Run The Race

She took on one of the toughest footraces in the world this summer and was the 10th woman to cross the finish line at the Badwater 135 in the very hot Death Valley. Along with being an ultrarunner - who's done 100 marathons and almost that many ultras - Vanessa Kline is also a race director, entrepreneur, and single mom. I've had the honor of being one of her pacers at a race, since she's been the owner of best Pacing for almost 14 years now.

(5:05) Why and How do we get out of our comfort zone and do hard things? She talks about preparation/training, pain tolerance and experience, and having fun while working hard.

(13:10) A few months ago, Vanessa finished the Badwater 135 in a little more than 35 hours! We dive into hard difficult it is to get into that race (her application included a 500 K) and how an injury changed her training for the epic race.

(21:07) Taking us inside the legendary Badwater 135, we chat about the extreme heat (and preparing for that) and wearing ice...food and salt during that race...naps or sleep...and what it was like crossing the finish line.

(36:00) How important are official pacers in races of all distances, whether you're a fast runner or in the back of the pack? As the founder and director of Beast Pacing, Vanessa talks about helping people push their limits and what those pacers do besides running those miles. (43:11) And we close out our chat with how she balances jobs/companies, training and running races, being a mom of three. In part, it involves spreadsheets and making time for things she cares most about.

Thanks for listening to the "Run The Race" podcast, which I always wrap up with a prayer. Share it with others and subscribe/follow, as we continue to talk about fitness and faith! 

On this 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks on America, we dive into the faith behind the suffering as we never forget...prayers for the loved ones of those lost + our first responders and military...and memories from two retired top Army leaders who deployed to war multiple times after 9/11.

(5:25) You'll also hear a poem I wrote on 9/12/2001, as a TV news reporter putting emotions into words a quarter century ago.

(12:02) Retired Generals Patrick Donahoe and Andy Hilmes in Columbus GA - who rose to be Commanding General and Garrison Commander on Fort Benning - talk about what they were doing in Kuwait and Georgia on the tragic September 11...the mission of defending the homeland...going to the Middle East on combat deployments for years...how 9/11 changed the US Army...and what we can focus on during this solemn anniversary.

Thanks for listening to the "Run The Race" podcast. Tell others about it. Make sure you subscribe to the weekly show via Apple or Spotify.

Hoping to be a future Atlanta Braves outfielder, Kevin Kilpatrick Jr. is just a few steps away from it. The CF for the baseball organizations AA affiliate Columbus Clingstones is this week's guest on "Run The Race." And he runs...fast, to catch balls and around the bases! The Georgia native talks about being drafted...fitness training that helps him hit homers and steal bases...making God and prayer a priority...support from fans, teammates...and how explosive jumps in the gym helps him with speed.

(2:44) Earlier this month, it was a first for "Kevo" as he was named Southern League Player of the Week, out of hundreds in their section of the minor leagues, thanks to batting over .600 with 3 homers in 3 games and 9 RBI. We talk about how the College Park GA kid started in baseball, chose it over football. And how about that moment being selected by his favorite Braves team as their 17th round pick in the 2022 MLB draft? He describes that, including an almost dead phone battery.

(13:28) We also dive into his typical day as a Columbus Clingstones player, including practice and recovery (ice baths) and training - from muscle memory reps to weight lifiting. Gotta stay in shape for a long season!

(18:05) Kilpatrick's goal is also to "keep God first." He opens up about praying and trusting, trying to do the right things, leaning on his faith during long road to MLB, growing up in church but not being able to attend as much during the baseball season .

(22:48) He also loves baseball and the fans encouraging him to keep his head up. He's not giving up on his dream of playing for the Braves, but for now, he's on a journey with his Stones' teammates which he describes as a brotherhood, including new top prospects recently added to the squad. Who would he pick in a fantasy draft of Braves or Clingstones players?

(31:49) Kevin also gives us insight on ways he avoids injuries on the field...making decisions on stealing bases with instincts...exercises that help with speed like explosiive jumps, with weights too...and what he does for fun with his girlfriend.

(42:35) Closing out the episode in prayer. THANKS much for listening to the podcast! Make sure you subscribe/follow "Run the Race," and tell your friends about it. 

It's episode 300 of the "Run The Race" podcast! We've had almost 7 years of conversations about fitness and faith. And we're trying something new, hopefully making it a regular monthly edition with WTVM-ABC coworkers. This one is a double feature with Sports Leader 9's Tony Reese and Drew Pavan being having fun and getting vulnerable with some deep issues.

(00:25) We start with East Alabama native and Troy University alum Tony Reese, now the WTVM sports director, starting with his challenges with having type 1 diabetes...impacts like watching his weight, heat, gadgets, job stress.

(9:05) Tony played lots of sports including football and is a big NBA fan, (13:07) so his dream with sports broadcasting as a job, inspired in part by his TV news loving grandfather. Now his catchphrase "Let's Get Into It" is catching on in the Columbus GA area.

(17:25) His prayer warrior mother is now preaching in Valley AL. Tony talks about he and his wife being rooted in faith...trying to uplift student-athletes and others...being thankful amidst imposter syndrome...getting through difficult parts of TV job with the help of God and therapy.

(27:50) We close out our chat with him being an inspiring example for other young men as the first black sports director at WTVM, with full circle moments at the TV station that Tony used to watch growing up.

(31:35) The second part of the "double feature" pod is an in-depth chat with NY native and University of Alabama alum Drew Pavan, a WTVM spoirts anchor/reporter for almost 2 years. We start with the ups and downs of his football career...which almost led to playing at the next level. Playing since he was 6, he had 4 major knee injuries as a teenager, mostly as a member of the Flaming Arrows, his HS mascot. Dashed dreams took a mental toll, but he alwways practiced play-by-play while on video games.

(44:40) The COVID pandemic and another surgery eventually led to weight gain, up to 290 pounds, then he lost at least 80 pounds. How did he do it? It involves, in part, intermittent fasting which he still does now. Drew explains. (50:05) Now it's surreal for him, living the dream of talking about sports on TV, getting hyped covering football just as if he was a player.

(53:10) Drew's story also involves tragic losses of people close to him, from a gruesome accident with a teammate's death during football practice...to his mom passing away from breast cancer when Drew was 20 years old. He talks about what his mother was like...and the impact of those deaths on his maturity and going through the motions as a Catholic. He's open about how knee injuries - ending his football career - had him questioning his faith, now seeing them as tests from God who doesn't always answer prayers in our timing. (1:05:45) We wrap with some fitness on the TV job.

(1:13:40) Closing prayer, like all the other 299 episodes! Thanks so much for listening. Make sure to follow or subscribe to "Run The Race" and share it with others.

He's the new record holder for the solo Run Across Georgia for the 277 mile long event! My friend Ronald (Ronnie) Robinette ran from Tybee Island to Columbus GA on Memorial Day week.

(2:22) We dive first into how/why he started running in his mid 30s, a little more than 3 years ago. It involves weight loss, a family thing, mostly treadmill miles for months, not even knowing how far a marathon was. Ultimately, running has become his therapy!

(9:25) Ronnie breaks down his adventure running (and walking) across the state of Georgia which took him 96 hours and 43 minutes, smashing the previous record. Why did he do it? No coach or run plan to get ready. His training in two words: consistency, intensity! The strategy of pausing run to sleep in hottest part of the day didn't work. He got maybe 8 hours of sleep total over those 4 days. There was junk food involved (cheeseburgers), hydration drinks, protective clothes, lots of sunscreen, armadillos, and more. And after finishing...following asleep while eating a waffle.

(26:28) Where does his mental fortitude or "No Quit" attitude come from? He talks about his upbringing, being an underdog, proving people wrong. And now he's got a family that loves to do fitness in the outdoors with. And as he approaches 40 years old, Ronnie appreciates firnds pushing him and the amazing Chattahoochee Valley running community support.

(32:35) Injuries happen, especially with ultramarathon runners! Ronnie had a torn labrum, a painful hip in the months leading up to "Run Across Georgia" but he still did it! And he had a real quick recovery after those 277 miles. His paying job involves strength and heat training. Next up: more race adventures with his wife and the Lone Wolf 135 miles trail race this Fall.

Closing out the podcast in prayer, I appreciate you listening. Make sure to follow, subscribe to "Run The Race." Share it with your friends. We hit 300 episodes next week! God is good!

What a story! At age 23, a fit Evan Hinson had a sudden cardiac arrest, and the odds were against him to survive. The newly married now-traveling nurse joins me on "Run The Race" to talk about the scary moments...prayers and resiliency...making his foundation more solid with God...becoming a nurse helping people in similar health emergencies...what his recovery and comeback looked like...resuming fitness challenges like CrossFit, running a marathon and completing an Ironman, and Hyrox which he explains...inspiring and comforting others with his medical miracle story of faith.

(1:45) It was late 2017 when Evan Hinson fell, not waking up until he was airlifted to an ICU. Now, he has a defibrillator installed in his chest to prevent it from happening again. His story involved nonstop prayers from those around him. 

(13:22) From a Why God pity party to being thankful and more focused on the Lord, Evan sees how it was a miracle he survived.

(18:33) After recover from the cardiac event, Evan resumed his studies to be in the health care field, but felt a new calling to be God's hands and feet as a critical care NURSE, including at the same ER and ICU and critical care unit where he fought for his life 8+ years ago. And he can relate to patients.

(26:00) It was also humbling for him to re-learn how to walk, talk, eat on his own. Fast forward, he just got married 2+ months ago!

(31:45) Evan loves fitness and working out. He talks about getting back to that after his medical crisis - tranisitioning from CrossFit to more running and doing an Ironman 70.3 and Hyrox competitions. He got AG top 10 in Atlanta and Miami. Big upcoming goals include a faster Hyroz time and getting a BQ (Boston Marathon qualifying time) with a  sub 3 hour marathon. Why does he love running?

(44:50) His comeback story is inspiring others with hope from God, sometimes against all odds. As a nurse, Evan feels an obligation to keep himself in shape since he asks them to do the same.

I close out the episode in prayer. Thanks for listening! Share this podcast with others, follow and subscribe!

With Father's Day weekend here, I'm talking on this special edition of "Run The Race" about fatherhood, fitness, and faith. Much of this solo episode of the podcast is a recap of my latest marathons (2 in 2 days) and my trip out West that included the first ever National Park.

I ran 26.2 mile races earlier this month in Wyoming and Idaho on consecutive days as part of the "Bear Lake Trifecta." You'll hear on this pod about the scenic and hilly courses - challenging mentally and physically...meeting fellow runners from all over America and beyond (ran/walked one race entirely with a new friend from Utah)...how I recovered and celebrated between and after marathons in states #40 and 41 while seeing some sites in "Wydaho." Bonus: my run streak is now more than 4 years long.

If you enjoy traveling and God's country, I also dive into specifics about what I saw and hiked at Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks - mountains, glaciers, moose, closeup bison, climbing to peaks, getting different views of hot springs and waterfalls, dragon-like sounds/sights at a mud volcano cave, scenic drives, the largest high-elebation lake in North America, and more. 

And before my closing prayer, we chat a bit about balancing fatherhood and fitness - tips to fit it in to your busy schedule. I love being a dad and explain how running intersects with my son/family. Thanks for listening to the podcast. Subcribe or follow "Run The Race" and tell others about it! Getting close to 300 episodes over nearly 7 years of interviews, sharing inspiring stories of faith and fitness.

Timothygabriel is a Christian hip hop music producer and recording artist that has organized a special event for the last 6 years in Columbus GA called Parking Lot Praise Music Festival that I'll be emcee for this month. We also talk in this episode about his up-and-down music and faith journey...changes over the decades in Christian music...what people can expect at that event on Saturday June 20...bringing unity to churches and along racial lines...the importance of service for believers, and more. And during the intro of this podcast, you'll get a taste of his music with the song "Drip in Jesus."

(3:10) Timothy G. Dixon aka timothygabriel talks about his music path that started with writing a Christian rap song at age 9, perfoming at church, but being discouraged by the pastor's rejection of it. He started rapping for the world, was cussing a lot, almost did a song with Killer Mike...but gave his life to the Lord, has done music for Him since then.

(9:22) Christian music has definitely changed. How can you tell the different between genuine music that good for you spiritually or not? He also talks about different music for different seasons. Churches and music can also be separated by race, but he wants to change that. He says the enemy can use music too. timothygabriel says he's gone further lifting God's name vs the millions he could've made doing secular music. Give it a listen: https://ffm.to/timothygabriel?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e233_tv0&fbclid=IwY2xjawSX_DhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFoS3BOWTU2UlNFR1BCZkg0c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmkKyA3AMBtpfQJW15yDOZlR58ff-ressyUIzkOgtBQaruySz86oRIyhQKY8_aem_GEp5M1yfx4SSmHWqocy3xw

(31:20) The FREE 6th annual Parking Lot Praise Music Festival will be on Saturday June 20 at Noon at Woodruff Park at 1000 Bay Avenue in Columbus GA, also with a Christian Parade starting at 10am. He describes how it got started at a mall and from a song. This founder and CEO of Lion & Lamb Music says this event is for believers and the unnchurched, with plenty of food trucks + a diverse lineup of speakers and artists including the Grammy nominated Canton Jones performing. Goal: love and showing unity, using food and music to draw people to Jesus and His church. More: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/6th-annual-parking-lot-praise-christian-music-festival-tickets-1983699565801

(49:07) We wrap up our chat with Timothy, involved in a lot of nonprofits, talking about why it's so important for Christians to be servants in the community. He also opens up about his health issues, a failing kidney + mental health struggles, how keeping his mind on Christ helps him get out of the darkness. He may also be releasing new music fairly soon. (1:00:05) I close us out in prayer. Thanks for listening to "Run the Race." Subscribe and follow the show, tell others about it, as we continue to share stories of faith and fitness that help you live a better life. 

She's one of the youngest people to hold a General Manager position in US Soccer history. Now, the Columbus United FC (Football Club) GM, in West Georgia, Eleni Hitchcock is promoting the game and her squad ahead of one of the biggest sporting events anywhere: The World Cup starting in the USA on June 11. We talk about the fitness needed for soccer/football, as she watches intense training. She also has plenty to say about women being involved in sports and leadership.

(4:30) we talk about the popularity of soccer - a family tradition for her - and Eleni's journey from a kid following her dad as he worked in MLS and launched teams...to being a GM in a sport she loves.

(12:40) The World Cup, with 48 teams competing for a month this summer - in 16 host cities in the US, Mexico, Canada - creates opportunities to build excitement for local teams and semi-pro players. That includes a new soccer shop in Columbus GA selling all kinds of gear...and even looking ahead to the 2031 Womens World Cup. The next Columbus United match is at home (AJ McClung Memorial Stadium) this Saturday night May 23, dubbed as "Ted Lasso" night. We discuss how that fun and inspiring show has sparked more interest in the sport too.

(20:45) Growing women's soccer is a focus around the nation and for Eleni. She hopes to inspire younger women and is outspoken about females being in sports and having  opportunities in leadership like her role as GM. Columbus United now has market rights for a women's team, which will be coming in the future. Their squad is also an example of the path to pro soccer.

(31:00) What kind of fitness is involved in this game? Eleni says a lot, according to the training (practices) she watches. Columbus United FC is also focused on being involved in the community, youth programs. (37:05) Her team is one of 196 in the league but their division is Alabama and Georgia teams. What's it like at one of their matches? Go United!!

(45:30) After our chat, I close out the episode in prayer. Thanks for listening to "Run The Race." Make sure to follow or subscribe to the podcast to hear more stories and insight on fitness and faith. Tell your friends about it too!  

Having now run a marathon in 39 states, here's a recap of my latest one: Derby Festival race in Louisville KY, alongside cheering TV friends and others running across America. Thanks for listening to the "Run the Race" podcast.

The course included the iconic Churchill Downs, a week before the recent dramatic Kentucky Derby race. I gives the ins and outs of the race, plus the ups and downs of my new run walk strategy.

Have you ever been to Louisville? I have some insight on key places to go...involving horse races, KY bourbon, and baseball - how those famous Louisville Sluggers are made.

The 2nd half of this solo episode is focused on a flashback to my very first marathon, a decade ago, almost to the day, in Nashville TN with my inspiring friend/coach - what it was like preparing for those 26.2 miles, farther than I'd ever run before.

You can do hard things. There are some steps involved in that. One is prayer, which I close out the podcast with. Make sure to follow "Run The Race" and tell others about it.

The largest selling comedy-recording artist ever, Jeff Foxworthy, joins the "Run The Race" podcast, days before he performs in Columbus GA - to talk about clean comedy, Georgia roots, his faith walk and new/old parts of his standup routine.  

(4:14) Foxworthy, who mostly lives in Atlanta, also has a farm in Pine Mountain where he loves to mow/plow. He talks about the pros of performing close to home THIS Friday night May 1 at the RiverCenter in Columbus.

(8:21) The multiple Grammy Award nominee and best selling author of 25+ books has been doing standup comedy more than 41 years! Jeff gives his take on the growing popularity of "clean comedy" (he'll follow the dirtiest comedian) and why he didn't go the route of "Christian comedian." We also dive into his family and church background, wanting to encourage others with laughter being a "release valve" for struggles.

(17:10) Along with stories about being from Georgia and poor as a new comedian and married for 40+ years... (21:27) we close our chat with the status of his faith walk - longtime small group - and standup comedy, having just filmed his final special with the first new Redneck jokes in two decades.

(28:17) I close out the episode in prayer. Thanks for listening! Subscribe/follow "Run The Race" and let others know about it. And go laugh, it'll do you some good.

He's back home in East Alabama and West Georgia now as the President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Columbus with 3 locations. And it's a good time to get in shape before summer!

(2:22) Scott Balkcum talks about getting into shape in this Spring season, (8:16) how he got started in the "Y" business and life after sports like basketball (he got college scholarships), (13:28) also competition between health clubs or "gyms" and how it gets busier in certain seasons.

(19:20) Scott has worked for YMCAs in Alabama, Georgia, SC for 15 years. What has he found that helps push or motivate people to exercise? He uses swim classes for little kids as an example. And he loves the variety of people pockets that work out at different times.

(26:43) We talk about all the details of upcoming Summer Camps at the Y and (30:51) and him as a volunteer coach for little kids playing flag football.

(32:20) There's also a faith side of the YMCA, which has been around in Columbus GA almost 170 years! Scott touches on the changes to the lingo, logo but not moving away from the Christian principles they've always stood on and the mission to help with spirit, body and mind. That includes Bible studies and baptisms at the Y pool. (37:48) There are also special deals for some members and financial help for others.

After giving some highlights from the Boston Marathon, (52:00) I close out the episode in prayer. Thanks for listening to "Run the Race." Share it with your friends! Subscribe or follow the show for regular, inspiring content on fitness and faith!

The Boston Marathon is this Monday! 30,000 people will run it - most of them having to run a fast time or BQ to get there. Why is the race such a big deal? What's the history behind it? What are the options for getting into Boston? And who are some of the "celebrities" running it this time?

We have some answers about the legendary sporting event. And you'll hear from 8 previous "Run The Race" podcast guests who have some stories, opinions about The Boston Marathon after running it, including one marathon queen who crossed the finish line just minutes before the 2013 bombing there.

This episode comes out on GOOD FRIDAY, as we mark the death of Jesus, sacrificing himself on the Cross. And on Easter, we celebrate God's Son rising from the grave, conquering death as a Savior for our sin. I asked a diversity of faith leaders across Georgia (many in Columbus) and Alabama - who have been previous podcast guests over the 5+ years of "Run The Race" - to share about the significance and power of Easter...and how/why we celebrate what Jesus did for us. They have some fantastic insight that will inspire and tech you, heading into this holiday weekend.

(5:40) Bishop Michael Grant Jr, Faith Worship Center International Sr. Pastor

(7:27) Pastor Paul Thomas, Evangel Church Lead Pastor in Columbus GA

(10:01) Chaplain Neil Richardson, Safehouse Ministries Executive Director

(12:23) Elias Klaif, Associate Pastor & Block Huggers Movement founder

(15:16) Pastor Grant Collins, Fountain City Church

(18:35) Sheriff Greg Countryman, Muscogee County

(21:32) MAJ (Ret) Jeff Struecker, Two Cities Church Pastor and Army Ranger Vet

(22:50) Stephen Kendrick, author & faith-based movie producer for The Kendrick Brothers

(27:51) Pastor Curtis Doleman, Praise Ministry Tabernacle Sr. Pastor

(28:53) Richard Moore, "Sermons On The Side" podcast co-host & Solid Rock Church leader

(31:13) Pastor Brad Lacy, North Highland Church

(33:33) Nathan Dewberry, Redeemed Men's Ministry in Columbus GA

(35:50) Pastor Bud Rupel, Evangel Church

(38:09) Pastor Lee McBride, Hidden Hook Ministries Evangelist & comedian

(40:43) Chris Cloud, Abel Ministries (and home church) Pastor

(42:31) Lynn Alderson, Kingdom Authority Ministries and Pray Georgia Founder

(45:10) Closing Prayer by Lynn

“March Madness” is here! My favorite sporting event is the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. And on this week’s podcast, we’re talking basketball and staying fit in March with a coach and player, a pair of Army veterans. One of them created a league that’s helping to save service members’ lives. We dig into the MBA (not the NBA), how sports help the military, and how my TV station WTVM is involved with their upcoming championship game.

(3:10) Columbus GA native Cedarius Brantley served 9 years in the Army. How does he stay fit post-military? It involves 5am practices as a player for the Fort Benning Yellow Jackets in the Military Basketball Association. His coach, Retired 1st Sgt. Angel "Ace" Acevedo, co-founded the MBA nearly a decade ago, a league that supports nearly a thousand players, both veteran and active duty serving our nation.

(9:40) “Ace” talks about how and why they started the basketball league, after he was a coach for much of his time in the military. Cedarius or “CB” also talks about how sports help with the stress of service.

(18:06) In his 25 year Army career, Acevedo had 6 year-long combat deployments. Part of the mission of their MBA is using sports to rebuild camraderie and community - providing an outlet for trauma and combat-related PTSD, to ultimately help prevent suicides. Players see the court as a safe space.

(29:20) What’s it like for him to coach other veterans and soldiers, seeing them develop on and off the court? The non-profit MBA runs a global league featuring more than 50 teams from all military branches.

(36:44) Later this month, WTVM will broadcast the Military Basketball Association Playoffs Eastern Conference championship being played at Columbus State University with the Fort Benning Yellow Jackets, on a 10-game win streak now, hoping to be there. That big game Sunday March 29 at 3 p-m, free to attend. You can also watch the entire game on our Peachtree Sports Network 9.3 or WTVM live streaming on our Roku, Amazon Fire, AppleTV, and news app.

I close out the episode in prayer. Thanks for listening! Subscribe and follow “Run The Race” and share it with others!