Whether you’re a runner, someone tackling a big goal, or just trying to figure out what it means to keep going, I think you’ll find something here to encourage you. Let’s get started. Welcome back to Spirit of EQ! I’m your host, Eric Pennington, and I’m excited to invite you into a powerful episode that goes deep into the emotional journey behind running a marathon—and the life lessons we can pull from it. I’m joined once again by my good friend and guest, J.A. Dava, who many of you might remember from his incredible insights on sales during his last visit. Today, though, we’re shifting from business to the marathon course, and trust me, the parallels to life are striking. J.A. is a multi-marathon runner, and in our conversation, he opens up about his life-altering heart attack, what it really feels like to hit “the wall” at mile 22, and how the support of others—sometimes even complete strangers—makes all the difference. We talk honestly about the tough moments, the battles with ego, those humbling setbacks, and what it means to rely on community. I share my own observations—like watching my son-in-law run his first marathon and reflecting on how life sometimes feels exactly like those endurance miles: full of hope early on, then testing you when you least expect it. We cover the importance of rest, the power of discipline over motivation, and why your “why” matters for whatever marathon you’re running—on the road, or just in everyday life. Moments 00:00 "Life-Saving Health Wake-Up Call" 06:54 "Marathon Missteps: Food & Hydration" 13:24 "Reflections on Marathons and Life" 17:23 "Mile 13: Keep Going" 21:09 Running Without Proper Training 31:21 Marathon Reflections and Achievement 32:20 "Persistence and Emotional Triumph" 42:14 Empathy Struggles and Growth 48:00 Success Requires Support & Preparation 49:23 "What Do I Really Want?" 57:28 "Prioritization Over Training Costs Result" 01:00:42 "Walking Away and Reflecting" 01:07:12 "Overcoming the Fear of Starting" 01:14:48 What's It Take to Be You? 01:18:20 "Evaluate Your Inner Circle" Here are 3 takeaways you can apply to your journey—whether you’re chasing fitness goals or professional ones: 🔹 Progress Is Built Step by Step J.A. Dava reminds us that success, whether in running or life, isn't about focusing only on the 26th mile or the “finish line.” Break big goals into smaller actions and celebrate the mile 3s and 5s along the way. 🔹 Know Your WHY The “why” behind your journey matters more than the title, achievement, or even the bling. J.A. Dava ran his marathons not just for medals, but as a commitment to health and in service to causes he cares about. 🔹 Community Carries Us Forward Whether it’s an EMT helping you off the course or the supporters who rally when things don’t go to plan, we never truly “run alone.” The people around us—not just our grit—help us cross the finish line, in races and in life. Coach J.A. Dava is a leadership coach, speaker, and co-founder of Latreia Coaching & Consulting, where he helps leaders, sales professionals, and business owners grow not only in performance, but in spiritual, relational, physical, mental, and philanthropic well-being. With more than two decades in the mortgage and real estate industries, J.A. built his reputation by developing people, strengthening relationships, and helping professionals thrive in changing markets. Today, he challenges individuals and organizations to move beyond transactional success and pursue wholistic growth that produces lasting impact. His life has been shaped by resilience, faith, and hard-earned lessons through adversity. By the grace of God, those experiences now fuel his passion for serving others, encouraging men
