Upward Running Podcast

Dean is joined this week by original Run for God student and active Run Club member Shannon Coker. Shannon shares his story about the Disney Marathon journey. Then Dean shares his thoughts on being smarter and more efficient in the way we do things in a story entitled “Putting it Back in the Box.”

Over a decade ago a man named HR Poe uttered some words that were considered “offensive” at first. But those words launched a ministry that has impacted hundreds of thousands of lives. And we’ll also share a story about why God gives us trials and how those trials can impact other parts of our lives. Bring your tissues...

Dean and Mitchell discuss a story that proves that dreams and goals are never completely out of reach when God is involved. Then Dead shares a review of the Big Beach Marathon – the Couch to Marathon race of 2023!

Some people have never thought about running a marathon. But you may be surprised that the desire to do so could sneak right up on you. This week Dean and Mitchell discuss that story. Then Dean tells a story that lets us know that fear is often overblown.

Dean and Mitchell discuss the topic of seeking God and the fact that it is the basis for everything. Then Dean shares his thoughts on what is going through the mind of a hurdler. It may surprise you what IS NOT going through their minds…

Have you ever said, “It’s just a…?” We all have. Dean and Mitchell share a story and discuss why that sometimes is a bad phrase to use. Then Dean shares an inspiring story from the first ever Couch to Marathon finishers. 

Dean and Mitchell talk about why we should appreciate any circumstance in which we find ourselves, and how those things shape us with God’s help. Then Dean shares the reason why covered bridges are covered and how it applies to our running and our faith.

Dean and Mitchell look at being lukewarm from a little different perspective. The conversation that follows is instructive. Then Dean shares an idea about how looking at food differently could change our lives.

Dean and Mitchell discuss a Run club member’s story about finding her spot in life after a very rocky road proving that God can redeem us all. Then Dean shares a story about his favorite subject, other than God (hint: it’s not running).

We have many opportunities to share Christ through running and many other avenues. Dean and Mitchell share a story about just that and the discussion that follows is instructive. Then Dean tells you to Stop Wanting It. That’ll fix it! Listen to find out why…

Merry Christmas Everyone! Christmas is a time for crazy things to happen. Dean shares a Christmas story that he wrote a few years ago about one of those crazy things. It was The Night That Changed Everything.

Motivation comes from unlikely places sometimes. Dean and Mitchell talk about that and they share a story about how both life and running become more important to us when it is taken away. Then Dean shares his story about two sisters and a semi-spectacular waterfall.

Dean and Mitchell answer the question, What happens when you have to change plans when things get in the way of the original plans? Then Dean shares some thoughts on recovery and how important it is to your running.

Dean and Mitchell learn about how Dog Sled teams work and share their thoughts with the listener. They talk about being yoked with Jesus. Dean shares a story about how our merciful God taught him a lesson immediately following a race.

Dean and Mitchell discuss what it means to “become new” and how it is more of a process than a one-time thing. Then Dean shares his thoughts on complacency and how it creeps up on us when we don’t even know it’s there!

Dean and Mitchell discuss a story that hits on comparison and why it is such a destructive thing. Then, Dean shares his thoughts on looking back – Good idea or bad? Find out here!

Dean and Mitchell discuss a story about how we can overcome even the toughest difficulties Satan can throw at us. Then Dean shares something called The Basket Case Theory. In the end, we’re all basket cases. 

Dean and Mitchell share a story about being delivered from addiction through intentional action. Then Dean shares a story from a former general and president of the United States to make a point about how we deal with fear.

Emergency fill-in Lane Hollis joins Dean in the studio as they talk about performance and how it means something different for everyone. Dean shares his thoughts on tests versus trivia contests.

Mitchell reveals The Big Surprise. He and Dean discuss what he’s been up to for the last year and how it will transform the Run for God Run Club. In addition, he wrangles Dean into doing something he has never done – all in the name of science – we’re sure.

Mitchell is back in his seat and he and Dean discuss the relentless pursuit of getting to the finish line. Then Dean shares his thoughts on trail running. Whether you like or hate it, you will find it interesting.

Run club member and Run for God coach Lisa Heyer joins Dean in the studio to discuss why having a “vanilla” testimony is a good thing. Then Dean shares his thoughts on the limitations of our brains as we run.

Special Guest Holly Hollis joins Dean as they discuss approaching running and weight loss like a project. Then Dean shares his thoughts on whether or not reading the instructions is important.

If you’ve ever felt like you were missing something in your life, the story Dean and Mitchell share today will hit home. And Dean shares his thoughts on the making of the movie Jaws in an interesting and thoughtful Dean’s Thoughts.

What happens when the world seems to be caving in around you? Dean and Mitchell share a story about a journey from depression to a God-centered focus on leaving it behind. Then Dean shares a story about how our problems don't go away if we ignore them!