Podcast
Run The Race
Hosted by WTVM · EN
On your journeys of fitness and faith, we are helping you stay motivated to be stronger physically and spiritually on the new RUN THE RACE podcast. Host Jason Dennis - veteran WTVM news anchor, marathon runner and missionary, will talk to experts and people with inspiring stories as we dig deeper into the mind, body and soul.
29episodes
Episodes
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#292: Son With Autism Helps Parents See God's Grace As They Start New Ministry
2w ago01:00:06Tap to summarizeGlobally, 1 in 100 people are on the autism spectrum. In the US, it's 1 in 31 children or 1 in 45 adults (8.5 million in America with autism). This week's guests on "Run The Race" are parents who have faced it for nearly two decades, with their son Drew diagnosed at age 2. Now, they're helping to start a new program in Columbus GA through an established ministry. And they're very open in this conversation about the struggles of caring for someone with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD), including how it impacts marriage and the community. (5:40) Retired Army Brigadier General Andy and Nikki Hilmes go deep about learning their son had autism - from anger and focusing on fixing...to being advocates and praying and discovering resources. They have key advice for other parents with a special needs relative. (21:30) How faith played a role in this journey...from being cautious and wanting to protect Drew to allowing others to bless him with God's grace, realizing he makes their life fuller. There are new trends in society about autism too. (27:37) There also has to be a focus on keeping the marriage strong and not neglecting your other kids (their daughters joke their brother has "autism privilege"). It's a busy life, so Andy and Nikki divide and conquer. Sounds like the military. The GEN also discusses how his 27+ years in the Army helped him learn how to handle tough times at home and how having a son with autism made him a much better leader. (37:45) Nikki, the founder and former owner of the Autism Learning Center in West GA, is now opening a branch of Wesley Glen Ministries (established by the church) in Columbus this summer, with a divine mission from above to provide important services for those with intellectual or developmental disabilities. They talk about how this program will benefit the community and vice versa. They are hosting an open house on June 23 from 4:30-7pm at 900 Front Avenue in Columbus. Learn more at https://wesleyglenministries.com/services/wesleyglen-columbus/. (51:12) We close out our pod chat talking about self-care through exercise at the gym or through family hiking, how fitness benefits both caregivers and those on the spectrum. (57:07) I close out the episode in prayer. Thanks for listening and tell others about "Run The Race." Subscribe to or follow the show. We've been providing inspiration and insight on faith and fitness on this show for almost 7 years now.
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#291: With Goals For Soccer & Women, Columbus United GM Promotes Club Ahead Of The World Cup
4w ago00:48:11Tap to summarizeShe'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!
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#290: Ranger, Reverend, Runner (100 Miler) Nico Helping You Do Hard Things In "The Arena"
May 1301:00:08Tap to summarizeThis week's "Run The Race" guest wears a lot of hats. Retired Army Sgt. Nico Jay Moyer is a Ranger veteran, ordained minister, ultramarathon runner who just completed his first 100 miler, certified professional coach, and now founder of a new coaching community called "The Arena." (2:03) We start with experiences and lessons from his 7 years in the elite 75th Ranger Regiment, including combat in Afghanistan where he lost friends. Nico talks about the unique positives of being deployed with Army Rangers...and the physical tools he uses now to deal with trauma. Injuries are also a theme in his life, including the jump from a plane that led to a TBI and being medically retired from the service. (13:31) From being a cursing soldier in the military to his call into the ministry, Nico is the City Minister for First Baptist Church of Columbus. The bearded, long haired pastor is very open about his struggles, so that younger people can relate in their uptown ministry Second Story that he leads. (23:55) And the last of the Rs is Runner. We dive into his 20 weeks of training for the recent Bootlegger 100 on Georgia trails. He loves coaching others to big goals too! He leaned on God, his wife, pacers to get through the 33 hour trek. (35:33) Nico's newest venture is "The Arena" which represents the life we're all in, but this is focused on big goals...going through hard seasons...something you've put off. On the podcast, he offers advice about picking something outside your comfort zone. And the biggest thing is facing those challenges with a community, not alone! He wants to help others do hard things, starting with a free zoom group and different coaching levels: https://www.skool.com/endure-8143/about?fbclid=IwY2xjawRwaiBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFIRVptNEJ0MnNsYXVlWHhQc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHtNhEwT-HfzBSYhONbkB9v6gqEaRADgscM-hU_2Wrb4aAUDddLb-ri1YDkL3_aem_vo8QlL_Dkja0fMolIv6mtQ. (56:45) Nico closes us out in prayer. Thanks for listening. Make sure to follow/subscribe to "Run The Race" and tell others about it, as we continue telling inspiring stories of fitness and faith.
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#289: Marathon Before Kentucky Derby...Louisville Slugger Swinging...And Flashback to First 26.2
May 600:27:23Tap to summarizeHaving 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.
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#288: Jeff Foxworthy on Clean Comedy, Faith, Georgia Roots As He Performs in Columbus
Apr 2900:31:07Tap to summarizeThe 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.
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#287: YMCA President Helps Us Build A Better Body, Mind, Spirit Through Christian Organization
Apr 2300:54:36Tap to summarizeHe'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!
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#286: Runners' Stories From The Boston Marathon + Stats On This Storied Race
Apr 1800:28:55Tap to summarizeThe 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.
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#285: Pitching Faith with Baseball Coach Tim Fanning, Winner of 11 State Championships
Apr 1000:49:28Tap to summarizeWinning on and off the field, Head Baseball Coach Tim Fanning has led the Glenwood Gators in East Alabama to 11 State HS Championships in his 22 years at the helm. He's also been the Athletic Director more than 2 decades. We talk about his love for the game...playing college and pro baseball...using the sport as a vehicle to point people to Jesus...the foundations for his coaching...a different kind of winning...tangible things he does through nonprofit that takes mission trips overseas...and his recent cancer battle that changed his perspective on life and faith. (3:30) Tim - who was raised by a single mom and played 3B, pitcher - sees baseball as romantic because it's so difficult, a game where there's a lot of failure which can be the greatest teacher. What else has baseball taught him about life? (10:22) He talks about playing baseball at different universities (that led to him playing pickup basketball with Coach Billy Donovan and future superstar Randy Moss in WV), then to the Frontier League, (16:20) transitioning out of baseball than back in to be a Coach. He has advice for current and future coaches, also explaining the 4 pillars that are non-negotiable for him. "Can't be half pregnant." And winning (his record is 768-190) is lower on the priority list than you may think, especially vs. helping people get to Jesus. (26:08) Hall of Fame Coach Fanning is unapologetic about sharing his faith, including devotionals with his Glenwood team. His goal is to give them tools to be the best man, husband, father they can be. And Tim really saw some players changes when they went on mission trips to much poorer countries. He's had adventures in 21 countries, taking groups to places like Africa, Panama, Costa Rica, and Taiwan. (35:14) As founder of the "Serve to Lead" nonprofit, he explains what that name means and why taking action to serve others is so important in ministry. He's also written a few books by the same name: https://servetolead2.com/ (40:49) A few years ago, Tim battled Stage 4 Colon Cancer, isolated for chemo treatments during the Covid pandemic. Getting emotional, he talks about God healing his heart (and cancer). He's been cancer free for about 3 years! You'll want to hear how it's impacted his push for God's kingdom, his baseball players, and fellow coaches. (46:11) And the coach closes us out in prayer. Thanks for listening to "Run The Race." Subscribe and follow the podcast on Apple, Spotify and more. Share it with others! We talk on here about fitness and/or faith on a mostly weekly basis,
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#284: Easter and Jesus and Us - Perspectives From A Mix Of Faith Leaders
Apr 300:46:47Tap to summarizeThis 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
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#283: Famous Army Ranger & Chaplain Answers How Killing Impacts "Warrior's Soul" In New Video Series
Mar 2500:56:16Tap to summarizeWhat happens to a warrior's soul when he/she takes a life? In a new video series, world renown Army combat vet and chaplain MAJ (Ret) Jeff Struecker answers that question and more, about military service members and law enforcement pulling the trigger and killing someone, to protect others. The Pastor at 2 Cities Church in Columbus and US Army Ranger Hall of Famer - who had 17 war deployments, including the brutal battle in Somalia depicted in the movie "Black Hawk Down" - is the latest guest on the RUN THE RACE podcast. We talk about digging deep into the ethics of killing in the line of duty...transition from a soldier with a gun to a chaplain in war then to a pastor not in the military...plus how extreme fitness challenges and running far helps him get closer to God and push his physical limits. (2:15) He gets the question thousands of times at national speaking events: How can you be both a man of faith and use lethal force on the battlefield? It leaves scars on families and leads many former soldiers to suicide. He hopes the 6-part video series (episode 1 out now) - available for anyone to watch for free - can bring clarity about the ethics of killing, save lives, and prepare before the carnage: https://www.jeffstrueckerministries.com/the-warrior-s-soul. (23:55) Jeff talks about the call from God that came during his 23 year Army career, which closed with a decade as a chaplain in a unique position to help those in combat...then serving at churches, but deciding to stay and live next to Fort Benning. (37:03) We also talk about him winning the famous Best Ranger Competition three decades ago, what that very difficult 60 hour battle was like. Jeff also has enjoyed running most of his life, explaining how it helps the body and soul. He's got one almost impossible race that's on his bucket list, while he tries to create another event. (49:07) Closing out the chat with gifts we can find hidden in desperation and our limits. Jeff closes us out in prayer. Thanks for listening. Subscribe and follow this pod on Spotify, Apple. Share with others!
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