Run for God - Connect Magazine - Winter 2017

connect W I N T E R 2 017

MAGAZINE

Relying

on God TO DIRECT YOUR PATH

+

LEARNING FROM THE OLYMPICS ROAD OR TRAIL?

RUNNING with Horses FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT

A WORD FROM MITCHELL

WELCOME TO

connect Hello Everyone, As I write this letter, I am sitting under what I like to call my “Devotion Tree”. It’s a very large oak tree which serves as the starting line for our area cross country course, which just happens to be on some property that my home church owns. I find that 20-30 minutes a day here allows me to truly focus on what God has and can do as I hear the sounds and see the sights of His handiwork.

WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM? -JESUS

This morning, it seems as though there is something different in the air. You see yesterday was a “Day of Praise” for our church. It’s much like a homecoming event, where we take a look back and celebrate the things that God has done. This event takes place every year and is always capped off, just like any great church does, with a meal.

But the “Day of Praise” at my church has another significance for me. If you’ve ever heard my testimony, then you know that Run for God was “birthed” at this event.

That’s right, SEVEN years ago, a man by the name of HR Poe said SEVEN words to me that forever changed my life, and as a result, the lives of many others. It was seven years ago yesterday that HR said, “Mitch, don’t let this become your god”.

HR (pictured right) said this in response to God revealing to him that I had allowed running to become more to me than just a sport. It had become an idol.

What took place over days and weeks ahead was nothing short of God showing me that He was in control. Starting a running ministry made no sense. I had never been to seminary, I wasn’t a teacher, I was terrified to speak in front of a crowd, I wasn’t even that good of a runner, and I just wasn’t qualified to take on this role. I was absolutely correct! But what God showed me 7 years ago was that this wasn’t about me and what I could do in my own power, it was about Him, and what He was going to do if I would simply step aside and let Him move. Seven years, and thousands of churches later, God is still teaching me this principal.

Let’s fast-forward six years. Last November as we were preparing to release the updated 5K Challenge, which includes the presentation of the Gospel and the plan of salvation, I began to pray for God to allow me to share the Gospel in a “big way”. I even wrote this on one of my prayer rocks that I keep in my office. It

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wasn’t very long (six months or so) before God began to lay a vision on my heart.

He went on from there to a series about

This vision was to take the words of His Son to the masses through the pages of

Noah, and how God sometimes calls us

Runner’s World magazine by simply asking the question that Jesus asked to his

to do things that just don’t make sense!

disciples in Matthew 16:15, “Who do you say that I AM?” Readers would then be

God was putting people in my path that

directed to a webpage that would clearly walk them through the plan of salvation

it seemed were speaking directly to me

and give them the opportunity to reach out to us should they have questions.

saying, “your on the right path”.

Clean, Clear, and Simple!

Let’s fast forward to this past Thursday.

It seemed as though God was showing me a billboard with His fingerprints all

I was beginning to lose faith in this

over it. This vision was from God, and there was no denying it, but what I did over

plan. You see, since the beginning,

the next few months was allow doubt to creep in. I kept this vision to myself and

God had laid the January 2017 issue

would not discuss it. It just didn’t make sense! I couldn’t possibly be this bold.

of Runner’s World on my heart to

I couldn’t bear the thought of all the ridicule we’d receive from a world who is

kickoff this campaign. This is the most

growing farther and farther away from God. A full page Runner’s World ad costs

read issue and this effort would have

roughly $14,000 per month, I can’t afford that, and besides that, I’d never convince

the greatest impact because of this

Runner’s World to even run such an ad. Sound familiar?

fact. The deadline for confirming our

By August, God had convinced me once again that this wasn’t about me, it was about Him. I’ll never forget walking into our offices in early August and just springing this vision on our Run for God team. Needless to say, I got some blank stares, and lots of questions. Questions like how will we handle this, and how can we possibly afford this. Questions were many and answers were few! I began to reach out to some people whom I trust in my community to share this vision and to seek donations. I knew that we needed to raise some “seed money” to get this campaign off the ground before reaching out to the general public for help.

intentions to Runner’s World Magazine is TODAY, October 24, 2016. This past Thursday, I was even giving my brother an update on this campaign, all the while having that sinking feeling in my stomach that this campaign might never happen. How could it? I hadn’t raised enough money yet, I’d started to fear the persecution once again,

Run for God has never accepted donations. We’ve always kept the lights on

and “My Plans” just weren’t going “As

through book and t-shirt sales, but this campaign would blow the budget and

Planned”. I was allowing this campaign

break the bank for sure without some help. It seemed as though everyone I talked

to become a symbol of what “I” could

to was 100% on board. Checks began to come in, but they weren’t coming in at the

do rather than what God can do!

rate that made me feel comfortable about moving forward. I knew that 650 people donating $20 a month could keep this campaign in the pages of Runner’s World magazine indefinitely, but I needed to get this thing off the ground through local funds before making my case to the entire Run for God family.

Yesterday morning I showed up to church early to help setup for our day of praise. This is usually a day of celebration and reflection for me

Since the day I decided to step out and start this process, God has been confirming

on what God has done through this

this decision in my heart. He’s done so in many ways. I attend our youth services

ministry. HR Poe even rode with me to

on Wednesday nights at our church, and our youth pastor started a series called

the place that I am currently sitting (my

“Being Bold” literally the week that I began to put this plan in action. He spoke

Devotion Tree) to help set up for the

each week about people who took on “God Sized” tasks throughout the Bible.

meal that would be after church. HR

People like Esther and Daniel. People whose plans would fail if God didn’t show up.

and I even talked about that day seven

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years ago when God prompted him to

to make the phone call to Lifeway years ago about publishing Run for God. But for

lovingly confront me about an idol in my

some reason I had not mentioned this campaign to my pastor. Not because I didn’t

life. But yesterday didn’t start with joy

want to, but because it just never happened?

in my heart. As much as I tried to put on a happy face, I couldn’t help but dwell on the fact that I had failed God and this evangelistic outreach that he laid on my heart was imploding.

You may have heard the phrase that our God is an on time God. I’m here to tell you that is TRUE! Once we got everything set up for the “Day of Praise”, I ran home to get the family for church.

We hurried back, took our seats, and began to worship with our church family. Something felt different. The

Once Charlie took the stage and put his first slide up on the big screen I knew why the subject had never come up. It was so that there would be no question or explanation for what was about to happen. Charlie’s entire message was built around Matthew 16:15 “Who do you say that I AM?” I was instantly a basket case! I was hitting my wife in disbelief at what I was seeing. Was it a dream? Was I seeing things? This couldn’t be real! Seven years ago to the day I was confronted with seven words that began the ministry known as Run for God and today, seven years later, I’m being confronted with seven words that could change the hearts and lives of over 2.8 million people a month. Once the invitation was given, I couldn’t get to the altar fast enough. I knew my doubt was a lack of faith and therefore sin. I had to get on my knees and confess to an almighty God that I was attempting to limit what He could do based on what I could do.

music seemed to be more piercing, the

As if that were not enough, as I lay there weeping on the alter, I felt a hand on my

atmosphere seemed to be more electric,

shoulder. At first nothing was said, I just knew someone was there praying with

and it was obvious that God was moving

me. Then, it was as if God had brought this journey full circle as I heard HR Poe’s

in our church yesterday morning. Then

voice praying for me.

my pastor took the stage!

God is Good all the time, and all the time God is Good!

Charlie Bridges took the stage to give his message. Over the years, I have

Mitchell

reached out to Charlie for advice on

Hebrews 12:1 James 1:2-4

many occasions. In fact, he and his wife are the ones that encouraged me

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THIS CAMPAIGN, PLEASE VISIT RUNFORGOD.COM/DONATE

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Copyright © 2016 Run for God, LLC. All rights reserved.

CONT R I B UTO R S

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any other form or by any means without the prior written permission of the Run for God, LLC. Printed in the United States of America Dalton, Georgia If you require medical, fitness, or nutritional advice, you must contact your own health care professional. You should seek the advice of a doctor before starting any exercise routine.

This publication may contain information relating to various medical conditions and their treatment and an exercise/nutrition protocol. Such information is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice of a physician or health care professional. You should not use this information for diagnosing or treating a health problem or injury.

Dean Thompson serves as

Front Runner Athletics

the National Race Director

Specializing in shoe fittings

for the Run for God Race

for men, women, and kids

Series as well as serving as

in Chattanooga. Additional

an instructor at his home

sports equipment includes:

church in Cohutta, GA. Dean

swimming, soccer, tennis,

loves to run, loves life, loves

wrestling, and track.

his wife Debbie and loves Christ. Look for all of Dean’s stories in Run for God’s Devotions.

To make informed health care decisions, you should always consult your physician for your personal medical needs. Neither Run for God nor its agents, affiliates, partners, or licensors are providing these materials to you for the purpose of giving you medical advice.

For any questions about your health and wellbeing, please consult your physician.

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LET’S CONNECT RUNFORGOD.COM

features

DE PA RT MENTS

18 Instructor Spotlight: Running with Horses

8. DEAN’S THOUGHTS: Road or Trail?

10. I Wanted to Run Today

25 Student Spotlight: Relying on God to Direct Your Path

14. DEAN’S THOUGHTS: earning from L the Olympics

23. Sticky Notes 24. Gear & Gadgets 29. Behind the Scenes

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Dean’ s Thoughts

Road or Some people like to run on the road or sidewalk, while others prefer a trail. There are other surfaces, like treadmills and synthetic tracks, but most outdoor running falls into a smooth firm surface versus a softer, yet more uneven surface. So which one is better?

N

either and both. If you

If you’re smart about the way you

you have difficulty doing the ͞extra͟

have ever entered into

train, you can take advantage of the

things like core work and strength

a debate about which

benefits of each.

training? Trail running will help you.

is better, you have no doubt heard that running on trails prevents injury because the softer surface is easier on your joints. However, that’s only half the story. More recent studies show that running on trails produces more accidents that result in injury. Makes sense. You are far more likely to fall on a trail than on the road.

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When it’s time to run fast, a firm smooth foundation will help you run faster. If you are going to be racing on the roads, then it makes sense to train that way. If you’re training is intense and you’re focusing on hitting interval splits, a flat surface will help you gauge your fitness

The varied terrain, uneven footing, twists and turns, and hilly elevation all combine to force us to engage our core muscles and develop power and strength. Although it doesn’t take the place of strength training, it will help to make you stronger and provide a little injury prevention.

through each workout. Running on

Do you find yourself having to be

Chances are that you prefer one or

undulating, uneven surfaces will slow

careful around roots, rocks and

the other, but there are benefits to

you down making it more difficult to

holes? If you tend to spend time on

running on both. A good training plan

see improvement from one workout

the ground when these things are

will address many needs and varying

to another. But, it’s still a good idea

present, it probably means you should

surfaces provide different results.

to run on trails occasionally. Why? Do

do more of it.Increasing your trail

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r Trail? running frequency will help with

running will make you faster both on

and a time to laugh.͟Like running

your form. When you run around the

the trail and the road.

on varied surfaces will help us to

obstacles that are presented on a trail,

be better runners, taking part in all Do you have stress in your life? Trail

of life’s many challenges and tasks

running often takes you away from

will strengthen our Christian walk.

the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Whether we’re working, mourning,

Seeing wildlife, the beautiful scenery,

having fun, or even running, whatever

and the tree’s canopy of protection

we do, we should realize that when

from the sun’s rays are enough to calm

God carries out His plan for our

even the most tightly wound runners.

lives, he is bringing us closer to Him.

Do you want to run faster? A stronger,

Get away from the world occasionally,

Sometimes God’s plans include taking

more efficient runner is a faster

and the stress relief will be worth

us out of our comfort zone. Is God

runner. If you’re concerned with

the effort!

telling you to talk to that co-worker

it forces you to lift your knees higher to avoid tripping over that root. It also requires you to use your arms to keep your balance. Don’t think your arms are important for running? Try running with your arms by your side!

running faster, trail running is a great way to facilitate improvement. Despite persistent rumors that you have to train exclusively on the road to get faster on the roads, it’s not true. Trail

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Solomon tells us in Ecclesiastes chapter three that there is a time for everything. He lists a number of opposites like, ͞A time to weep

about a personal issue? Is He telling you to find another job? His plan will often take us where we fear to tread, but the payoff is huge! Trust Him today!

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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Our friends at Front Runner Athletics discuss ways to ensure you follow through with your running plan:

I Wanted to Run Today...

IT’S 6PM AND ALREADY DARK. You ask yourself why you didn’t go for a run

in the morning, but then quickly remember pushing the snooze too many times. You hardly had enough time to pack a lunch, much less fit in a run too.

As a local shoe store, we’ve heard all the “I didn’t run yet today because...” stories, and the truth is, we’ve all been there. Daylight savings time can be a runner’s worst enemy. But for a lot of us, these cooler months are the most efficient time to run. Whether you’re starting a new workout plan or trying to increase your mileage, we’ll share a few tricks for safer running, injury prevention, and strategies for staying motivated. When the sun starts to set, lace up your shoes anyway, because the sun doesn’t have to dictate your running schedule. Follow these 3 safe running habits to best utilize night runs!

1. BE SEEN: Reflective vests, flashing clip-on lights, comfortable headgear, and handheld running flashlights are all perfect for staying seen. At Front Runner Athletics, we can help you decide which equipment will best complement your running schedule while keeping your budget in mind. Knowing where

For more information about becoming a sponsor contact Dean Thompson at Dean@runforgod.com 10

WINTER 2017

to strategically place the lights is another skill we folks at Front Runner are happy to help with too!

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to walk. Luckily, we offer relief at Front Runner. Powerstep insoles are orthotics designed to support the arch by relieving pressure on the heel. The best part? They’re guaranteed! 2.

2. AVOID NEW ROUTES

Shin Splints: Overusing the muscle

New routes can be a great way to stay motivated, but even with the right

along the shin bone can cause

lighting gear, your range of sight will be less than what it is during the

shooting pain up your leg, and may

day. Stick to lit paths and routes you’re comfortable with so you can better

put your training to a halt. Often, the

recognize when something is out of place.

cause for shin splints is from being in a shoe that wasn’t designed for your

3. BUDDY SYSTEM:

foot, or that doesn’t provide adequate

Bringing a friend or telling someone where you’re going may be a tip you’ve

support. Our primary service at Front

heard before, and that’s because it continues to be one of the most effective

Runner is fitting customers for athletic

ways to avoid potentially dangerous situations. If you’re in the market for a

shoes. Our fittings are a four- step,

new watch, check out the new Garmin Forerunner 735xt at Front Runner. It

complimentary service that pairs your

automatically streams your route to popular running and cycling apps like

foot and running habits with the shoe

Runkeeper and Strava, so your friends know exactly where you are at all

that best suits your need. The right

times! Injuries can be a huge setback to your training plan. At Front Runner,

shoe usually makes all the difference,

we often serve doctor-referred customers by fitting them in the right shoe

but some severe cases of shin pain

or orthotic. It’s no joke: the right fitting shoe for your foot really can make all

may require additional measures.

the difference! Here are just a few common injuries we see at Front Runner

Compression sleeves and socks,

and the solutions we recommend. 1. Plantar Fasciitis: When the thick band

made by companies such as Zensah

of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes becomes inflamed, it can

and Sockwell, provide medical-grade

cause serious irritation, sometimes even preventing you from being able

compression support for the shins

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SPONSOR’S PERSPECTIVE

OUR BAGS FROM OGIO ARE

READY WHEN YOU ARE! These durable, roomy bags make it easy to plan your day around your run.

OGIO® Big Dome Duffel

$42.99 OGIO® Excelsior Pack

$62.99 RUNFORGOD.COM

INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE PRODUCTS OR KNOWLEDGE FRONT RUNNER ATHLETICS HAS TO OFFER?

to get in your run, the kids are at a birthday party, and they actually cleaned the house before they left (haha, yeah right!). Either way, there shouldn’t be anything stopping you from pounding the pavement. For some reason, you start to drum up excuses for why you should skip today. When this starts to happen, try these simple tips to help keep you motivated. 1. Remember why you started: No one ever regrets going for a run (most of us at least!). When

Visit our store located at 4251 Hixson Pike in

you find yourself doubting your abilities and feel like giving up, just remember

Chattanooga, or give

and after a run. You’ll be surprised by how much more positive you feel after

them a ring at (423) 875-

what got you out there in the first place. Try journaling your thoughts before your run! If you enjoy social media, upload a photo to Facebook or Instagram and use #FeaturedFrontRunner for a chance to win some new gear from Front

3642. Store hours are

Runner! How’s that for motivation?! 2. Join a Running Group: You’ll stay more

Mon-Sat 10am-6pm. No

motivated when you’re not the only one out there! Run with your Run for God

appointment is necessary

club or check out the variety of running events Front Runner hosts. These can

to be fitted for athletic

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and calves. These are available at Front Runner as well. So you’ve made time

be found on our website. www.frontrunnerathletics.com 3. New Gear!: Yes, sometimes this is the best way to stay active. Whether it’s giving yourself a

shoes, and Run for God

new sports bra for your next 5k or asking for a gift card to get fitted for shoes

participants receive 10%

this Christmas, you’ll be much more likely to keep running when you know you

off their entire purchase!

have awesome stuff to look forward to using!

WINTER 2017

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Dean’ s Thoughts

Olympics Learning from the

I NEVER SEE TABLE tennis, field hockey, fencing, or badminton any other

time. There are certainly competitions for these sports in non-Olympic years, but unless you follow them faithfully and search opportunities to see them, you’re not going to see them. Of course, I’m a track & field junkie.

If you’re anything like me, you stayed glued to the television as

but not too often. It’s exciting every four years to see the sport take the big stage along with swimming and gymnastics. I know there are others, but

much as time allowed during the

these are the ones that really get me going. So, what can we learn from the

two weeks of the Olympic Games.

Olympics? Here are a few things I think are important for us to take away

I love watching the incredible

from the 2016 Olympics:

athletes compete on the world’s

1. Everyone has a different talent.

most competitive stage. At the

The competitions at the Olympic Games are vastly diverse. Some athletes

same time, it is interesting to learn

are great swimmers, while others have a talent for rowing. Some can use

about sports we only see once every four years.

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You will find the occasional track meet on television in non-Olympic years,

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a flexible pole to jump over a bar more than eighteen feet off the ground, while others thump a ball over a net better than most humans. There are those who can do amazing things with a soccer ball, while others have

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an aptitude for smacking a small white ball back over a net that can come at

Hamblin and they both went down.

them at over 60 miles per hour. They can make you feel pretty inadequate

D’Agostino’s knee bent awkwardly

as a runner! But, each of these talented people do other things besides their

as she went down. Her and Hamblin

particular sport. For example, my friend and multiple medal winner in track

helped each other to their feet in

and field, Dee Dee Trotter, has a passion for baking. I’ve never tried any of her

a great show of sportsmanship,

tasty-looking deserts, but they look wonderful! There are others who enjoy

intending to finish the race. When

the culinary arts, like decathlete Ashton Eaton and field hockey player, Lauren

D’Agostino tried putting weight on

Crandall. Swimmer Elizabeth Beisel is a classically-trained violinist. Others

her right knee, the knee buckled

are artists, and some are gamers. So, what am I trying to say? Your talent may

inward again. In obvious pain, she

be something other than running. I always joke with my wife that she may

gathered the fortitude to jog the final

not be able to run as fast as me, but she can do other things much better than

five laps (yes, that’s over a mile!) with

me, and most of those things are much more useful! If you’re not a fast runner,

an injured knee. When she finished,

realize that God blessed you with another talent, and that particular talent may

she had to leave the track in a

be much more useful anyway.

wheelchair, called for by Hamblin. As it turned out, she had completely torn

2. Age is not so important.

her ACL, partially torn her meniscus

Oksana Chusovitina is a 41 year old gymnast whose son is older than some of

and strained her MCL. The show of

the women she competes against. The fact that Aly Raismen, US gymnast, is

sportsmanship was heartwarming.

nicknamed ͞Grandma͟ at age 22 is an indication how unusual Chusovitina is. A

The show of courage was uplifting.

little closer to home, Bernard Lagat and Meb Keflezghi, competing in the 5,000 athletes have been able to compete far past the age considered as ͞prime͟ in

4. We can use anything to glorify Him.

their respective sports. So what does that mean to you and I? Have you ever

In the grand scheme of things the

used age as an excuse to avoid doing something, maybe even running? Sure,

Olympic Games are fun and offer

it’s more difficult to work out the stiffness as we age, but if these athletes can

serious competition and compelling

still compete at the Olympic level, we can certainly get out for a casual run

viewing. However, although God is

several times a week. Baseball player Satchel Paige, who played major league

involved in all we do, I don’t think

baseball until he was 47 years old and pitched three innings in a game when he

the outcomes of Olympic events rates

was 59 years old, once posed the question, ͞How old would you be if you didn’t

high on His list of priorities. But, just

know how old you are?͟Good question.

because it’s outside of typical ministry

meters and the marathon respectively, are both 41 years old as well. These

doesn’t mean it can’t be used to

3. Sometimes the ͞spirit͟of the competition is more important.

elevate Him. When the United States

Did you happen to see Abbey D’Agostino compete in the women’s 5,000 meter

women swept the medals in the

preliminary race? Running for the United States and with a good chance

women’s 100 meter hurdles, the three

to qualify for the finals, D’Agostino collided with New Zealands’s Nikki

ladies were interviewed immediately

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following the race. Gold medalist

We have the opportunity to bless God with our response to those who ask

Brianna Rollins gave credit to God

about our shirt. Make Him smile the next time someone asks.

and talked about how her and silver Kristi Castlin had formed a prayer

5 –We’re never too low or too down and out that He can’t find us and lift us up.

circle in the morning of the same day

It was hard to miss the stories of Michael Phelps’ change in disposition. Phelps

as the evening final took place. These

had arrived at a point in his life where he was so depressed he wasn’t sure he

ladies had just done something that

wanted to live. His life had spiraled into a mess that included DUIs and other

had never been done before and were

dealings with the police. It seemed that the only thing that could save him

using a huge stage to give the glory

was an encounter with the One True God. A friend, former Baltimore Ravens

to Christ! I think God smiled. It made

linebacker Ray Lewis, gave him a book entitled The Purpose Driven Life by

me think about opportunities we have

Pastor Rick Warren. He credits the book and its contents with saving his life.

to share Him through our actions as

One of the things that I found most interesting about the story is this: Ray

runners. Wearing a Run for God shirt,

Lewis, at one time in his life, had his own problems he had to overcome. He

for example, is a positive witness for

was accused of being an accessory to murder. To this day, there are still some

Christ, but even better is sharing

who believe he was guilty. At a minimum, he was guilty of hanging out at the

what that shirt represents. If you

wrong places and participating in the wrong activities. But now God is using

have worn one of those shirts more

him to change the lives of those around him. Not only can God find us and

than a couple of times, you know that

lift us up, He can use us for great things! How many times have you offered a

those opportunities are going to come.

small gesture of help to someone? Giving Phelps that book was a small thing.

medalist, Nia Ali and bronze medalist,

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If I was guessing, I’d say that Lewis had probably given more of those books away than just this one. But, THIS

NEED AD HERE

one made a big difference. I believe we sometimes think those little things don’t yield much fruit, and sometimes

they don’t.But, I believe if we are faithful to keep working on that running buddy who is not a believer, or help a co-

worker who needs it, God will move. God wants us to be faithful to Him whether we see immediate results or not.

If we keep offering the little things, God can make them great things.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

For more information about becoming a sponsor contact Dean Thompson at Dean@runforgod.com

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Instructor Spotlight

Running With Horses It was important to

IF YOU’VE EVER SPENT five minutes in conversation with David, you would

understand. He thinks big. Many Instructors head towards that first RFG class

David Holcomb from the beginning that his Run for God class be a community event rather than an outreach program for his church.

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with fear and trepidation, just hoping to represent a righteous God fairly to the running community, but David sees a larger picture. The running kinship is not confined to River Oaks Community Church where he attends. There are other churches and those who are not attending anywhere. David decided before his first class that he would be there for all of them.

David has now led and completed his fifth Run for God class since 2012. He admits that classes are exhausting and he’s ready for a rest as those last couple of weeks fly by. But, as soon as the exhilaration of the graduation race hits him, he’s planning the date for next year’s class!He can’t wait to be a part of another life transforming group. Last year, he was so excited that he planned and led a less

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formal 10k training group in the fall.

This is how David looks at his RFG

and praise God that our paths have crossed and we have been used to encourage and disciple one another.”

family: ͞”The race day “family reunion”

It’s no surprise, with the far reaching focus of David’s classes, that they

picture is more than a snapshot of our

have averaged 85-100 students. In many cases, attending groups from

experience for that particular morning.

other churches have taken RFG back home to their own communities and

Every time I look at this colorful image

taught the 5K Challenge the following spring. David’s vision of reaching

(which this past year looks more like

past the boundaries of the church has had a large impact in and around

a skittle factory explosion) I see the

the Winston-Salem area.

faces, and the faces tell a unique story. I have learned that for as many members who participate each season

“

there are almost as many reasons why

David’s driving force comes from Jeremiah 12:5. “If you’ve raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in thickets by the Jordan?” (NIV)Leaning on this verse, he rises above the pettiness

IF YOU’VE RACED WITH men on foot and they have

worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in thickets by the Jordan?” — Jeremiah 12:5

they signed up. From physical and spiritual interests, to dedicated time with a family member, to battling past demons, to simply a desire to belong. Each individual speaks to a certain level of growth and accomplishment that has occurred over the previous 13 weeks to achieve their goal. And here they all are, together, as one, celebrating that growth. It is a privilege to join their journey, and a pleasure to look back into their eyes as we give thanks RUNFORGOD.COM

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Instructor Spotlight

“Often when we complain, we stumble.

of everyday life, being mindful to not allow the little things to drag him down.

He says, “When we don’t let the little things drag us down, God has an amazing adventure waiting for us. He wants us to run with horses!”͟If you like that thought, David takes time to write a blog called Running With Horses found at www.runningwithhorses.com. He further explains the verse,͞”Often when we complain, we stumble. But when we recall our joy, we overcome!”͟

But when we

At 47 years old, married to Christy, and with two daughters, Lauren and Katelyn,

recall our joy,

graduates of Auburn University, have both daughters following in their footsteps

we overcome!”

you would think that he had been running for a lifetime. He and Christi, both by attending their alma mater. The girls made their decisions independently of any pressure from the parents, a testimony to the veneration they feel for their parents.

They have moved around the country to ten different locations in the past 25 years. Surely, he was already a runner, because there was no way he could begin a lifelong habit with all that he had on his plate, right? Wrong!

In 2005-06, while living in California, David found himself down for thirty days with a medical concern with his back. His doctor explained that he needed to become more active.He suggested walking, so David began to walk. Soon, he began to feel the benefits of the exercise and getting his heart rate up. He thought, “If walking is good for me, running should be even better!”͟There was only one catch; he didn’t like running. Like many, he had developed a distaste for running when he was younger, but he was willing to give it a try because he felt the benefit would be worth it. Then, a crazy thing happened. He found himself enjoying it.

The peaceful time after work, down by the lake, was therapeutic and it felt good.

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Being a disciplined guy, he increased the time and mileage steadily and eventually decided that he would try to tackle a half-marathon. As he crossed the finish line he was hooked for good!

In 2010, he was talking to some friends who had run the

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Disney Marathon. He decided that it sounded like fun and it was time to check off a bucket list item and train for the next year’s Disney Marathon. He trained for it, ran it, and came home with an entirely new focus. He decided that he wanted to run another one, but there was something inside endeavor.”͟With his family and responsibilities, he didn’t

Ken’s Carstar South 1018 South Thornton Ave. Dalton GA 30720

want running to become his chief focus. That’s where idols

Ken’s Carstar North

are born. That’s when he came across Run for God and he

3518 Cleveland Hwy.

found a way to use his running to inspire and transform

Dalton GA 30721

that bothered him. As he puts it, “Running can be a selfish

others. He remembers distinctly coming across one of Mitchell’s blogs and he knew what he wanted to do.

He pitched the idea of a Run for God class to the staff at River Oaks Community Church in Clemmons, North Carolina, and they agreed to allow him to lead a class. The rest is history and continues to this day.

When David found out that his brother had run the Chicago Marathon and his finish time was only seven seconds away from his in Orlando, he hatched a plan to meet his brother for a second marathon. They could experience the marathon together, a treat to brothers who lived apart and were not able to see each other often. They ran the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. and had a great experience.

While they were there he ran across a group promoting the 50 States Challenge. There were groups of people who had a goal of running at least one marathon in all 50 states. He loved the idea and set out to meet the challenge. You can find the 17 states that David has checked off the list on his aforementioned blog.

What keeps him going is the encouraging community of runners he has met, not only in his Run for God classes, but all across the country. Sometimes, when you run a marathon,

For more information about becoming a sponsor contact Dean Thompson at Dean@runforgod.com

you’ll see the same person over and over again as you yo-yo

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Instructor Spotlight back and forth. There’s a kinship and a bond that forms in

professions a little less than three years

those moments that can’t be explained unless you’ve been

ago. The door was opened for him to

there. Those relationships, whether temporary or permanent, are

become Minister of Discipleship at

special. As David describes it, it’s a Happy Place. “Those Happy

his home church. Isn’t that how God

Places can be found at the starting line, in a church service,

works? While inspiring and helping

or in a small group where people are supporting one another,

to transform lives through the Gospel

encouraging each other to keep the focus where it should be.”

and the sport of running, God was preparing him for more intense service.

If you’re ever around Clemmons, North Carolina on the second Saturday in May, find the ROCC 5K. The race benefits the ROCC Prison Ministry and is held at River Oaks Community Church.

You’ll find one of David’s Run for God classes running their graduation race there. It’s just one more huge undertaking that David provides for his class and those in the running community at large. It takes a lot of energy and time but, as David puts it, ͞”The view is always worth the climb.͟It is, ͞all about the adventure and overcoming obstacles.”͟He’s helping others to ͞run with men͟ both physically and spiritually so that one day they can ͞run with horses.͟

Matthew 25:29 says, ”For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance.”͟David made the most of his efforts through Run for God and now God has entrusted him with an even greater adventure. Even while helping others transform their lives, his has been transformed. God continues to reveal His plan, and if David’s previous experiences are any indication of his direction, buckle up for the adventure

In a twist that only God can provide, David changed

of a lifetime!

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S

ST ICK Y NOT ES

RUNNING GRAC E PICTURE THIS: YOU’RE in a local 5K race and you are at the two mile mark in

the race. As you approach the volunteer at the corner where you should turn, he says, That’s it, the race is over.͟You look at him and ask, ͞What, I still have a mile to go?͟ He explains that the leader just crossed the finish line, so the race is over. Everyone else can just go home. Is that a silly scenario? Sure, it is, but that’s how some people look at God. They believe they must be perfect, essentially winning the race, or there’s no sense in competing. But, just as they don’t stop a 5K because you didn’t cross the line first, God doesn’t count us out if we’re not living a perfect life. As a matter of fact, He tells us that we can’t be perfect no matter how hard we try! But, He wants us to keep running the race set before us with our eyes fixed on the only one who can carry us to the ultimate prize of eternal life. No matter how tough life gets, we have to remember, we’re still in the race. In addition, even though we don’t cross the line first, there is the greatest prize waiting for all who find the finish line of the Cross!

Keep pressing onward!

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G

GEAR & GA D G E TS

Rolling Recovery THERE ARE MANY FANCY devices on the market that can help speed recovery, from simple

rollers to electronic gadgets, costing thousands of dollars. They are all designed to get blood to the muscles, and/or to work out tight spots and knots. You can spend a lot of money on fancy equipment that is a little better than basic tools, but the basic tools are all you really need if you’re not planning to contend for a national championship. Foam rollers – There is nothing that will do more for your recovery and getting tight areas loose than a basic foam roller. You can find them for $20 to $60, and if used properly, they will work wonders on those sore areas. Buy a foam roller and try several techniques you’ll find online to discovery what works best for you. Stick rollers – There are a number of stick rollers, from rigid to flexible, that can do some of the same things that foam rollers can do, and are easier to use in some areas. They allow you to more easily vary the pressure applied to the trouble spot. You can find them typically from $20 to $40. Foot rollers – If you particularly have trouble with your feet or lower legs, there’s nothing better than a contoured foot roller. If you use one regularly before plantar fasciitis sets in, you will probably never have it. In addition, a lot of lower leg problems like tight calves and shin issues can be the result of tightness in your feet. They can be found in the $20 to $30 range. Keep your feet flexible and loose and you’ll see fewer injuries. It all starts with the foundation!

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

RELYING ON GOD TO DIRECT YOUR PATH

D

on Cotton’s road

not injured severely, he was bruised

As it happens, the Lord had blessed Don’s

to the 5K Challenge

and battered enough to discontinue

faithfulness to this ministry and he found

his daily ritual for fear of his safety. In

himself having to hire someone to help

to many. He had a need to get into better

addition, the driver had driven away

with the show. His new assistant, Jan

shape, so he began walking. A daily walk

without so much as a sorry. And he did

White, told Don that she was going to run

through downtown Andalusia, Alabama

not see him for over week after that

a 5K. He admits to being very skeptical

was just what he needed to elevate

incident. Very strange.

at first, thinking that she didn͛t seem the

finish line began similar

his heart rate and begin the process of becoming healthier. He͛s a friendly guy, so the interaction with those he sees along the way is stimulating too. What a great way to nurture the temple!

Though the need for exercise was still in the back of his mind, he wasn’t especially pushing to get busy again after his hair-raising, bruise-inducing encounter, but he continued life as

On one of his daily excursions, God

usual plus the exercise, which included

allowed a huge roadblock to spring up

his Sunday morning routine. Don

(or roll up as it turns out) in his path.

has been hosting a Sunday morning

Don was hit by a pickup truck driven

southern gospel music show on the

by someone he knew. Though he was

radio for twenty years.

RUNFORGOD.COM

5K type. But, as each week passed, she would tell him she was running a little longer, beginning with the familiar one minute runs, until one day she came in and told him that she was going to run for twenty minutes. That’s when Don admitted to himself that she was not only serious about this, but she was going to follow through and complete a 5K. His next thought was, “If she can do it, so can I !”

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

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He got in touch with Jennifer O͛Neal and Casey White and the Andalusia Run for God group which had grown into a sizable community phenomenon. He began his journey down the 5K Challenge path in the fall of 2015. Like most, that first run seemed longer than one minute. As a matter of fact, he was sure the group leader͛s (Casey) whistle was broken. But it wasn͛t, and he soon found out that he wasn’t broken either.

Over the twelve weeks of that class, he found he could do more than he had thought, and completing the 5K was not only an end to a fantastic journey, but the beginning of another one!

He completed a couple more 5Ks in 2015 and then set a goal to complete sixteen 5Ks in 2016. 16 in 16! As of the second week in September, he has already completed 14 and will, in all likelihood, surpass his goal.

One thing that doesn’t take long to figure out about Don is that he is forward-looking. In the next breath after explaining the 16 in 16 campaign, he͛s already talking about 17 in ͛17. With that kind of goal-setting and with his ability to put them into real-life steps and execute his plan, it was a no-brainer to move to the next logical phase. This fall, Don will become part of the leadership team in Andalusia and will be leading his own Run for God group. From his first steps toward his first 5K finish

For more information about becoming a sponsor contact Dean Thompson at Dean@runforgod.com

line to helping others realize they too can surpass their own expectations took him about a year. It’s amazing how fast God can work when we get out of His way and let Him lead us where we He wants us to go!

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For the first time, the Andalusia group will be meeting at a Church this fall. They still want to have a community focus and have invited folks far and wide to join them. The reason for the change in location to First Baptist Church is because the group is simply too big now. Of course, Don was instrumental in finding a suitable place to allow the group to continue its growth trajectory!

IN ALL YOUR WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM, AND HE SHALL DIRECT YOUR PATHS. PROVERBS 3:6

The Andalusia assemblage has also found it works better to split running sessions into several smaller groups. Don explains that the family atmosphere is essential for them to support each other in a much more intimate and meaningful way. Don explains, “That’s your family out there. We take care of each other.”͟In addition, it is safer to travel the running paths in smaller groups.

Don is also part of a smaller collection of fitness friends who help each other out year-round. They call themselves, ͞Keeping Fit For the King.͟All of this is in response to a verse of scripture that became important years ago through business. Don owns his own thriving business, but it hasn’t always been that way.

He had a ͞Spiritual Awakening͟ through his business that shook him to his core and focused him on a verse of scripture that continues to be his life verse today. Proverbs 3:6 says,

him know that everything was okay seemed to be a relief for

“In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your

everyone at the table.

paths.”͟Since he began following the instruction of that verse, his life hasn͛t been perfect, but it has been blessed.

The man had been very sick and had spent a week in the hospital, which is why he had not been able to find him. The

Using that verse to guide him, Don decided he needed to

very next day after their conversation, the man died with

get back to the older gentleman who was driving the errant

a little extra peace in his heart. As He often does, God had

pick-up truck and let him know he was okay. After searching

orchestrated a meeting between two old friends in perfect

for him in his usual spots for a week, he ran into him and his

timing, to bring closure to an unfortunate incident.

son one day at a restaurant. After a short conversation, it was apparent to Don that the man had either forgotten about the

I believe Don is following God’s heart just as David did many

incident, or was embarrassed by it and was hoping it wouldn’t

years ago. For that faithfulness, he has had opportunities to get

be mentioned. Don finally asked him if he remembered. After

into better shape, lose weight, complete many 5Ks, share his

his son berated him a bit for what he had done, Don told him

story while encouraging others to complete their first 5K, as

that everything was okay and there was no harm done.

well as impact the lives of countless others through a radio program and even through an unfortunate accident. Don is

It became clear that the man recalled what had happened

acknowledging Him in all his ways, and God is directing his

and was disconcerted by it. The fact that Don was there to let

path. He͛s living Proverbs 3:6.

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IT ALL

STARTED WITH A

SHIRT.

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BEHIND THE SCENES

Telling the

Run for God Story “RUN FOR GOD PUTS FAITH on the ground in a pair of

running shoes, and those are the stories I enjoy telling.”

Teneara Faw, Art Director at Run for God has been telling the Run for God story for the last 6 years, using graphic design, photography and video to motivate and encourage runners and walkers all over the world.

“Run for God is an integrated experience that changes lives both spiritually and physically. Every transformation story I get to tell through various design mediums is

“Run for God puts faith on the ground in a pair of running shoes.”

always a reminder to me that incarnation is at the heart of the Gospel story — Christ “put on flesh”, and redeemed us entirely. Run for God exemplifies that truth.”

When Teneara is not hard at work on her creative designs, you will most likely find her on the golf course or a warm sandy beach.

We love and appreciate Teneara and all she creates for Run for God!

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