SportSquire Brad Howell

In this episode of SportSquire, Brad is joined by Pastor Kent Chevalier (AKA, PK)  who is currently the chaplain of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kent shares his journey as a pastor over the last 25 years and how he arrived at his current position. Kent and his wife Erica, are responsible for bringing "church" to the entire Steelers organization. Kent is responsible for the men of the organization and Erica for the women of the organization. Kent shares one of the most amazing stories of how they arrived at their joint position. You will want to hear this story!

This conversation is one that is full of encouragement and gives a side of the NFL you don't tend to see everyday. Men and women putting their faith in Jesus and discipling to others. Normal people like you and I trying to find their purpose through Christ. Kent challenges us all to find a small way to make an impact and watch God do his work. 

Kent and Erica Chevalier to many's surprise are not employed by the Pittsburg Steelers but Athletes in Action. They took a leap of faith to become 100% missionaries and are responsible for raising funds for all of their financial needs. If you are touched by Kent and Erica's ministry, you can learn more and even donate/partner with them to help extend and support their ministry. You can find the link to their website below: 



https://www.teamchevalier.com/partner



Kent also shares how much he has enjoyed the bible study plan Mission 119. 10 minutes of reading and 10 minutes of brief commentary. You can find out more information at https://www.mission119.org/ to help you grow in your faith!

How do you pick which sprinting program is right for you? Mix it up based on your goals.

1.) Beginner Sprinters Workout:
1-min. jog
30-sec. sprint
Repeat 6–8 times
2.) Train Fast Sprint Workout
3x 10–12 sec. @ 85% effort (or fast but not all-out) at 8% incline
90-sec. recovery walk or jog
5x 10–12 sec. @ 95% effort (as fast as you can possibly go) at 1% incline
90-sec. recovery walk or jog
3.) Power Sprint Workout
15 x 200m (or ⅛ mile) at a hard effort
Do a 200m recovery speed walk or jog in between sets
4.) Hill Sprint Workout
Run ⅓ of the of the hill at a fast pace, then jog down at an easy pace
Run ⅔ of the hill at a fast pace, then jog down at an easy pace
Run all the way up the hill at a fast pace, then jog down at an easy pace
Rest for 2 min.
4 x 20 sec. sprints up the hill followed by an easy jog down

In this week’s episode, Brad speaks on the systematic approach to Eat, Train, Fuel, Recover and how this consistent approach has shown to be scientifically advantageous to get more out of your training. Tune in until the end as emphasis is applied to high yield tips that can enhance your recovery!

In this week's SportSquire Wellness Corner, Brad speaks to the large body of research that has been done in the exercise immunology field and the great promise the field has to uncover with future research focal points. He highlights Dr. Richard Simpson PHD's article Titled: Exercise, Immunity, and the COVID-19 Pandemic. Dr. Simpson’s research interests are concerned with the effects of aging, stress and exercise on the immune system. He is an associate professor in the Departments of Nutritional Sciences, Pediatrics and Immunobiology at the University of Arizona.

You can read it in it's entirety here. https://www.acsm.org/blog-detail/acsm-blog/2020/03/30/exercise-immunity-covid-19-pandemic.

It is a good read that lays out in layman's terms the impact that exercise has on our immune function.

Simpson writes in his blog, "Having higher age and sex-adjusted scores for cardiorespiratory fitness and performing regular exercise of moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise that fall within ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) guidelines has been shown to improve immune responses to vaccination, lower chronic low-grade inflammation, and improve various immune markers in several disease states including cancer, HIV, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cognitive impairment and obesity. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has raised a lot of questions regarding how exercise can protect us from infection by boosting immunity.”

In this week’s SportSquire Wellness Corner, Brad speaks to the studies that have been done on individuals in relation to achieving 10,000 steps/day and what the results say on the health benefits. He also speaks to practical theory YOU can use to proactively move more on purpose!

n this week's episode of SportSquire, Brad speaks about his recent trip to Breckenridge Colorado  with his wife Carly, where they hiked Hoosier Pass and went on a bit further on the trail to summit up to North Star Mountain. He encourages those listening to utilize hiking as an opportunity to "get away and re-focus".

A few things he talks about in today's episode that he did not expect to learn when reflecting on his most recent hiking experience:

1.) Hiking Takes Preparation: You have to pay attention to the forecast. Figuring out what time of day to head out and ensuring you have adequate water, proper clothing/shoewear, and that you know where the heck you are going are all part of the pre-planning process. This is no different than anything else in life. They better prepared you are for anything the more likely you are going to do well at something and see it to completion.

2.) Sometimes You Have to Take Breaks: When you are gaining elevation there were several times Brad speaks about him and his wife pausing to regain their composure and then they would push back up the mountain. In life, we sometimes run ourselves so hard that we think we can't go forward when all we really need is just a breather and a short break.

3.) Balance Between Looking Where Your Feet are And Looking Ahead: It's easy on a moderate to difficult trail to step on a rock, limb or put your foot in a hole and roll your ankle or misstep. You have to look down at times to ensure you are avoiding danger in the present moment. However, you have to look up to make sure you are going in the right direction. The same goes for your personal journey. You cannot lose sight of where your feet are currently but every now and then you need to look up and make sure you are heading in the right direction!

4.) Sometimes You Just Have to Stop And Appreciate the View: Sprinting up the mountain would not have been that enjoyable. Taking our time with rest breaks to take in the views was absolutely an out of body experience. Sometimes in life, we have to do the same thing. This was a huge analogous moment for Brad to remember that you HAVE TO ENJOY THE MOMENT AND THE JOURNEY. Brad says "stopping and appreciating the view was a spiritual talk with me and the Good Lord. It is a reminder for me personally and encouragement for you out there to stop and find God in the small parts of your day. He is at work in big ways that you sometimes don't take the time to see! "

5.) There Is More Than One Way to Get Up A Mountain: On some trails, some individuals see an opportunity to hike a different path that ultimately gets them to the same spot. I've learned, it doesn't matter what path you choose, just be all in to going the direction you choose and don't look back.

6.) The Top Or End Happens Quick: Getting up to the Summit of the North Star Mountain at 13,400 feet elevation was so rewarding. I spent 5 minutes at the top appreciating the view and the accomplishment of the hike. It made me realize that there is so much more to appreciating a result. You have to learn to enjoy the grind and process because that is where you are spending the majority of your time.

7.) Who You Hike With Matters: If you are going to go on a long journey and trip you better enjoy the other person's company! Brad speaks about how great of a bonding experience it was for him and his wife to accomplish this hike together. "Sharing an experience and a challenge and seeing it through is one of the most forging things one can do to improve a relationship".

8.) Don't MIss An Opportunity to Celebrate

Go to AllTrails app to find some trails in your neck of the woods and start enjoying the positive benefits of exercising outdoors! You won't regret it!