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

He recently became a world champion pizza maker, winning the International Pizza Challenge in Las Vegas, out of 100+ of the best pizzaiolos. And he gives God the glory for it! We chatted while eating a pizza he made for us at the business he's owned for almost a decade, Cerrone's Brick Oven Pizzeria in Columbus GA. Make sure to subscribe to this podcast to hear fun and inspiring conversations about faith, fitness...and food too.

(2:49) Leo DiCesaris discusses his love for pizza, his family roots in Italy, studying how to make pies all over the USA, passion for cooking authentic italian food, plus how you can make dough lighter and more digestible.

(10:38) Leo sees Cerrone's as "God's business." We ask him about that higher calling and giving joy to people through food and fellowship. He also gives some of his keys to a good work-life balance.

(16:09) We then dive into the 2025 International Pizza Challenge: the rules, criteria he and the other pizza chefs were judged on, what was on his WINNING PIZZA (plenty of unique ingredients including a rare pig from Spain) that started with a dough that he created over the course of 2 weeks. (31:41) Listening to worship music while cooking in this competition, pizza champ Leo is glad he now has a worldwide platform to talk about honoring the Lord, and seeking His will. He has some Godly advice for future chefs and restaurant workers dreaming of success in the face of fear and a high probability of failure for pizzerias.

(35:45) And nearly 3 years ago, this pizza business owner got into a horrible head-on collision, leaving him with a list of broken bones. He opens up about that, the full year of recovery, and his super supportive wife. (40:45) Leo is also a big guy, who played offensive tackle in high school and college and arena football - where he got lessons for life that have stuck! He talks about food (like pizza) being fuel for sports too, essential nutrients before and after workouts. And after talking about what I eat before and after long runs and races, I close the episode 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/.

#246: World Champion Pizza Chef Gives Glory to God...For The Win, His Pizzeria, Surviving Collision

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.

#246: World Champion Pizza Chef Gives Glory to God...For The Win, His Pizzeria, Surviving Collision

RUN THE RACE Podcast

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