Upward Running Podcast

Upward Sports
  • 4.9 (48)
  • FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Are you looking for motivation to lace up your running shoes and dive deeper into your faith? Need a little extra inspiration now and then? Imagine having a friend who’s always ready for a run and eager to share how the journey of faith aligns with the challenges of endurance. Look no further! Upward Running is taking our podcast to new heights. With engaging storytelling, devotionals, and the latest tech on YouTube, podcast platforms, and Facebook Live, Dean Thompson is here each week to bring you inspiration, knowledge, and enthusiasm. Plus, we’re excited to announce that a NEW app is launching soon, making it easier than ever to connect with the community and stay inspired on the go! For just $9.97 a month, you’ll get all this and more—and, more importantly, you’ll be supporting Upward Running in our mission to spread the Gospel through the running community! Ready for a boost, both spiritually and physically? Join us today, and cancel anytime if you need to.

  1. FEB 9

    306 - Previewing the RunClub Updates with Coach Dean

    RunClub Episode 306 - Previewing the RunClub Updates In this special episode, Coach Dean Thompson gives listeners an inside look at the upcoming updates to the Upward Running RunClub experience. With a new version of the RunClub app expected to launch soon, this episode walks through what members can expect in a full week of content, coaching, and community. Whether you are already part of the RunClub or have been listening from the sidelines, this episode offers a preview of the new features designed to help you grow in your running, your faith, and your connection with others. What’s Coming to the RunClub Coach Dean outlines the new weekly rhythm of content that will be available inside the RunClub app. Monday: Voice of the RunClub A brand new members-only podcast hosted by Travis Vaughn. Each episode features conversations with RunClub members from around the country, sharing their stories, challenges, goals, and victories. These conversations are designed to build connection, encouragement, and community. Tuesday: Devotions (Audio Coming Soon) Weekly faith-based devotions have long been available in text form. Audio versions are currently in development so members can listen during their walk or run. Wednesday: Running Curriculum (Audio Coming Soon) Educational content focused on helping runners train safely and improve over time. These lessons cover training principles, injury prevention, and long-term development. Audio versions are on the way. Thursday: Coach Connect Thursday Night Live is being replaced with a new, more personal coaching experience. Members can now click the chat bubble on the website to ask Coach Dean their individual running questions directly. Coach Connect provides direct access to a real coach as part of your membership. Friday: Kinda Fast Podcast Hosted by Claire Boyce and Travis Vaughn, this weekly show includes: “What Does That Even Mean?” (running terminology)Weekly running newsA deep dive into a relevant training or lifestyle topicSaturday: Coach’s Thoughts Coach Dean has written over 400 of these encouragement pieces and is working to bring them into audio format. These short messages offer practical wisdom, motivation, and perspective for your running journey. Sunday: Scripture Sunday A new short-form podcast featuring scripture readings and reflections from Les Neely. Simple, encouraging biblical content to help you start your training week grounded in God’s Word. Additional RunClub Features RunClub membership also includes: Training plans for 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathonBeginner, intermediate, and advanced optionsDirect access to a coachAn active and encouraging social communityRun and walk tracking inside the appGarmin integrationVoice prompts for the 12-week 5K ChallengeAccess to the Upward Running store for gear, books, and journalsThe updated app is more stable than ever and continues to grow based on member feedback. Ready to Join? If you’ve been listening but haven’t joined, now is a great time to get started. Visit UpwardRunning.com and use the code: COACHDEAN to receive three free weeks of RunClub membership.

    1h 1m

  2. FEB 2

    305 – A New Beginning

    On this last episode of The Upward Running Podcast, Coach Dean and Travis Vaughn discuss the future of Upward Running.

    1h 5m

  3. JAN 26

    304 – By George : Etch A Sketch

    Does George have anything to say about our running? Turns out, many Georges did! Coach Dean shares his thoughts on them. And then he asks the question: Would you want all your bad runs to go away? His answer may surprise you! USATF Club National Championships Post of the Week - Patricia Adams - Being open to a great day Run of the Week - Rebecca Wang - Comparing yourself to the former you Trivia Answer from last week How to take care of running shoes Story of the Week - By George - Jerry Snider Proverbs 15:22 - Ready, Aim, Shoot! Proverbs 24:5 - Best to be Smart AND Strong Proverbs 25:11 - The right word at the right time Do you have any role models named George? The famous author and runner George Sheehan said, "I have met my hero, and he is me." What does this mean to you? Comedian George Burns said, "You can't help getting older, but you don't have to be old." Do you share this attitude about your running? Why You Don’t Need to Do a Long Run Every Week Dean’s Thoughts - Etch A Sketch Why Running/Walking is so Awesome World Cross Country Championships Motivational Thought of the Week

    1h 13m

  4. JAN 19

    303 – God Is Listening : Toaster Pastry Running

    Do you think God hears the prayers we sometimes blurt out in frustration? Today’s story address that very question. And then Coach Dean shares his thoughts on the history of toaster pastries and how it relates to running and faith. Hang in there on those New Year’s Resolutions Post of the Week - Richard Ball - A different kind of holiday and New Year’s Resolution Run of the Week - Greg Chance - Looking forward/Looking back Answer to last week’s trivia question Japan’s Ekidens are a hit! Story of the Week - God is Listening—Always! - Rhonda Williams 1 John 5:14 - Approaching God Psalms 139:2 - God knows it all before it happens John 15:7 - What does it mean to “remain in Him?” How many different ways do you pray? Have you ever had an experience when God showed you He was listening even when you didn't think He was? Do you invite Him along in your everyday life? Sleep patterns today can predict future health issues in the future Dean’s Thoughts - Toaster Pastry Running Why Running/Walking is so Awesome Ethiopians denied entry into US for XC Trivia Question of the Week Motivational Thought of the Week

    1h 6m

  5. JAN 12

    302 – Pointing in the Right Direction : Two Copper Coins

    Do you believe in coincidences? Or is there a greater power at work? Coach Dean shares his thoughts on that topic. Then he shares his thoughts on comparing our running to someone else’s. Hint: It’s usually a bad idea! New Year’s ETA run Post of the Week - Brooks Wachs - Getting it done Run of the Week - Stephen Havard - 10-mile trail race Trivia answer from last week General Nutrition advice for runners/walkers Story of the Week - Pointing In the Right Direction - Darian Rowles Proverbs 3:5-6 - The hardest part of these verses Psalms 25:4 - The right path is not always the easiest Psalms 119:105 - First we are guided to the path, then we’re shown the path and then the path is lit Have you ever wondered about the coincidences in life? Have you been someone who has seen the same signs over and over, but never put two and two together? Have you been seeing signs that have always been there, pointing you in the right direction, but you didn't realize it until it was too late? Doubting the Doubt Dean’s Thoughts - Two Copper Coins - Don’t compare your running to anyone else’s Why Running/Walking is so Awesome What to look out for in 2026 Trivia Question of the Week Motivational Thought of the Week

    1h 7m

  6. JAN 5

    301 – Running and Giving it to God : Training by Sifting

    Don’t miss Darcy Peckskamp’s incredible emotional story as she describes how God used running to completely change her life’s direction. Then Coach Dean and Mitchell share their thoughts on a kitchen apparatus and how it relates to our physical and spiritual training. 1:13 - Welcome Mitchell back fro the other side of the pond 7:01 - Post of the Week - Alaura Page Adams - “I AM a runner!” 11:11 - Run of the Week - Ashley Daly - 10 Mile Race Winner! 14:16 - Trivia answer from last week 21:21 - Bottled Water or Tap Water? 30:36 - Story of the Week - Running and Giving it to God - Darcy Peckskamp 42:51 - Psalms 56:13 - Looking back, looking forward to 45:03 - Psalms 30:2 - “Crying out to God” only happens when you truly believe 47:56 - Ephesians 6:15 - Peace is foundational to our faith 52:05 - Are you still gripping tightly at something that God has asked you to fully lay at His feet? 54:23 - Are there times that you hear his voice but don't move? or do what he is asking you to do? 59:35 - There are many reasons to run: Fitness, hearing God’s voice, etc. What is the most important reason you run/walk? 1:03:43 - Dean’s Thoughts - Training by Sifting 1:17:16 - Why Running/Walking is so Awesome 1:19:02 - Grand Slam Track 1:20:07 - Athing Mu 1:21:42 - Sinclair Johnson 1:22:34 - Trivia Question of the Week 1:23:12 - Motivational Thought of the Week

    1h 27m

  7. 12/24/2025

    300b – Coach Dean’s Definitive Christmas Movie List

    Coach Dean has watched hundreds of Christmas movies. As a bonus, he shares his top 10 favorites along with some other comments on some other Christmas films

    56 min

  8. 12/22/2025

    300 – The Night That Changed Everything : Recognizing the Gift

    Coach Dean is joined by Lane Hollis as they share a Christmas story and some things about Christmas traditions. Then Dean shares a second story with a different surprise twist and talks about how it relates to our running and our faith. 1:05 - Catching up with Lane 4:48 - Post of the Week - Macaela Watson - It’s amazing what you can do when you commit to it! 7:17 - Run of the Week - Greg Chance - California International Marathon 12:38 - Trivia answer from last week 18:31 - The lowest marathon on Earth and Rory Coleman 21:41 - Story of the Week - The Night That Changed Everything 50:31 - Discussion of the story 1:04:45 - Dean’s Thoughts - Recognizing the Gift 1:18:26 - Why Running/Walking are so Awesome 1:19:44 - Cutting corners in the NCAA 1:22:20 - Us XC Championships 1:25:28 - More Jane Hedengren 1:26:32 - Suing because shoes caused a stress fracture? 1:29:14 - Trivia Question of the Week 1:29:37 - Motivational Thought of the Week

    1h 32m
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Trailer

4.9
out of 5
48 Ratings

About

Are you looking for motivation to lace up your running shoes and dive deeper into your faith? Need a little extra inspiration now and then? Imagine having a friend who’s always ready for a run and eager to share how the journey of faith aligns with the challenges of endurance. Look no further! Upward Running is taking our podcast to new heights. With engaging storytelling, devotionals, and the latest tech on YouTube, podcast platforms, and Facebook Live, Dean Thompson is here each week to bring you inspiration, knowledge, and enthusiasm. Plus, we’re excited to announce that a NEW app is launching soon, making it easier than ever to connect with the community and stay inspired on the go! For just $9.97 a month, you’ll get all this and more—and, more importantly, you’ll be supporting Upward Running in our mission to spread the Gospel through the running community! Ready for a boost, both spiritually and physically? Join us today, and cancel anytime if you need to.

Information

  • Creator
    Upward Sports
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    329
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023 JRadio Podcast
  • Show Website
    Upward Running Podcast

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