bathroom stops during the NYC Marathon, favorite burrough to run through, drink/food post-marathon, the medal, and recovery. (1:08:35) After giving some shoutouts, I give some numbers on elite runners in this 2025 edition of NYC and celebrity runners, including the Amazing Race host that I met the day before he ran his first ever marathon. I also cover quick highlights of my time before/after the race, with an amazing Michael Jackson Broadway show...and a Knicks game...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/.

I'm in the hot seat for this one, as I play for you Raven Fairbanks' interview of me on her "Raven In Real Life" lifestyle show/podcast. Before that...a quick recap of my first time running the ATH Half Marathon through Athens GA and the University of Georgia campus with my son, who's a senior at UGA. (6:25) This is a chance for you to get to know more about your "Run the Race" host. Raven asks me about my now 27-year TV news career...how it started, telling important stories, weaving my faith walk through my career as an anchor/reporter...entertaining as a broadcaster...famous people like Presidents I've interviewed...going through Army basic training, etc. (17:00) We also discuss the origins of this podcast I've been producing/hosting the last 6 years. (20:13) And yes, Raven wanted to know why and how I run so much, the start of that fitness journey to now trying to run marathons in all 50 states. It's partly because of my love for food and being healthy! (26:22) We close out with how my amazing wife has saved my life...and a few life lessons I shared with "Raven in Real Life" including advice about running shoes and training. Check out her show at https://www.facebook.com/rirlllc/ or search Raven Fairbanks on Facebook and other social media. 

After a nearly 14 year Army career, being a leader most of that, this combat vet is leading in a new way - as an associate pastor and leadership coach in Columbus GA. We talk about what he learned in the Afghanistan War...why health concerns ended his time in the military...getting the call from God...what football taught him about being a leader...and co-hosting a podcast based in the Bible. (2:30) Jekiel (Jay) Bishop dives into why he joined the Army, mentoring younger soldiers, and seeing gruesome things in combat in the Middle East. The paratrooper-turned pastor (10:27) also discusses on the podcast what serving his country taught him about faith and himself, telling us "God used the Army to prepare me for ministry." How did chaplains help him get through what he saw in combat? 6 blood clots, some after COVID vaccines, led to God showing him it was time to end his Army career. In some of his last months in uniform, this Infantryman also gave his life to the Lord, then came the Call into ministry. Jay Bishop has now been an Associate Pastor at Church on the Trail in Columbus GA. He talks about the different between being a faith leader and Army leader. (24:50) We talk about his leadership lessons from coaching youth football - as a teen when he was also playing, eventually taking the field in junior college football. (28:25) As the founder of Shepherd's Way Leadership, he points to Jesus and a lot of people in the Bible as examples of servant leaders! We also chat about listening...and the differences between leading tough and caring for the people you lead. (37:17) He now co-hosts the "Black White and the Red Letters" podcast with Pastor Ed Grifenhagan: https://www.facebook.com/blackwhiteandtheredletterspodcast. We talk about what's next for him and what he teaches through the Shepherd's Way business: https://www.shepherdswayleadership.com/ (47:57) And Pastor Jay closes our episode in prayer. Make sure to subscribe to "Run The Race," tell others about it, rate and review it on Apple and Spotify. Thanks for listening!

He's taken on diabetes almost his entire life, and now this 21-year-old college student is running his first marathon for a cause related to his disease, and not just any race but the New York City Marathon a month from now! We talk in this episode about his daily health challenges, having Type 1 Diabetes...the benefits of exercise for diabetics and misconceptions...preparing for 26.2 miles and what he'll have to do during that for his blood sugar...the hope to inspire others...and how faith in God has been part of his journey. (3:00) Chase Stewart, who attends Columbus State University in West Georgia, opens up about the struggles, sleep, fitness, food and more when it comes to his Type 1 diabetes. What's it feel like when his blood sugar level is too low? There are limitations and mental burnout and blessings too. And staying active means he doesn't need as much insulin. (15:09) Part of his bucket list...he's running the NYC Marathon in early November, alongside 55K others. He applied to do that through the charity "Beyond Type 1" and was picked for the team of 50+ runners. Excited and nervous, Chase discusses how he'll use his insulin pump during the epic race. You can learn more about this important cause and help him raise money for it, meet his goal at this link: https://beyondtyperun.funraise.org/fundraiser/chase-stewart?fbclid=IwY2xjawM1VbdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE2VUVHMkdLaUZuV0Rvb1pQAR5jWB7t1jd2hFeTXFOqHV_BQ2SyrPDIrlOiehRuzOo8wtwgkgCWDH0tXn3W6w_aem_zlq-XKEOXROStKdGzAYoJA (27:27) And he hopes to inspire others through his marathon run, fellow diabetics including the kids he is camp counselor for. Chase also dives into some misconceptions about diabetes, which he declares doesn't hold people back! He's also got a tattoo on his wrist about his disease, (35:58) and another tattoo related to his Christian faith, explaining what "I am second" means to him. I close the episode with my co-worker WTVM sports director Tony Reese's diabetes journey and a prayer.

She's an Uptown girl (in Columbus GA) and the founder, leader of an online magazine and platform called "Electric City Life" for more than a decade. Through it, she promotes positive things happening in the community - local events, music, films, more. Jacy Jenkins is also on a new journey of sobriety and faith. (2:29) Jacy says she's not an alcoholic but has done plenty of social drinking, but now she's been sober, no alcohol for more than 7 months now. Why did she make that choice? She explains what it has to do with clarity, God, joy, family loss, and today's culture. (17:49) After graduating from UGA, Jacy felt called to inner city Los Angeles where she helped at The Dream Center, the umbrella for 200 ministries and an opportunity to meet a lot of celebrities. There are 2 big lessons she learned there. Then, from Compton back to Columbus GA, she saw rapid revitalization in the Fountain City and a new culture, with whitewater rafting as the catalyst. (27:18) Feeling the tug to promote the positive parts of  her hometown, Jacy created "Electric City Life" to be a cheerleader, uplift, help with synergy, giving people a place in the culture, being part of solutions: https://www.facebook.com/electriccitylife/. The name itself, she says, has a spiritual meaning too, as she talks about the electricity of God and us and authenticity. Their newest endeavior is telling inspiring raw stories on video called "Hope Dealers." (39:12) Jacy also gets vulnerable in talking about being turned off by the church because of politics and polarization, but giving it a chance again. She's back in church, still asking a lot of questions, but very recently losing a friend to drugs has been a wakeup call. All this while she continues operating her platform to bring people together and create community.

She's the national director of the world's largest Christian humanitarian organization that's been helping people in poverty for 75 years, across 100 different countries. And later this week, this mom and recent cancer survivor is running the Berlin Marathon for the cause...while I'm training now to run the NYC Marathon this fall for Team World Vision too! (3:20) Lyndsey Dean Ratchford aka "LDR" leads Team World Vision. During her more than a dozen years with the organization, she's personally raised $250,000 to help bring clean water to more than 4,000 people. We start with her journey to running and TWV that started back in college, with she and a friend healing from failed relationships. 6 years ago, she took on the national dir role for the largest non-governmental supplier of water in the world, all in the name of Jesus. (9:23) LDR also saw the struggle for herself, walking with two moms in North Kenya, an 8 hour and 11 mile roundtrip - that journey featured in a new documentary "Long Walk For Water" being shown soon at film festivals. (19:40) She also touches on the Biblical principals of the nonprofit...how generosity is the currency of the Kingdom of God...and how Jesus showed us the power of relationships. TWV has showed her how everyday people can do extraordinary things through the power of God, including hard things - like running a marathon. (25:55) She's about to run her 5th full marathon for this charity, her first being Los Angeles in 2014. She talked about her favorites that include the NYC Marathon (she's got some tips) which I will be running this November 2 with Team World Vision. Here's how you can support me and the cause with a child sponsorship: https://www.teamworldvision.org/participants/423982. (32:09) We also discuss the differences in spiritual fundraising...what sponsoring a child for $39/month really does...how our Christian values play into this giving...how TWV spends money you donate, including the strategic plans of how to solve the global clean water crisis. Here's more on the organization: https://www.teamworldvision.org/home (44:50) Last year at age 42, LDR also battled breast cancer and has a God story about her cancer doctor who ran the same London Marathon she/husband did in 2024. Now cancer free, she's grateful for things that got her through a horrendous year: faith, family, and fitness. And you can still support LDR, almost at her fundraising goal for the Berlin Marathon: https://www.teamworldvision.org/participants/Lyndsey-DeaneRatchford-2024 (51:33) We wrap the podcast episode up with how fitness intertwines with her/our faith walk. Can we hear God better when we're moving? LDR also closes us out in prayer.    

After a recap of my 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb - going up 2200 stairs alongside first responders and others in memory of the firefighters that died in the September 11 attacks - we talk another very pivotal event for our nation: the Vietnam War and special events this week and beyond in Columbus GA on the heels of the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon. (7:55) But first, military historian and Columbus State University professor Dr. Dave Kieran talked with me about his fitness habits outside the classroom and away from the studies of history. He's run 4 full Ironmans and 24 full marathons. Why does he and his wife get up 5am most mornings to exercise? What are his favorite races so far? And this history junkie also has found running through a big city is the best way to see it. (24:03) Dr. Kieran's passion for teaching and military and history was prompted, in part, by one of the greatest track coaches of all-time, also his HS english teacher Hal Croft in PA, who was also a highly decorated Vietnam War veteran. He shares stories about this demanding mentor and also how that conflict resonates with his generation too. (35:35) This professor and author of several books - like "Signature Wounds" about soldiers mental health amidst Middle East wars - also describes how history gives us an important perspective. (45:18) With April 2025 marking 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War, his school CSU is hosting 6 free events over the next 8 months to help deepen the understanding of that war's impact, starting with a lecture from an expert on Thursday evening September 11: https://events.columbusstate.edu/#events/tag/Hallock. 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/.

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.  

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/.

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/.

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/.

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/.

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/.

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/.

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/.

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/.