This former pro boxer, who has owned a gym for the last 7 years, showed me the ropes, in and out of the ring. On this episode of "Run The Race," he also has some advice of what you can do, in terms of workout and food, after Thanksgiving.

Speaking of that holiday, (2:15) I share what it was like to dress up like a turkey for a local "Beat the Bird 5K," then introduce this week's guest. 

(8:10) Darrel Wright starts off talking about his journey from track star to the Army to boxing and now a personal trainer plus owner of Wright Way Fitness, a gym in Columbus GA. The military had an influence on his life and his choice of sports. (12:37) After 74 amateur bouts and being a 4-time GA golden glove champion, he became a pro boxer, but he explains why it was one and done with pro fights. There are a lot of life lessons, he says, that comes from boxing - like getting knocked down and getting back up! His motto: Think it, Speak it, Do it, Be it. That can be positive or negative.

Why was this former boxer (16:40) so focused on wanting others to succeed in fitness and boxing? Opening his gym was a leap of faith, inspired to do it by the Bible and comedian Steve Harvey. (21:30) And just this year, they now have a separate boxing gym with a ring. He talks about what it means to train like a boxer, which doesn't have to include getting punched, but does include a full body core workout. Wright has boxing clients as young as 7, as old as 70. His 2 kids, neither teenagers yet, are getting in the ring now. And this personal trainer says it's not all about weight loss, but being a better you!

(29:00) Wright doesn't do diets, wants people to enjoy eating, but he talks about moderation in the holiday season and continuing workouts in a judgment free place. (34:43) He also talks about the popularity and misconceptions of boxing. 

(38:31) How can you stay motivated to keep up with fitness during the holidays? You use it or you lose it. (42:58) In the final segments: "Food for Thought" is about workout and food ideas post-Thanksgiving, "Parting Gift" is Thankful wisdom from the Bible, then my closing prayer. 

Thanks for listening! And tell your friends about the #RunTheRace podcast. Subscribe to it! For more info, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

#89: Boxing and Life the "Wright Way" Through the Holidays & at His Gym

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/.

#199: Police Are Fit Too - Army Vet & Officers Aim to Run Across Georgia As a Relay Team

The young woman on the podcast today is a lawyer and road runner turned therapist + ultra athlete + race director who shares some insightful, deep thoughts on finding the right career path...the path of running as a healer instead of a competition...why and how she's done numerous 100 mile races now...her tools to help professionals and athletes that are very driven...and how sports (especially endurance) can help with your mental health. Subscribe to "Run The Race" to hear more inspiring guests talking about fitness and faith.

After talking about the rare snow we just had in Georgia - and getting to run in it - (6:34) I introduce to y'all Emily Labutta, a licensed Associate Professional Counselor with Atlanta Wellness Collective, a big change from her years as a criminal prosecutor. Why the change? And her reasons for running have changed too! you can probably relate to what she's been through. Now, it's about adventure (on trails) instead of performance. Great quote from her: "What happens in the soul is better than what happens on the watch."

(17:24) Athletes can be driven...and as a therapist now, she can help with positive aspirations/energy instead of negative self-talk. Listen, she cries during long races, then gets to running again. She's completed nine 100 mile races in the last 3 years, including a recent one around a track in less than 24 hours! Emily has some wisdom about training your legs, stomach and more for those long distances...and how to ACCEPT the PAIN.

(33:24) Sports challenges also help a lot with self-discovery and our own resilience, what we can and cannot do (both important). She explains the connections that can happen between endurance athletics and trauma. (43:51) She also helps lead events as a co-race director, adding that job now with Revolution Running in Georgia. Her newly created race The SPARROW (I'm running the 3 hour but there's a 6 hr option) on February 8 in Flowery Branch GA is named for a Latin phrase that means "While I breathe, I hope." And she describes how HOPE (and help from others) may look different than you think. You can still sign up for that great event: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=116113.

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/.

#232: Therapist & Ultra Athlete Helps You Run (And Live) With Pain, Hope, Tears, Resilience

Get ready to be motivated and inspired to improve on your fitness and faith walk. Do you want to lose weight? Grow closer to God? Get stronger physically, mentally and spiritually? On this new RUN THE RACE podcast, we’ll focus on how to get started and how to challenge ourselves in all these things.

On this first episode, you’ll hear me get personal, with lessons learned as a veteran TV news anchor, husband and father, avid marathon runner and church builder. 

(12:00 mark) Listen to find out how I got started with running and working out. Along the way, there’s been plenty of pain, success, (17:30) even a bathroom fiasco while running across Georgia with a team of friends. (21:50) Getting motivated can be a struggle. Hear WHY your podcast host went from the couch (38:30) to the new goal of running a marathon in all 50 states.

(25:45) We also talk about doing more than talking the talk, putting faith into action. The name of this podcast comes from Hebrews 12:1, which says “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles us. And let us run with perseverance the race marked for us.” 

Share pictures of how you run your race of fitness and faith and include #RunTheRacePodcast. Thank you for listening. Tell others about this new “Run The Race” podcast. For more  details, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast.

#1: Motivation To Get In Shape, Physically and Spiritually

Our first guest for this podcast is longtime Solder Marathon Director Cecil Cheves, a cancer survivor who has completed 15 full Ironman events. He’s an inspiring and fit 70-year-old who wants to honor God.

This military-themed episode starts with highlights of running the very rainy Marine Corps Marathon, then Cecil Cheves shares interesting stories about (9:45) how he got started running in his 40s, (16:00) his battle with prostate cancer, plus how he stays fit at age 70 after battling injuries.

Cecil also talks extensively (20:30) about victories and struggles with his faith, along with tools for anyone to be physically active. It was fascinating to hear him talk about (28:25) Ironman success, adventure races he's finished, (39:30) and how "Lord may I have your grace" is how Cecil tries to approach everything.

(46:00) We close the interview talking with the race director about the 10 year run of the Soldier Marathon. The final one is Sat. November 16 on Fort Benning GA. 

Tell others about this new “Run The Race” podcast, rate it and write a review after you listen. Share pictures of how you run your race and include #RunTheRacePodcast. Thank you for listening. For more information, past/future podcasts, go to https://www.wtvm.com/podcast/

#2: Ironman & Cancer Survivor Talks Fitness at 70, God's grace & Soldier Marathon

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.

#232: Therapist & Ultra Athlete Helps You Run (And Live) With Pain, Hope, Tears, Resilience

RUN THE RACE Podcast

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