Upward Running Podcast

Have you ever had God tell you something so clearly that you were willing to go against the experts to fulfill God’s plan? You’ll hear it this week. Then Dean shares his thoughts on why it can be really bad to compare yourself to others.1:03 - God Story4:56 - Labor Day Race6:18 - Post of the Week - Diane B - Starting over11:18 - Run of the Week - Greg Chance - Running and lightning15:23 - Trivia Answer from last week19:27 - Retired Bible21:10 - The 10% Rule controversy28:29 - Story of the Week - A Running Miracle - Rodney Motter39:29 - Mark 11:24 - God answers prayer, but there’s a catch…44:48 - Hebrews 13:8 - He never changes51:04 - Philippians 4:13 - Being okay with whatever your circumstances are…51:49 - Do you have faith? How strong is your faith?53:51 - When we run for God, are we fully meditating and praying for strength?57:06 - Have you ever felt God give you very clear direction to do something the experts told you not to do?1:04:26 - Dean’s Thoughts - The Comparison Trap1:15:55 - Why Running/Walking are so Awesome1:17:15 - World Athletics Championships1:23:43 - Trivia Question of the Week1:24:40 - Motivational Thought of the Week

Coach Dean, Lane Hollis and Patten Rector make their World Athletics Championship picks.

Coach Dean and Mitchell talk about the importance and need for community in our running/walking lives as well as our spiritual lives. They always say, “There’s more than just running going on here,” and this week’s story puts that sentiment in perspective. Then Dean talks about times when it is okay to break the rules.Interesting thing happened at the track this weekPost of the Week - Kimberly Slape - Appreciation for our surroundingsRun of the Week - Alison Bryant - Electrolyte replacementTrivia answer from last weekWhich Supershoes are winning the races?Story of the Week - Community Matters - Rebecca Wang1 Corinthians 12:7 - We all have a spiritual gift - the one God gave usJames 2:17-18 - No such thing as faith without worksHebrews 10:24-25 - The first church committee meeting?What gift is your strength and how are you using it to encourage others?Has someone tried serving you and you rejected it?Who is someone that you can encourage by your actions today?How does running/ walking help others know your faith?Do you prefer running alone or with a group?What benefits have you found from being in a group?In what ways do you struggle to allow community in your life?Running a Triathlon in jorts!Dean’s Thoughts - NonconformityWhy is Running/Walking so Awesome?Satire from Dumb Runner - Are these people in a cult?Diamond League Final…Trivia Question of the WeekMotivational Thought of the Week

If you love our veterans and military personnel, you’ve love the touching story this week. Mitchell talks about being FOR things rather than against things. And Coach Dean shares his thoughts about two dogs playing on either side of a fence. Don’t miss this one!1:05 - Trouble adapting - good days/bad days2:59 - Post of the Week - Rebecca Wang - Watch The Perfect Race5:48 - Run of the Week - Dexter and Sarah Padgett - Be careful out there…10:18 - Trivia answer from last week15:19 - Chadd Wright - Championing the things we believe in26:52 - Story of the Week - Honor Flight - Jerry Snider31:59 - John 15:13 - So thankful for our military!37:58 - Ecclesiastes 3:1 - There is a time for everything, but every time is not the time40:29 - Psalm 34:18 - If God is not close to you, He is not the one who moved…42:26 - Have you ever been inspired by a veterans story?44:07 - In what ways do you honor the sacrifice of our veterans?46:45 - Have you ever had a God moment that changed your opinion of yourself?50:42 - Running Robots57:14 - Dean’s Thoughts - Fence Line Theology1:13:50 - Why Running/Walking is so awesome1:15:55 - God story1:23:24 - Lausanne was WET!1:24:46 - Trivia Question of the Week1:25:36 - Motivational Thought of the Week1:26:13 - No too late to join Couch to Marathon

The story of Billy Mills’ victory in the 1964 10,000 Meters is one of the biggest upsets in Olympic history and still the only time the USA has won that event. Coach Dean and Mitchell talk about that story from a faith perspective this week. Then Dean shares his thoughts on being strong all the time rather than just long enough to get through tough times.1:00 - Flooding in Chattanooga!2:46 - Post of the Week - Elizabeth Cormack - There’s more than one way to work on cadence5:54 - Run of the Week - Chris King - Race Series are fun!8:25 - Trivia Answer from last week - the lowest marathon in the world15:37 - Japanese Walking is a craze on TikTok, but we’ve been doing it for a long time!20:14 - Story of the Week - The Big Upset - The Story of Billy Mills as told through a faith perspective31:56 - Colossians 3:23-24 - What is your platform?37:13 - Philippians 2:3-4 - Maybe we’re a little too self-absorbed?41:28 - Psalm 37:5 - COMMIT your ways to the Lord - These are simple scriptures!44:05 - Where are the “broken wings” in your life that need healing, and what dreams might God be calling you to pursue?48:02 - How can faith—trusting in Christ’s strength—help you persevere through trials and moments of feeling like an underdog?50:46 - In what ways can your victories, large or small, be used to serve and inspire others for God’s glory?56:51 - How Much Protein Do You Really Need?1:03:43 - Dean’s Thoughts - Strength Should Not Be Temporary1:14:05 - Why Running/Walking are so awesome1:18:32 - Triathletes are killing it lately…1:21:41 - Trivia Question of the Week1:23:31 - Motivational Thought of the Week

Do you hate hills? Coach Dean and Mitchell share a story this week that may make you hate them a little less. And then Dean shares his thoughts on why people cheat and the implications for Christians.1:04 - Happy Anniversary Mitchell and Holly!2:17 - Cool Weather4:11 - Post of the Week - Jon Sandifer - Be thankful no matter the weather7:34 - Run of the Week - Heather Powers - Mike giving a shoutout to his wife!10:27 - Trivia answer from last week16:44 - 93 Year Old Marathoner!21:30 - Story of the Week - Hannah Jones - Run Uphill!30:44 - Hebrews 12:1 - What does it mean to “Despise the shame?”42:33 - 2 Timothy 2:15 - WE can only be vessels for God when we are doing all we can to rid ourselves of the junk46:33 - 1 Corinthians 15:57 - We’re victorious, but we shouldn’t gloat over it49:22 - Is your spiritual training intense enough to prepare you for life's battles? How could you kick it up a notch?54:17 - What spiritual "hills" have you faced lately? How could you have been better prepared?1:00:38 - What does "running uphill,” mean to you?1:03:46 - Vancouver Man Runs Marathon to 5 Costcos in Hot-Dog Costume1:08:43 - Dean’s Thoughts - Modern Day Adam and Eve1:20:17 - Why Running/Walking are so awesome1:22:55 - USA Championships1:29:30 - Trivia Question of the Week1:30:18 - Motivational Thought of the Week

Coach Dean and Mitchell discuss a touching story about Arnold Schwarzeneggar and a boy named Roland Redmon. Good stories about celebrities are sometimes hard to come by, but this will restore your hope if you’ve lost it. And then Dean shares some thoughts he had while sitting in an airport in Dallas/Fort Worth.1:02 - UFOs at Mitchell’s house?3:07 - American History7:30 - Post of the Week - There are great places to run all around us!13:34 - Run of the Week - Ashley Daly - Temperature is relative17:44 - Trivia answer from last week’s question23:03 - The role of AI and access to medical records29:47 - Story of the Week - Big Arms, Bigger Heart - Jerry Snider37:28 - Proverbs 23:7 - We’re all “inwardly calculating,” but what are we calculating?44:03 - Mark 9:23 - Doubt is okay, but what are you doing with it?50:24 - Romans 12:12 - Hope when things are tough BECAUSE we are in constant prayer52:00 - Has a role model played a role in your running success?57:18 - Do you practice visualization of your goals?59:39 - Do you have a favorite charity race?1:02:19 - Weak Sleep Rhythm linked to 83 diseases1:13:10 - Dean’s Thoughts - Observing and Dreaming1:25:07 - Why Running/Walking is so Awesome1:30:07 - What’s coming up?1:31:09 - Worst to First?1:33:11 - Courtney Dauwalter1:35:46 - Trivia Question of the Week1:37:02 - Motivational Thought of the Week

Lane Hollis and Patten Rector join coach Dean as they talk about the 2025 USA Track and Field Championships.

Special guest Angie Hawkins joins Coach Dean as they talk about running for fun, a great gathering of people and a ministry that is making a difference. Then Dean tells us how Michael Jordan and Mitchell Hollis are the same.1:00 - Welcome Angie2:27 - Post of the Week - Rebecca Wang - Shin splints and metronomes6:48 - Run of the Week - Richard Ball - Getting back to running9:23 - Trivia answer from last week13:52 - Why Americans Keep Gaining Weight…19:33 - The Hawkins FUNdraiser58:58 - 76 Year Old with Parkinson’s disease completes Ironman Triathlon1:04:57 - Dean’s Thoughts - Choosing the Right Path1:14:06 - Why Running/Walking is so Awesome1:15:41 - Ruth Chepngetich1:19:16 - Joe Vigil Tribute1:21:14 - Ozzy Osborne1:23:11 - Trivia Question of the Week1:23:57 - Motivational Thought of the Week

The main story is a fictional story that sums up all the stories we have heard through the years. Coach Dean and Mitchell talk about doing hard things again. Then Dean shares his thoughts on the birth of a giraffe and what it has to do with our running and our faith.1:22 - Rucking is harder than it looks4:09 - Dog Days of Summer5:12 - Post of the Week - Katherine Hardison Powell - WE all need rescuing!8:22 - Run of the Week - Dean Thompson - Running with Jair at the Hawkins FUNdraiser10:22 - Trivia answer from last week14:48 - Our Health Journey and the famous people who are contributing21:22 - Sad news for the running world and what you can do to help those in need25:55 - Story of the Week - Running By Faith: The Story of Markus30:51 - James 1:2-4 - We say it all the time: “Consider it pure joy!”34:49 - Romans 5:3-5 - Those who suffer together…38:32 - 2 Corinthians 12:9 - God’s grace is sufficient, so why don’t we act like it?44:17 - In what ways can physical disciplines, like running, become spiritual practices in your own life?48:02 - How do you respond when your spiritual journey feels difficult or exhausting—do you press on, or are you tempted to give up?49:48 - Who are the “running partners” in your faith journey—people who encourage and support you along the way? How can you be that person for someone else?53:00 - Bonuses based on running/walking mileage? Cool!59:08 - Dean’s Thoughts - The Newborn Giraffe - Talk about a traumatic start to life! When it is good to be knocked down…1:10:49 - Why Running/Walking is Awesome1:11:30 - Using AI to catch dopers1:14:48 - Mitchell’s AI prediction1:16:02 - AI musical groups?1:19:25 - Trivia Question of the Week1:20:17 - Motivational Thought of the Week

This week Coach Dean catches up with Michelle Papendick. Her story of Couch to Marathon and on to 6 marathons in 6 days is one you don’t want to miss! Then Dean renames the term muscle memory and he and Mitchell talk about how it can be good and/or bad, depending on your situation.Post of the Week - Chris King - Move on over to the Upward Running App!Run of the Week - Darren Lewis - Peachtree Road RaceTrivia answer fro last weekMichelle Papendick’s StoryLook Where You Are Running to Get FasterDean’s Thoughts - Fixed Action BehaviorWhy Running/Walking is so AwesomeHot baths over saunasTrivia Question of the WeekMotivational Thought of the Week

What if we treated everyone like they deserved an A? Jerry Snider poses that question And Coach Dean and Mitchell talk about it. Then Dean’ tells you what Sheman’s Neckties are and how they can help us avoid catastrophe.1:14 - Rucking, Running, and Cycling4:30 - Post of the Week - Madonna Barker - Every run is a gift6:08 - Run of the Week - Dexter Padgett - Long trails runs and track work9:25 - Trivia answer from last week16:56 - Chocolate Milk Mile21:51 - Story of the Week - Changing My Vote - Jerry Snider28:05 - Ephesians 4:32 - Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit32:44 - Matthew 7:12 - Do unto others37:02 - John 13:34-35 - We’ve got to quit the friendly fire40:00 - What can you do to make a slower runner feel like an A?44:35 - How do you respond to someone who tries to make you feel less than an A?48:37 - What do you say to yourself when you feel less than an A?49:56 - Runner with a compound fracture asks, “Any advice?”56:54 - Dean’s Thoughts - Sabotage1:15:08 - Why Running/Walking is so awesome1:15:44 - Faith Kipyegon and the breaking-4 attempt1:21:21 - Trivia Question of the Week1:22:01 - Motivational Thought of the Week

Coach Dean and Mitchell are joined at corporate HQ by Claire Boyce. They share a story about Olympian Ryan Hall and talk about what it means to run with faith. Then Dean shares his thoughts on whether aging is a good thing or bad thing.Welcome Claire Boyce!Post of the Week - Travis Vaughn - The benefits of running in bare feetRun of the Week - Timothy Pearl - 100 Miles!Trivia answer from last weekRunning in the heatStory of the Week - Ryan Hall: Running with FaithProverbs 24:16 - Getting back up againHebrews 12:1 - Perseverance2 Corinthians 12:7b-10 - Understanding Strength in GodWhen you face setbacks or failures, how does your faith shape your response and help you persevere?In what ways can you “fix your eyes on Jesus” in your daily life or pursuits, as Hebrews 12:1 encourages?Are there areas where you need to give yourself “the grace to fail,” trusting that your identity is found in Christ and not just in your achievements?Does your watch’s training load mean anything?Dean’s Thoughts - Progression vs RegressionWhy running/walking are so awesomeDoes Interval rest matter?Trivia Question of the WeekMotivational Thought of the Week

The theme is this podcast is the importance of supporting and loving fellow believers. Coach Dean and Mitchell talk about speaking out for Christ. And Dean shares the fact that nearly all of us have at least one parasite and we are supposed to BE parasites too. You don’t want to miss that!Post of the Week - Linda Null - Our words and actions are importantRun of the Week - Kimberly Buford - Keep going despite your setbacks!Trivia answer from last week Teach a ClassCrazy things happing in a Vienna Track MeetStory of the Week - Running to the Sunrise - Rhonda WilliamsJohn 13:34-35 - Loving one another is a commandHebrews 10:24-25 - Stirring up one anotherJohn 17:21-23 - We need to avoid friendly fire and the hijacking of the BibleDo you run with a group? If so, what benefits do you think you receive?Do you meet with a Christian group regularly outside of Sunday?How do you bless those God puts in your path? How do you live out John 13:34?Electronic Information and HIPPADean’s Thoughts - ParasitesWhy Running/Walking is so AwesomeTrack and Field galore!Did Noah inadvertently hurt track and field?Trivia Question of the WeekMotivational Thought of the Week

Can you get Biblical words of wisdom from a flea collar? Jerry Snider explains why we must be ready to go outside our comfort zones as Coach Dean and Mitchell discuss. And what happens when plans change? Dean shares his thoughts on some recent forced changes for him.1:24 - Dallas First Baptist4:30 - God works in crazy ways!6:23 - Post of the Week - Rebecca Wang - If it ain’t working, try something else!8:44 - Run of the Week - Bill Silvers - We have a three time gold (and a silver) medalist in the house!11:52 - Trivia answer from last week20:57 - Make sure you get the entire story before rendering judgement27:46 - Story of the Week - Sermon on the Flea Collar - Jerry Snider32:41 - Job 8:7 - Always go to the truth35:05 - Ecclesiastes 3:1 - There is a time for everything, but all of it is better with God36:55 - Isaiah 43:19 - God is in the business of making things new43:55 - What is the best way to encourage someone who is pushing the limits of their comfort zone?49:15 - If someone tells you they want to stretch and try something new - and you think what they want to do is a bad idea, what do you say to them?57:37 - When was the last time you stretched beyond your comfort zone?1:01:04 - Guy who ran a marathon on NO training1:03:51 - Dean’s Thoughts - Go Around1:11:19 - Why Running/Walking are so awesome1:16:04 - The High School running scene is off the chain!1:21:09 - Trivia Question of the Week1:22:00 - Motivational Thought of the Week

Coach Dean and Mitchell wade into some controversial territory this week as they talk about taking a stand for Biblical principles through the story of Eric Liddel. Then Dean shares his thoughts on something called The Framing Effect and how it relates to running/walking and our faith.Summer!Post of the Week - Patricia Perticone - What’s your excuse?Run of the Week - Stephanie Marino - Find a way to get it doneTrivia answer from last weekMitchell’s Health Quest and welcoming dissenting viewsSleep and obesity - What else is sleep linked to?Story of the Week - The Flying ScotsmanThe Bible is the first place to go1 Samuel 2:27-30 - We don’t want to be lightly esteemedJohn 14:21 - The slippery slope2 Corinthians 10:3-5 - Our weapons are not of this worldWhen have you faced a choice between your convictions and outside pressures? How did your faith guide you?In what areas of your life do you need to “run with perseverance,” trusting God for strength?How can you honor God with your talents, even when it means making difficult sacrifices?How diet can prevent injuries in over 50sDean’s Thoughts - The Framing EffectWhy Running/Walking is so awesomeDo we need hecklers in track and field?Steve Prefontaine - 50 years since his deathTrivia Question of the WeekMotivational Thought of the Week

Today’s story about beating addiction also comes with a poem. Join Coach Dean and Mitchell as they discuss it. Then Dean shares a term used in Rock Climbing that informs us about how we should look at running/walking and our faith.Keep Going even when you think you can’tPost of the Week - Bill Silvers - You’re never too oldRun of the Week - Dexter Padgett - Get past the limitations you set on yourselfTrivia Answer from last weekAnnouncement - More Couch to Marathon!Story of the Week - Running Towards Intention - Quit your addiction with God’s helpHebrews 12:1-3 - Laying aside the weightsRomans 5:3-5 - Be glad you have strugglesIs there something in your life that you are holding back from allowing God to control?Do you actively seek His plan for your daily life? If so, how? If not, how can you start?Just like with running, consistency and perseverance is key to being successful at developing a growing relationship with Jesus. How are you doing in both areas? How can one help the other?Good health is more than just good genesDean’s Thoughts - The CruxWhy Running/Walking are so AwesomeBolder Boulder 10KIs carbon bad?Trivia Question of the WeekMotivational Thought of the Week

Coach Dean and Mitchell share a story about a man who was saved from clinical depression through the sport of running. Then Dean shares a way to think about your fitness that could change everything.0:58 - Happy Birthday Holly!1:06 - Trying to be efficient and failing3:24 - Post of the Week - Kimberly Slape - Running for a good cause7:13 - Run of the Week - Curtis Rowe - Don’t sacrifice your health10:35 - Trivia answer from last week17:06 - Princess Charlotte is a runner!19:14 - Story of the Week - Running With Abe - Jerry Snider28:41 - Isaiah 40:31 - Renewing your strength32:19 - Philippians 4:13 - Being Content36:24 - John 10:10 - Abundant Life41:19 - How can you make your Run with God more fun?43:58 - In what ways has the discipline of running helped you grow as a Christian?46:59 - If you had a chance to write something on my running shirt, what would it be?48:31 - Will Ultra-Processed Foods Kill You?1:02:18 - Dean’s Thoughts - The Running Gamble1:15:00 - Why Running/Walking are so Awesome1:16:18 - Nick Symmonds climbs Mount Everest1:19:50 - Trans-Australia record1:21:51 - Trivia Question of the Week1:22:30 - Motivational Thought of the Week

Coach Dean and Mitchell share the third installment of a continuing story from Roscoe Parker. God put running in perspective for him. Then Dean shares his thoughts on why finding where to place the blame just doesn’t matter sometimes.Rain, Rain Go AwayPost of the Week - Rebecca Wang - Easy RunsRun of the Week - Brad Reeder - Ode to a Strava LeaderTrivia Answer from last weekSuper-SupershoesStory of the Week - Another Chapter - Roscoe ParkerPhilippians 3:8 - That I may gain Christ…John 14:26 - Listening for the Holy SpiritGalatians 6:2-3 - It’s not either/or, it’s both/andHow many times do we let our problems, challenges, injuries, etc, define us and bring us down into a pit of darkness and depression when we should be seeking God and looking for what He is doing through our situations and what He is trying to show us and teach us?When is a time that we have been going through a trial in our lives and questioned or doubted God regarding our circumstances only to find out that on the other side of it God has a plan and a purpose much greater and more wonderful than anything we can think or imagine?How has God let you know He's not done with you yet when you have felt like you are done?The Unashamed guys make a great pointDean’s Thoughts - PerspectiveWhy Running/Walking are so AwesomeWorld Athletics RelaysTrivia Question of the WeekMotivational Thought of the Week

Coach Dean and Mitchell are joined by Upward Sports Executive Director Kavin Drake. Have you ever thought something was chasing you? This week’s story will make you chuckle and think. Then Dean shares talks about something that happened to him for the first time in his 45 years of running. You don’t want to miss this week’s podcast!1:04 - Welcome Kevin!1:29 - Hydrogen Water, Red Light Therapy and Grounding3:07 - Post of the Week - Rebecca Wang - Tune in for Thursday Night live sessions4:32 - Run of the Week - George Williams - Be thankful for the ordinary things!6:55 - Trivia answer from last week13:52 - The Upward Running Church Model20:58 - Story of the Week - something’s Chasing Me! - Rhonda Williams26:25 - 1 Kings 19:1-3 - Elijah’s expectations vs his reality29:00 - 1 Kings 19:4 - Have we really had enough? We don’t get to decide…34:10 - Isaiah 41:10 - Do not fear!36:52 - Elijah witnessed God’s remarkable power firsthand so why do you think he was so afraid when Jezebel threatened him?38:38 - Do you reflect back on all the times God has helped you in the past when trouble comes? Do these memories give you the confidence to trust him in your current situation?41:36 - Elijah was so disappointed in himself for running in fear that he told God, “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Have you ever felt that way?45:28 - Upward Sports report49:52 - Dean’s Thoughts - An Odd Thing Happened on the Road Today1:01:49 - Why Running/Walking is so awesome1:03:39 - 9 runner Types1:10:14 - Trivia Question of the Week1:10:45 - Motivational Thought of the Week