Run The Race WTVM

On this National Day of Prayer, Retired Army Corporal Josh McCart is talking about how faith in Jesus helped save and heal him after a bomb in Iraq left him without part of his arm, angry at God for years. He opens up about the darkness and what changed his life/marriage for the better. He also talks about losing a lot of weight and competing in big kickboxing competitions (yes, with one hand). Go right now and subscribe to "Run The Race" for inspiring conversations like this one about faith and fitness,

(3:33) Hear the scary story about the IED blast in Baghdad in 2007 that led to his amputation and turned him into a man with no hope, after thinking he was following God's will into the Army. Why me? One chaplain told him: Why not you?

(15:05) Losing his mom a decade after that bombing in Iraq prompted Josh, 275 pounds at the time, to lose at least 50 pounds. Learn how the Covid pandemic helped him find a passion for martial arts, especially Muay Thai and kickboxing. He explains those disciplines. The 39-year-old is competing against guys half his age in MMA-style matches. I asked about the disadvantages as an amputee. He also wants to live life to the fullest, to honor friends he lost in war.

(24:08) Not talking to God for years after losing his arm...his prayer life came back in 2015. Josh tells the story of what happened on a solo hunt that helped him make the switch. (29:22) Now, he and his wife help other disable service couples through Samaritans Purse and "Operation Heal Our Patriots" retreats.

And (37:57) how did he lose all the weight. It was moving more, but especially changing how he saw food, eating more intentionally. (41:27) Next up for Josh in the ring is the IKF (International Kickboxing federation) World Classic in Las Vegas this summer, for which he's already visualizing victory. It's to inspire others, especially his sons, but most importantly, to honor God! (45:45) Our guest this week closes us out in prayer.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and all past episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

On this episode #200, we have a special repeat guest: famous race director Lazarus Lake (real name: Gary Cantrell), as he walks across America! He talks about the ins and outs of that walk 3,000 miles across America...the most grueling footrace in the world, the historic Barkley Marathons event that just happened and that he's led for nearly 4 decades, where they just had their first ever female finisher...and virtual racing that's still around, like an event he helped create that allows anyone in the world to join him on this transcon.

After a quick flashback to May 2020 when I asked Laz about a woman potentially finishing The Barkley, (7:00) we move ahead to the new chat with this ultrarunning icon. We get updates from him on "Lazcon 2024," as he's in West Virginia and facing physical challenges. Why do it? He says it's either do something or wait to die. And Laz is excited about what's around the corner, meeting some great people throughout the USA. He likes to be active but wants there to be a point to exercise.

Telling his story online is a big part of this, (14:11) as a read a quick portion of one of his entertaining blog entries on Facebook. He's approaching the transcon one day at a time, unplugging from tech & the world.

(21:08) Lazarus Lake gives his take on the latest edition of The Barkley Marathons (since 1986), with a record 5 finishers a month ago. He calls what Jasmin Paris did one of the greatest athletic achievements! She finished with 99 seconds to spare, with 60 hour time limit. Will he increase the challenge, if possible, on the course at Frozen Head State Park in TN? This race is also built around uncertainty. What does it take? How does he fill about seeing people finish this grueling event? What's his future with the race?

(30:33) Virtual racing is still popular, like a new version about to kick off of GVRAT that Laz helped create in 2020, now the Great Virtual Race Across the States where you can join this man's journey, with miles from home: https://gvrat.racing/.

(38:34) Check out a bonus listen to part of "Run The Race" episode #26, my first chat with Laz from Spring of 2020 about how he started running, including the pain of the mile...how Lazarus got his nickname...the mental and spiritual side of running...wisdom on pushing to goals...his completed transcon journey from 2018...how the Barkley Marathons got started, historic inspiration for the route, more inside details...and more personal stuff about this famous race director.

(58:24) I close it out in prayer, like all/most of the previous 199 episodes.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast, which I hope you'll subscribe to! Share it with your friends. Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and listen to any previous episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

Some people may not think of law enforcement and fitness together, but that may be a misconception as our guest on the pod this week is one example of a police officer that’s in good shape. Now, he and coworkers are about to do a relay run across the state of Georgia – which he talks about on this episode! We also discuss why he started and has continued running (even through injury)…how health and fitness can be a big part of our family and legacy…what he learned from the Army, CrossFit…and his Christian faith through dangers on the force. Make sure to subscribe to this “Run The Race” podcast.

(2:37) Sgt. Dan Lyon has been on the Columbus GA police force for 21 years, ran his first and only full marathon 14 years ago about a decade after being in the US Army. Dan talks first about police, fitness and donuts – how thoese things impact their ability to do their job like chasing suspects. Now, he and 7 fellow CPD officers are doing Run Across GA, which is 277 miles from Tybee Island to Columbus over 2 days on Memorial Day Weekend. He talks about the logistics like living out of a van, running amidst the heat and hills, why they’re doing it and why it’s fun. Note: he’s had a torn ACL for 4 years – but still runs and does CrossFit regularly, just not other sports.

(13:34) During his 4 years in the Army, Dan dives into what he did as a guidon carrier, what he learned from the military about being on time, fitness and more. (16:56) What are the pros and cons now of his dangerous job as a police officer? He and the guys will also rep their police force while running across GA with the team name “Got 1 Running” – which refers to a term used on their jobs. Here’s their page: https://www.classy.org/team/572806.

This husband and dad (19:12) also has advice for parents about being active with your children and family. He’s bonded with his daughter, now 23, through running races together. (21:37) And he tells the story about getting into running, decades ago, thanks to his sister who had not played sports. Now, he hopes to inspire other officers to run or get in shape or at least to stop drinking sodas. Dan stays away from sugar…but why?

(27:22) We also talk briefly about how his Christian faith fits into his job and the dangers he faces and the gratefulness of citizens…then close out chat with more on the causes that they’re raising money for through Run Across Georgia: MercyMed of Columbus and House of Heroes. Here’s where you can learn more and donate: https://www.classy.org/campaign/run-across-georgia-fundraising/c568793.

(32:54) We also have flashbacks to previous podcast episodes #111 and #163 with people who did the SOLO Run Across Georgia in 2022 and ’23, Sasuhia Hathaway and Kevin Schied. Take a listen to what they went through. (48:27) After a few of my thoughts on latest Masters winner and #1 golfer in the world Scottie Scheffler being courageously outspoken about Jesus, I close the pod in prayer.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and all past episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

It's the most popular golf tournament and one of the biggest sporting events in the world! With this episode coming out one day before The Masters 2024 tournament begins, I'm talking with a golf coach who works in the same city as that event...about golf fitness...strength and mental training for sports...his evolution from a young golfer in South Africa to a player then coach in the USA...and he give insight on hot topics about some of the biggest names at The Masters.

(2:55) Augusta University (GA) Director of Golf and Men's Golf Head Coach Steven Paine and I kick it off by talking about how golfers are more athletic and stronger these days. How does that help/hurt? He has advice for amateur golfers about a few ways to strengthen your body to benefit your golf game. (9:19) Thanks to Steven's team and 14 others playing in an NCAA tournament in Augusta last weekend, all the players got to go watch the pros practice at Augusta National in the last few days. This South Africa native describes what it's like playing (and coaching) at that famous course, and the challenges it poses.

(13:22) I go rapid fire with him about The Masters, with questions about reigning champ Jon Rahm...dangerous #1 Scottie Scheffler...Tiger Woods' chances...and McIlroy going after a career grand slam. Steven calls it that Rory will win in August, eventually. He also has some other insight you want to hear. Weather is also huge there and for golf, in general.

Along with physical, (20:25) mental strength is paramount for golf. Steven explains how a sports psychologist helps their team - like with expectations, preparation. (24:00) How's it been for him coaching the last decade vs his career as a player? On and off the course, Steven also tries to live out his faith, which his players can see. They also are influenced by pros like Scheffler, who's outspoken about his Christian faith. (30:44) Balancing family and golf/career is also important. Your schedule matters.

(33:40) Starting to play golf at age 10, Steven explains how he got a green blazer for representing South Africa as a junior...then coming to the USA where he almost led his golf team to a national championship in his first year at Columbus State University. Check out those stories and how/why he was temporarily a caddy on the PGA Tour. Steven closes out our chat with a little bit on the magic and mystery of The Masters, from unique aspects of the tournament to coaching tips and best food at Augusta. (44:33) I finish out the pod episode in prayer.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast, which I hope you'll subscribe to! Share it with your friends. Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and listen to any previous episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

Easter has come and gone...so what's next? That's what I asked a Georgia pastor who's been a faith mentor for me. We also talk on this podcast (make sure to subscribe) about his path to the Lord...5 decades in ministry...a recent tag team sermon with his son on the unlikely...the utter importance of discipleship...how sports can bring people to church...and more.

(5:00) Pastor Mike McBride has been in ministry for 49 years, nearly 3 decades of that as a lead pastor of Trinity Temple Assembly of God in Columbus GA, where he married my wife and I, almost 24 years ago. After having high attendance at churches on Easter, it's a great beginning, but it's then a process of spiritual growth. Those instructions can happen at/through churches.

(11:20) Before he became a Pastor, Mike first accepted Christ as a young teenager, after a church invite through basketball. Not having a family support system of faith, he was lost again, but listen to his story about a radical change that happened Fathers Day 1971, and how a Bible Study called "Navigators" thrust him even further. Those steps of faith next weren't easy.

(22:50) God does not want to be your co-pilot, Mike preached. he explains. How do we let go and trust God? Does it get easier? It can be tough leaving security and following the will of God. In a recent tag team sermon with his son (who's been in ministry 35 years), they told the church about God using the "unlikely" do the impossible. Pastor Mike also talked about the thief turning to the man on the middle Cross...and how we can do the same.

Having his family (29:09) be involved in advancing the Kingdom of God is important. Now in his 80s, Mike still enjoys golfing, fishing, hunting (and knows all too well how athletics brings people to Christ), but came out of retirement to be Seniors Pastor at a church in town.

(38:00) This pastor defines Discipleship, how Jesus really modeled it for us, being Learners! Without that foundations, emotions rule. Nowadays, churches do this through small groups, life groups(used to be called Sunday School). (46:27) Top athletes and really any of us can use our platform and gifts for God. Part of that journey for Pastor Mike and his wife was both of them surviving cancer. That included 35 straight radiation treatments in his throat.

(50:45) And whatever your difficult circumstances are, ask and HE WILL HELP YOU. This week's guest describes how what's in the Bible transforms people! (54:30) He closes us out in Prayer, then one last story about witnessing to the welders.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and all past episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

Numbers matter...or do they? On this shorter solo episode, I dive into the important numbers that apply to our fitness, faith and life. That includes a race recap of the farthest distance I've ever run at one time.

There are a lot of numbers associate with the NCAA Tournament that just started, aka "March Madness," with 68 men's basketball teams - womens teams too - trying to make it to the Sweet 16 and elite 8 and Final Four. There are plenty of statistics that matter in sports too, but do they really determine who wins?

Numbers are everywhere - our age, anniversaries, our weight and weight loss, time, money and paychecks and taxes, distance and speed we drive...I could go on and on. But there are better things than numbers that can define value in our life. I list off some of those and how numbers can be used for good. The same for fitness numbers - things like how far or fast we run, how much weight we lift, health markers like BMI and blood pressure.

I describe the ins and outs of my most recent race, a last man standing one called #onemileatatime in Griffin GA that included 1+ mile loops around a lake, as long as you could last. I beat my previous highest distance and ended up running 36.55 miles or 8.5 hours, but why did I quit? And you'll wanna hear how 2 guys pushed each other, lasted the entire 24 hours or 101 miles! Those are amazing numbers.

There are also plenty of significant numbers in the Bible (I'm reading that book right now) and related to our faith, as I pray about to close out this pod.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast, which I hope you'll subscribe to! Share it with your friends. Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and listen to any previous episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.